Why does the Old Testament contain so much blood? In this message, we explore why sacrificial blood mattered in Israel’s relationship with God and why it meant more than violence or death. From the covenant at Sinai to the sacrificial system and finally to Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, blood becomes a symbol of belonging, life, atonement, and God’s provision. The difficult parts do not have to become comfortable, but they can become more understandable as we see a…
The Old Testament law can feel strange, outdated, or even troubling. But what if we’re asking it the wrong questions? In this message, we explore why God gave Israel the law, why grace actually came before the rules, and how understanding the ancient context changes the way we read some of Scripture’s strangest commands. Rather than simply asking, “Do Christians still have to follow this?”, we’ll learn how the law reveals God’s priorities, forms God’s people, and ultimately prepares the way for…
When a church becomes more outward facing, it is natural for people inside the church to ask, “What about me?” The answer is not, “You don’t matter,” or “Everything is about you.” Instead, Jesus shows us that discipleship always included being formed and sent. In Matthew 9-10, Jesus sees the crowds with compassion, tells his disciples to pray for workers, and then sends them as the answer to their own prayer. The harvest is still plentiful, the workers are still few, and sometimes the…
In week four, we take on the value “Taking the Initiative: moving toward others with the grace and intention Jesus has shown us.” At the heart of the Christian story is a God who does not wait at a distance, but moves first. In Jesus, God came toward us in love, grace, and service. Because of that, Rosewood is called to take the same posture: moving toward one another inside the church, and moving toward our community as a faithful…
