Hebrews | A Tale of Three Mountains | November 17

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Brandon Clements on November 17, 2024.

The book of Hebrews concludes by pulling on one final Old Testament thread: the Kingdom of God. Through Jesus, His church is called to embody Heaven on Earth as we live in this already-not-yet tension. So, what does that look like for us? How can we experience more of His Kingdom in our lives, in our community, and in our world?

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Hebrews | A Loving Father's Unshakable Kingdom | November 10

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on November 10, 2024.

In  Hebrews 12, the author reminds the readers of the themes of child-shaping discipline and holiness—challenging concepts our culture often misunderstands or rejects altogether. How are we to understand the correction from God, our loving Father? What is it for, what does it lead us to, and why is it the best thing for us?

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Hebrews | The Hall of Faith (and the Vision Required to be There) | November 3

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Brandon Clements on November 3, 2024.

How would you define "faith"? That word is so foundational to following Jesus that it can easily sound like white noise, losing its power and meaning. This week, we look at Hebrews 11 to clarify what that means and how it enables us to endure whatever we face.

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Hebrews | Directions for Endurance | October 27

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Brandon Clements on October 27, 2024.

Last week, we taught that Jesus is our perfect high priest and sacrifice. In Hebrews 10, the author moves on to teach how we trust in Christ as a community and faithfully endure to the end. How do we help each other persevere and keep one another from falling away?

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Year of Biblical Literacy | A Deep Dive on The New Testament Use of the Old Testament with Dr. Mitch Chase

For this episode, we interview Dr. Mitch Chase. Mitch Chase is the preaching pastor at Kosmosdale Baptist Church and an associate professor of biblical studies at SBTS in Louisville, Kentucky. He’s the author of Short of Glory and Hope for All the Earth. He is married to Stacie, and they have four boys. You can follow him on Twitter and at his Substack, called “Biblical Theology.”

Timestamps:

2:10 - Introduction

3:36 - What were your initial impressions of the Bible?

7:48 - What resources helped you better understand the Bible?

10:10 - What does biblical theology mean?

15:49 - What’s the difference between systematic theology and biblical theology?

17:03 - How do I begin to see the interconnections in the Bible?

30:42 - If Scripture is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, why should I bother with the Old Testament?

34:37 - How would you answer the objection, “The New Testament authors forced their ‘Jesus interpretation’ onto the Old Testament”?

41:49 - What does studying the Bible look like for you now?

45:40 - Where can people go to learn more from you?

47:52 - Being from Texas, where’s the best BBQ in Louisville?

DR. chase’S BOOKS + RESOURCES

• “Biblical Theology” on Substack

• 40 Questions About Typology and Allegory

• Resurrection Hope and the Death of Death (Short Studies in Biblical Theology)

• Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall

• Hope for All the Earth: Understanding the story of the Old Testament

• ESV Expository Commentary: Daniel–Malachi (Volume 7)

• The Gospel is for Christians: Second Edition

• Behold Our Sovereign God

midtown Resources

• Check out MidtownBiblicalLiteracy.com for videos, book recommendations, and Bible reading plans

• “The Hebrew vs the Christian ordering of the Old Testament"

• How-to Study the Bible handout

• How to Study Historical Narrative handout

• How to Study Wisdom Literature handout

• How to Study the Prophets handout

• How to Study the Psalms handout

• How to Study the Gospels handout

• How to Study the New Testament in light of the Old Testament handout

other resources mentioned

• ESV Reader’s Bible - The format is great for reading the Bible in larger chunks!

• The Action Bible by Sergio Cariello 

• Evidence that Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell

• Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview by J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig

• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Sermons

Ghosts and Ancestors sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Ruth sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Wisdom sermon series -  Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

How Long O LORD series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

The Psalms series -  Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch 

The Gospels series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Hebrews series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Text-in questions

Throughout the year, we want to know the concepts and passages you wrestle with. We'll answer some of these questions in podcast episodes throughout the year.

To submit your topic or question, text either "DOWNTOWN", “LEXINGTON”, OR “TWO NOTCH” followed by your topic to 855-855-0655.

Music by Levvy and Midtown Music

Find out more at Weird Tower Collective

Hebrews | Christ the Perfect High Priest and Sacrifice | October 20

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Brandon Clements on October 20, 2024.

This week, we look at some of the most foundational concepts in the Old Testament meant to help us understand the weight of our sin. While these ancient rituals of atonement might sound foreign in our present-day culture, we'll see how relevant they actually are, and what hope Christ offers us as we battle sin and guilt.

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Hebrews | Today, If You Hear His Voice, Do Not Harden Your Hearts | October 13

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Brandon Clements on October 13, 2024.

This week, we look at Hebrews 3:7-19 which includes a repeated call from an Old Testament story: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." What is the nature of that rebellion, and how is hardening your heart spiritually dangerous? How can we guard our hearts from the deceitfulness of sin?

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Hebrews | Christ the True and Better Moses | October 6

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on October 6, 2024.

This week, we look at Hebrews 3. In this chapter, the author focuses on one of the most towering figures of the Old Testament, Moses, and how, as great as he is, he ultimately falls short. So how is Jesus better than Moses, and what does this mean for us as followers of Jesus?

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Hebrews | The Descent and Ascent of Christ | September 29

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Jake Blair on September 29, 2024.

We began our new series last week discussing how Hebrews cites hundreds of Old Testament stories, characters, and ideas that all culminate in the person of Jesus. This week, as we look at Hebrews 1-2, the author cites an Old Testament concept that, although it may be foreign to us, is profoundly significant to understanding who Jesus is.

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Hebrews | Christ and the New Covenant | September 22

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Brandon Clements on September 22, 2024.

Near the tail end of our Year of Biblical Literacy, we come to the rich, dense book of Hebrews. It’s full of callbacks and history, threads pulled from all across the Old Testament. The author assumes intimate knowledge of the old covenant –the sacrificial system, the tabernacle, the promised land–and then shows that they were incomplete, only “copies and shadows.” 

Each is an arrow pointing to Christ, who himself becomes the mediator of the new covenant–the perfect high priest, the meeting place between God and man, the source of eternal rest for those united to him.

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

The Gospels | The Pursuit of Greatness | September 15

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on September 15, 2024.

This week, we look at Mark 9:33-37 and how Jesus redefines greatness for his disciples. So, what does being great in the kingdom of God look like, and how can we experience that now?

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Year of Biblical Literacy | A Deep Dive on The Gospels with Dr. Jonathan Pennington

For this episode, we interview Dr. Jonathan Pennington. Jonathan Pennington is associate professor of New Testament interpretation and director of research doctoral studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as the associate pastor of preaching at Sojourn Church East. He is the author of The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing, Heaven and Earth in the Gospel of Matthew, and Reading the Gospels Wisely.

Timestamps:

3:18 - What were your initial impressions of the Bible?

6:18 - How did you first learn to study the Bible?

9:56 - Why did you decide to pursue seminary and doctoral work?

14:15 - What drew you to write on the Sermon on the Mount?

17:49 - What are the common misconceptions of the Sermon on the Mount?

25:01 - What foundational things to know about the Gospels?

29:16 - Why did you write the book Come and See?

32:57 - Is the point of studying the Bible to put it into practice?

35:33 - What does studying the Bible look like for you now?

37:25 - What’s your favorite Taylor era?

DR. PENNINGTON’S BOOKS + RESOURCES

• The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing: A Theological Commentary

• Heaven and Earth in the Gospel of Matthew

• Reading the Gospels Wisely: A Narrative and Theological Introduction

• Jesus the Great Philosopher: Rediscovering the Wisdom Needed for the Good Life

• Come and See: The Journey of Knowing God through Scripture

• Small Preaching: 25 Little Things You Can Do Now to Make Your Preaching Better 

• Reading the New Testament as Christian Scripture: A Literary, Canonical, and Theological Survey 

• “Have You Accepted Jesus as Your Lord and Philosopher?” on The Gospel Coalition

• “3 Things You Didn’t Know About the Sermon on the Mount” on The Gospel Coalition

• The Human Flourishing podcast - Apple | Spotify 

midtown Resources

• Check out MidtownBiblicalLiteracy.com for videos, book recommendations, and Bible reading plans

• How-to Study the Bible handout

• How to Study Historical Narrative handout

• How to Study Wisdom Literature handout

• How to Study the Prophets handout

• How to Study the Psalms handout

• How to Study the Gospels handout

Sermons

Ghosts and Ancestors sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Ruth sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Wisdom sermon series -  Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

How Long O LORD series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

The Psalms series -  Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch 

The Gospels series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Text-in questions

Throughout the year, we want to know the concepts and passages you wrestle with. We'll answer some of these questions in podcast episodes throughout the year.

To submit your topic or question, text either "DOWNTOWN", “LEXINGTON”, OR “TWO NOTCH” followed by your topic to 855-855-0655.

Music by Levvy and Midtown Music

Find out more at Weird Tower Collective

The Gospels | Idolatry in the Kingdom | September 8

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Brandon Clements on September 8, 2024.

This week focuses on the story of the rich young ruler from Luke 18:18-30 and how he--though he had nearly everything in this life--walked away sad, unable to experience the kingdom. So what might be keeping you from experiencing Jesus’ kingdom? What idols might have their hold on you?

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

The Gospels | The Redemptive Power of Forgiveness | September 1

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Brandon Clements on September 1, 2024.

Jesus’ teaching ministry is summed up in one word: repentance. This week, we look at how this applies to our church family. For example, what happens when people following Jesus sin against each other? What does repentance look like, then? How can we, as part of God’s kingdom, move forward if we’re stuck in bitterness and resentment?

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

The Gospels | The Bread of Life | August 25

SUNDAY
SERMON

Sermon by Chet Phillips on August 25, 2024.

Humans throughout time have had many thoughts about what they must do to be made right with God. In John chapter 6, Jesus performs a stunning miracle and then answers this question in a very direct and compelling way.

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Year of Biblical Literacy | The 400 Years of Silence

Timestamps:

1:47 - What happened between the Old and New Testaments?

7:42 - How did the Jewish people interpret the Old Testament during those 400 years?

8:00 - The Pharisees

10:26 - The Sadducees

13:50 - The Essenes

15:39 - The Zealots

midtown Resources

• Check out MidtownBiblicalLiteracy.com for videos, book recommendations, and Bible reading plans

• “The Hebrew vs the Christian ordering of the Old Testament"

• How-to Study the Bible handout

• How to Study Historical Narrative handout

• How to Study Wisdom Literature handout

• How to Study the Prophets handout

• How to Study the Psalms handout

• How to Study the Gospels handout

OTHER Resources

• The Cradle, The Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Drs. Andreas J Kostenberger, L. Scott Kellum, and Charles L. Quarles

• “Jewish Sects During the Time of Jesus” by N.T. Wright (video)

• The Complete 100-Book Apocrypha: Expanded 2024 Edition by Covenant Press

Sermons

Ghosts and Ancestors sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Ruth sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Wisdom sermon series -  Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

How Long O LORD series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

The Psalms series -  Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch 

The Gospels series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Text-in questions

Throughout the year, we want to know the concepts and passages you wrestle with. We'll answer some of these questions in podcast episodes throughout the year.

To submit your topic or question, text either "DOWNTOWN", “LEXINGTON”, OR “TWO NOTCH” followed by your topic to 855-855-0655.

Music by Levvy and Midtown Music

Find out more at Weird Tower Collective

The Gospels | The Kingdom of God is at Hand | August 18

SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Michael Bailey on August 18, 2024.

How would you summarize Jesus’ teachings? Depending on who you ask, you’re likely to get different answers. However, Jesus’ summary statement is actually one of his first statements in the Gospels: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 

In other words, Jesus’ life and teachings are all about ushering in God’s loving rule and reign on Earth as it is in Heaven. So what might His kingdom look like in our city, and how do we faithfully follow Him in our time and place?

Join us for five weeks as we examine the life and teachings of Jesus and consider how the good news of the Kingdom and its King changes everything.

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Psalms | God's Love, Known & Experienced | August 11

Sermon by Brandon Clements on August 11, 2024.

On our last week in the Psalms, we’re going to look at a Psalm that brings many of the other Psalms together and shows us how to build a rock-solid identity on God. This Psalm is full of good news about God's posture towards us, and how that should affect both how we relate to him and how we think about ourselves. 

Year of Biblical Literacy

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written. It’s the most studied, most scrutinized, most debated, and, for many, the most life-changing book the world has ever known. 

But…it’s complex.

So we’re taking an entire year to grow our ability to read and understand the message of the whole Bible. 

We’re calling it a “Year of Biblical Literacy.” 

Year of Biblical Literacy | Longing for the Kingdom - The Writings of the OT

Timestamps:

0:44 - What do we mean when we say “The Writings” of the Old Testament?

2:22 - The Torah: the rise of the kingdom, The Prophets: the fall of the kingdom, The Writings: longing for the kingdom

6:25 - Breaking down each book in The Writings

7:30 - The Psalms

9:52 - Lamentations

10:25 - Daniel

13:31 - Esther

16:47 - Ezra-Nehemiah

17:37 - Chronicles

20:07 - Why do these books matter and what do they ultimately tell us?

midtown Resources

• Check out MidtownBiblicalLiteracy.com for videos, book recommendations, and Bible reading plans

• “The Hebrew vs the Christian ordering of the Old Testament"

• How-to Study the Bible handout

• How to Study Historical Narrative handout

• How to Study Wisdom Literature handout

• How to Study the Prophets handout

• How to Study the Psalms handout

OTHER Resources

• Dominion and Dynasty: A Theology of the Hebrew Bible by Stephen Dempster

• Wisdom for Faithful Reading: Principles and Practices for Old Testament Interpretation by John H. Walton

• Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey by Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Beyer

Sermons

Ghosts and Ancestors sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Ruth sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Wisdom sermon series -  Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

How Long O LORD series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

The Psalms series -  Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch 

Text-in questions

Throughout the year, we want to know the concepts and passages you wrestle with. We'll answer some of these questions in podcast episodes throughout the year.

To submit your topic or question, text either "DOWNTOWN", “LEXINGTON”, OR “TWO NOTCH” followed by your topic to 855-855-0655.

Music by Levvy and Midtown Music

Find out more at Weird Tower Collective

Psalms | A Song for the Politically Weary | August 4

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Michael Bailey on August 4, 2024.

No matter what the headlines say, Psalm 146 shows us how to have hope that lies beyond our current political landscape—a hope that empowers stable, faithful, and joy-filled living in unstable times.

This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.