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As Paul continues his second missionary journey, the Holy Spirit redirects his path. The Spirit continues to guide today. May we learn to listen and discern the voice of the Spirit.
With the goal of revisiting the churches established on their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas find themselves in a dispute that results in them separating. Each found new partners and set out on the mission in different directions.
With the goal of unity and not overburdening new Gentile believers, the council at Jerusalem sent a few people to Antioch with a letter of encouragement and invitation. The concessions that they requested revolved around avoiding pagan worship and enabling table fellowship between Jews and Gentiles.
After the success of Paul's first missionary journey amongst the Gentiles, the church experienced some growing pains. Though some believed that Gentiles must adhere to Jewish law to follow Jesus, the Council at Jerusalem decided otherwise.
Holy Week is full of emotion: confusion, sorrow, fear and grief. On Easter, resurrection invites us toward hope and joy.
On Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, we remember Jesus entering Jerusalem hailed as a King. The conversation that follows reveals that his eternal Kingdom will be unique amongst the kingdoms of this world.
Today, we consider the different ways Jesus heals and walks with us in our pain. As a church, we are invited to journey together towards healing.
As we approach Holy Week, we seek to orient ourselves around the life and teachings of Jesus. This week, we identify who, how and what he taught.
On the return from their first missionary Journey, Paul and Barnabas visit each city in which they had planted churches, encouraging believers and appointing elders. Once home, they reported on the good work God had done.
In Iconium and Lystra, Paul is met with both opportunity and opposition. Though the message of the kingdom of God is good news, Paul is stoned and left for dead because of his efforts.
In Pisidian Antioch, Paul tells the story of salvation - how God has worked throughout history to bring about salvation through Jesus Christ. We are invited into this story which shapes who we are as God's loved children and a kingdom of priests.
King Herod persecutes the church, and God works powerfully to accomplish Peter's miraculous escape from prison. The Kingdom of God operates radically different ways than the Roman Empire.
As Jewish followers of Jesus moved through the world, they shared the good news...even with Greek speaking Gentiles. Saul and Barnabas are sent to Antioch as the gospel begins to spill beyond the borders of Israel.
Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus demonstrates his love for his disciples by washing their feet. This act of humility demonstrates how we might love others.
God brings Peter and Cornelius together to reveal a remarkable invitation for the future. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Gentiles reimagines what the community of God will look like.
Cornelius, a Roman soldier, and Peter, an apostle, receive visions that align their paths. God is inviting the church (still a sect of Judaism) to a season of new understanding and engagement in the world.
Saul, now passionate and outspoken about the way of Jesus, begins to boldly teach in Damascus and Jerusalem. In both places, Jewish people conspired to have him killed.
Saul, soon to be Paul, is confronted by Jesus regarding his persecution of the Church. Now a believer in Jesus, Saul begins a long journey towards a central role in sharing the good news with the Gentile world.
To conclude the year, we've adapted the Ignatian Examen Prayer. We're led through the process of reflecting on how God was present during 2024 and how God might be leading us in the year to come.
As the beloved children of God, we are invited to live lives of love.
The angel appeared to Mary and announced the birth of Jesus. This narrative is full of hope. On this Advent Sunday, we continue to wait expectantly for the continued coming of the hopeful Kingdom of God.
In Jesus' birth, the Kingdom of God was inaugurated into this world. This Kingdom stands in contrast to the kingdoms of this world. We are invited to participate in this Kingdom of peace, justice, love and mercy.
Philip's encounter with an Ethiopian eunuch reveals the radical inclusion that the Spirit was moving the early church towards.
As persecution began to push the church beyond the walls of Jerusalem, unlikely people began to believe. The power of the Holy Spirit demonstrated by Phillip results in a magician name Simon coming to faith (and backsliding).
Stephen was filled with and empowered by the Holy Spirit. His character and faith stands as an example of giving ourselves wholly to God.
Today, in narrative form, we consider the Implications of an egalitarian theology and the practical ways it plays out and produces health on our homes, workplaces and church.
Looking at the biblical narrative from creation to Jesus to the early church, we explore the invitation to mutuality and an egalitarian posture.
The Psalms of Ascent, sung on the pilgrimages up to Jerusalem, remind us of God's profound presence in our lives and our communities. Our invitation is to know the Creator and be known.
John tells the story of Jesus engaging with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. What could have been a volatile or contentious meeting opens a doorway to further understanding God's plan and a posture of worship.
In Matthew, 6 Jesus teaches about prayer. Today, we learn about and experience Jesus' prayer.
God is love. We are invited to receive God's love and reciprocate it in this world. Loving God and loving people are inseparable.
Having concluded our series in the Prophets, we continue to explore how the story played out. Today, we explore Jesus' life and teachings as they relate to the continued narrative of God's work in this world.
In response to the Pharisees grumbling about Jesus spending time with sinners, He tells 3 parables. The third describes God's forgiveness and loving embrace of those that have strayed (prodigal son) as well as His invitation to those too caught up in their own righteousness to celebrate with Him.
The Law calls to attention humanity's need for a savior. Jesus is our savior, the fulfillment of the Law, who invites us to know the heart behind it all...LOVE.
Ezra returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the people around God's Law. Nehemiah engages in rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem. These efforts involve opposition and mourning, but also an invitation to celebrate in God's presence.
Ezra 1-6 tells the story of a remnant of Israel returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple.
Exile in Babylon was a season of suffering, though it also produced a few opportunities and developments. Today, we explore how we might understand God and his work in the context of exile and suffering.
The prophet Joel invites us to realize that even in seasons of pain and loss, there is hope. God is at work confronting evil, bringing about new creation and filling people with God's Spirit.
Ezekiel speaks a message of hope to Israel and to all the nations. The Spirit of God gives life!
Unique to the prophets, Habakkuk levels his accusations at God instead of Israel. Why, God, do you allow violence and injustice to reign? God assures that he is engaged, and Habakkuk pivots to praise.
The God who created, continues to create and give life. Jesus has risen, and all humanity is invited to new life in Him.
In preparation for Easter, we explore the last day of Jesus' life from the Garden of Gethsemane to his death on a cross.
Jeremiah encourages the Israelites in exile to become a part of the community and seek the peace and prosperity of Babylon. How will we live in the messy middle - between the reality of the challenges we are facing and God’s promised restoration?
The later part of the book of Isaiah describes a suffering servant. A king (Jesus) that operates differently than others, who brings peace and hope.
Isaiah prophesied to the southern kingdom regarding Israel's idolatry, greed and mistreatment of the poor. He warned that Babylon would conquer Israel, but there was hope regarding a remnant and a new king.
Hosea was called to expose and prophecy against Israel's unfaithfulness. Though there were consequences, God demonstrates his character in promising restoration for his people.
Amos urges Israel to repent from idolatry and social injustices. He reminds Israel of their covenant with God inviting them to live out justice and righteousness.
The book of Jonah, unique among the prophets, is a narrative. It is the story of God's prophet at odds with God's intent to show mercy to Assyria.
The prophets were called by God to speak judgement and hope to an Israelite nation in breach of covenant. Context and literary genre are important to understanding the prophets.
Though pride and arrogance are often celebrated, the way of the Kingdom of God is walking in humility.
A merciful and compassionate God invites us to be people of mercy and compassion.
Micah 6:8 describes God's expectation of humanity: act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Today, we explore restorative justice.
As we close out 2023 and usher in 2024, we're asking the question, "How do we continue well?"
Love is the DNA of the biblical narrative. We are invited to receive and reciprocate the love of God.
Through simple actions, we find joy in a God who loves hospitality and presence. He brings His kingdom through the unexpected.
Jesus brings peace. In a world desperate for His peace, we are invited to participate as people of peace.
Advent is a season of waiting and preparation. This first Sunday of Advent, we look at how Mary waited with hope for the first coming of Jesus.
Humanity is created in the image of God. What does is the significance of being God's image-bearers? How does seeing the image of God in others impact how we treat people?
In the beginning, God spoke light into a chaotic world. Jesus, the light of the world, came to bring further order. We are invited to shine God's light in this world, bringing further healing and order.
Anxiety is a challenge we all face. We are invited to bring our concerns to God in prayer and receive peace.
Today we interview Jared and Laura King, church planters in Seattle, WA. The conversation invites us to consider what participation in God's mission look like in each of our lives.
As we conclude our series in John, we consider his words, 'I have written so that you might believe, and have life in Jesus' name. What does it mean to believe in Jesus?
Even after Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus re-invites Peter to follow him and feed his sheep. What does it look like for us all to continually respond to this invitation and point people to Jesus?
Following Jesus' crucifixion, Jesus' apostles turn back to what they knew, fishing. Jesus appears to them, inviting them to share a meal in his presence.
Having risen, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, the apostles, and Thomas. Jesus speaks peace to their fear.
Days after his burial, a few of Jesus followers visit the tomb and find it empty! Having risen from the dead, Jesus invites us to resurrection life.
Why did Jesus die on the cross? Today, we explore the scope of the Biblical narrative leading up to the cross. Further, we delve into the implications of the cross (atonement theory).
The Jewish leaders were intent upon manipulating the Roman courts in order to have Jesus crucified. Though Pilot sees no grounds for a charge, he agrees to Jesus' execution.
Having been betrayed by one of his closest followers, Jesus is arrested. While Peter steps up to fight, Jesus chooses to peacefully accept God's plan.
Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus prays for himself and those that will follow him. His prayers challenge us to consider Church unity and the mission we have received.
Shortly before his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus warns his followers of the struggle to come. He also promises the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will be their peace.
While comforting his disciples about his impending death, Jesus speaks of a remarkable season to come. Soon, the Father will send the Holy Spirit.
Shortly before His death, Jesus was betrayed, abandoned and denied by his closest followers. His response: Love one another as I have loved you.
Knowing that his death and that he held all power, Jesus kneels down to wash his disciples' feet. In taking the posture of a servant, Jesus calls us to lives of service.
Jesus enter's Jerusalem for Passover week hailed as king. What sort of king is Jesus? What does it look like to be citizens of Jesus' unique, beautiful Kingdom?
Having raised a man from the dead, the Jewish leaders determine plot to kill Jesus to prevent his rise to power and Rome's response. Facing impending death, Jesus reacts with calm and intentional action.
In raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus demonstrates his power over death. He is the resurrection and life. We are all invited to experience new life in Jesus.
Jesus, while making bold claims about his identity, is met with mixed reactions. Some believe, while others do not. Who is Jesus?
Having been charged with blasphemy, Stephen, a first century deacon and evangelist, tells the story of Israel's history. He highlights God's character and Israel's failures and then turns the narrative on them as those who betrayed and killed the Messiah.
The growing church had processes in place to care for the needs of widows; however, some were being overlooked. Today we explore the apostle's solution: a distribution of power and leadership that enabled a proper distribution of food.
As the church began to grow and attract the attention of Israel, the Sadducees and religious leaders became defensive and confrontational. Having been arrested, Peter and the apostles continued to joyfully share the good news.
The early church was a community marked by generosity, a people living as the covenant community of God. However, in the case of Ananias and Sapphira the motivations of their heart and lack of reverence for God stood is stark contrast to God's intent for his people.
After a miraculous healing, thousands of people committing to following Jesus, and threats from those in power, the believers pray. We too are invited to pray in the midst of all the good and bad in our world today.
After healing a man, Peter and John are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. They boldly proclaim Jesus as the risen savior who is the power behind this miracle.
The act of healing a man who could not walk served a greater purpose than simply walking. It also represented an invitation to restored community. Today, we speak with Tracey about her perspective based upon her lifelong journey with a degenerative disease. (Note: Due to recording difficulties, this is a re-recording of the live message on Sunday. )
As word of resurrection spread, the Church began. This growing community met regularly, broke bread together, cared for each other needs and celebrated this new hope.
Pausing our series in Acts, we consider the question, “Who is God the Holy Spirit?” The Holy Spirit empowers and equips Jesus followers. Will we listen and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading? **Note: The video of the speaker will appear around minute 2.
At Pentecost, following the coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter and the Apostles stand before a great crowd of people and explain what is taking place. Beginning with the Psalms and Prophets, they preach that Jesus is the risen savior and has sent the Spirit of God.
During a Jewish festival in Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles. This fulfills Jesus' promise that the Spirit would come in power to enable them to be his witnesses.
Jesus has ascended and the 11 remaining disciples are faced with their first major decision, who with replace Judas. Today, we explore their discernment process involving prayer, community and Holy Spirit.
Having risen, Jesus appears to his disciples for a period of 40 days teaching about the Kingdom of God and promising the coming of the Holy Spirit.
As Jesus sends out 72, he invited them to participate in the good news he intends to share in the world around him. Their task is to seek people of peace, heal and share his message, "The Kingdom of God has come near".
Jesus, while attending a Jewish festival, stands before the crowds and offers living water. The promise of the Holy Spirit was for those present and extends to us today.
Today, we explore the entirety of John 6. Jesus feeds thousands of people and explains that he is the bread come down from heaven. (The recording picks up just after the scripture reading.)
After having healed a man on the Sabbath, Jesus interacts with the religious teachers concerning two matters: his breaking of Sabbath law and his equality with God. His conversation draws us toward understanding of his new covenant.
In John 8, the Pharisees use a woman caught in adultery to attempt to trap Jesus into breaking Mosaic Law. Jesus turns the conversation of guilt back on them while demonstrating grace and inviting the woman to new life.
When Jesus meets a man who could not walk, he asks him, "Do you want to get well?" In healing the man, Jesus ignites the rage of the Pharisees concerning Sabbath law. Jesus demonstrates a posture of seeing and engaging people in need.
A man with a sick child pleads with Jesus, come and heal my child. Though Jesus refuses the invitation, he assures the man that his child is being healed. At times in our faith journey we witness miracles, at other times we are left with the invitation to believe.
After raising from the dead, Jesus began appearing to his followers. We today are invited to recognize God's presence among us.
In opposition to cultural and religious norms, Jesus engages intentionally in conversation with a Samaritan woman. He invites her to know living water and true worship. We have much to learn about extending invitation and love in lives of marginalized peoples in our world!
In considering his ministry in relation to Jesus, John the Baptist concludes, "He must become greater; I must become less."
In his conversation with a Pharisee named Nicodemus, Jesus describes himself as the source of eternal life. In summary, John pens John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son...
As Jesus arrives at the temple, he finds the courtyards turned into a market place. In driving out the animals and money changers, Jesus defines himself as the new temple and demonstrates his commitment to people's access to God.
John begins to build a case for who Jesus is with a sign: Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding celebration. Jesus turns what would have been an experience of shame for the groom into an opportunity for celebration in the lives of many.
Early in Jesus' ministry he began calling disciples, people who dedicated their lives to following him. Still today, we are invited to follow Jesus.
John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Messiah and witness to Jesus' identity.
John, in describing who Jesus is, calls our attention to creation. In the beginning, the Word, Jesus, was creating. In the same way the word spoke light into darkness, Jesus' presence in this world shines light into darkness.
John, an apostle and eye witness, writes a detailed account of Jesus' life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. Unique from the other gospel accounts, John shines a spotlight on Jesus' divinity and him as the means of salvation.