The Grove Church

The story continues in Ruth chapter two as God continues to provide for Naomi and Ruth through the generosity of others and the humble hard work of Ruth.

We begin our series in the book of Ruth covering chapter one and enter into a story of faithfulness that is full of depth and hope in the face of tragedy.

James acts as a mirror into which we look to see what in our lives needs to change in order to be more like Jesus.  We see the reflection of Jesus in the act of communion.

James wraps up his letter with a look at the nature of prayer, how it shapes us and moves us towards becoming the embodiment of God's will on earth.

Pastor Mike digs in to what it means for the people of God to live with courageous patience in the face of the things that easily could cause us to live in anger or judge others.

In this difficult passage, James calls the people of God to live in humble dependance on God in the way we plan for our future and interact with our neighbors.

Join our communion service where Brother Joe walks us through the hope that can be ours because Jesus is Alive in 1 Peter chapter 1.

In this teaching James addresses the root of conflict within the people of God and what will put an end to the the interpersonal conflicts in the church. 

James has a lot to say about about the community of faith living wisely in chapter 3:13-18. The wisdom James speaks about is one that elevates the community of faith rather than jockeys for personal advancement.

This week Scott and Mike discuss a few things they've been watching, "Shogun", "The Wonder", Nate Bargatze, and a Black Mirror Episode, "Eulogy."  These selections of movies and shows are not endorsements, but they are things that they watched over the last few months and felt they were worth discussing.

James reveals that the content of what we say is not neutral and he warns the community that destructive and divisive words have no place among the people of God. This teaching will help us think through the what our words reveal about our walk with God and what James offers for those that want to grow closer to God in how we speak.

This week Scott and Mike discuss two books that they have found to be insightful, informative, or engaging over the last few weeks.  Scott brings up about Dallas Willard's book, "Hearing God," while Mike takes a slightly odd turn in looking at Terry Pratchett's book, "Small Gods."

Is the Christians faith only a matter of agreeing with key doctrines or is it something more? James makes the clear argument that belief alone isn't enough.

Scott and Mike discuss two albums that have been meaningful to them during this season.  Check out their conversation about Red Clays Strays "Made By These Moments" and Craig Finn's "Always Been."

Understanding what Biblical repentance is can often be shaped or misshaped by how we view the character of God. 

This week Scott and Mike look back over the series, That's Not In The Bible, and reflect on why we must address these claims of Biblical ideology with a critical eye and how to discern the truth from lies that control us.

James confronts the community for favoring those with wealth and influence over those who do not. He makes the point that favoritism has no place within the people of God.

There is a widely accepted claim that Christians are supposed to be "in the world but not of the world."  A problem arises with this idea when just about anyone gets to define what that means and hold others to their fabricated standard.  So is this standard in the Bible?  If so, what is it?  Where do we even get this idea?  Join Scott and Mike this week as they discuss if this whole idea is even Biblical in the first place.

Consider how James chapter 1:22-27 is central to understanding what it means to live as the people of God.