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.

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.