This year, we are taking a journey through the New Testament. This month we are in the book of Revelation. Revelations isn’t a secret code for the end times. It’s summary of the Bible and the story of Jesus and our hope to come. It’s filled in imagery, prophecies, numbers and visions   that are rooted in the Old Testament.

QUESTIONS

1. How does Revelation shape the way I view Jesus’ authority over history and my daily life?
2. In what areas of my life am I being called to remain faithful and resistant to compromise?
3. How does the promise of God’s final victory give me hope when I face fear or uncertainty?
4. What habits or attitudes in me need to be purified so I can worship God more fully and sincerely?
5. How does the vision of the new heaven and new earth change the way I live right now?

MORE RESOURCES

Book: Discipleship on the Edge

Here’s more insight from the Bible Project:
Revelation Part 1 - https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-revelation/

Revelation Part 2 - https://bibleproject.com/videos/revelation-12-22/

Day of the Lord - https://bibleproject.com/videos/day-of-the-lord/

Apocalyptic Literature - https://bibleproject.com/videos/apocalyptic-literature/

Revelation Podcast - https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/five-strategies-reading-revelation/

Apocalyptic Imagination Podcast - https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/jewish-apocalyptic-imagination/

The Dragon of Revelation Podcast - https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/dragon-revelation/

BIBLE READING PLANS

Join us in reading through the New Testament this year. Here’s a plan through our current books we are studying:

Overview of Revelation - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28534-bibleproject-reading-revelation-wisely

Through the Book of Revelation - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/24951-revelation-a-28-day-reading-plan

Almost 19 years ago, my wife, Jen, and I, along with our family, moved to West Michigan to be part of an amazing adventure of being on mission with Journey Church. Now, in this next season of our lives, I will be stepping away as Executive Pastor of Journey Church and taking on a new position in an executive/next steps pastor role. As The Journey has communicated about the financial challenges a few times in the last several months, we anticipated this day coming. We believe this is the right move for Jen and me and for Journey Church to move forward on mission in the next season.

Our years at Journey Church have been filled with amazing experiences where we saw God work in so many ways and in the lives of so many people. We consider it a privilege and are so grateful for the many years, relationships, experiences, and growth we have experienced in our lives and in our church. We have stories that we will remember and tell for the rest of our lives about many of you and what you mean to us and what we’ve experienced together. Together, through the Network Team projects, we shared the love of God in practical ways all over our community. Through those teams and with connection nights, relationships were built where we took steps to follow Jesus and grow in our faith together. I loved the Beginnings Classes where we provided opportunities for people to explore Jesus, ask questions, and begin a relationship with Him. Through the Kenya Trips, we were able to help an orphanage and some local families in ways that brought a lasting impact. I felt so much encouragement over the years, seeing many of you who volunteered to serve and give of yourself for the mission. Baptisms were amazing. Each one represents a story of God transforming a heart and Jesus’ drawing people to Himself. The Sunday services together have been a celebration of Jesus and a place where people could connect with Him. But mostly, I’ll remember the thousands of conversations with so many of you about our mission of following Jesus together, taking steps of faith, and growing together. I consider it a privilege to have served as Executive Pastor at Journey and will forever be grateful for the opportunity.

My years at Journey have prepared me for my next role at Berean Church in Grand Rapids. The term “Berean” basically means to have the Bible be our source of truth to live by. The church is in a rebuilding season and looking to make a bigger impact for Jesus in the community. My leadership role there will be similar to what it’s been at Journey. This process has been long and has felt like a big step of faith for us, and there have been moments of uncertainty along the way. But I am excited to see what God will be doing in the years to come.

Sunday, May 17, will be my last Sunday at Journey Church. I will be sharing some thoughts and words of gratitude in the church service. Also, that day (May 17), during the JAC from 11:00-11:30 am and in the coming weeks…I hope to be able to say thanks to many of you and express to all of you my gratitude and the privilege it’s been to serve and lead at The Journey.

With Gratitude,

Mark Rhodes

This year, we are taking a journey through the New Testament. Today, we focused on 1 & 2 Timothy. Paul writes this letter to Timothy and the church in Ephesus so they will be disciplined in their pursuit of Jesus.

BIBLE

1 Timothy 1:1-6, 1 Timothy 4:7-12, 1 Timothy 6:6-11, 2 Timothy 1:5-9, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

QUESTIONS: Review 1 Timothy 4

Guarding Truth & Influence
Paul warns about false teachings and calls for discernment (vv. 1–5).
What voices or influences in my life might be shaping my beliefs in subtle ways, and how can I better anchor myself in truth?

Training in Godliness
In verses 7–8, Paul compares spiritual growth to physical training.
What intentional habits or “training practices” am I developing to grow in godliness—and where am I neglecting consistency?

Being an Example
Verse 12 encourages believers to be examples in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
If others were to model their life after mine in these areas, what would they learn—and what might need to change?

MORE RESOURCES

Here’s more insight from the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/1-timothy/

Here’s another video: https://bibleproject.com/videos/2-timothy/

Bible Recap:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=62fpIClnAyk

BIBLE READING PLANS

Join us in reading through the New Testament this year. Here’s a plan through our current books we are studying: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/99-1-2-timothy

This year, we are taking a journey through the New Testament. We are currently in the books of Philippians & Colossians. In these two books, we are looking at how Paul prays and shares how to discern what’s best.

RECAP

Today, we focused on Colossians 3 & 4. As we look to gain wisdom and understanding, we want to be devoted to prayer, setting our minds on the things of God’s kingdom and clothe ourselves with God’s love. Watch the message here.

BIBLE

Colossians 3:2, 15-17, Colossians 4:2

QUESTIONS: Review Colossians 3 & 4

“Set your minds on things above…” (3:1–2)
What practical habits or thought patterns in your daily life help—or hinder—you from focusing on “things above” rather than earthly distractions?

“Put to death… and put on…” (3:5–14)
Which attitudes or behaviors do you sense God calling you to “put off” right now, and what specific Christlike qualities do you need to intentionally “put on” in their place?

“Let the peace of Christ rule… and be thankful” (3:15–17)
In what areas of your life do you struggle to let Christ’s peace guide your decisions, and how might cultivating gratitude change your perspective there?

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (4:2)
How can these 3 things help us have discernment?

MORE RESOURCES

Here’s more insight from the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/colossians/
Bible Recap:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYGP155-M6w

BIBLE READING PLANS

Join us in reading through the New Testament this year. Here’s a plan through our current books we are studying: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/54652-through-the-epistles-galatians-ephesians

This year, we are taking a journey through the New Testament. We are currently in the books of Philippians & Colossians. In these two books, we are looking at how Paul prays and shares how to discern what’s best.

RECAP

Today, we focused on Colossians 1 & 2. Paul prays that they might have wisdom and understanding. He shares about who Jesus is and who are in him. This is the basis for discernment because it shapes how we see everything in our lives.

BIBLE

Colossians 1:15-23, Colossians 2:6-16

QUESTIONS: Review Colossians 1 & 2

The Supremacy of Christ:
Colossians 1 highlights who Jesus is—creator, sustainer, and head of the church. How does your current view of Christ compare to this description, and how might a bigger understanding of Him change the way you live?

A Life Worthy of the Lord:
Paul prays that believers would live lives worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work. What does “living worthy” look like in your everyday actions, and where do you feel challenged to grow?

Rooted in Christ:

Paul urges believers to continue living in Christ, being “rooted and built up in Him.” What does it practically look like in your daily life to be rooted in Christ rather than in other influences or sources of identity?

MORE RESOURCES

Here’s more insight from the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/colossians/
Bible Recap:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYGP155-M6w

BIBLE READING PLANS

Join us in reading through the New Testament this year. Here’s a plan through our current books we are studying: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/54652-through-the-epistles-galatians-ephesians

This year, we are taking a journey through the New Testament. We are currently in the books of Philippians & Colossians. In these two books, we are looking at how Paul prays and shares how to discern what’s best.

RECAP

Today, we focused on Philippians 4. Fear and worries can cause us to make decisions without discernment. Paul writes in the passage about shifting our worries into worship and controlling our negative thoughts.

BIBLE

Philippians 1:9-11, Philippians 4;4-13, 19-20

QUESTIONS: Read Philippians 4:4-13

1. Verses 6–7 encourage us not to be anxious but to bring everything to God in prayer. What worries or stresses do you need to intentionally bring to God right now instead of carrying on your own?
2. Paul instructs believers to focus their minds on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (v.8). What kinds of thoughts or influences currently shape your mindset, and how might you redirect your thinking toward these things?
3. Paul says he has learned to be content in every circumstance because of Christ (vv.11–13). What situations in your life challenge your contentment, and how could relying on Christ change your perspective in those moments?

JOURNAL

Take some time to write down things you are thankful for and how God has been faithful to you. Write a list of what is true and good. Think about these things. Pray and give God thanks.

MORE RESOURCES

Here’s more insight from the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/philippians/
Bible Recap:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3wi_Ek9T70

BIBLE READING PLANS

Join us in reading through the New Testament this year. Here’s a plan through our current books we are studying: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/54652-through-the-epistles-galatians-ephesians

This year, we are taking a journey through the New Testament. We are currently in the books of Philippians & Colossians. In these two book we are looking at how Paul prays and shares how to discern what’s best.

RECAP

Today we focused on Philippians 3. Paul leans into knowing Jesus as the source of everything, including discernment. We need to watch out for the “dogs” who point us in the wrong direction. We should reflect on where our confidence is. Am I really letting God direct or steps? Oftentimes our past mistakes and hurts drive our direction. Paul talks about putting our past behind us and pressing on to know Christ.

BIBLE

Philippians 3

QUESTIONS: Read Philippians 3

1) Paul lists his religious credentials (vv. 4–6) but calls them “loss” compared to knowing Christ (vv. 7–8). What kinds of achievements, identities, or accomplishments are we tempted to rely on for confidence instead of Christ?
2) In verses 12–14, Paul says he hasn’t “arrived” but presses on toward the goal.
What does “pressing on” look like in this season of your life? What might you need to leave behind in order to move forward?
3) Paul contrasts earthly-minded living with citizenship in heaven (vv. 18–20).
How should our heavenly citizenship shape our priorities, values, and daily decisions?

MORE RESOURCES

Here’s more insight from the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/philippians
Bible Recap:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3wi_Ek9T70

BIBLE READING PLANS

Join us in reading through the New Testament this year. Here’s a plan through our current books we are studying:https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/54652-through-the-epistles-galatians-ephesians