Various scriptures - In this message we looked at the overarching story of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and how it builds toward the hope for a messiah to come and put things right. In that story we find a connection between ancient Israel's hopeful longing before Jesus's first advent and our hopeful longing before Jesus's second advent. A sermon by Cameron Heger.

Hope of Israel, Hope of the World / Christmas in the Old Testament

Revelation 19:6-10 - We can rightly think of food and drink as the gifts and glories of the garden made consumable for our nourishment and pleasure. God didn't have to make food with as much delicious potentiality as He did, but He did as a pure gift to his creatures! In this teaching we consider how to receive food as the gift that it is as well as how to let it stir up our longings for the greatest feast of our lives--when we will finally be united with Jesus at the marriage supper of the Lamb. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 8 of the series "God of Every Good Thing"]

Gifts of Food & Drink

As surprising as it sounds to many, our relationship to food is an important potential avenue for worship. For most, fasting and participating in the Lord’s Supper come to mind—but an often-neglected theme across the pages of scripture is feasting. God’s people have always been a feasting people and their feasting, at its best, has always been a joyful, celebratory, worshipful response to God’s character and work. May we learn to step into this great practice as we await the greatest feast yet to come when Jesus restores all things. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 4 of our series “The Praises of His People: A Practical Theology of Worship”]


Questions for discussion: 1) What is the most memorable meal or feast you’ve ever been a part of? What made it so special? 2) Why did the Israelites break out into worship in Nehemiah 8:1-12? 3) Why do you think God commands feasting as a response to Him and His Word? What does this say about Him? 4) Nehemiah 8:10 says in part, ‘And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ How is joy in God a source of strength? What does this mean for how we celebrate? 5) One of the greatest gifts of the gospel is an invitation to the wedding supper of the lamb (Revelation 19). How is our feasting today related to that great feast that is yet to come?

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If God Is That Good, Let Us Eat! (Feasting as Worship)

Matthew 13:31-33 - As the disciples would have likely begun to feel fear, insecurity, and doubt about Jesus's message and methods, Jesus told these two short, simple parables to help set their expectations. No, the kingdom of God would not advance according to the world's expectations and standards. But yes, the kingdom would advance--slowly, but surely--and become a place of belonging, safety, nourishment, and celebration to all who would receive the gospel. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 4 of our series "Imagining the Kingdom: Jesus's stories about the already and not yet reign of God"]

Questions for reflection: 1) Have you ever felt discouraged about the place of Jesus's kingdom or church in the world? What brought about that feeling? 2) How do you imagine the disciples would have felt in the midst of all the opposition Jesus received during his earthly ministry? 3) Compare and contrast the main points made by these two parables. 4) Discuss God's pattern of using humble things to bring about His purposes. 5) How have Jesus's promises in these parables been proven true over time and geography? 6) How does the cross of Christ embody the ideas of these two parables?

Humbly, Slowly and Hidden

Door of Hope Northeast is a simple church pursuing the risen Jesus in deep community in and for Portland, Oregon. This podcast collects our weekly teachings, key ministry updates, and other important news related to the life of our community.

Humbly, Slowly and Hidden

Door of Hope Northeast

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