Living As Exiles
God’s people have always lived in the tension of being citizens of earthly nations while a greater reality exists: we are citizens of a better country (Heb. 11:16). As Christ followers, we are called to live for another kingdom. In 2024, we will focus all four of our sermon series around this theme as a reminder of our true identity as sojourners & exiles (1Pet. 2:11).
Bible Reading Plan
Join us for our 2024 5-Day Bible Reading Plan. There are multiple ways you can use this plan, whether to read through the entire Bible, just the New Testament, or simply to have optional Scripture passages to read throughout the week. What is most important is your regular, consistent engagement with God through His Word!
There are a few different ways you can access the daily/weekly reading:
-Download the PDF below
-Grab a physical copy at Next Steps in our church Auditorium
-Watch our social media for a weekly post on Saturday mornings
Use a HEAR journal
Our goal in reading Scripture is not to check off a to-do list or do our Christian duty. Rather, the goal is to hear from God. We engage with the Lord through His Word to know Him more, to understand who He is, what He is saying to us, and to respond in obedience and faith. A great tool is to use a HEAR journal. Below is an example of how to do this.
If you've never done something like this, start slowly and try to do 1-2 days a week. The goal is to build up to reading and engaging with His Word on a regular basis.
Listen to Sunday sermons
During 2024, we will make our way through five sermon series:
Knowing God’s Truth (12 wks)
Exodus: The God Who Redeems (19 wks)
1 Peter: On Mission In Exile (10 wks)
His Mission, Our Mission (2 wks)
The Pilgrim’s Progress (7 wks)
Learn more below.
Knowing God’s Truth
This series, based on a book of the same name, will be an introduction to Systematic Theology. Theology is not an unreachable subject reserved only for scholars & pastors, but for anyone who wants to better understand God and learn more about the Bible. It should be personal, accessible, and worshipful.
We’ll spend 12 weeks from January through March answering questions in an organized, topical way. For example: Who is God? What is sin? What is heaven & hell? What are angels and demons? What can we know about the end times?
Exodus: The God Who Redeems
Exodus is a significant chapter in the story of God. This Old Testament book is the story of a God who redeems, a people who have been rescued out of bondage, and their journey of being drawn into the life He’s created them for. Exodus is the original story of redemption, and a picture of our own journey with Christ.
We’ll spend 18 weeks from Easter Sunday (Mar. 31st) through August 4th taking a deeper dive into this important historical book of the Torah.
1 Peter: On Mission In Exile
The Apostle Peter has much to say about our identity as sojourners and exiles. His five chapter New Testament letter was, in fact, written to exiles in the midst of persecution and suffering. His words are instructive on how to live victoriously in the midst of growing hostility.
We’ll spend 10 weeks from August 11 through October 13 looking closer at the epistle of 1st Peter, learning how to live on mission while in exile.
His Mission, Our Mission
It is all too easy to live for our own pursuits. But as God’s people, we must be sure that the mission of God is actually our mission. How did Jesus make disciples while he was on the earth? How did the early church make disciples in the first century? How will we make disciples in 2025 and beyond?
The Pilgrim’s Progress
For centuries, the timeless classic The Pilgrim’s Progress has been one of the most common and important books in Christian homes, just behind the King James Bible. This captivating allegory by John Bunyan tells the story of Christian, a pilgrim who leaves his hometown, the City of Destruction, in search of the Celestial City. It’s a powerful picture of our lives as pilgrims, making our journey through this world towards heaven.
We’ll close out the year with 7 weeks from November through December in this classic quest story.
Books can be purchased using the link below (NOTE: Fancy version does not coincide with our reading plan). Free printed Study Guides are available in Auditorium.
Connect in community
One of the best ways to grow in your faith is to engage the Word of God in community. Some of our Groups are utilizing the content from our Bible reading plan and sermon series. We hope you'll take advantage of these opportunities to grow in your faith alongside others.
