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Revelation | All Things New | December 22

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Sermon by Jon Ludovina on December 22, 2024.

As we end our Advent series and Year of Biblical Literacy, we look at the final chapters of Revelation and the ultimate hope that’s given for those in Christ.

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EXTRA RESOURCE

There may be no other text in the Bible where people ask the most questions than Revelation 13. And yet, if all of Scripture means to help us, and this book means to bless us, how do we make sense of the beast, the number 666, and most importantly, how does this chapter help us endure as followers of Jesus?

Year of Biblical Literacy

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.” 

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Revelation | The Way of the Lamb vs. the Way of the Dragon | December 15

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Sermon by Jake Blair on December 15, 2024.

Last week, we examined the spiritual war in the spiritual realm and how Jesus’ birth brought about Satan’s defeat. This week, we continue to explore how, through Jesus, we can live into that victory.

EXTRA RESOURCE

There may be no other text in the Bible where people ask the most questions than Revelation 13. And yet, if all of Scripture means to help us, and this book means to bless us, how do we make sense of the beast, the number 666, and most importantly, how does this chapter help us endure as followers of Jesus?

Year of Biblical Literacy

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.” 

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Year of Biblical Literacy | Reading Apocalyptic Literature and Revelation (Without Losing Our Minds!)

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Timestamps:

1:30 - How do we think about Revelation/apocalyptic literature?

4:08 - How do we begin to read Revelation/apocalyptic literature correctly?

8:20 - How do we understand the stranger imagery and ideas in Revelation?

9:27 - How are we to think about the end times?

12:40 - What about the “antichrist”?

16:27 - What about the “millennium” in Revelation 20?

midtown Resources

other resourceS

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

Revelation 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

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Revelation | The Baby Who Slayed the Dragon | December 8

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SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Jake Blair on December 8, 2024.

This week, we look at Revelation 12. While this passage seems strange and confusing at first glance, we'll see the author "pulling the curtain back" to show us the cosmic battle taking place and how, ultimately, Jesus wins.

Year of Biblical Literacy

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.” 

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Revelation | Pulling Back the Curtain | December 1

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SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon by Jon Ludovina on December 1, 2024.

In our first sermon in our study of Revelation, we look at the beginning of the letter and discuss how to think well about apocalyptic literature in Scripture. During this Advent season we will be blessed by remembering the first arrival of Christ while longing for his second.

Year of Biblical Literacy

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.” 

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Stand-Alone | A Normal Spiritually Powerful Life | November 24

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SUNDAY
SERMON

YEAR OF BIBLICAL LITERACY overview

Sermon by Jon Ludovina on November 24, 2024.

Before wrapping up our Year of Biblical Literacy with a series on the book of Revelation, this week we zoom out and look at our reasons for doing this initiative, and the fruit we pray comes as a result. We will see that in the midst of our chaotic lives and the many distractions of modern life, God’s Word offers us a beautiful invitation.

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Stand-Alone | Celebration Sunday 2024

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Celebration Sunday sermon by Jake Blair on November 17, 2024.

Our church family spent Sunday together celebrating baptisms! Videos from the Gathering and this week's LifeGroup Guide can be found below.

Baptism Stories

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Hebrews | A Tale of Three Mountains | November 10

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SUNDAY
SERMON

YEAR OF BIBLICAL LITERACY overview

Sermon by Jake Blair on November 10, 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?

In response to this week’s sermon, here are some practical next steps:

  1. Join a LifeGroup

  2. Become a Member

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

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SUNDAY
SERMON

YEAR OF BIBLICAL LITERACY overview

Sermon by Jon Ludovina 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.

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

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Hebrews | Hold Fast Your Confession of Hope | October 27

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SUNDAY
SERMON

YEAR OF BIBLICAL LITERACY overview

Sermon by Jon Ludovina on October 27, 2024.

Last week, we taught that Jesus is our perfect priest, tabernacle, and sacrifice. In light of that, this week in Hebrews 10, the author says how to put that into practice. How do we help each other persevere and keep one another from falling away?

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

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

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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

midtown Resources

other resources mentioned

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

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Hebrews | Christ the Perfect Tabernacle, Priest, and Sacrifice | October 20

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SUNDAY
SERMON

YEAR OF BIBLICAL LITERACY overview

Sermon by Jake Blair on October 20, 2024.

This week, we look at one of the most foundational concepts in the Old Testament: the temple, the priests, and the sacrifice. While these might sound strange and foreign in our present-day culture, we'll learn why they matter to us and what they tell us about following Jesus.

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

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

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SUNDAY
SERMON

YEAR OF BIBLICAL LITERACY overview

Sermon by Jon Ludovina 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?

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

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Hebrews | Christ the True and Better Moses | October 6

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SUNDAY
SERMON

YEAR OF BIBLICAL LITERACY overview

Sermon by Jake Blair 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?

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

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Hebrews | The Descent and Ascent of Christ | September 29

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SUNDAY
SERMON

YEAR OF BIBLICAL LITERACY overview

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.

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

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Hebrews | Christ and the New Covenant | September 22

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SUNDAY
SERMON

YEAR OF BIBLICAL LITERACY overview

Sermon by Jake Blair 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.

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

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The Gospels | The Pursuit of Greatness | September 15

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SUNDAY
SERMON

YEAR OF BIBLICAL LITERACY overview

Sermon by Jon Ludovina 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?

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

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

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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

midtown Resources

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 King Wants Your Heart | September 8

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SUNDAY
SERMON

YEAR OF BIBLICAL LITERACY overview

Sermon by Jon Ludovina on September 8, 2024.

This week focuses on the story of the rich young ruler from Luke 18:18-29 and how he, though he had nearly everything in this life, couldn’t experience Jesus’ kingdom. So what might be keeping you from experiencing Jesus’ kingdom? What idols might have their hold on you?

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

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The Gospels | The Power of Forgiveness | September 1

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SUNDAY
SERMON

YEAR OF BIBLICAL LITERACY overview

Sermon by Jake Blair 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?

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

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