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.

Psalms | Arrows and Blessings | July 28

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Brandon Clements on July 28, 2024.

In our time, there are many competing ideas regarding how we think of children. And yet, Psalm 127 cuts through the noise to offer a vision for thinking about the next generation.

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

Psalms | A Psalm for Meditation | July 21

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Michael Bailey on July 21, 2024.

What makes for a stable, flourishing and truly blessed life? The introduction to the book of Psalms gives us an important clue. This week, we’ll explore Psalm 1 and the power Scripture has to transform us.

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

Psalms | Engaging Negative Emotions | July 14

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Taylor Schombert on July 14, 2024.

Emotions are strong. And if we’re not careful, they can begin to control us. Psalm 77 offers us a different path—of engaging our emotions by bringing them to God.

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

Psalms | A Theology of Song | July 7

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Brandon Clements on July 7, 2024.

The Psalms are a unique collection in the Old Testament: 150 poems, songs, and prayers covering approximately 1,000 years of Israel’s history. The writers cover everything from hatred to pure joy and nearly everything in between. Some of the language and honesty in the Psalms are shocking–even uncomfortable to hear–because of how unfiltered they come across.

Amidst the raw emotions, the Psalms offer a beacon of hope. They guide us to understand what’s going on in our hearts and how to realign ourselves with reality, offering a path to transformation and spiritual growth. 

In this series, we’ll spend six weeks looking at specific chapters as we ask how God wants us to shape us as His people.

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

How Long O LORD? | Yet I Will Rejoice | June 30

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Michael Bailey on June 30, 2024.

The last chapter of Habakkuk culminates in a song that ties in all the themes we’ve looked at previously. In many ways, this song is a picture of Christian maturity, showcasing confidence in God even in the face of evil, pain, and suffering.

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

How Long O LORD? | The Cup That Is Coming | June 23

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Michael Bailey on June 23, 2024.

In Habakkuk, we see God doing something seemingly unthinkable - He will use Babylon, a nation more wicked than Judah, to bring justice.  But what about Babylon’s sin? Will God just let that injustice happen, or will He step in?
Last week, we started looking at God’s response; this week, we dive into that more.

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

Year of Biblical Literacy | Reading the Prophets

Timestamps:

2:42 - What is the office of the prophet?

11:52 - What is the historical context of the prophetic books?

20:03 - How do we start when it comes to reading these books?

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

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

• Chronological Study Bible 

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

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

How Long O LORD? | How Can This Be? | June 16

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Michael Bailey on June 16, 2024.

As we study the Bible, many Christians notice God doing things that we don't think He should do.  Last week, Habakkuk wrestled with how God was allowing evil and injustice to occur in the world around him. 

This week, we'll see him wrestle with how God responds to that evil and injustice, and we'll answer the question, "What do I do, when God's actions don't seem to align with His attributes?"

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

How Long, O LORD? | June 9

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Michael Bailey on June 9, 2024.

The prophets are a diverse group of writings. They come from different periods, face different issues, and are written in different genres.

The book of Habakkuk, in particular, speaks to us on our journey to Christian maturity. It mirrors the moments we all encounter—when our understanding of God’s character seems at odds with our current circumstances, when we question God’s plans, and when injustice, both individually and collectively, seems to prevail.

When that happens, what do we do? How do we respond? How can we trust God is still in control of it all? We’ll spend the next four weeks in Habakkuk exploring these questions.

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

WISDOM | Wisdom and Words | June 2

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on June 2, 2024.

As we finish this series, we’ll dive into practically one of the most challenging areas to live with biblical wisdom. The Scriptures will call at times a source of healing and blessing and at other times a “raging fire” and a “restless evil” — our words.

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

WISDOM | Wisdom and Self-Discipline | May 26

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Brandon Clements on May 26, 2024.

Underneath so many topics covered in Proverbs is the need for self-mastery-whether in refraining from destructive behaviors or pursuing the good even when it's hard. This week, we will look at the picture of the ant and the sluggard to gain insight on what we may need to stop (or start) to pursue a life of wisdom. 

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

Year of Biblical Literacy | The Wisdom Books and Writings of the Old Testament

Timestamps:

2:45 - What exactly is the Ketuviim?

7:00 - What is the Wisdom literature (in this case: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs) all about?

14:23 - How should we read the Wisdom literature?

25:12 - So Song of Songs…what are we supposed to do with this book?

29:33 - How do these books connect to Jesus?

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

OTHER Resources

• Interpreting the Wisdom Books: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis) by Edward M. Curtis

• The Wisdom Pyramid by Brett McCracken

• God's Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs by Tim Keller

• The Fear of the Lord Is Wisdom: A Theological Introduction to Wisdom in Israel by Tremper Longman III

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

Sermons

Ghosts and Ancestors: Torah Stories sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Ruth sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch

Wisdom sermon 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

WISDOM | Wisdom and Conflict | May 19

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Brandon Clements on May 19, 2024.

Last week, we discussed wisdom and friendships. This week, we discuss the inevitable outworking of that: conflict. What does the wisdom literature teach us about living in unity and handling confrontation?

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

WISDOM | Wisdom and Friendships | May 12

SUNDAY

SERMON

Year of

Biblical Literacy

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on May 12, 2024.

We’re living in what has been dubbed “the loneliness epidemic.” 60% of US adults report feeling lonely regularly, 15% of men and 10% of women report having no close friends, and 1/3 of both report only having two close friends or less.

This week, as we examine the wisdom literature, we will discuss what it means to be a good friend.

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