Jesus came to fulfill and filter the plan of God. Through Jesus being the completion of the law and prophets, we are invited into a transforming relationship with God, not just a religion. This is an invitation into an abundant life with hands open to a new life offered by the Gospel.

When something becomes important to you in private, it naturally becomes public. As Jesus continues to teach the disciples what it looks like to live an uncommon life, He calls His followers to live as the salt of the earth and light of the world. Whether in the choices we make, the way we react, or the questions our lives create in others, we are called to display Jesus as an outpouring of our love for Him.

As Jesus continues through the rest of the beatitudes, He reminds His disciples what it means to live a life of flourishing with God. These characteristics reflect the work of God within us, producing a different hope. Jesus specifically highlights meekness, a hunger & thirst for righteousness, mercy, purity in heart, peacemaking, and faithfulness amidst persecution. Though these ways of living go against the cultural norm, they reveal a life changed by God, highlighting an uncommon life.

Early in his ministry, Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount to a crowd of people ranging from believers to skeptics, teaching them what it means to live an uncommon life. As he begins the sermon, Jesus first explains what it means to be blessed, not just a feeling of happiness, but ​to flourish with God. In the first few Beatitudes, he connects this idea of being blessed with being poor in spirit and mourning. Jesus promises that both will lead to an intimate relationship with God, where we can experience his presence.

Home is being present with God and His people. In the Parable of the Lost Son, Jesus tells the story of a son who lives a reckless life but chooses to come home after a moment of sobriety and reflection. When he returns, he isn't met with what he deserves, but with love and grace. In the story, Jesus also touches on what it looks like to embody home by welcoming others in.

What does it mean to go deeper? It is something we say all the time. In this episode of Christ Chapel College Conversations, Amy, Justin and Zach talk about what “deeper” is and what it isn’t.

In this installment of Christ Chapel Conversations, Amy, Justin and Zach talk through what rest is and what rest is not. It is critical to our faith and our life staying connected to Christ to know the difference.

Jesus is the filter and final word. When studying Scripture, it is important to anchor in truth and see it through the lens of Jesus. When Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem, he confronts sin, addressing issues such as relationships and the Sabbath. Looking at these topics, we can draw truth from the life and words of Jesus.