The Damascus Road Podcast: Recent Episodes
Damascus Road Tucson
On the road to Damascus, Paul had a radical encounter with Jesus and his life was changed forever. That is what we hope and pray for here.
Listen to messages from Damascus Road Church. For more information about Damascus Road, please visit www.damascusroadtucson.com
Loneliness has become a cultural epidemic, affecting the health and happiness of millions. Busyness, fear of vulnerability, and past pain often stop us from developing the deep friendships we long for. But it's not supposed to be this way. You were made for people.Join Damascus Road for Made for People as we explore how we were made for friendships and how we can cultivate them in our lonely and technology-driven world. Isolation may be a rising norm of modern life, but you don't have to let it be the story of your life. Find the joy and belonging you were made for.Week 3 of Made for PeopleTeacher: Megan Stibrich
We may think that technology is the answer to our modern problems with friendship. We can message our friends across the country, or catch up with the happenings of their lives via social media on our own time. With tech, the problems of time and space go away, right? But in reality we know something is missing. We may feel stuffed from relational snacking, but we are never full and satisfied from a deep meal of friendship. To bridge this gap, we need the true art of communication and healthier habits of technology that bring us closer together instead of pushing us further apart.
Loneliness has become a cultural epidemic, affecting the health and happiness of millions. Busyness, fear of vulnerability, and past pain often stop us from developing the deep friendships we long for. But it's not supposed to be this way. You were made for people.Join Damascus Road for Made for People as we explore how we were made for friendships and how we can cultivate them in our lonely and technology-driven world. Isolation may be a rising norm of modern life, but you don't have to let it be the story of your life. Find the joy and belonging you were made for.Week 2 of Made for People
Teacher: Megan MillerThe predicament of modern life is that we are prone to become busier, wealthier people who used to have friends. We will get caught in this current if we do nothing about it, but this is not how it has to be. We can fight against the current, but the fight for friendship starts with fighting for time. If we aren't intentional about our time, our days will be filled with busyness and distractions with no gaps in our schedule but growing gaps in our friendships. We can resist this pull with the art of time and the habit of scheduling.
Loneliness has become a cultural epidemic, affecting the health and happiness of millions. Busyness, fear of vulnerability, and past pain often stop us from developing the deep friendships we long for. But it's not supposed to be this way. You were made for people.
Week 1 of Made for People
Teacher: Ryan MillerJoin Damascus Road for Made for People as we explore how we were made for friendships and how we can cultivate them in our lonely and technology-driven world. Isolation may be a rising norm of modern life, but you don't have to let it be the story of your life. Find the joy and belonging you were made for.Currents are the things that inevitably pull us downstream unless we swim against them. Whether these currents are found in oceans, rivers, or culture, these can be quite dangerous to get caught in. The current of culture is towards loneliness and isolation, so we must learn to swim upstream and we must not do it alone.
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.Week 14 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Tyler StibrichRevelation 12:11In John’s vision of Revelation we see symbols of the Bible all come together in an epic battle. The woman and her child must conquer their enemy to redeem creation. Join us for the final week of the Chaos Dragon as we seek to understand how the end of the story changes the way we should view our life and death in the here and now.
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.Week 13 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Devynn BrankelRomans 16:20Jesus promised his disciples that we would walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Paul also writes the Romans that they will crush Satan under their feet. This way of thinking and speaking is foreign to most of us, yet it was understood by the early church that the Holy spirit gives us the power to stomp on the Devil. Join us as we seek to understand the Devil’s tactics and learn how to engage with spiritual warfare.
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.Week 12 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Brad MillerMatthew 12Jesus talked about his death and resurrection as a sign of Jonah. Why is the only way to slay the beast letting it swallow you up? Join us this week as we contemplate our need for Jesus and the upside down truth of life Jesus’ way.
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.Week 11 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Ryan MillerJohn 10:10We’ve talked about the chaotic beasts as creatures, nations, and even people, but Jesus talked about chaos as a personal, spiritual enemy: Satan. Yet he is not afraid of him. Jesus is tempted by the Satan in the wilderness and he does not bend. He walks on water, casts out demons, and transforms agents of the snake into saints. Join us this week as we seek to understand the amazing power of Jesus so that we may put our trust in him.
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.Week 10 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Bob LehmanJonah 2After running from God’s command, Jonah finds himself inside the belly of the beast. If he wants to come out, he has to come out without his own will. Join us this week as we contemplate how God uses our encounters with the dragon to transform us.
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.
Week 9 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
Daniel
When King Nebuchadnezzar refuses to stop sinning, he becomes a wild man. Yet when he looks up to heaven he regains his sanity. Meanwhile Daniel, a faithful exile living in Babylon, is given many visions of cosmic wars between beasts and angels. Join us this week as we seek to lift our eyes to heaven and see how we are connected to the bigger story.
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.Week 8 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Caleb MartinezJeremiah and EzekielWhen Israel chooses to act like the chaos monster instead of living like the people of God, God brings judgment on them. How? He sends other bigger monsters after them, namely, Babylon and Egypt. The scrolls of Jeremiah and Ezekiel focus on the dragon-like behavior of these three nations––as well as God’s promise to bring about justice for each and every dragon in the end. Join us to contemplate how nations and societies become empires of the beast.
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.Week 7 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Devynn BrankelIsaiah 24:21There is a twin rebellion both of man and heavenly beings. This rebellion is described in scripture as stars rising and falling in a cosmic battle. When Israel itself gives into sin and chaos, it loses its light and becomes a falling star. God sent prophets like Isaiah to show his people how they had fallen into sin, and compel them to repent. Join us this week as we investigate the ways that we fall from grace, and how God deals with our sin.
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.Week 6 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Megan MillerPsalms 89 and 74This week we meet to discuss two psalms that look back to the cosmic battle at the beginning of creation and also look ahead to a day when Yahweh will give his own dragon-slaying power to a human image of God. Join us as we learn to embrace the power of poetry and storytelling in our faith.
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.Week 4 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Kathleen YoungsJudges 4The knight in shining armor slaying the beast is a common trope – but the dragon-slayer is almost always depicted as a man. The Bible, however, teaches us that it’s not just men who are the heroes of the story. What can we learn about women joining God’s agenda in the world through the actions of two snake-crushing women, Deborah and Jael?
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.Week 3 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Renay BurgerExodus 15In the Bible, it’s not just individuals who can be portrayed as agents of chaos: even entire nations such as Egypt can become agents of the snake. However God does not let chaos reign; instead he raises up the righteous to subdue it. Join us this week as we explore the story of Exodus as God uses his chosen people to reorder creation.
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.Week 2 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Ryan MillerGenesis 4The snake isn’t God’s rival: he is creation’s rival, seeking to draw us into nothingness. He can’t destroy us himself, but he can convince people to do his bidding and be his agents. When Cain grows angry and considers killing his brother, God warns him that there is a “croucher” waiting to devour him. What happens when we let the croucher devour us? How can we resist becoming agents of chaos?
Tannin, Nephesh, Leviathan, Sea Serpents ... why are there so many of these strange creatures in the Bible? From the first pages of Genesis we are taught that these mythological creatures impact our current reality. Let’s dive into the abyss to learn about God’s good and beautiful creation and the forces that draw it into chaos. Join dR for this series as we seek to develop biblical literacy and understand this monstrous theme.Week 1 of Chaos Dragon
Teacher: Megan MillerGenesis 3When we read the word “myth,” often what comes to mind is a fictional story. However, a myth is a way of exploring universal concerns of human existence, using symbols for things we may or may not have words to describe. The dragon is one such myth—a symbol humans have used for millennia to talk about chaos and death. Join us as we encounter the head of the dragon on the first pages of Genesis and begin to notice the way its tail winds throughout the rest of scripture.
Jesus didn’t just discover the significance of forgiveness in human history, he is the initiator and author of forgiveness. To complete our journey of forgiveness, we’ll sit at the feet of Jesus together and learn how to forgive just as we have been forgiven. Join us as we focus on God's incredible forgiveness through Jesus’ teaching, his death and resurrection that secure forgiveness for us, and how forgiveness features in the end of the Gospels and our lives.Week 6 of Forgiven
Teacher: Ryan MillerJohn 21:15After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Jesus didn’t just discover the significance of forgiveness in human history, he is the initiator and author of forgiveness. To complete our journey of forgiveness, we’ll sit at the feet of Jesus together and learn how to forgive just as we have been forgiven. Join us as we focus on God's incredible forgiveness through Jesus’ teaching, his death and resurrection that secure forgiveness for us, and how forgiveness features in the end of the Gospels and our lives.Week 5 of Forgiven
Teacher: Brad Miller
Matthew 27:3-5When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.” “What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.” Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.
Jesus didn’t just discover the significance of forgiveness in human history, he is the initiator and author of forgiveness. To complete our journey of forgiveness, we’ll sit at the feet of Jesus together and learn how to forgive just as we have been forgiven. Join us as we focus on God's incredible forgiveness through Jesus’ teaching, his death and resurrection that secure forgiveness for us, and how forgiveness features in the end of the Gospels and our lives.Week 4 of Forgiven
Teacher: Megan MillerMatthew 27:46At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Jesus didn’t just discover the significance of forgiveness in human history, he is the initiator and author of forgiveness. To complete our journey of forgiveness, we’ll sit at the feet of Jesus together and learn how to forgive just as we have been forgiven. Join us as we focus on God's incredible forgiveness through Jesus’ teaching, his death and resurrection that secure forgiveness for us, and how forgiveness features in the end of the Gospels and our lives.Week 3 of Forgiven
Teacher: Devynn BrankelLuke 23:34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Jesus didn’t just discover the significance of forgiveness in human history, he is the initiator and author of forgiveness. To complete our journey of forgiveness, we’ll sit at the feet of Jesus together and learn how to forgive just as we have been forgiven. Join us as we focus on God's incredible forgiveness through Jesus’ teaching, his death and resurrection that secure forgiveness for us, and how forgiveness features in the end of the Gospels and our lives.Week 2 of Forgiven
Teacher: Tyler StibrichMatthew 5:38-39“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also."
Jesus didn’t just discover the significance of forgiveness in human history, he is the initiator and author of forgiveness. To complete our journey of forgiveness, we’ll sit at the feet of Jesus together and learn how to forgive just as we have been forgiven. Join us as we focus on God's incredible forgiveness through Jesus’ teaching, his death and resurrection that secure forgiveness for us, and how forgiveness features in the end of the Gospels and our lives.Week 1 of Forgiven
Teacher: Megan StibrichMatthew 18:21-22Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!"
God’s fingerprints can be found throughout creation, inspiring creativity and art even within those not seeking Him. At Damascus Road, it is part of our mission to redeem culture whenever possible by illuminating aspects of God’s truth in the world around us, and sometimes God speaks to some of us through a song, movie, show, or novel. Join Damascus Road for Pop Culture Jesus, as we look for the fingerprints of God in the media we consume.Week 4 of Pop Culture Jesus
Teacher: Dave ChojnackiAn American football coach is hired to manage a British soccer team; what he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for in optimism, determination and biscuits.
God’s fingerprints can be found throughout creation, inspiring creativity and art even within those not seeking Him. At Damascus Road, it is part of our mission to redeem culture whenever possible by illuminating aspects of God’s truth in the world around us, and sometimes God speaks to some of us through a song, movie, show, or novel. Join Damascus Road for Pop Culture Jesus, as we look for the fingerprints of God in the media we consume.Week 3 of Pop Culture Jesus
Teacher: Devynn BrankelA young chef from the fine dining world comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop after a heartbreaking death in his family. A world away from what he's used to, Carmy must balance the soul-crushing realities of small business ownership, his strong-willed and recalcitrant kitchen staff and his strained familial relationships, all while grappling with the impact of his brother's suicide. As Carmy fights to transform both the shop and himself, he works alongside a rough-around-the-edges kitchen crew that ultimately reveals itself as his chosen family. Who do we choose as our crew? And how do we inspire people to be who God created them to be?
God’s fingerprints can be found throughout creation, inspiring creativity and art even within those not seeking Him. At Damascus Road, it is part of our mission to redeem culture whenever possible by illuminating aspects of God’s truth in the world around us, and sometimes God speaks to some of us through a song, movie, show, or novel. Join Damascus Road for Pop Culture Jesus, as we look for the fingerprints of God in the media we consume.Week 2 of Pop Culture Jesus
Teacher: Tyler StibrichWhen an interdimensional rupture unravels reality, an unlikely hero must channel her newfound powers to fight bizarre and bewildering dangers from the multiverse as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. In the midst of the mundanity of laundry and taxes, is it possible to find meaning bigger than ourselves?
God’s fingerprints can be found throughout creation, inspiring creativity and art even within those not seeking Him. At Damascus Road, it is part of our mission to redeem culture whenever possible by illuminating aspects of God’s truth in the world around us, and sometimes God speaks to some of us through a song, movie, show, or novel. Join Damascus Road for Pop Culture Jesus, as we look for the fingerprints of God in the media we consume.Week 1 of Pop Culture Jesus
Teacher: Megan MillerBitten by a radioactive spider in the subway, Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales suddenly develops mysterious powers that transform him into the one and only Spider-Man. But is he the one and only? When we feel isolated and alone in our journeys, like we're the only one, can we learn to turn to a God-born-as-Man who shows us we're not alone?
Who would consider limits a gift? Limits hold us back. They keep us from achieving our dreams and accomplishing our goals. They cause us to struggle and can be downright frustrating. But what if they are a gift from God to help us rather than hinder us? When God made us, God gave us gifts and strengths, passions and desires, and yes, limits too. In doing so, God defined who we are and who we are not. Limits are a part of us whether we like them or not. So instead of viewing them as a curse, let us explore how we can see our limits as a gift.Join Damascus Road for Limited, as we explore the ways our limits are actually a gift from our unlimited God.Week 3 of Limited
Teacher: Brad MillerWe are limited. We lack greater talents and gifts. We run out of time. We don’t know what to do and we are short on supplies. But in the face of our limitations, God is UNLIMITED. God does and can do what we cannot. God is big when we feel small, strong when we feel weak, and loving when we feel hurt. Let us take this time to behold and worship our unlimited God.
Who would consider limits a gift? Limits hold us back. They keep us from achieving our dreams and accomplishing our goals. They cause us to struggle and can be downright frustrating. But what if they are a gift from God to help us rather than hinder us? When God made us, God gave us gifts and strengths, passions and desires, and yes, limits too. In doing so, God defined who we are and who we are not. Limits are a part of us whether we like them or not. So instead of viewing them as a curse, let us explore how we can see our limits as a gift.Join Damascus Road for Limited, as we explore the ways our limits are actually a gift from our unlimited God.Week 2 of Limited
Teacher: Ryan MillerWhile limits can be a gift, they are still challenging. Sometimes our vision, our hopes, our dreams, or even just the bare minimum feels beyond us. We are too limited. We just… can't. When life, when the world, or when faith feels like more than we can bear, how can we respond? How do we lament our limited lives?
Who would consider limits a gift? Limits hold us back. They keep us from achieving our dreams and accomplishing our goals. They cause us to struggle and can be downright frustrating. But what if they are a gift from God to help us rather than hinder us? When God made us, God gave us gifts and strengths, passions and desires, and yes, limits too. In doing so, God defined who we are and who we are not. Limits are a part of us whether we like them or not. So instead of viewing them as a curse, let us explore how we can see our limits as a gift.Join Damascus Road for Limited, as we explore the ways our limits are actually a gift from our unlimited God.Week 1 of Limited
Teacher: Tyler StibrichLimits hold us back. They keep us from achieving our dreams and accomplishing our goals. They cause us to struggle and can be downright frustrating. But what if they are a gift from God to help us rather than hinder us? When God made us, God gave us gifts and strengths, passions and desires, and yes, limits too. In doing so, God defined who we are and who we are not. Limits are a part of us whether we like them or not. So instead of viewing them as a curse, let us explore how we can see our limits as a gift.
Unforgiveness is natural. Forgiveness is supernatural. Following the story of Joseph, join us on a transformative journey of forgiveness.Week 5 of Reaching for Forgiveness
Teacher: Devynn BrankelForgiveness is not a one time decision. We decide again and again to hold tightly to the forgiveness we’ve received and we’ve given.
Unforgiveness is natural. Forgiveness is supernatural. Following the story of Joseph, join us for a transformative journey of forgiveness.Week 4 of Reaching for Forgiveness
Teacher: Megan MillerWe all have a choice. Will we choose to forgive? Or will we choose to harbor bitterness, grudges, and ill will to our enemy?
Unforgiveness is natural. Forgiveness is supernatural. Following the story of Joseph, join us for a transformative journey of forgiveness.Week 3 of Reaching for Forgiveness
Teacher: Tyler StibrichNo one deserves to be forgiven. It is always a gift. Will we accept the forgiveness of God? Can we give the gift to the person who hurt us?
Unforgiveness is natural. Forgiveness is supernatural. Following the story of Joseph, join us on a transformative journey of forgiveness.Week 2 of Reaching for Forgiveness
Teacher: Megan StibrichWe often excuse our wrongs but judge others by their worst days. What if we began to see through someone else’s eyes? What if we gave them the grace we often give ourselves?
Unforgiveness is natural. Forgiveness is supernatural. Following the story of Joseph, join us on a transformative journey of forgiveness.Week 1 of Reaching for Forgiveness
Teacher: Ryan MillerThe journey to forgiveness starts with our memory. How are we remembering our hurts? What if we told ourselves a different story?
Whether you like Christmas music or not, once Thanksgiving has come and gone, it is inescapable. Stores, restaurants, anywhere you go. You know the songs and you can sing along. They are filled with popular ideas about Christmas, from holiday romance, to passionate desire, to how the dark nights and cold weather brings us together with friends and loved ones. But while these songs help some feel the Christmas spirit, they can also feel a little trite or a little hollow, like they’re missing something.
Week 3 of Christmas Karaoke
Teacher: Dave ChojnackiJoin Damascus Road for Christmas Karaoke to enjoy some Christmas music and reflect on the real spirit of the season. Let’s go beyond the songs we sing to get to the meaning of Christmas.The mood is right, the spirit's up, we're here tonight, and that's enough as we are simply having a wonderful Christmastime, right? Maybe it doesn’t feel that wonderful. Maybe something is missing. Are we trying to manufacture the Christmas spirit with lights and bells and songs? It is supposed to be a season of joy and celebration. Together, we stop and examine what truly makes Christmas wonderful.
Whether you like Christmas music or not, once Thanksgiving has come and gone, it is inescapable. Stores, restaurants, anywhere you go. You know the songs and you can sing along. They are filled with popular ideas about Christmas, from holiday romance, to passionate desire, to how the dark nights and cold weather brings us together with friends and loved ones. But while these songs help some feel the Christmas spirit, they can also feel a little trite or a little hollow, like they’re missing something.
Week 2 of Christmas Karaoke
Teacher: Megan Miller
Join Damascus Road for Christmas Karaoke to enjoy some Christmas music and reflect on the real spirit of the season. Let’s go beyond the songs we sing to get to the meaning of Christmas.You made your list, you checked it twice, and made sure it had every gift you wanted for Christmas. Maybe you have a long list. Maybe you have a short list, and all you want for Christmas is just the one thing that will make everything right. Christmas can easily become a season of asking for and wanting more and more, but this can easily distract us and turn us inward throughout the holiday season. It is a season not of want, but of need and our deep need for a savior who arrives as a baby born in a manger. Let us reconsider what we really want for Christmas.
Whether you like Christmas music or not, once Thanksgiving has come and gone, it is inescapable. Stores, restaurants, anywhere you go. You know the songs and you can sing along. They are filled with popular ideas about Christmas, from holiday romance, to passionate desire, to how the dark nights and cold weather brings us together with friends and loved ones. But while these songs help some feel the Christmas spirit, they can also feel a little trite or a little hollow, like they’re missing something.
Week 1 of Christmas Karaoke
Teacher: Megan Stibrich
Join Damascus Road for Christmas Karaoke to enjoy some Christmas music and reflect on the real spirit of the season. Let’s go beyond the songs we sing to get to the meaning of Christmas.You’re walking through the store when, WHAM!, you get hit in face with a holly, jolly, auditory attack. The Christmas season is upon us, and with it can come all sorts of emotions. Maybe it brings joy and anticipation, but for many it can just bring up past memories of hurt and pain. It is a time of tradition and nostalgia, but not everyone looks back on their last Christmas so fondly, whether because of family pain, lost relationships, or broken hearts. But Christmastime is truly supposed to be a season of hope, as we await the birth of Jesus and the miracle of God with us. Last Christmas may have broken our heart, but this year, let’s focus on the hope it brings instead.
It seems like everyone has beef with someone. Dis tracks proliferate, friendships dissipate, and families disintegrate. There’s bad blood poisoning our lives and our relationships, and we need a miracle. Hurting is natural. Forgiveness is supernatural. Forgiveness is a gift from God and we can become people who give this supernatural gift with Jesus’ help. But where do we start? Bad Blood will explore the problem, clarify the solution, and point the way to a life of forgiveness.
Week 3 of Bad Blood
Teacher: Ryan MillerWe all have a choice to make: will we live by the Rule of Reciprocity, giving as good as we get, or live under the Rule of God, where we embrace the miracle of forgiveness? Will we step off the escalator of pain and end the cycle? And even if we want to, how can we break free and live in a new way?
It seems like everyone has beef with someone. Dis tracks proliferate, friendships dissipate, and families disintegrate. There’s bad blood poisoning our lives and our relationships, and we need a miracle. Hurting is natural. Forgiveness is supernatural. Forgiveness is a gift from God and we can become people who give this supernatural gift with Jesus’ help. But where do we start? Bad Blood will explore the problem, clarify the solution, and point the way to a life of forgiveness.Week 2 of Bad Blood
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
There's a lot of confusion about forgiveness and it's hard to give a gift we don't understand. It's time to clarify what forgiveness is and what it is not.
It seems like everyone has beef with someone. Dis tracks proliferate, friendships dissipate, and families disintegrate. There’s bad blood poisoning our lives and our relationships, and we need a miracle. Hurting is natural. Forgiveness is supernatural. Forgiveness is a gift from God and we can become people who give this supernatural gift with Jesus’ help. But where do we start? Bad Blood will explore the problem, clarify the solution, and point the way to a life of forgiveness.Week 1 of Bad Blood
Teacher: Megan MillerHurt people hurt people, and we've all been hurt. Hurting is natural and it leaves us all wounded. What happens when we nurse the hurt and hold grudges? Can those wounds be healed? We need to make an accurate diagnosis of the problem before we can select the right treatment and move towards health.
Babylon was the great empire of the Ancient Near East. It was a center of cultural, military, and political power, and conquered numerous nations, assimilating them into the empire. This included the Judeans who were taken into exile and struggled to maintain their distinct identity as the people of God amidst the captivity. Today we face a similar struggle. The United States is a center of military and political power and has assimilated people around the world by exporting our culture and values. But all is not well in the empire of America and political division is just the tip of the iceberg. How can we live well in this new empire? How can we be faithful to Jesus amidst rising anxiety and fear? What does faithful political engagement look like? Join us for Redeeming Babylon, as we explore a better way forward together.Week 4 of Redeeming Babylon
Teacher: Devynn BrankelPolitics or government is the agreed upon way we’ve chosen to organize our society. For there to be freedom to pursue the good, there needs to be law, order, and opportunity. What is the role of the government in our lives and does the Bible have any wisdom on how people can work together for human flourishing?
Babylon was the great empire of the Ancient Near East. It was a center of cultural, military, and political power, and conquered numerous nations, assimilating them into the empire. This included the Judeans who were taken into exile and struggled to maintain their distinct identity as the people of God amidst the captivity. Today we face a similar struggle. The United States is a center of military and political power and has assimilated people around the world by exporting our culture and values. But all is not well in the empire of America and political division is just the tip of the iceberg. How can we live well in this new empire? How can we be faithful to Jesus amidst rising anxiety and fear? What does faithful political engagement look like? Join us for Redeeming Babylon, as we explore a better way forward together.Week 3 of Redeeming Babylon
Teacher: Brad MillerMoney makes the world go round, and in our context that means capitalism. Every country has an economy and for those that live there, it is a reality we rarely think deeply about. It’s just the air we breathe or water we swim in. But what does the Bible say about not just money, but economies on a larger scale? How can we follow Jesus well in the marketplace as we spend or save our minas and shekels?
Babylon was the great empire of the Ancient Near East. It was a center of cultural, military, and political power, and conquered numerous nations, assimilating them into the empire. This included the Judeans who were taken into exile and struggled to maintain their distinct identity as the people of God amidst the captivity. Today we face a similar struggle. The United States is a center of military and political power and has assimilated people around the world by exporting our culture and values. But all is not well in the empire of America and political division is just the tip of the iceberg. How can we live well in this new empire? How can we be faithful to Jesus amidst rising anxiety and fear? What does faithful political engagement look like? Join us for Redeeming Babylon, as we explore a better way forward together.Week 2 of Redeeming Babylon
Teacher: Ryan MillerSir, Ma’am, Pastor, Father, Senator, Congressman, Mr. / Mrs. President - when someone holds a position of leadership or authority we address them differently. We extend respect and honor. But what if the person who holds the office isn’t particularly worthy of respect? How are we to interact with our leaders and what should we expect from them? What makes someone worthy of respect? What makes a great leader? Jesus had a lot to say about power and influence and his words are just as important today as they were when he spoke them 2000 years ago.
Babylon was the great empire of the Ancient Near East. It was a center of cultural, military, and political power, and conquered numerous nations, assimilating them into the empire. This included the Judeans who were taken into exile and struggled to maintain their distinct identity as the people of God amidst the captivity. Today we face a similar struggle. The United States is a center of military and political power and has assimilated people around the world by exporting our culture and values. But all is not well in the empire of America and political division is just the tip of the iceberg. How can we live well in this new empire? How can we be faithful to Jesus amidst rising anxiety and fear? What does faithful political engagement look like? Join us for Redeeming Babylon, as we explore a better way forward together.Week 1 of Redeeming Babylon
Teacher: Jacob HeinzLand of the free and home of the brave. The American experiment has brought immigrants from all over the world to a new land where they’ve become citizens of the most diverse nation in history. Diversity has numerous benefits but can also come with real tension. The New Testament calls followers of Jesus foreigners and exiles in every land they live in. What does that mean for us today? How can we be citizens of the United States and citizens of the Kingdom of God? How do we navigate our civil and political responsibilities while pointing to the Kingdom in a broken and divided world?
In a hot dry climate, like ours, we endure months on end without rain. As temperatures rise we wait for the relief of rainfall and we long to see the city turn green once more. We live in a hostile spiritual climate as well, longing to see the holy spirit dwell in our city. We long to see hearts changed and lives transformed by the living water. But we know that rain is coming, and we know what to do when the lightning strikes. Join Damascus Road for this series that invites us to participate in the move of the spirit and become a witnessing community.
Week 3 of When Lightning Strikes
Teacher: Devynn BrankelBased on Breaking the Huddle by Don Everts, Doug Schaupp, and Val Gordon
In a hot dry climate, like ours, we endure months on end without rain. As temperatures rise we wait for therelief of rainfall and we long to see the city turn green once more. We live in a hostile spiritual climate as well,longing to see the holy spirit dwell in our city. We long to see hearts changed and lives transformed by theliving water. But we know that rain is coming, and we know what to do when the lightning strikes.
Week 2 of When Lightning Strikes
Teacher: Ryan Miller
Join Damascus Road for this series that invites us to participate in the move of the spirit and become a witnessing community. Based on Breaking the Huddle by Don Everts, Doug Schaupp, and Val Gordon.
In a hot dry climate, like ours, we endure months on end without rain. As temperatures rise we wait for therelief of rainfall and we long to see the city turn green once more. We live in a hostile spiritual climate as well,longing to see the holy spirit dwell in our city. We long to see hearts changed and lives transformed by theliving water. But we know that rain is coming, and we know what to do when the lightning strikes.
Week 1 of When Lightning Strikes
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
Join Damascus Road for this series that invites us to participate in the move of the spirit and become a witnessing community. Based on Breaking the Huddle by Don Everts, Doug Schaupp, and Val Gordon.
What car do you drive? How big is your house? Do you own an iPhone or a Stanley mug or genuine Birkenstocks? There’s a lot of status attached to our things, and that status we hope transfers to us. But does our stuff really make us worth it? How can we embrace lives of simplicity around our things and trust that we’re still worth it?
Week 4 of Worth It
Teacher: Brad Miller
“What do you do?” is often one of the first questions we ask when we meet someone. “I am a doctor.” “I’m a student.” “I’m a stay-at-home mom.” Our identity easily gets wrapped up in our profession. But we are not human-doings, we are human-beings. How are we fully worth it before we do anything?
Week 3 of Worth It
Teacher: Megan Stibrich
In our “you do you” and “does it make you happy?” age, we have gotten hijacked by believing it is our feelings that determine reality. So what happens when your feelings lead you astray? If I feel terrible about myself, does that make it true? If it feels too hard, does that make it not worth it? How can we establish a worth that is less fickle than feelings?
Week 2 of Worth It
Teacher: Devynn Brankel
In our social media age, we are approval-addicted. Did anyone like my post? Did anyone laugh at my jokes? What will people think if I do this or do that? Do people like me? When our worth is tied to what others think of us, our worth is fragile. How can we break out of the prison of others’ opinions of us and discover we’re worth it on our own?
Week 1 of Worth It
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
We believe in something a little strange -- zombies. Well, not actually. But we do believe in a Savior who rose from the dead, and that we too will one day -- bodily -- rise from the dead. What’s up with this kind of weird idea of resurrection? And why does it matter so much to our faith?
Week 3 of Raised Up
Teacher: Bob LehmanJoin us as we dive into this oft-overlooked topic of resurrection, and why it was so important to Paul in the first letter to the Corinthians -- and why it was so important to Jesus.
We believe in something a little strange -- zombies. Well, not actually. But we do believe in a Savior who rose from the dead, and that we too will one day -- bodily -- rise from the dead. What’s up with this kind of weird idea of resurrection? And why does it matter so much to our faith?
Week 2 of Raised Up
Teacher: Rick MillerJoin us as we dive into this oft-overlooked topic of resurrection, and why it was so important to Paul in the first letter to the Corinthians -- and why it was so important to Jesus.
We believe in something a little strange -- zombies. Well, not actually. But we do believe in a Savior who rose from the dead, and that we too will one day -- bodily -- rise from the dead. What’s up with this kind of weird idea of resurrection? And why does it matter so much to our faith?
Week 1 of Raised Up
Teacher: Brad MillerJoin us as we dive into this oft-overlooked topic of resurrection, and why it was so important to Paul in the first letter to the Corinthians -- and why it was so important to Jesus.
Patriotism soars in the month of July, as people celebrate what it means to be an American. But as followers of Jesus, our first identity is not as citizens of our country but as citizens of God’s kingdom. What sets Jesus followers apart? What defines our unique identity as “We the people of God?”Week 5 of We the People
Teacher: Dave Chojnacki
Patriotism soars in the month of July, as people celebrate what it means to be an American. But as followers of Jesus, our first identity is not as citizens of our country but as citizens of God’s kingdom. What sets Jesus followers apart? What defines our unique identity as “We the people of God?”Week 4 of We the People
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
Patriotism soars in the month of July, as people celebrate what it means to be an American. But as followers of Jesus, our first identity is not as citizens of our country but as citizens of God’s kingdom. What sets Jesus followers apart? What defines our unique identity as “We the people of God?”
Week 2 of We the People
Teacher: Megan Miller
Patriotism soars in the month of July, as people celebrate what it means to be an American. But as followers of Jesus, our first identity is not as citizens of our country but as citizens of God’s kingdom. What sets Jesus followers apart? What defines our unique identity as “We the people of God?”Week 1 of We the People
Teacher: Jacob Heinz
For the Corinthians, following Jesus was all in their heads: a sophisticated set of ideas, a fashionable new way of thinking, a sense of spirituality. But while the Gospel was in their heads, following Jesus never made it to their hands and feet -- an actual change in the way they did life.When we choose to follow Jesus, it should upturn our whole lives top to bottom. We can’t merely intellectually assent to Jesus; instead, following his way means radically changing the way we practically live.
Week 6 of The Nitty Gritty
Teacher: Ryan MillerHow do we make sure that Jesus hasn’t just touched our heads but our hands and feet as well? What does it look like to live out the way of Jesus in the nitty gritty details of our everyday choices -- the way we cut our hair, eat our In’n’Out, have sex, and make decisions? Join us for Jesus in the nitty gritty.
For the Corinthians, following Jesus was all in their heads: a sophisticated set of ideas, a fashionable new way of thinking, a sense of spirituality. But while the Gospel was in their heads, following Jesus never made it to their hands and feet -- an actual change in the way they did life.When we choose to follow Jesus, it should upturn our whole lives top to bottom. We can’t merely intellectually assent to Jesus; instead, following his way means radically changing the way we practically live.
Week 5 of The Nitty Gritty
Teacher: Tyler StibrichHow do we make sure that Jesus hasn’t just touched our heads but our hands and feet as well? What does it look like to live out the way of Jesus in the nitty gritty details of our everyday choices -- the way we cut our hair, eat our In’n’Out, have sex, and make decisions? Join us for Jesus in the nitty gritty.
For the Corinthians, following Jesus was all in their heads: a sophisticated set of ideas, a fashionable new way of thinking, a sense of spirituality. But while the Gospel was in their heads, following Jesus never made it to their hands and feet -- an actual change in the way they did life.When we choose to follow Jesus, it should upturn our whole lives top to bottom. We can’t merely intellectually assent to Jesus; instead, following his way means radically changing the way we practically live.
Week 4 of The Nitty Gritty
Teacher: Megan StibrichHow do we make sure that Jesus hasn’t just touched our heads but our hands and feet as well? What does it look like to live out the way of Jesus in the nitty gritty details of our everyday choices -- the way we cut our hair, eat our In’n’Out, have sex, and make decisions? Join us for Jesus in the nitty gritty.
For the Corinthians, following Jesus was all in their heads: a sophisticated set of ideas, a fashionable new way of thinking, a sense of spirituality. But while the Gospel was in their heads, following Jesus never made it to their hands and feet -- an actual change in the way they did life.When we choose to follow Jesus, it should upturn our whole lives top to bottom. We can’t merely intellectually assent to Jesus; instead, following his way means radically changing the way we practically live.
Week 3 of The Nitty Gritty
Teacher: Caleb MartinezHow do we make sure that Jesus hasn’t just touched our heads but our hands and feet as well? What does it look like to live out the way of Jesus in the nitty gritty details of our everyday choices -- the way we cut our hair, eat our In’n’Out, have sex, and make decisions? Join us for Jesus in the nitty gritty.
For the Corinthians, following Jesus was all in their heads: a sophisticated set of ideas, a fashionable new way of thinking, a sense of spirituality. But while the Gospel was in their heads, following Jesus never made it to their hands and feet -- an actual change in the way they did life.When we choose to follow Jesus, it should upturn our whole lives top to bottom. We can’t merely intellectually assent to Jesus; instead, following his way means radically changing the way we practically live.
Week 2 of The Nitty Gritty
Teacher: Renay BurgerHow do we make sure that Jesus hasn’t just touched our heads but our hands and feet as well? What does it look like to live out the way of Jesus in the nitty gritty details of our everyday choices -- the way we cut our hair, eat our In’n’Out, have sex, and make decisions? Join us for Jesus in the nitty gritty.
For thousands of years, Christians have chosen to obey God in difficult circumstances and broken cultures. What can we learn from these Christians and how can their stories of faith inspire us to be more like Jesus? Join Damascus Road for Inspired, a 2020 series, as we explore how God has inspired Christians in history to fight for justice, give generously, and create beautiful things. From their stories of faith rooted in God and Scripture, may we be inspired as well.Part 3 of Inspired Teacher: Tyler Stibrich Original Date: May 10th, 2020Great art changes hearts and changes the world. How have Christians throughout history honored God with their art and showed the world God’s majesty? How can our creativity be a blessing to the world?
For the Corinthians, following Jesus was all in their heads: a sophisticated set of ideas, a fashionable new way of thinking, a sense of spirituality. But while the Gospel was in their heads, following Jesus never made it to their hands and feet -- an actual change in the way they did life.When we choose to follow Jesus, it should upturn our whole lives top to bottom. We can’t merely intellectually assent to Jesus; instead, following his way means radically changing the way we practically live.
Week 1 of The Nitty Gritty
Teacher: Megan MillerHow do we make sure that Jesus hasn’t just touched our heads but our hands and feet as well? What does it look like to live out the way of Jesus in the nitty gritty details of our everyday choices -- the way we cut our hair, eat our In’n’Out, have sex, and make decisions? Join us for Jesus in the nitty gritty.
For thousands of years, Christians have chosen to obey God in difficult circumstances and broken cultures. What can we learn from these Christians and how can their stories of faith inspire us to be more like Jesus? Join Damascus Road for Inspired, a 2020 series, as we explore how God has inspired Christians in history to fight for justice, give generously, and create beautiful things. From their stories of faith rooted in God and Scripture, may we be inspired as well.Part 2 of Inspired Teacher: Jacob Heinz Original Date: May 3rd, 2020Care for the poor and disenfranchised is often overlooked even by Christians. But those who commit to loving them make huge waves in this world. What can we learn from them about caring for those who are outcasted?
For thousands of years, Christians have chosen to obey God in difficult circumstances and broken cultures. What can we learn from these Christians and how can their stories of faith inspire us to be more like Jesus? Join Damascus Road for Inspired, a 2020 series, as we explore how God has inspired Christians in history to fight for justice, give generously, and create beautiful things. From their stories of faith rooted in God and Scripture, may we be inspired as well.Part 1 of Inspired Teacher: Devynn Brankel Original Date: April 26th, 2020How have Christians chosen to seek justice in a broken world? What can their bravery teach us about God’s love for justice.
It's the most famous prayer in Christianity. Almost anyone can say it off by heart. But how well do we really understand what Jesus is telling us when he says, "This then is how you should pray?" In this series, we'll take a deep dive into the Lord's Prayer, unraveling 1st century Jewish context, parsing Greek versus Aramaic, and beginning to see what it means to live out this foundational prayer in our lives.
Week 3 of Our Father
Teacher: Brad Miller
It's the most famous prayer in Christianity. Almost anyone can say it off by heart. But how well do we really understand what Jesus is telling us when he says, "This then is how you should pray?" In this series, we'll take a deep dive into the Lord's Prayer, unraveling 1st century Jewish context, parsing Greek versus Aramaic, and beginning to see what it means to live out this foundational prayer in our lives.
Week 2 of Our Father
Teacher: Derek Webster
It's the most famous prayer in Christianity. Almost anyone can say it off by heart. But how well do we really understand what Jesus is telling us when he says, "This then is how you should pray?" In this series, we'll take a deep dive into the Lord's Prayer, unraveling 1st century Jewish context, parsing Greek versus Aramaic, and beginning to see what it means to live out this foundational prayer in our lives.
Week 1 of Our Father
Teacher: Megan Stibrich
First there was a garden, and everything was perfect. Humanity walked and lived in wholeness with God. But then sin entered the story and imperfect humans could no longer live in the perfect garden. Later, God formed a nation to be God’s people, and a temple was built to remind people of how good it was to live with God. But a curtain was hung to keep people from entering into the holiest part of the temple, where God was believed to dwell because imperfect people could still not walk and live in the presence of their perfect God. However, this is not the end of the story, and one day, a cross would change everything.
Easter
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
Join Damascus Road for a special Easter Sunday and the story of The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross, and how we can walk and live in wholeness with God again.
The world tells us: “Do whatever you want, as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else.” A basic starting point for not being a terrible human being, but this view of immorality is horizontal – defined by disjointed relationships with others – rather than vertical – defined by a disjointed relationship with God. The Bible teaches us that immorality and sin are far more about our disjointed relationship with God that then bleeds into our relationships with others. In order to find freedom from sin in our lives and the destruction it causes, we need to understand what sin actually is – and cultivate a vision of the beauty of whole relationships with God and others.
Week 4 of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Teacher: Devynn Brankel
Join Damascus Road for The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, as we explore the goodness of God and ugliness of sin.
The world tells us: “Do whatever you want, as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else.” A basic starting point for not being a terrible human being, but this view of immorality is horizontal – defined by disjointed relationships with others – rather than vertical – defined by a disjointed relationship with God. The Bible teaches us that immorality and sin are far more about our disjointed relationship with God that then bleeds into our relationships with others. In order to find freedom from sin in our lives and the destruction it causes, we need to understand what sin actually is – and cultivate a vision of the beauty of whole relationships with God and others.
Week 3 of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Teacher: Megan MillerJoin Damascus Road for The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, as we explore the goodness of God and ugliness of sin.
The world tells us: “Do whatever you want, as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else.” A basic starting point for not being a terrible human being, but this view of immorality is horizontal – defined by disjointed relationships with others – rather than vertical – defined by a disjointed relationship with God. The Bible teaches us that immorality and sin are far more about our disjointed relationship with God that then bleeds into our relationships with others. In order to find freedom from sin in our lives and the destruction it causes, we need to understand what sin actually is – and cultivate a vision of the beauty of whole relationships with God and others.
Week 2 of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Teacher: Ryan Miller
Join Damascus Road for The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, as we explore the goodness of God and ugliness of sin.
The world tells us: “Do whatever you want, as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else.” A basic starting point for not being a terrible human being, but this view of immorality is horizontal – defined by disjointed relationships with others – rather than vertical – defined by a disjointed relationship with God. The Bible teaches us that immorality and sin are far more about our disjointed relationship with God that then bleeds into our relationships with others. In order to find freedom from sin in our lives and the destruction it causes, we need to understand what sin actually is – and cultivate a vision of the beauty of whole relationships with God and others. Join Damascus Road for The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, as we explore the goodness of God and ugliness of sin.Week 1 of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Teacher: Jacob Heinz
Pop culture loves a good rebel, from Star Wars to Harry Potter. Rebels are seen as heroes instead of villains, and it’s no surprise from a country that was birthed from rebellion. Rebellion against evil or tyranny can be heroic but rebellion against a loving and gracious God is foolishness and destruction. What if we have so celebrated rebellion that we have blurred the distinction between righteous rebellion and devastating deviation from God’s good and beautiful design?
The internet has fundamentally changed our lives, for better and for worse. The tools of technology have opened up doors we never even imagined. Yet, in the process temptation and deception have found a place to thrive. Information has been simplified, dating has been commodified, shopping has been expedited, and conflict can be managed with the click of a button. What does biblical wisdom have to teach us as we navigate these changes in the digital world?Week 4 of Welcome to the Internet
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
The internet has fundamentally changed our lives, for better and for worse. The tools of technology have opened up doors we never even imagined. Yet, in the process temptation and deception have found a place to thrive. Information has been simplified, dating has been commodified, shopping has been expedited, and conflict can be managed with the click of a button. What does biblical wisdom have to teach us as we navigate these changes in the digital world?Week 3 of Welcome to the Internet
Teacher: Brad Miller
The internet has fundamentally changed our lives, for better and for worse. The tools of technology have opened up doors we never even imagined. Yet, in the process temptation and deception have found a place to thrive. Information has been simplified, dating has been commodified, shopping has been expedited, and conflict can be managed with the click of a button. What does biblical wisdom have to teach us as we navigate these changes in the digital world?Week 2 of Welcome to the Internet
Teacher: Devynn Brankel
The internet has fundamentally changed our lives, for better and for worse. The tools of technology have opened up doors we never even imagined. Yet, in the process temptation and deception have found a place to thrive. Information has been simplified, dating has been commodified, shopping has been expedited, and conflict can be managed with the click of a button. What does biblical wisdom have to teach us as we navigate these changes in the digital world?Week 1 of Welcome to the InternetTeacher: Dave Chojnacki
Prayer is one of the core practices of life with Jesus, but often many of us struggle with the strangeness of talking to someone we can't see or hear. In this four-part series, we will explore the mystery of prayer, and deep dive into this foundational, vital, confusing practice of prayer.Week 4 of On the LineTeacher: Megan Miller
Prayer is one of the core practices of life with Jesus, but often many of us struggle with the strangeness of talking to someone we can't see or hear. In this four-part series, we will explore the mystery of prayer, and deep dive into this foundational, vital, confusing practice of prayer.Week 3 of On the Line
Teacher: Megan Stibrich
Prayer is one of the core practices of life with Jesus, but often many of us struggle with the strangeness of talking to someone we can't see or hear. In this four-part series, we will explore the mystery of prayer, and deep dive into this foundational, vital, confusing practice of prayer.Week 2 of On the Line
Teacher: Ryan Miller
Prayer is one of the core practices of life with Jesus, but often many of us struggle with the strangeness of talking to someone we can't see or hear. In this four-part series, we will explore the mystery of prayer, and deep dive into this foundational, vital, confusing practice of prayer.Week 1 of On the Line
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
How does God want to meet and grow us in this Christmas season, when we remember him growing in a young teenager's womb and transforming the Divine Unseen to the Holy God-in-Flesh? Join us in anticipating the coming birth of our Savior!Week 4 of Growing Advent
Teacher: Ryan Miller
How does God want to meet and grow us in this Christmas season, when we remember him growing in a young teenager's womb and transforming the Divine Unseen to the Holy God-in-Flesh? Join us in anticipating the coming birth of our Savior!Week 3 of Growing Advent
Teacher: Megan Stibrich
How does God want to meet and grow us in this Christmas season, when we remember him growing in a young teenager's womb and transforming the Divine Unseen to the Holy God-in-Flesh? Join us in anticipating the coming birth of our Savior!Week 2 of Growing Advent
Teacher: Megan Miller
At the heart of the Christ story is a mystery. The paradox is Jesus being fully God and fully human – two seemingly contradictory truths existing in the same space and time. And that mystery was birthed out of another paradoxical mystery – one where the finite and Infinite wove together salvation in the belly of a Middle Eastern young woman.Your transformation throughout life will be a paradox. One truth is that you have agency to make decisions to change and transform the parts you wish. And yet there are other parts of your transformation that are like a virgin birth – in the way that you’re not in charge of any of it. It’s less about your mustering up the strength to accomplish something and more about your being open to the transformation God wants to do in you.
How does God want to meet and grow us in this Christmas season, when we remember him growing in a young teenager's womb and transforming the Divine Unseen to the Holy God-in-Flesh? Join us in anticipation of our Savior being born!Week 1 of Growing Advent
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
When Mary is visited by an angel, it kickstarts one of the most epic stories of human history. It would be awesome to have this kind of revelation in your life. But if we're honest, we're often actually afraid of revelation. In any divine annunciation, you receive revelation as a gift, but at the same time you receive notice that all you had planned is ending. Everything will change–most of all you. And the rub of revelation is that it’s a transformation you’re not in charge of. Revelation is a hard gift to receive. You must give up everything else to receive it– like finding a treasure in a field and selling everything you have so you can get that treasure. But then again, the one who is willing to accept the cost of revelation finds themselves in the deepest of stories. Stories that are so mysterious, divine, and human that we still tell them today. May you receive the light of divine annunciation in the flames of your best-laid plans.
In a world full of hopelessness and selfishness, joy and generosity set us apart as God's people. We choose to follow Christ into lives that reflect the beauty of the creator.
Week 4 of A Cheerful Heart
Teacher: Ryan Miller
Join Damascus Road as we contemplate the heart of generosity and challenge ourselves to give thanks, mercy, alms, and glory.
The haves and the have-nots rarely mingle. We leave it to the government to take care of the poor. We seem to think it's always someone else's problem. All the while inequality gets worse and the poor are all too often forgotten. What is our responsibility in caring for our neighbors needs? And what does doing good works have to do with our faith?Week 3 of A Cheerful Heart
Teacher: Dave ChojnackiJoin Damascus Road as we contemplate the heart of generosity and challenge ourselves to give thanks, mercy, alms, and glory.
In a world full of hopelessness and selfishness, joy and generosity set us apart as God's people. We choose to follow Christ into lives that reflect the beauty of the creator.
Week 2 of A Cheerful Heart
Teacher: Devynn Brankel
Join Damascus Road as we contemplate the heart of generosity and challenge ourselves to give thanks, mercy, alms, and glory.
In a world full of hopelessness and selfishness, joy and generosity set us apart as God's people. We choose to follow Christ into lives that reflect the beauty of the creator.
Week 1 of A Cheerful Heart
Teacher: Brad Miller
Join Damascus Road as we contemplate the heart of generosity and challenge ourselves to give thanks, mercy, alms, and glory.
In the modern era, truth could be found, if you just drilled down far enough, asked the right questions, and followed sound logic. But as the end of the rational rabbit hole has failed to give meaning and life, post-modernism explores a new idea of truth. Maybe truth is decided by me.
Week 4 of Looking for the Path of the Young and the Lonely
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
This huge shift in the conceptual framework of how people engage with the world can be stymying if we continue to approach evangelism and sharing Jesus from a rationalistic, modern framework. People don't need us to "prove" that Jesus exists or that he's right. Instead, we need to meet people where they are at in postmodernism and introduce them to a Jesus that can satisfy the needs and questions we all struggle with. In this series, we will explore how to share Jesus in a postmodern world that deeply yearns for him, even if they don't know it yet, and in a way that individual, unique people can actually hear.
In the modern era, truth could be found, if you just drilled down far enough, asked the right questions, and followed sound logic. But as the end of the rational rabbit hole has failed to give meaning and life, post-modernism explores a new idea of truth. Maybe truth is decided by me.
Week 3 of Looking for the Path of the Young and the LonelyTeacher: Megan MillerThis huge shift in the conceptual framework of how people engage with the world can be stymying if we continue to approach evangelism and sharing Jesus from a rationalistic, modern framework. People don't need us to "prove" that Jesus exists or that he's right. Instead, we need to meet people where they are at in postmodernism and introduce them to a Jesus that can satisfy the needs and questions we all struggle with. In this series, we will explore how to share Jesus in a postmodern world that deeply yearns for him, even if they don't know it yet, and in a way that individual, unique people can actually hear.
In the modern era, truth could be found, if you just drilled down far enough, asked the right questions, and followed sound logic. But as the end of the rational rabbit hole has failed to give meaning and life, post-modernism explores a new idea of truth. Maybe truth is decided by me.
Week 2 of Looking for the Path of the Young and the Lonely
Teacher: Devynn Brankel
This huge shift in the conceptual framework of how people engage with the world can be stymying if we continue to approach evangelism and sharing Jesus from a rationalistic, modern framework. People don't need us to "prove" that Jesus exists or that he's right. Instead, we need to meet people where they are at in postmodernism and introduce them to a Jesus that can satisfy the needs and questions we all struggle with. In this series, we will explore how to share Jesus in a postmodern world that deeply yearns for him, even if they don't know it yet, and in a way that individual, unique people can actually hear.
In the modern era, truth could be found, if you just drilled down far enough, asked the right questions, and followed sound logic. But as the end of the rational rabbit hole has failed to give meaning and life, post-modernism explores a new idea of truth. Maybe truth is decided by me.
Week 1 of Looking for the Path of the Young and the Lonely
Teacher: Ryan MillerThis huge shift in the conceptual framework of how people engage with the world can be stymying if we continue to approach evangelism and sharing Jesus from a rationalistic, modern framework. People don't need us to "prove" that Jesus exists or that he's right. Instead, we need to meet people where they are at in postmodernism and introduce them to a Jesus that can satisfy the needs and questions we all struggle with. In this series, we will explore how to share Jesus in a postmodern world that deeply yearns for him, even if they don't know it yet, and in a way that individual, unique people can actually hear.
There is a way to be human. Everyone wants to put in their two cents on how to do it -- buy all the things you can, strive to get to the top, cancel the haters, look out for number one, do some yoga, eat vegan, eat keto, eat nothing but avocados. It's overwhelming. How do we actually know how to live a life worth living? Which way is the "right" way?
Week 6 of This is the Way
Teacher: Brad Miller
Jesus says, "This is the way." By his life, by his words, by his practices, God-incarnate showed us the way to be fully human, to live the abundant, thriving human life. Join Damascus Road for our new series This is the Way. And the way might surprise you.
There is a way to be human. Everyone wants to put in their two cents on how to do it -- buy all the things you can, strive to get to the top, cancel the haters, look out for number one, do some yoga, eat vegan, eat keto, eat nothing but avocados. It's overwhelming. How do we actually know how to live a life worth living? Which way is the "right" way?
Week 5 of this is the Way
Teacher: Jacob HeinzJesus says, "This is the way." By his life, by his words, by his practices, God-incarnate showed us the way to be fully human, to live the abundant, thriving human life. Join Damascus Road for our new series This is the Way. And the way might surprise you.
There is a way to be human. Everyone wants to put in their two cents on how to do it -- buy all the things you can, strive to get to the top, cancel the haters, look out for number one, do some yoga, eat vegan, eat keto, eat nothing but avocados. It's overwhelming. How do we actually know how to live a life worth living? Which way is the "right" way?
Week 4 of This is the Way
Teacher: Megan StibrichJesus says, "This is the way." By his life, by his words, by his practices, God-incarnate showed us the way to be fully human, to live the abundant, thriving human life. Join Damascus Road for our new series This is the Way. And the way might surprise you.
There is a way to be human. Everyone wants to put in their two cents on how to do it -- buy all the things you can, strive to get to the top, cancel the haters, look out for number one, do some yoga, eat vegan, eat keto, eat nothing but avocados. It's overwhelming. How do we actually know how to live a life worth living? Which way is the "right" way?
Week 3 of This is the Way
Teacher: Megan Miller
Jesus says, "This is the way." By his life, by his words, by his practices, God-incarnate showed us the way to be fully human, to live the abundant, thriving human life. Join Damascus Road for our new series This is the Way. And the way might surprise you.
There is a way to be human. Everyone wants to put in their two cents on how to do it -- buy all the things you can, strive to get to the top, cancel the haters, look out for number one, do some yoga, eat vegan, eat keto, eat nothing but avocados. It's overwhelming. How do we actually know how to live a life worth living? Which way is the "right" way?
Week 2 of This is the Way
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
Jesus says, "This is the way." By his life, by his words, by his practices, God-incarnate showed us the way to be fully human, to live the abundant, thriving human life. Join Damascus Road for our new series This is the Way. And the way might surprise you.
There is a way to be human. Everyone wants to put in their two cents on how to do it -- buy all the things you can, strive to get to the top, cancel the haters, look out for number one, do some yoga, eat vegan, eat keto, eat nothing but avocados. It's overwhelming. How do we actually know how to live a life worth living? Which way is the "right" way?
Week 1 of This is the Way
Teacher: Ryan Miller
Jesus says, "This is the way." By his life, by his words, by his practices, God-incarnate showed us the way to be fully human, to live the abundant, thriving human life. Join Damascus Road for our new series This is the Way. And the way might surprise you.
Based on Eugene Peterson's spiritual classic "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction," this series follows the Psalms of Ascent which were traditionally sung on the road to Jerusalem. These psalms map important parts of Christian discipleship as we walk steadily forward in our journey with God. Join us on our song of ascent as we dive deep into the psalms and move closer and closer to Jesus.
Week 14 of Song of Ascent
Teacher: Megan Miller
PSALM 134
Based on Eugene Peterson's spiritual classic "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction," this series follows the Psalms of Ascent which were traditionally sung on the road to Jerusalem. These psalms map important parts of Christian discipleship as we walk steadily forward in our journey with God. Join us on our song of ascent as we dive deep into the psalms and move closer and closer to Jesus.
Week 13 of Song of Ascent
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
PSALM 132
Based on Eugene Peterson's spiritual classic "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction," this series follows the Psalms of Ascent which were traditionally sung on the road to Jerusalem. These psalms map important parts of Christian discipleship as we walk steadily forward in our journey with God. Join us on our song of ascent as we dive deep into the psalms and move closer and closer to Jesus.
Week 12 of Song of Ascent
Teacher: Dave Chojnacki
Psalm 131
Based on Eugene Peterson's spiritual classic "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction," this series follows the Psalms of Ascent which were traditionally sung on the road to Jerusalem. These psalms map important parts of Christian discipleship as we walk steadily forward in our journey with God. Join us on our song of ascent as we dive deep into the psalms and move closer and closer to Jesus.
Week 10 of Song of Ascent
Teacher: Devynn Brankel
Psalm 129
Based on Eugene Peterson's spiritual classic "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction," this series follows the Psalms of Ascent which were traditionally sung on the road to Jerusalem. These psalms map important parts of Christian discipleship as we walk steadily forward in our journey with God. Join us on our song of ascent as we dive deep into the psalms and move closer and closer to Jesus.
Week 9 of Song of Ascent
Teacher: Brad Miller
Psalm 127
Based on Eugene Peterson's spiritual classic "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction," this series follows the Psalms of Ascent which were traditionally sung on the road to Jerusalem. These psalms map important parts of Christian discipleship as we walk steadily forward in our journey with God. Join us on our song of ascent as we dive deep into the psalms and move closer and closer to Jesus.
Week 3 of Song of Ascent
Teacher: Bob Lehman
PSALM 121
Based on Eugene Peterson's spiritual classic "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction," this series follows the Psalms of Ascent which were traditionally sung on the road to Jerusalem. These psalms map important parts of Christian discipleship as we walk steadily forward in our journey with God. Join us on our song of ascent as we dive deep into the psalms and move closer and closer to Jesus.Week 2 of Song of Ascent
Teacher: Ryan Miller
PSALM 120
Based on Eugene Peterson's spiritual classic "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction," this series follows the Psalms of Ascent which were traditionally sung on the road to Jerusalem. These psalms map important parts of Christian discipleship as we walk steadily forward in our journey with God. Join us on our song of ascent as we dive deep into the psalms and move closer and closer to Jesus.Week 1 of Song of Ascent
Teacher: Megan Miller
An introduction to Psalms 120-134, the songs of the ascents
Jesus reveals himself in Scripture as creator (at the beginning of time), carpenter (with his birth into the home of Joseph), gardener (at the resurrection), and king (in the new Jerusalem). Jesus is God and chose these roles and work for himself. What does it mean that our God is a creator? That our savior is a carpenter or gardener? What kind of king is he? What do these reveal to us about the work we do each day? Join Damascus Road for Jesus the Creator, Carpenter, Gardener, and King as we explore these roles through which our Savior reveals himself to us and what they mean for our own work.Week 4 of Jesus the Creator, Carpenter, Gardener, & King
Teacher: Devynn Brankel
In Isaiah 60, the prophet is painting a vision of the “new Jerusalem” of Revelation 21 where “[God] will dwell among the people,” and Jesus will reign as king forever. This kingdom is made of people from all nations coming into new Jerusalem, bringing with them pieces of their culture and products of their work. New Testament scholar N.T. Wright says, “What you do in the present—by painting, preaching, singing, sewing...building hospitals, digging wells, campaigning for justice, writing poems...loving your neighbor as yourself—will last into God’s future. These activities are not simply ways of making the present life a little less beastly...They are part of what we may call building for God’s kingdom.” Jesus rules over all, uniting a kingdom that encompasses all of creation. Our God is a mighty God.
Jesus reveals himself in Scripture as creator (at the beginning of time), carpenter (with his birth into the home of Joseph), gardener (at the resurrection), and king (in the new Jerusalem). Jesus is God and chose these roles and work for himself. What does it mean that our God is a creator? That our savior is a carpenter or gardener? What kind of king is he? What do these reveal to us about the work we do each day? Join Damascus Road for Jesus the Creator, Carpenter, Gardener, and King as we explore these roles through which our Savior reveals himself to us and what they mean for our own work.Week 3 of Jesus the Creator, Carpenter, Gardener, & King
Teacher: Ryan Miller
Creation begins in a garden. The first work was gardening. And when Mary first met the resurrected Christ, she mistook Jesus for a gardener. By appearing as a gardener, Jesus is deliberately pointing us back to Adam and Eve, the world’s first gardeners and workers. He’s showing us that our work as citizens of his coming Kingdom is not just about “saving souls” or helping more people gain entrance to the Kingdom (as important as that work is). Jesus is showing us that it is time to garden again, working to till the earth—to “fill the earth” with signposts to the Kingdom. In this garden, Jesus tends to the new creation. Our God is a cultivating God.
Jesus reveals himself in Scripture as creator (at the beginning of time), carpenter (with his birth into the home of Joseph), gardener (at the resurrection), and king (in the new Jerusalem). Jesus is God and chose these roles and work for himself. What does it mean that our God is a creator? That our savior is a carpenter or gardener? What kind of king is he? What do these reveal to us about the work we do each day? Join Damascus Road for Jesus the Creator, Carpenter, Gardener, and King as we explore these roles through which our Savior reveals himself to us and what they mean for our own work.Week 2 of Jesus the Creator, Carpenter, Gardener & King
Teacher: Dave Chojnacki
From the very beginning of time, God knew that He would have to send Jesus to earth to ransom us. Knowing this—and knowing the ultimate purpose of Jesus’s life on earth—the fact that God chose for Jesus to grow up in the home of Mary and a carpenter named Joseph should stop us in our tracks. God could have placed Jesus in a priestly household like the prophet Samuel or John the Baptist. He could have grown up in the household of a Pharisee like the Apostle Paul. But instead, God placed Jesus in the household of a craftsman, who worked with his hands to craft from the materials of the world and make things. Our God is a crafting God.
Jesus reveals himself in Scripture as creator (at the beginning of time), carpenter (with his birth into the home of Joseph), gardener (at the resurrection), and king (in the new Jerusalem). Jesus is God and chose these roles and work for himself. What does it mean that our God is a creator? That our savior is a carpenter or gardener? What kind of king is he? What do these reveal to us about the work we do each day? Join Damascus Road for Jesus the Creator, Carpenter, Gardener, and King as we explore these roles through which our Savior reveals himself to us and what they mean for our own work.Week 1 of Jesus the Creator, Carpenter, Gardener, & King
Teacher: Brad Miller
Jesus—along with God the Father and the Holy Spirit—was present at the creation of the world. Furthermore, “all things” were created through Christ. In other words, Jesus is the Creator God we read about in Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created.” Before God tells us He is love, before He tells us He is holy, before He tells us He is Savior, God wants you and I to know that He is a creative, productive, working God. And it’s not just any work that God does. It’s creative work—the work of taking risks to create new things for the good of others. It’s the work of entrepreneurs and artists, storytellers and sales executives, marketers and mothers. Our God is a creative God.
As Easter nears we prepare to rejoice in our victory through Christ. But before there was victory there was defeat, a cross had to come before the crown. The story of redemption tells us that this is Felix Culpa; a fortunate fall. It is the worst of humanity that stains the glass of grace and gives it color. In our weakness we are strong. Join Damascus Road this Easter season for Felix Culpa, as we consider the fortunate fall that results in the greatest story of grace and redemption.Week 3 of Felix Culpa
Teacher: Megan Miller
He is Risen, Hallelujah! The lamb was slain, and the grave could not hold him. The disciples saw Jesus resurrected for themselves, and attest to this great victory. But it wasn't enough for Thomas. He asked to touch Jesus wounds, to feel the evidence and not simply see. What is fortunate about Thomas's doubt? Does our doubt keep us from the joy of the resurrection, or can it lead us into a deeper faith?
As Easter nears we prepare to rejoice in our victory through Christ. But before there was victory there was defeat, a cross had to come before the crown. The story of redemption tells us that this is Felix Culpa; a fortunate fall. It is the worst of humanity that stains the glass of grace and gives it color. In our weakness we are strong. Join Damascus Road this Easter season for Felix Culpa, as we consider the fortunate fall that results in the greatest story of grace and redemption.Week 2 of Felix Culpa
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
We have ideas and expectations about how things should be that fail when tested by the refining fires of reality. Peter would become the rock of the church, but first his ideas and expectations of who Jesus was had to go through a trial by fire. Yes, he knew Jesus was the messiah, the long awaited king, but what kind of promised king is betrayed, arrested, and murdered? Out of flames and failed expectations, Jesus is revealed to be not the messiah Peter expected, but the one he needed. Likewise, what fortunate fall must we experience to reveal to us who Christ really is that we may experience the true grace of the cross?
As Easter nears we prepare to rejoice in our victory through Christ. But before there was victory there was defeat, a cross had to come before the crown. The story of redemption tells us that this is Felix Culpa; a fortunate fall. It is the worst of humanity that stains the glass of grace and gives it color. In our weakness we are strong. Join Damascus Road this Easter season for Felix Culpa, as we consider the fortunate fall that results in the greatest story of grace and redemption.Week 1 of Felix Culpa
Teacher: Devynn Brankel
The account of the crucifixion is surrounded by stories of the disciples’ great failure. Like the church today, the disciples were simultaneously saints and sinners. The most notorious of these sinners is Judas Iscariot. What fortune can we find in Judas' betrayal, and in our own struggles to stay loyal to Christ?
Gun violence, suicide, rape culture, naked aggression and war...the world is not well. And it’s not just in big areas, it’s in small ones too. Much of what our generation calls “culture,” Jesus and the writers of the Bible call “the world,” one of the three enemies of the soul - along with the flesh, and the devil - spoken of by ancient apprentices of Jesus. Join Damascus Road for World on Fire because we need to learn to be in the world but not of it, to be a city on a hill pointing the way to a whole different way to live.
Week 3 of World On Fire
Teacher: Ryan Miller
Jesus encouraged us to count the cost of following him but there’s a cost to not following him as well. Jesus invited us to die to ourselves and in our culture of self-gratification and instant everything, self-denial and sacrifice seems foolish. But Jesus tells us his way is the path to true life. What is our soul worth and can we afford not to follow his way?
Gun violence, suicide, rape culture, naked aggression and war...the world is not well. And it’s not just in big areas, it’s in small ones too. Much of what our generation calls “culture,” Jesus and the writers of the Bible call “the world,” one of the three enemies of the soul - along with the flesh, and the devil - spoken of by ancient apprentices of Jesus. Join Damascus Road for World on Fire because we need to learn to be in the world but not of it, to be a city on a hill pointing the way to a whole different way to live.
Week 2 of World On Fire
Teacher: Megan Miller
Followers of Jesus are a cognitive minority. The way of Jesus is narrow and limiting but it leads to life and flourishing. His followers are to be an example that life can be different with God. That Jesus is better. The church is to be a community that points the way to the kingdom. We live in the world and demonstrate that there’s another option from the way of the world.
A lot hinges on the little word if. What if things were different? What if I could change? If only I hadn't done that. If only things were the way they used to be. If I had x, then I could do y. If she hadn't said that, then I wouldn't have done this. What does it mean to live as if what God says about me is true? Join Damascus Road for this 2020 series as we dive into this small word and explore the if's of regret, excuses, purpose, and identity through people in the Bible who brought their big and little if's to God.
Part 4 of IFTeacher: Dave Chojnacki
Original Date: September 13th, 2020
Our behaviors are informed by what we believe. If we believe boats float, we'll ride them. If we believe the earth is round. we'll sail over the horizon. And if we believe what God says about us is true, we will behave differently, but most of us don't live as if what God says about us is true. What would our lives look like if we actually believed --and lived -- as if we are God's beloved, we are his child, we are safe, we are secure, we are held? This week, we explore the if of identity through the story of Peter walking out in faith, believing that what Jesus said about him was true and finding that it became true when he lived as if it were.
A lot hinges on the little word if. What if things were different? What if I could change? If only I hadn't done that. If only things were the way they used to be. If I had x, then I could do y. If she hadn't said that, then I wouldn't have done this. What does it mean to live as if what God says about me is true? Join Damascus Road for this 2020 series as we dive into this small word and explore the if's of regret, excuses, purpose, and identity through people in the Bible who brought their big and little if's to God.
Part 3 of IF
Teacher: Megan Stibrich
Original Date: September 6th, 2020
Sometimes our lives don't fit the shape of what we were hoping for. We're stuck in a job we didn't want, our finances are difficult, we're in a hard marriage, or life is just a little lack-luster and boring. But what if God has placed you exactly where you are for a reason? What if your particular circumstances, your particular story, your particular place in the world are exactly where he wants you? What if you can join the shape of God's bigger story exactly where you are? This week explores the if of purpose and finding meaning in exactly where we are through the story of Esther.
A lot hinges on the little word if. What if things were different? What if I could change? If only I hadn't done that. If only things were the way they used to be. If I had x, then I could do y. If she hadn't said that, then I wouldn't have done this. What does it mean to live as if what God says about me is true? Join Damascus Road for this 2020 series as we dive into this small word and explore the if's of regret, excuses, purpose, and identity through people in the Bible who brought their big and little if's to God.
Part 2 of IFTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Original Date: August 30th, 2020
When we are met with difficulty, hardship, the consequences of sin, or unfavorable circumstances, our first instinct is often to blame. We blame others, we blame ourselves, we blame God. We make excuses for why we can't do this thing or why this is so hard or why we're justified in choosing poor behavior. But choosing blame and excuses invalidates our God-given autonomy and authority for our own choices, no matter what external factors are coming against us.
There are certain places the biblical narrative keeps coming back to - a stormy sea, a breathtaking mountaintop, a vast desert, a lush garden. While the significance of these places may be lost on us, the ancient reader would understand their meaning right away. These are places where one would meet God, places of chaos, places of life, and places of solitude, and they are as accessible to us today as they were then. Join Damascus Road for Holy Places, as we turn to these set apart settings of the Bible to discover the deeper meaning of seas, mountains, deserts, and gardens.
Week 3 of Holy PlacesTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
The desert is not typically a place you want to be. It is hot and dry, full of sharp plants and stinging animals. It is not a place one willingly spends much time, but in the Bible, we see people spending tremendous amounts of time in the desert. The Israelites wander for 40 years in the desert. Jesus fasts for 40 days in the desert. Why? Because they’re about to enter the promised land, and he’s about to begin his ministry. This is the place where God prepares us.
A lot hinges on the little word if. What if things were different? What if I could change? If only I hadn't done that. If only things were the way they used to be. If I had x, then I could do y. If she hadn't said that, then I wouldn't have done this. What does it mean to live as if what God says about me is true? Join Damascus Road for this 2020 series as we dive into this small word and explore the if's of regret, excuses, purpose, and identity through people in the Bible who brought their big and little if's to God.
Part 1 of IFTeacher: Ryan Miller
Original Date: August 23rd, 2020
When we feel unsatisfied with the present, it can be easy to wish the past had been different. "If only I hadn't taken this job." "If only we hadn't moved." "if only I had pursued this degree instead of that one." "If only my parents had taught me how to handle money." "If only I hadn't made this decision, done that thing, or did this instead." The regrets go on and on. The weight of past regret can be excruciating to bear because no matter how much we cry "if only" we can't change the past.
There are certain places the biblical narrative keeps coming back to - a stormy sea, a breathtaking mountaintop, a vast desert, a lush garden. While the significance of these places may be lost on us, the ancient reader would understand their meaning right away. These are places where one would meet God, places of chaos, places of life, and places of solitude, and they are as accessible to us today as they were then. Join Damascus Road for Holy Places, as we turn to these set apart settings of the Bible to discover the deeper meaning of seas, mountains, deserts, and gardens.
Week 2 of Holy PlacesTeacher: Ryan Miller
To the ancients, the mountaintop is a place that is closer to God, literally in cases like the Greeks whose pantheon of gods resided on the nearby Mount Olympus. In Scripture people meet God on the mountaintop. From Mount Sinai to Calvary, mountains are a holy site. Let us turn towards the mountains, the place where God meets us.
There are certain places the biblical narrative keeps coming back to - a stormy sea, a breathtaking mountaintop, a vast desert, a lush garden. While the significance of these places may be lost on us, the ancient reader would understand their meaning right away. These are places where one would meet God, places of chaos, places of life, and places of solitude, and they are as accessible to us today as they were then. Join Damascus Road for Holy Places, as we turn to these set apart settings of the Bible to discover the deeper meaning of seas, mountains, deserts, and gardens.
Week 1 of Holy PlacesTeacher: Megan Miller
In the ancient world, deep water represented chaos and evil. Just look at storms out on the ocean and seas or pictures of rogue waves crashing over ships and it is easy to understand why. In the ancient world, the uncreated state that is uninhabitable to humans is the chaotic watery wilderness. However, in the Bible, God uses this place of chaos to demonstrate God’s power. Not only that, God invites people, us, into those demonstrations of power. God calls Noah to build a great ark that will save his family. In the belly of a great fish, Jonah accepts God’s mission. Out on the waves, Peter steps out of a boat to join his savior. This place of great chaos and power is the place where God calls us.
Freedom is perhaps the paramount value of the American cultural experiment. But what started as a freedom for the pursuit of happiness has become a freedom from all outside authority or restraint. And instead of more freedom we are finding that without some limitations people are floundering. Without some guidance beyond our feelings we quickly follow those feelings not to freedom but to bondage. Absolute freedom has actually led to slavery. It does not deliver what it promises. For us to flourish we need more than just freedom. Join Damascus Road for The Slavery of Freedom as we explore what the Bible says we actually need to live a truly free life and how to break the chains we find on our hearts.
Week 4 of The Slavery of FreedomTeacher: Devynn Brankel
There is a path to true freedom. To find it we have to follow Jesus and trust that his mental maps, that his teachings, that his way is true and good. We have to enter the divine experiment of living in his way and discover he is the source of all love and life. To follow Jesus is to resist the disordered desires of our flesh and to live into the new, redeemed desires of the Spirit, and there we will know freedom.
Freedom is perhaps the paramount value of the American cultural experiment. But what started as a freedom for the pursuit of happiness has become a freedom from all outside authority or restraint. And instead of more freedom we are finding that without some limitations people are floundering. Without some guidance beyond our feelings we quickly follow those feelings not to freedom but to bondage. Absolute freedom has actually led to slavery. It does not deliver what it promises. For us to flourish we need more than just freedom. Join Damascus Road for The Slavery of Freedom as we explore what the Bible says we actually need to live a truly free life and how to break the chains we find on our hearts.
Week 3 of The Slavery of FreedomTeacher: Megan Stibrich
Our habits and actions have consequences. Much like gardening when we plant a tomato seed we grow a tomato plant. When we plant seeds of unrestrained anger, lust or instant gratification we receive those flowers in full bloom in our lives. What goes around comes around, karma, you get what you pay for, it’s described in many different ways. The Bible calls it sowing and reaping. When we sow to the flesh, and choose unrestraint and freedom first what we reap is slavery. Or we can sow the spirit, accepting the limits that produce life, and yield a destiny of love and true freedom.
Freedom is perhaps the paramount value of the American cultural experiment. But what started as a freedom for the pursuit of happiness has become a freedom from all outside authority or restraint. And instead of more freedom we are finding that without some limitations people are floundering. Without some guidance beyond our feelings we quickly follow those feelings not to freedom but to bondage. Absolute freedom has actually led to slavery. It does not deliver what it promises. For us to flourish we need more than just freedom. Join Damascus Road for The Slavery of Freedom as we explore what the Bible says we actually need to live a truly free life and how to break the chains we find on our hearts.
Week 1 of The Slavery of FreedomTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
There are more enemies than lies and the devil - there are our own internal drives that push us in different directions. The Apostle Paul told us that there is a war going on within us between the spirit and the flesh. In this teaching we lay out a Biblical theology of the flesh; this animalistic, primal drive in all of us, that wars against the Spirit in our heart and we explore the radical redefinition of freedom and slavery in the West.
Three ghosts visit the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve, and over the course of one night, forever change him into a generous man who truly knew how to keep Christmas in his heart. We may not be visited by Ghosts, but we celebrate a different visitor this Christmas season, Jesus Christ. Join Damascus Road this Christmas season for A Christmas Carol as we consider what the birth of Jesus Christ means for our own past, present, and yet to come.
Week 3 of A Christmas CarolTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is the most frightening of all, showing Scrooge a future without grace and repentance. The joy of Christmas is in not only how it can reshape our understanding of our pasts and present, but it can fundamentally change our future. Christmases now and Christmases yet to come are a chance to experience the grace of a God who loves us so dearly He chose to be born as a humble child. It is a time of celebrating the goodness of God now, and the life that is yet to come. As we look to our Christmases Yet to Come, are we seeing a hopeless, unchanging future or one filled with life and worthy of a heavenly chorus?
Three ghosts visit the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve, and over the course of one night, forever change him into a generous man who truly knew how to keep Christmas in his heart. We may not be visited by Ghosts, but we celebrate a different visitor this Christmas season, Jesus Christ. Join Damascus Road this Christmas season for A Christmas Carol as we consider what the birth of Jesus Christ means for our own past, present, and yet to come.
Week 2 of A Christmas CarolTeacher: Megan Miller
Upon meeting Scrooge, the Ghost of Christmas Present declares, "My mind is full of the here and now” before whisking Scrooge off to show him the Christmas celebrations of those around him, including his poor but loving nephew Fred and his loyal but unappreciated employee Bob Kratchet. Scrooge was always too focused on his work to see the joy of their celebrations. We also often struggle to be present in our presents, but Christmas reminds us our savior first blessed us with his holy presence as he was born a human infant. As we consider our Christmas Present, let us learn to be present with our present God.
Three ghosts visit the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve, and over the course of one night, forever change him into a generous man who truly knew how to keep Christmas in his heart. We may not be visited by Ghosts, but we celebrate a different visitor this Christmas season, Jesus Christ. Join Damascus Road this Christmas season for A Christmas Carol as we consider what the birth of Jesus Christ means for our own past, present, and yet to come.
Week 1 of A Christmas CarolTeacher: Megan Stibrich
The first ghost is a light unto Scrooge’s past, showing him events full of pain, longing, and joy that shape the man he has become. Our own pasts are also full of stories that make us who we are today. Each year Christmas invites us to look back on our pasts, on our stories, our traditions, on promises broken and fulfilled, as Jesus’ birth was the fulfillment of a long awaited promise in the midst of a long and painful story. As we examine our Christmases Past, can we learn from them about who we have become? And what new story are we invited into this day?
Jesus calls us into something better in His kingdom than overfilling our homes and schedules trying to find something to fill the sense of lack that we feel. The way of Jesus calls us towards freedom, to abide in his goodness and love, to savor what really matters, towards true contentment and generosity. In this series on Jesus’s radical discipline of simplicity, we will go deeper on what He tells us will truly satisfy.
Week 6 of All That is Needed Teacher: Ryan Miller
No matter how much we have, we each face a struggle to feel at peace with our circumstances. We want more, whether it’s more stuff, more time, more validation, more peace, more of anything. Until we face this soul craving and invite God to meet us in that space, we will continue to feel an ache that cannot be satisfied apart from the One who truly provides for us. Through the entwined practices of contentment and generosity, we can seek God in our disordered desires and find peace and joy beyond our understanding.
Jesus calls us into something better in His kingdom than overfilling our homes and schedules trying to find something to fill the sense of lack that we feel. The way of Jesus calls us towards freedom, to abide in his goodness and love, to savor what really matters, towards true contentment and generosity. In this series on Jesus’s radical discipline of simplicity, we will go deeper on what He tells us will truly satisfy.
Week 4 of All That is Needed Teacher: Brad Miller
God designed fun-we are hardwired for joy and delight. At the same time, the toll of excess and want push this desire for pleasure out of alignment with God, leading us into fleeting pleasures that leave us and others hurting and unsatisfied. In a broken world, our pursuit of fun and pleasure is broken too, leading us out of real delight and into control, exploitation, and pain. Let’s explore what wisdom the Bible offers in how to simplify our desires towards the pleasure and delight God has for us.
From bumper stickers and Facebook posts asking for “God Bless America” to the idea of “One Nation Under God” our American and Christian identities appear to be pretty compatible. However, as politics divide us and friends and family fight while the Church struggles to bring people together, we need to step back and reconsider. What does it mean to be a Christian in America? Join us for American/Christian, a 2020 Damascus Road series, and consider how our American Dream can be replaced by a God-centered, neighbor-loving Christian Dream.
Part 4 of American/ChristianTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Original Date: November 1st, 2020
The history we hear in our textbooks, novels, and stories is that America was a pristine wilderness waiting to be discovered and settled by Christians from Europe, pursuing religious liberty, and that the great sin of our age is that we Americans have not returned to our hallowed, God-ordained roots. We have absorbed a persistent imperative to do our part to return Christians in America to our former political, social, and cultural power, and to make America what it once was. But Jesus, who was God, did not come to seek power. He came to be king of a different type of kingdom, one that won hearts through love, humility, and service instead of power and might. And he changed the world in incredible and dramatic ways. As Christians, if we hope to see the world change, should we seek power or are we called to something else?
From bumper stickers and Facebook posts asking for “God Bless America” to the idea of “One Nation Under God” our American and Christian identities appear to be pretty compatible. However, as politics divide us and friends and family fight while the Church struggles to bring people together, we need to step back and reconsider. What does it mean to be a Christian in America? Join us for American/Christian, a 2020 Damascus Road series, and consider how our American Dream can be replaced by a God-centered, neighbor-loving Christian Dream.
Part 3 of American/ChristianTeacher: Devynn Brankel
Original Date: October 25th, 2020
We fear what we cannot see, what we cannot control. We fear sharks because they are huge and powerful, and lurk in the depths of the ocean, even though refrigerators kill more people each year. We fear others who are not like us because we do not understand them, their story, or their dreams. Instead of loving our neighbors, we fear our neighbors and retreat into our homes and lock the doors for safety. Safety is fundamental to American life. We desire safety. We avoid pain, danger, and even discomfort if we can help it. But does Jesus offer us safety or security in this world? Or are we called to something else?
From bumper stickers and Facebook posts asking for “God Bless America” to the idea of “One Nation Under God” our American and Christian identities appear to be pretty compatible. However, as politics divide us and friends and family fight while the Church struggles to bring people together, we need to step back and reconsider. What does it mean to be a Christian in America? Join us for American/Christian, a 2020 Damascus Road series, and consider how our American Dream can be replaced by a God-centered, neighbor-loving Christian Dream.
Part 2 of American/ChristianTeacher: Brad Miller
Original Date: October 18th, 2020
In America, we are not comfortable talking about money, yet at the same time, we’re inundated with messages telling us we never have enough and need more. We need a bigger house in the nicer part of town, the new clothes which happen to be on sale, and all the trappings of a luxurious or at least a comfortable lifestyle. America is the promise of affluence, but not for everyone. The system simply does not work for everyone. How does our own pursuit of the American Dream keep us from seeing the poor, the disenfranchised, and the marginalized that Jesus spent so much time with, that Jesus declared blessed?
From bumper stickers and Facebook posts asking for “God Bless America” to the idea of “One Nation Under God” our American and Christian identities appear to be pretty compatible. However, as politics divide us and friends and family fight while the Church struggles to bring people together, we need to step back and reconsider. What does it mean to be a Christian in America? Join us for American/Christian, a 2020 Damascus Road series, and consider how our American Dream can be replaced by a God-centered, neighbor-loving Christian Dream.
Part 1 of American/ChristianTeacher: Megan Stibrich
Original Date: October 11th, 2020
In America, we are not comfortable talking about money, yet at the same time, we’re inundated with messages telling us we never have enough and need more. We need a bigger house in the nicer part of town, the new clothes which happen to be on sale, and all the trappings of a luxurious or at least a comfortable lifestyle. America is the promise of affluence, but not for everyone. The system simply does not work for everyone. How does our own pursuit of the American Dream keep us from seeing the poor, the disenfranchised, and the marginalized that Jesus spent so much time with, that Jesus declared blessed?
We are at war. Not with a foreign government or domestic terrorists or a creepy new artificial intelligence hell-bent on taking over the world. No, it’s a war we feel deep inside our own chests: we are at war with lies. We battle with ideas and the devil. As a generation, we chuckle at the devil as a premodern myth, but Jesus took the devil and his lies with deadly seriousness, and we need to as well. The choice is not whether to fight or not fight, but whether we win or surrender. Join us for this critical series unpacking lies and truth as well as spiritual reality.
Week 4 of Talking Back to the Devil
Teacher: Ryan Miller
From Fake News to Troll Farms we are being fed information. Or more accurately disinformation. And it’s not only distorting reality but it’s destroying lives. But it’s hard to resist a lie that you don’t recognize as a lie. What are some of the core lies we’re believing and how can we sort lies from truth?
We are at war. Not with a foreign government or domestic terrorists or a creepy new artificial intelligence hell-bent on taking over the world. No, it’s a war we feel deep inside our own chests: we are at war with lies. We battle with ideas and the devil. As a generation, we chuckle at the devil as a premodern myth, but Jesus took the devil and his lies with deadly seriousness, and we need to as well. The choice is not whether to fight or not fight, but whether we win or surrender. Join us for this critical series unpacking lies and truth as well as spiritual reality.
Week 3 of Talking Back to the DevilTeacher: Megan Stibrich
We all live by what psychologists call mental maps of reality. Not only how to literally navigate from home to work but how to live in the world. And if our maps are good we are able to navigate the world well. But if they don’t correspond to reality, if they are off, if they aren’t true, we flounder instead of flourish.
We are at war. Not with a foreign government or domestic terrorists or a creepy new artificial intelligence hell-bent on taking over the world. No, it’s a war we feel deep inside our own chests: we are at war with lies. We battle with ideas and the devil. As a generation, we chuckle at the devil as a premodern myth, but Jesus took the devil and his lies with deadly seriousness, and we need to as well. The choice is not whether to fight or not fight, but whether we win or surrender. Join us for this critical series unpacking lies and truth as well as spiritual reality.
Week 2 of Talking Back to the DevilTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
The secular world laughs off the idea of the devil. “Now we know better” is the mantra of the progressive west. But Jesus called the devil the father of lies and had plenty to say about his purpose and methods. For Jesus, the devil’s primary strategy to ruin the soul and society isn’t what most of us expect. It’s lies.
We are at war. Not with a foreign government or domestic terrorists or a creepy new artificial intelligence hell-bent on taking over the world. No, it’s a war we feel deep inside our own chests: we are at war with lies. We battle with ideas and the devil. As a generation, we chuckle at the devil as a premodern myth, but Jesus took the devil and his lies with deadly seriousness, and we need to as well. The choice is not whether to fight or not fight, but whether we win or surrender. Join us for this critical series unpacking lies and truth as well as spiritual reality.
Week 1 of Talking Back to the DevilTeacher: Brad Miller
A Litany of Lies
We are swimming in information. All around us are messages clamoring for our attention and without vigilance we internalize the values and lies we hear with little thought. How bad is the problem really? How have lies become confused with the truth? And who’s behind it all?
Join Damascus Road for a Dinner Party! We will be addressing everything that goes into a great party like hospitality, open dialogue, delicious food, and a servant hearted clean up crew. To learn how to have the greatest dinner party possible we will dive deep into 4 lessons from Jesus about how the kingdom of God is a great feast.
Week 4 of Dinner PartyTeacher: Devynn Brankel
Doing Dishes // Jesus washes the disciples' feet at the feast | John 13:1-17
The kingdom feast isn’t just about enjoying ourselves, it’s about opening our doors to others and serving in love. As co-creators with Christ we have the blessing and responsibility in making this party happen. What is our attitude towards this dirty work of chopping the veggies, filling glasses, and doing the dishes? Are we willing to sacrifice our comfort to serve our fellow guests, and make this a party to remember?
Join Damascus Road for a Dinner Party! We will be addressing everything that goes into a great party like hospitality, open dialogue, delicious food, and a servant hearted clean up crew. To learn how to have the greatest dinner party possible we will dive deep into 4 lessons from Jesus about how the kingdom of God is a great feast.
Week 3 of Dinner PartyTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Chow Down // 3 Dinner Parties of Luke | Luke 7:36-50, Luke 10:38-42, Luke 19:1-10
It’s time to taste and see if the food tastes as good as it smells. Jesus invites us to go deeper from wanting to be fed physically to desiring spiritual food. Everyone is hungry for their needs to be met, but they’re also hungry for love, truth, hope, and meaning. Let’s chow down and see what makes the bread at Jesus’ table better than any other.
Join Damascus Road for a Dinner Party! We will be addressing everything that goes into a great party like hospitality, open dialogue, delicious food, and a servant hearted clean up crew. To learn how to have the greatest dinner party possible we will dive deep into 4 lessons from Jesus about how the kingdom of God is a great feast.
Week 2 of Dinner PartyTeacher: Megan Miller
Cocktail Hour // Matthew Party and the Great Feast | Luke 5:27-32, Luke 14:1-15
The best parties are exclusive with strict rules of who is in and who is out. But Jesus' invitation for everyone to join the feast is jarringly different to these rules. He desires a table where sinners and saints of every kind come together to ask questions, make each other laugh, and inspire curiosity to find out who God really is.
Join Damascus Road for a Dinner Party! We will be addressing everything that goes into a great party like hospitality, open dialogue, delicious food, and a servant hearted clean up crew. To learn how to have the greatest dinner party possible we will dive deep into 4 lessons from Jesus about how the kingdom of God is a great feast.
Week 1 of Dinner PartyTeacher: Ryan Miller
Setting the Table
Anyone who has thrown a dinner party knows just how much the details matter. From the menu, to the guest list, to the decor and the music. As we prepare our dinner party, let’s be intentional in how we set this table for a memorable and joyful night for everyone. You are invited to help us plan this party and take a seat at the table.
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 14 of Left UnreadTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Jude 1 // A Call to Remain Faithful
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 13 of Left UnreadTeacher: Brad Miller
2 Peter 3 // Affliction to the Comfortable
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 12 of Left UnreadTeacher: Megan Miller
2 Peter 2 // False Teachers & Fallen Angels
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 11 of Left UnreadTeacher: Ryan Miller
2 Peter 1 // All We Need for Living a Godly Life
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 10 of Left UnreadTeacher: Dave Chojnacki
1 Peter 5:1-14 // Unity, Humility, & Resistance
We apologize for the audio quality of the episode
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 9 of Left UnreadTeacher: Aaron Palmatier
1 Peter 4:12-19 // Suffering & Christian Identity
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 8 of Left UnreadTeacher: Caleb Martinez
1 Peter 4:1-11 // Living No Longer as Gentiles
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 7 of Left UnreadTeacher: Elohim Salazar
1 Peter 3:13-22 // Doing What is Right in the Face of Hostility
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 6 of Left UnreadTeacher: Tim Suddarth
1 Peter 3:1-12 // Family of God & Pagan Households
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 5 of Left UnreadTeacher: Myke Dickens
1 Peter 2:11-25 // Resident Aliens & Foreigners in the Empire
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 3 of Left UnreadTeacher: Bob Lehman
1 Peter 2:4-2:10 // Elect & Holy People of God
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 3 of Left UnreadTeacher: Devynn Brankel
1 Peter 1:22-2:3 // Newborns and Milk
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 2 of Left UnreadTeacher: Bob Lehman
1 Peter 1:13-21 // Freedom in God & Christ
Near the end of the New Testament are a series of books we often forget and know little about - 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude. But they’re important, and they have a message worth listening to. It is a message of faith that is practiced, not only believed. They speak to patient endurance in the midst of a hostile world. Join Damascus Road as we explore 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude and discover the story they tell, the story of Christ, which is the story of Israel and of God’s purposes from creation to new creation.
Week 1 of Left UnreadTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
1 Peter 1:1-12 // New Birth into a Living Hope
In Ecclesiastes, the Teacher shares this wisdom as he expresses some of the bitter ironies of life. He seeks meaning in work, pleasure, new endeavors, rest, and even death. He declares that all of it is meaningless, but in the end he learns that all have their time, all are a part of life, like the different seasons. It is when we meet God in these rhythms that we find meaning. Join Damascus Road as we dive into Ecclesiastes and learn to encounter God in the Four Seasons.
Week 4 of Four SeasonsTeacher: Brad Miller
Winter arrives as the year ends and the cold arrives. The colors of the rest of the year are replaced by whites and grays. It is easy to feel cold and alone. We also face endings in life as nothing lasts forever. Jobs end. Relationships end. A project we worked on for years on ends. Our children move out and their time at home ends. Endings are a part of life, reminding us of our limitations. Death is the ultimate end to all our lives as the Teacher writes, the ultimate reminder of our limitations. If everything ends, then is anything meaningful? It is all long gone and plays no part in anything anymore. Let us learn to embrace Winter as we seek out God, even in the times of endings and limits.
In Ecclesiastes, the Teacher shares this wisdom as he expresses some of the bitter ironies of life. He seeks meaning in work, pleasure, new endeavors, rest, and even death. He declares that all of it is meaningless, but in the end he learns that all have their time, all are a part of life, like the different seasons. It is when we meet God in these rhythms that we find meaning. Join Damascus Road as we dive into Ecclesiastes and learn to encounter God in the Four Seasons.
Week 3 of Four SeasonsTeacher: Dave Chojnacki
Autumn is the time to reap and harvest what was sown in the spring and grown in the summer. It is the season for work. For students, it is the time to go back to school, to do the work of learning again. But the Teacher asks, what is it all for? What do we get in this life for all our hard work and anxiety? Let us learn to find joy in the Fall as we discover how to meet God in the time of work and harvest.
In Ecclesiastes, the Teacher shares this wisdom as he expresses some of the bitter ironies of life. He seeks meaning in work, pleasure, new endeavors, rest, and even death. He declares that all of it is meaningless, but in the end he learns that all have their time, all are a part of life, like the different seasons. It is when we meet God in these rhythms that we find meaning. Join Damascus Road as we dive into Ecclesiastes and learn to encounter God in the Four Seasons.
Week 2 of Four SeasonsTeacher: Megan Stibrich
Spring is the season of beginnings and possibilities as flowers bloom and grow, birds return from migration, animals awaken from hibernation. Warmth and life returns after months of cold emptiness. Our lives have seasons of newness as we try new things or face new possibilities. Yet as the Teacher seeks meaning in life, he tries out creating new things and seeking new experiences, but he finds that these are meaningless. Is anything truly new? Let us learn to enjoy the Spring as we consider how we can meet God in the times of our lives of beginnings and possibilities.
In Ecclesiastes, the Teacher shares this wisdom as he expresses some of the bitter ironies of life. He seeks meaning in work, pleasure, new endeavors, rest, and even death. He declares that all of it is meaningless, but in the end he learns that all have their time, all are a part of life, like the different seasons. It is when we meet God in these rhythms that we find meaning. Join Damascus Road as we dive into Ecclesiastes and learn to encounter God in the Four Seasons.
Week 1 of Four SeasonsTeacher: Tyler Stibrich Spring is the season of beginnings and possibilities as flowers bloom and grow, birds return from migration, animals awaken from hibernation. Warmth and life returns after months of cold emptiness. Our lives have seasons of newness as we try new things or face new possibilities. Yet as the Teacher seeks meaning in life, he tries out creating new things and seeking new experiences, but he finds that these are meaningless. Is anything truly new? Let us learn to enjoy the Spring as we consider how we can meet God in the times of our lives of beginnings and possibilities.
Jesus offers us new life, but learning to follow him can be like learning a new dance. There are steps to learn and rehearse, but there is also freedom. Join us for Dance Lessons, the 2020 Damascus Road Easter series, and we’ll explore together the new dance Jesus offers us to teach us when we embrace life with him.
Part 4 of Dance LessonsTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Original Date: April 19th, 2020
The Dance of God may be new to us, but it is as older than time itself as the Father, Son, and Spirit dance and flow in and around one another. It is a dance characterized not by self-centeredness but by mutual self-giving love. Let us explore the Trinity through this imagery of dance as we seek to understand what it means to have a triune God.
Jesus offers us new life, but learning to follow him can be like learning a new dance. There are steps to learn and rehearse, but there is also freedom. Join us for Dance Lessons, the 2020 Damascus Road Easter series, and we’ll explore together the new dance Jesus offers us to teach us when we embrace life with him.
Part 3 of Dance LessonsTeacher: Ryan Miller
Original Date: April 12th, 2020 // Easter Sunday //
The old dance of the world ended on the cross, but on the third day, a new dance begins. Jesus leaps from the empty tomb as his followers struggle to understand. Everything is new and different. Jesus' resurrection is the new life that changes the world. Let us learn the new dance and the hope to be found in the reality of the resurrection.
Week 4 of Passing OverTeacher: Devynn Brankel
At his last Passover on earth, Jesus tells us that the meaning of the Passover is to be fulfilled by his body and blood, poured out and broken for us. This is the culmination of what all the signs and wonders have been pointing to -- can we see it?
Jesus offers us new life, but learning to follow him can be like learning a new dance. There are steps to learn and rehearse, but there is also freedom. Join us for Dance Lessons, the 2020 Damascus Road Easter series, and we’ll explore together the new dance Jesus offers us to teach us when we embrace life with him.
Part 2 of Dance LessonsTeacher: Brad Miller
Original Date: April 5th, 2020
We may have been dancing with the wrong partner, but thankfully Jesus cuts in and takes the lead. He teaches us the dance with his life and then he dies for us. But the question we find ourselves asking is why? Why did Jesus have to die for us to live? Was there no other way?
Jesus offers us new life, but learning to follow him can be like learning a new dance. There are steps to learn and rehearse, but there is also freedom. Join us for Dance Lessons, the 2020 Damascus Road Easter series, and we’ll explore together the new dance Jesus offers us to teach us when we embrace life with him.
Part 1 of Dance LessonsTeacher: Megan Stibrich
Original Date: March 29th, 2020
Sin is not only doing the wrong thing. It is our disordered desires. It is our attempts to fill the voids only God can fill. It can be putting good things in the place of God. It is choosing the wrong partner in the dance of life. Let us consider the things we have put in the place of God, even the good things, that keep us out of step with our Lord.
Week 3 of Passing OverTeacher: Ryan Miller
John 6:1-15
As the Passover draws near, Jesus feeds 5000, after which the people try to make him a Messiah King. But Jesus refuses, amending our expectations of what “saving” means from a political, socioeconomic dream to a spiritual reality.
Week 2 of Passing Over
Teacher: Brad Miller
John 2:13-25
Coming to the temple for Passover, Jesus is consumed with anger over the injustice being committed there, and drives out the money-lenders and sellers. When the religious leaders ask for a sign, Jesus foretells his death and resurrection.
Week 1 of Passing OverTeacher: Megan Miller
Luke 2:41-52
At age twelve, Jesus travels to Jerusalem with his family to celebrate the Passover, where he is found after three days of anxious searching seated in his father's house.
When the world around us is spinning out of control, where do we turn? Join us for Into the Storm, a 2017 Damascus Road series, as we learn about an angry king, a devastating drought, epic opposition and the one man who overcomes it all pointing the way for us to face life's challenges today: Elijah.
Part 4 of Into the StormTeacher: Renay Burger
Original Date: October 22nd, 2017
After big events or significant moments in our lives we often feel let down. The high is over and we’re left in the valley. For some of us the valley isn’t a place we visit from time to time, it’s where we live. Elijah faced depression and suicidal thoughts but found his way out of the valley of the shadow of death with God’s help. What can we learn from his struggle?
When the world around us is spinning out of control, where do we turn? Join us for Into the Storm, a 2017 Damascus Road series, as we learn about an angry king, a devastating drought, epic opposition and the one man who overcomes it all pointing the way for us to face life's challenges today: Elijah.
Part 3 of Into the StormTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Original Date: October 15th, 2017
Every commercial promises that the product it advertises will change our lives. We’ll feel better, look better, be better. And while we know that no new purchase will change us, sometimes we wish it would. Maybe this house/car/phone/book has the answer to life the universe and everything! God invites us to look to Him for true life but we keep taking our needs to things that can’t ever meet them. In Elijah’s time they were called idols and we still worship them today - they just go by different names.
Week 6 of TerraformTeacher: Devynn Brankel
What if we could terraform reality? This is the part of the process where terraforming falls apart, because we have forgotten how to dream. As we age we forget how to dream because life experience solidifies our imagination. We think the real world is logical and rational, but in reality it’s much more wild and whimsical than we give it credit for. What if our imaginations are stuck because the assumptions about the reality we live in are wrong? The multiverse theory says that running parallel to our reality are multiple other realities where events or decisions we made in our world are different. The possibilities are endless, and therefore so are the number of realities. What if the ways we are trying to fix the world aren’t working because they are building on a limited conception of reality that doesn’t add God to the equation?
When the world around us is spinning out of control, where do we turn? Join us for Into the Storm, a 2017 Damascus Road series, as we learn about an angry king, a devastating drought, epic opposition and the one man who overcomes it all pointing the way for us to face life's challenges today: Elijah.
Part 2 of Into the StormTeacher: Ryan Miller
Original Date: October 8th, 2017
In the face of challenge what do we do? Think of solutions? Call our parents or friends? Talk to our spouses? When do we finally turn to God in prayer? Elijah prayed and fire fell from Heaven. He prayed and it didn’t rain for three and a half years. What has God done in response to our prayers? Maybe we can learn something from Elijah about prayer and how we should be calling out to God.
When the world around us is spinning out of control, where do we turn? Join us for Into the Storm, a 2017 Damascus Road series, as we learn about an angry king, a devastating drought, epic opposition and the one man who overcomes it all pointing the way for us to face life's challenges today: Elijah.
Part 1 of Into the StormTeacher: Ryan Miller
Original Date: October 1st, 2017
We don’t spring from the womb ready to run, we have to learn to crawl and walk first. Our lives are a constant process of growth and change that can result in great character and influence. How does God develop us into people who are aligned with His purposes and love? It is often through pain and struggle. It certainly was for Elijah who models for us how to grow through the challenge instead of being broken by it.
Week 5 of TerraformTeacher: Ryan Miller
Relax, Remember, Breathe. How are we supposed to terraform the world when we can’t hear our own thoughts? It’s so loud we try to drown it out constantly. How much money and time have you spent on distraction just this month? Our world and our brains have become noisy, but if we want to build a better world we need to quiet down the noise so we can figure out what matters. Remembering the peace of Jesus and the truth in God’s wisdom gives us an anchor as we terraform the world around us.
Week 4 of TerraformTeacher: Megan Miller
“Evangelical” politics, media and education are all fighting for Jesus’ empire to win. But you cannot fight an empire with more empire, because the empire always strikes back. Jesus didn’t bring a new empire, he brought the kingdom. The empire says only some parts of the body matter, the kingdom says everybody matters. The empire says there isn’t enough so you have to look out for yourself, but the Kingdom says there is more than enough for you and all of your neighbors. How can we terraform a world that flourishes in God’s kingdom instead of falling prey to empires that seek to control it? How can we ingrain abundance and neighborliness into our homes and societies?
Week 3 of TerraformTeacher: Megan Stibrich
Mud is magic. We put seeds in the ground and it creates life! So if we are made of the soil then what are we made of? What life are we creating? What does the earth have to tell us about God, who we are, and how we are all connected to each other? “The soil is sacred + The soil is a gift + You have always been one with the soil + you are made of the soil = you are a sacred gift.”
Week 2 of TerraformTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Our stories create worlds, and bad stories destroy worlds. Nefarious origin stories have skewed our views of ourselves and others and allowed gross injustices. But great storytelling and excellent art can create and shape new perspectives of the world and make all of us better. We are our stories, so if we want to terraform who we will become we must learn to tell a better origin story both personally and collectively.
Week 1 of TerraformTeacher: Devynn Brankel
Earth is a miracle. The sky has everything that we need to breathe. We put seeds in the ground and it grows all the food we need. It is the only planet we know of, maybe the only planet at all that does this. The earth doesn't need to be terraformed. Humans, however, that’s another story. What if we apply the idea of terraforming to our world today? What if you could terraform the culture, your family, your inner world, and yourself? What if we thought about our cultural climate in the same way we consider the actual climate, and the harvestable ground was represented by the ideas we plant in others hearts and minds? What if our words created worlds?
Week 4 of Altared CarbonTeacher: Megan Miller
In the beginning, we were naked and unashamed. But when sin entered the world, we began a legacy of hiding, shame, and broken sexuality. God made our whole bodies intended for sex to be a good and beautiful gift for us, but many of us do not experience sex or the complexities of intimacy in the joyful and life giving way it was created for. How can we embrace healing in our sexuality? What does God's gift of sex look like? How can we once again be naked and unashamed?
As we begin the new year, join us for Liturgy of the Ordinary, a 2019 Damascus Road series. Instead of trying out a big and flashy resolution we forget by February, let's look at the ordinary in life, faith in small moments, spiritual formation in its daily, molecular form, because the only way we are formed and changed into the likeness of Christ is day by day... So what we do in this one, ordinary day matters.
Part 6 of Liturgy of the OrdinaryTeacher: Megan Miller
Original Date: February 10th, 2019
In sleep, we are defenseless, vulnerable, limited creatures. Each night as we lay down, we are forced to acknowledge that we are not in control, that we cannot do everything, that we are finite. Who or what do we place our trust in when we become defenseless? What gods/idols are we willing to sacrifice our sleep for? Why is recognizing and embracing our limits key to our spiritual growth?
As we begin the new year, join us for Liturgy of the Ordinary, a 2019 Damascus Road series. Instead of trying out a big and flashy resolution we forget by February, let's look at the ordinary in life, faith in small moments, spiritual formation in its daily, molecular form, because the only way we are formed and changed into the likeness of Christ is day by day... So what we do in this one, ordinary day matters.
Part 5 of Liturgy of the OrdinaryTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Original Date: February 3rd, 2019
We serve a God who became flesh, who lived embodied, but as Christians we often live at odds with our bodies -- we may view them as merely tools for pleasure, or we feel deep shame about our bodies, or we worship our bodies and what we look like, or we throw our bodies into satiating every appetite. How can we learn to relate more healthily to our bodies and embrace the deeply spiritual nature of our flesh?
Week 3 of Altared CarbonTeacher: Ryan Miller
For many of us our bodies are a source of shame. It’s too fat. Too skinny. Too tall or too short. There is hair in all the wrong places or no hair on top of our head. It’s slow and weak and limited. We do not feel wonderfully made. We feel broken and wrong. Let us look at the source of our shame and what God has to say about it.
As we begin the new year, join us for Liturgy of the Ordinary, a 2019 Damascus Road series. Instead of trying out a big and flashy resolution we forget by February, let's look at the ordinary in life, faith in small moments, spiritual formation in its daily, molecular form, because the only way we are formed and changed into the likeness of Christ is day by day... So what we do in this one, ordinary day matters.
Part 4 of Liturgy of the OrdinaryTeacher: Ryan Miller
Original Date: January 27th, 2019
In the small annoyances and aggravations of our days, we glimpse the deeper fears, sins and hidden parts of ourselves we normally like to pretend don't exist. And it is in these small moments of frustration and irritation that God can meet us and form us if we learn to be open-handed and humble in these tiny crises. In these daily formations, we then develop the character to handle the big crises in life.
As we begin the new year, join us for Liturgy of the Ordinary, a 2019 Damascus Road series. Instead of trying out a big and flashy resolution we forget by February, let's look at the ordinary in life, faith in small moments, spiritual formation in its daily, molecular form, because the only way we are formed and changed into the likeness of Christ is day by day... So what we do in this one, ordinary day matters.
Part 3 of Liturgy of the OrdinaryTeacher: Dave Chojnacki
Original Date: January 20th, 2019
Our ordinary days are filled with tiny moments of awe -- the sunshine filtering through the windows, a fragrant mug of tea, the stars peeking out, a gentle touch -- but we have to cultivate eyes to see and savor these small pleasures and blessings of our days. As we develop these appetites of gratitude, our hearts and minds are turned towards the Creator and our perspectives and attitudes are gently changed.
Week 2 of Altared CarbonTeacher: Ryan Miller
You don’t just have a body, you are a body. Our souls, minds, and physical selves are all interconnected. We are told to love God with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength-all of these parts of us are valuable and intended to glorify God. We tend to swing too far in different directions here, either over-emphasizing our intellectual self and diminishing the importance of our bodies and physical needs or becoming completely beholden to our bodies and physical image. God intended for us to be whole, integrated people whose worship and relationship with God is found in every part of us, bodies included. What does it mean that we are not just brains on legs, but whole people?
As we begin the new year, join us for Liturgy of the Ordinary, a 2019 Damascus Road series. Instead of trying out a big and flashy resolution we forget by February, let's look at the ordinary in life, faith in small moments, spiritual formation in its daily, molecular form, because the only way we are formed and changed into the likeness of Christ is day by day... So what we do in this one, ordinary day matters.
Part 2 of Liturgy of the OrdinaryTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Original Date: January 13th, 2019
We live in an instant world with immediate gratification, high speed internet, freaky fast delivery -- now, now, now, now. But stuck in traffic, we are plunged into the ancient spiritual practice of waiting and lose the illusion that time is ours. It is in waiting that we are formed and honed, developed and matured, and when we are sometimes forced to wait, we are reminded of who is actually in control of our time.
As we begin the new year, join us for Liturgy of the Ordinary, a 2019 Damascus Road series. Instead of trying out a big and flashy resolution we forget by February, let's look at the ordinary in life, faith in small moments, spiritual formation in its daily, molecular form, because the only way we are formed and changed into the likeness of Christ is day by day... So what we do in this one, ordinary day matters.
Part 1 of Liturgy of the OrdinaryTeacher: Megan Stibrich
Original Date: January 6th, 2019
When we wake, we are sleepy, smelly, and have yet to have done anything of worth or note in the world. But in this moment of vulnerability and unproductiveness, we learn to embrace our true identity and worth -- found not in how put together we are, how right we are, how intelligent we are, or how much stuff we've gotten done, but simply in being God's beloved.
Week 1 of Altared CarbonTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
In Genesis, we read about how God formed our bodies and blew life into us. We are made by God out of dust and wind, body and soul. Genesis not only gives us an account of how God created humanity, but also of how God intended for humans to be. Let us return to the garden and what it means to be created by God in the image of God and declared to be very good.
Week 4 of Come to WorshipTeacher: Devynn Brankel
Christmas is here! Our waiting is over and the King is here. When Jesus was born he was greeted with joy and worship. Let us remember what we were waiting for and what it is we still wait for.
Week 3 of Come to WorshipTeacher: Brad Miller
What do I have to give? The holiday season can leave us wondering what to give to others, or feeling like we are already stretched too thin in our time, money, and energy to give any more. But what if there is more in the relationship between giving and joy than we realize? What does it mean to bring our gifts to God in worship?
This Christmas season, let's revisit a series of Christmas pasts. Join us for The Gift, a 2020 Damascus Road series exploring the significance of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). We will connect the symbolism within the story of Christ’s birth to our relationship with Jesus. We will seek new insight on the birth of Jesus to gain a deeper understanding of who He is.
Part 4 of The GiftTeacher: Ryan Miller
Original Date: December 20th, 2020
The final gift was not brought by the wise men. It was not presented to Mary or her son. The gift was the child, and he was a gift given to the world. Let us celebrate the greatest gift ever given to the world as the God of creation comes to us as an infant, humble and meek.
This Christmas season, let's revisit a series of Christmas pasts. Join us for The Gift, a 2020 Damascus Road series exploring the significance of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). We will connect the symbolism within the story of Christ’s birth to our relationship with Jesus. We will seek new insight on the birth of Jesus to gain a deeper understanding of who He is.
Part 3 of The GiftTeacher: Devynn Brankel
Original Date: December 13th, 2020
The third gift, myrrh, was a valuable gum-like substance used to embalm the dead. It is quite an odd gift to give to new parents, yet it points to another role Jesus would one day grow into - the suffering servant and the lamb of God. This gift from the beginning of the story points towards its ultimate destination. This Christmas season, let us reflect on how this story of a baby born and laid in a manger means so much more than this.
Week 2 of Come to WorshipTeacher: Ryan Miller
In a culture where many are clamoring to be seen and heard, the posture of kneeling can feel the most strange. We don’t want to submit, we don’t want to surrender, and yet many of us find ourselves (figuratively) bowing before our work, our pursuit of pleasure, or something else. How might learning to surrender and release control, bowing before our Savior, help us to draw closer to God and find new strength and purpose?
This Christmas season, let's revisit a series of Christmas pasts. Join us for The Gift, a 2020 Damascus Road series exploring the significance of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). We will connect the symbolism within the story of Christ’s birth to our relationship with Jesus. We will seek new insight on the birth of Jesus to gain a deeper understanding of who He is.
Part 2 of The GiftTeacher: Brad Miller
Original Date: December 6th, 2020
The second gift, gold, is still known and prized for its value today. It is a symbol of wealth, status, and power. It is a gift fit for a king. What kind of king will this child be? The Jewish people had long hoped for a ruler to lead them to freedom, the political leaders were fearful he could be a threat to their power, and the wise men came to this poor family and worshiped this awaited king in the child before them. As Christmas approaches, let us worship the King!
This Christmas season, let's revisit a series of Christmas pasts. Join us for The Gift, a 2020 Damascus Road series exploring the significance of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). We will connect the symbolism within the story of Christ’s birth to our relationship with Jesus. We will seek new insight on the birth of Jesus to gain a deeper understanding of who He is.
Part 1 of The GiftTeacher: Dave Chojnacki
Original Date: November 29th, 2020
The first gift, frankincense, had practical and spiritual significance. Practically, it was an oil that could be used as a balm to treat sickness and wounds. Spiritually, priests burned it as a fragrant offering to God with prayer rising like smoke to the heavens. As a gift for the infant Jesus, it recognized his holiness and his role as the High Priest. As we prepare for this Christmas season, let us seek and understand God’s holiness and the gift of the priest that was born in an inn in Bethlehem.
Week 1 of Come to WorshipTeacher: Megan Miller
In this season we can be over-focused on getting things, accumulating decorations and cookies and gifts to help satisfy what we are longing for. But the posture of lifting our hands, whether in worship or prayer, helps us learn to surrender, to offer our praise to God rather than try to get something from God. Let’s learn from the posture of the wise men bringing gifts to Jesus and how we can lift our hands towards God.
Week 4 of Bitter HerbsTeacher: Dave Chojnacki
When our pain and vision are turned toward God and we begin to heal, eventually our desire for God’s intervention diminishes. Instead, that desire is replaced with a longing to simply be with God. He is the wellspring from which peace and healing flow. When we seek those things, we find God instead. Simply being with Him in the pain, in the suffering, in the dark, is enough. A worshipful walk with God is what allows us to enter into the hope he provides.
As we explore grief and trauma in Bitter Herbs, let's revisit Joy & Mourning, a 2020 Damascus Road series that explores both the peaks -- the times of delight and exuberance and joy and feasting -- and also the troughs -- the times of emptiness and sorrow and disappointment and mourning of the human experience. In order to embrace our humanity and the complicated messy lives that God has blessed us with, we need to learn how to be comfortable with both the peaks and the troughs. How do we celebrate well? How do we grieve well? How do we practice and choose joy? How do we practice and choose to mourn? Join us as we learn how to lean into intimacy with God and each other as we grow in our ability to laugh and cry together.
Week 3 of Joy & MourningTeacher: Ryan Miller
Original Date: November 22nd, 2020
And then the Bible says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” We are called not only to deeply feel our own emotions, but also to step into the emotional world of others and practice compassion, empathy, and being with. And when we struggle to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn, we reveal disorder in our own souls - shadows of jealousy, judgment, and selfishness. How does God model being with us in both our joy and our pain? How do we move through our own disorder so we can authentically rejoice and mourn with others regardless of our circumstances? How can we practice the art of intimacy?
Week 3 of Bitter HerbsTeacher: Megan Stibrich
The Bible assures us that what was intended for evil, God will use for good. However, after experiencing trauma or suffering, our sight becomes inward focused. We despair for all that was broken and cannot be fixed. Our vision narrows. We cannot lose sight of the goodness of God and his kingdom. God is weaving our suffering, trauma, and pain into beautiful things—new opportunities for relationship, growth, or ministry. Healing does not happen alone, and hope can only flourish in the context of God’s work.
As we explore grief and trauma in Bitter Herbs, let's revisit Joy & Mourning, a 2020 Damascus Road series that explores both the peaks -- the times of delight and exuberance and joy and feasting -- and also the troughs -- the times of emptiness and sorrow and disappointment and mourning of the human experience. In order to embrace our humanity and the complicated messy lives that God has blessed us with, we need to learn how to be comfortable with both the peaks and the troughs. How do we celebrate well? How do we grieve well? How do we practice and choose joy? How do we practice and choose to mourn? Join us as we learn how to lean into intimacy with God and each other as we grow in our ability to laugh and cry together.
Week 2 of Joy & MourningTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Original Date: November 15th, 2020
The Bible is also very clear that mourning is a necessary, unavoidable, and fundamental part of the human experience. But despite the fact that we will all face suffering and trials during life, many of us feel very uncomfortable with grief and sadness, and few of us have had healthy mourning modeled to us. What does God have to say about being sad, disappointed, confused, and upset? What can we learn from those who have walked before us in the Bible and deeply grieved? What does it look like to practice the art of mourning?
As we explore grief and trauma in Bitter Herbs, let's revisit Joy & Mourning, a 2020 Damascus Road series that explores both the peaks -- the times of delight and exuberance and joy and feasting -- and also the troughs -- the times of emptiness and sorrow and disappointment and mourning of the human experience. In order to embrace our humanity and the complicated messy lives that God has blessed us with, we need to learn how to be comfortable with both the peaks and the troughs. How do we celebrate well? How do we grieve well? How do we practice and choose joy? How do we practice and choose to mourn? Join us as we learn how to lean into intimacy with God and each other as we grow in our ability to laugh and cry together.
Week 1 of Joy & MourningTeacher: Megan Miller
Original Date: November 8th, 2020
In the Bible, God doesn’t say that joy is available to us or that joy may happen one day. No, God commands us to rejoice, right here, right now. Why does God command us to rejoice? Are we able to consciously choose joy in our lives? What does it look like to practice the art of joy?
Week 2 of Bitter HerbsTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Living in our present circumstances does not mean we are passive. If we cannot immediately fix our pain, we have two options for where we can direct it. First, we can direct our pain downward. We can bury it deeper and deeper under layers of distractions until we are numb. However, if we deaden our pain, we cut ourselves off from the possibility of future joy. No pain stays buried forever. Instead, we can direct our pain upwards toward God. We can wail for the brokenness of the world, for our longing to be with God in heaven, and for God’s intercession now in the midst of our pain. He hears us when we cry and will not abandon us.
Week 1 of Bitter HerbsTeacher: Andrew Ayon
Healing from trauma is not immediate. As much as we would like our pain to end or to skip to the end of the process, we can only live in our present moment. However, waiting in the midst of pain is counter intuitive. All our survival instincts tell us to escape, to get back to how things were. We exhaust ourselves in our search for immediate answers or meaning. We strive and struggle to regroup through our own strength when, in reality, it is God’s strength that we need. To wait is to place our trust in God’s deliverance to come.
Join us for Attachment Disorder, a 2020 Damascus Road series, as we consider how secure are our divine attachments. Why is faith hard? Why do we experience insecurity in our relationship with God? How can we help heal our disordered attachments and experience the peace of deep faith in our Heavenly Father?
Part 3 of Attachment DisorderTeacher: Ryan Miller
Original Date: October 4th, 2020
But children with secure attachments don't remain bound to their parents forever. One of the gifts of secure attachment is that it sets the foundation for differentiation -- the ability to be separate and be distinct from the parent in a way that allows for true intimacy and love to develop. When we are fully attached to God, we can more truly differentiate and become fully ourselves. In creation, God used both separateness and togetherness to create shalom -- peace and harmony between distinct but integrated things. How can we differentiate and experience deep shalom with others and God?
Week 3 of Verdict Not GuiltyTeacher: Ryan Miller
How does the Body of Christ help the truth of "not guilty" get into our hearts? When we don't have enough grace for ourselves, our Christian brothers and sisters help carry us with their grace.
Join us for Attachment Disorder, a 2020 Damascus Road series, as we consider how secure are our divine attachments. Why is faith hard? Why do we experience insecurity in our relationship with God? How can we help heal our disordered attachments and experience the peace of deep faith in our Heavenly Father?
Part 2 of Attachment DisorderTeacher: Megan Miller
Original Date: September 27th, 2020
"It's okay, I know, don't be afraid" -- the soothing words of a parent help calm a child and give them a sense of safety in the midst of dysregulation. As a child with a secure attachment grows, they are able to internalize this message from their parents to self-soothe and say "I'm okay, I'm not afraid." But unlike a parent, when God tells us "It's okay," he actually means it, and is the only one who is capable of actually making that true. And over and over throughout Scripture God tells us this truth: "Don't be afraid -- for I am with you." How can we securely attach to God and internalize his message of "It's okay" even in the midst of our dysregulation?
Join us for Attachment Disorder, a 2020 Damascus Road series, as we consider how secure are our divine attachments. Why is faith hard? Why do we experience insecurity in our relationship with God? How can we help heal our disordered attachments and experience the peace of deep faith in our Heavenly Father?
Part 1 of Attachment DisorderTeacher: Andrew Ayon
Original Date: September 20th, 2020
When a child's needs are not met consistently and faithfully over time, the child develops what is called an "Insecure attachment." It's a disordered attachment, one that leads to lack of trust, lack of a sense of safety, lack of faith in others and the world. Many of us find ourselves also experiencing an insecure attachment to God. It's difficult to trust in him. It's difficult to believe he is reliable. It is difficult to have faith. Why do so many of us experience insecure attachments with God? How have our pasts, our relationships with our earthly parents, and our wounds impacted our attachment to God? And are we the only ones who have had trouble with faith?
Week 2 of Verdict Not GuiltyTeacher: Megan Miller
Even if our eternal destiny is secure and we are not condemned because of our sin, our sin still has consequences. What are the consequences of our sin, even if all the charges are dropped?
It is time for a throwback! In Verdict Not Guilty, we have been exploring God's love and grace through the imagery of a courtroom, but there are many more images for understanding and relating to God in scripture. Join us for Loaf + Linen, a 2017 Damascus Road series, as we explore some of the overlooked images of God, such as clothing or a laboring woman.
Part 2 of Loaf + LinenTeacher: Megan Miller
Original Date: November 12th, 2017
We know that God created us and created the world, but we do not often imagine God bringing forth life and change the way a pregnant woman gives birth -- groaning, panting, bellowing in animal pain, knees trembling, sweat pouring down. But this is one of the images the Bible uses to describe God, a laboring woman, crying out in agony. What does it mean to love a God who nurses, to know a God who groans in pain, to serve a God intimately connected to and participating in the grisly, vulnerable, visceral experience of giving birth?
It is time for a throwback! In Verdict Not Guilty, we have been exploring God's love and grace through the imagery of a courtroom, but there are many more images for understanding and relating to God in scripture. Join us for Loaf + Linen, a 2017 Damascus Road series, as we explore some of the overlooked images of God, such as clothing or a laboring woman.
Part 1 of Loaf + LinenTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Original Date: October 29th, 2017
We put on clothes every day. In the morning, we pull a T-shirt over a heads, dig out that favorite pair of jeans, shrug on a coat, slip into sweatpants after work, pull on socks, change into pajamas. What we wear makes a statement about who we are, changes how we feel about ourselves, gives us confidence or comfort, and is incredibly intimate, our second skin touching naked bodies. In the book of Galatians, God is likened to clothes. What does it mean to understand yourself as clothed in God? Who is God, the chunky wool sweater, the tailored suit, the old tweed jacket?
Week 1 of Verdict Not GuiltyTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
What is the true theology of the cross? What does “there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus” really mean? Is there really such a thing as a “guilty Christian?”
Week 5 of ShareableTeacher: Devynn Brankel
Oftentimes, when Christians speak about evangelism, this is step one. Other times, when we try to do things differently, we don’t include this step at all. But sometimes, our friends need more than time and space and good food to accept Christ. At some point, they may need us to challenge and encourage them in their own commitments. Are they ready to accept Christ and follow him? Are they ready to believe in God? As we share the Good News and our lives, we also need to share the invitation into life with God.
It is time for a throwback! After learning about how important relationship is to sharing the Gospel, let's dive into how we form deep relationships. Join us for Friending, a 2018 Damascus Road series, as we will learn how to create a strong foundation for new, Godly friendships, how to relate well to our existing friends, and how to be a friend marked by love.
Part 4 of FriendingTeacher: Megan Stibrich
Original date: Feb. 25, 2018
Too often our culture tells us to never tolerate any negativity or criticism from our friends; just “cut the toxic people from your life.” On the other hand, how do we balance maintaining our own identities and health with people that are truly draining or harmful to us? Setting boundaries and letting go of certain relationships is challenging and should be done with care-how can we model ourselves after Christ even in these difficult situations?
It is time for a throwback! After learning about how important relationship is to sharing the Gospel, let's dive into how we form deep relationships. Join us for Friending, a 2018 Damascus Road series, as we will learn how to create a strong foundation for new, Godly friendships, how to relate well to our existing friends, and how to be a friend marked by love.
Part 3 of FriendingTeacher: Megan Miller
Original date: Feb. 18, 2018
Even the best friends disagree and have conflict on occasion. Rather than push away from conflict or let friendships fizzle out because of it, we can learn to grow our friendships through it. How can we navigate conflict and tension with our friends while still valuing our own needs and feelings? What might our friendships look like when we are able to do this well?
Week 4 of ShareableTeacher: Ryan Miller
What exactly is the Gospel? How do we actually share it with others? We may have experienced many ways to share it with simplistic metaphors or pamphlets, but those can fall short at calling people into real life change. Before we share God’s good news, we need to understand what it is we are sharing. Is it an escape from eternal judgement? Is it that we can go to heaven when we die? The Gospel is more than fire insurance, but a proclamation of life here and now with God. When we understand the Gospel message and have real relationship with others, we can share God’s good news with them in an honest way that is even more captivating and winsome.
It is time for a throwback! After learning about how important relationship is to sharing the Gospel, let's dive into how we form deep relationships. Join us for Friending, a 2018 Damascus Road series, as we will learn how to create a strong foundation for new, Godly friendships, how to relate well to our existing friends, and how to be a friend marked by love. Part 2 of FriendingTeacher: Ryan Miller
Original date: Feb. 11, 2018
What makes a good friend? Rather than becoming people-pleasers, surface-level friends, or social chameleons, we need to establish strong foundations for our friendships so that they can grow and flourish over time. What qualities should we be looking for in a friend that will lay a solid foundation? More importantly, how can we develop those qualities in ourselves so that we can be better friends to others?
It is time for a throwback! After learning about how important relationship is to sharing the Gospel, let's dive into how we form deep relationships. Join us for Friending, a 2018 Damascus Road series, as we will learn how to create a strong foundation for new, Godly friendships, how to relate well to our existing friends, and how to be a friend marked by love.
Part 1 of FriendingTeacher: Dave Chojnacki
Original date: Feb. 4, 2018
In our culture, friendship is often the least valued kind of relationship. Across media and movies we see romantic relationships and even family ties portrayed constantly, but often friendships are left behind or shown to be less important. Counter to this, Jesus tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” (John 15:13). What might we be missing by not investing in quality friendships? What is the significance of these relationships in our lives, our communities, and eternally?
Week 3 of ShareableTeacher: Megan Stibrich
While the Gospel is objective truth, how do you know it? How do you know it is true? Nowadays, people don’t always trust you when you claim something is true. But when we have built up a relationship, familiarity, and trust with someone, they will listen to our story, our experiences with God. People may be able to doubt some abstract truth claim about God, but they cannot deny our experiences. As we share God’s Good News and our lives with others, that includes being honest, vulnerable, and transparent about when it is hard. We can demonstrate the truth of the Gospel through our own lives, by sharing how God has shown up in our lives, how we have experienced grace personally, and by how we share the love of God with others.
Week 2 of ShareableTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
Sharing the Gospel includes sharing our lives as well. We extend hospitality and invite people to join us for meals and parties and whatever else we are doing. We can invite our friends into a Christian community even before they would call themselves Christians. They can belong before they believe. We create space for people to enter into our community no matter where they are in their journey. Inviting others into relationship and sharing life with them is one of the most powerful ways to share the gospel.
Week 1 of ShareableTeacher: Brad Miller
Before we can tell anyone anything, they need to trust us. They need to see that we are trustworthy, that we mean what we say and believe it ourselves. For too many, the fact that we are Christians makes us untrustworthy. They’ve been judged and rejected by Christians. They’ve seen Christians preach generosity and humility from grand stages before leaving in a private jet. They’ve heard of Christians teaching love for one another only to be fired for mistreating their employees. People won’t listen to the Good News we have to share with them if they do not trust us.
Week 3 of CraftedTeacher: Ryan Miller
We all have 24 hours a day - no more no less. How we spend those hours becomes the sum of our lives. We need to choose God-honoring work instead of fruitless toil, and restorative rest instead of lifeless leisure. To do that we need to embrace rhythms that help our lives look more like Jesus, individually and as a community. One hour, one day, and one week at a time.
Week 2 of CraftedTeacher: Megan Miller
The space we live in shapes us. What is at the center of our living space? Is it the kitchen for making meals together? The table for gathering around? The piano to make music to be enjoyed? Or the tv to sit and watch? If we want to choose character in our lives together we need to make it a part of the furniture. We need to find ways to make the values that we want to live out easy to choose instead of harder. We need to learn to fill the center of our homes and our lives with what rewards relationship, play, creativity and joy. We need to choose God and each other and how we shape our space can help or hurt us here.
Week 1 of CraftedTeacher: Ryan Miller
If we want to be people of character we have to resist the call of easy everywhere. If we aren’t careful instead of serving us and helping us flourish, technology promotes isolation instead of connection, entertainment instead of participation, and stagnation instead of growth. But life together is a life we share and we need to make the hard choices to help us become who we were made to be, people of wisdom and courage, people of character.
Week 14 of The Holy ManTeacher: Megan Stibrich
// 2 Kings 6:24-33, 7:1-2 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 13 of The Holy ManTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
// 2 Kings 6:24-33, 7:1-2 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 12 of The Holy ManTeacher: Devynn Brankel
// 2 Kings 6:18-23 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 11 of The Holy ManTeacher: Megan Miller
// 2 Kings 6:8-17 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 10 of The Holy ManTeacher: Ryan Miller
// 2 Kings 5:15-27 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 9 of The Holy ManTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
// 2 Kings 4:42-44 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 8 of The Holy ManTeacher: Megan Stibrich
// 2 Kings 5:1-15 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 7 of The Holy ManTeacher: Dave Chojnacki
// 2 Kings 4:18-37 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 6 of The Holy ManTeacher: Megan Miller
// 2 Kings 4:8-17 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 5 of The Holy ManTeacher: Ryan Miller
// 2 Kings 4:1-7 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 4 of The Holy ManTeacher: Devynn Brankel
// 2 Kings 3:1-27 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 3 of The Holy ManTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
// 2 Kings 2:15-18 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 2 of The Holy ManTeacher: Brad Miller
// 2 Kings 2:1-14 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 1 of The Holy ManTeacher: Megan Stibrich
// 1 Kings 19:19-21 //
Have you heard of this Holy Man, Elisha, and the tales of what he did? If you haven't, be prepared for some plow-burning, magical oil, invisible armies, and trapdoors opening in the sky! But also be prepared to meet God -- the God who spoke thousands of years ago through a holy man named Elisha and the God who showed up in person to speak himself, the Holy Jesus Christ.
Week 4 of Songs for the SoulTeacher: Dave Chojnacki
Worship is amazingly comforting and joy giving because it reminds us that God is good and He has a plan for us. We can find hope in the future, and the revelation song gives us a prophecy for what is yet to come. There will be a time when all things are made right again, when there is no more tears and pain, and we will be with God forever. Heaven is pretty mysterious and what we know about it can be vague but revelations give us a lot of insight as to what it does look like. How can this song inspire us to put our hope in God and look forward to our future with Him? How can we embrace worship as a time to remember that Jesus is victorious over death and sin?
Week 3 of Songs for the SoulTeacher: Ryan Miller
Worship is a personal practice that gives meaning to our experiences. The songs of the bible give us the perspective of people whose experiences were normally excluded from the narrative. Women were normally uneducated and therefore excluded from writing the bible, but not from writing songs. Women have always been a great part of God’s story even when no one was writing it down. But luckily we get a short song in the bible from Mary about her personal testimony and we get to see the goodness of God through it. When Luke comes to Mary for her testimony she is ready with a song. A song she had probably sung a thousand times to anyone who would listen, probably just one song of many. Mary teaches us the beauty of sharing our testimony and singing our own song.
Week 2 of Songs for the Soul
Teacher: Megan Miller
Amos calls for Israel to repent over their terrible sins and start to love what is good again. We can’t start to accept God’s ways until we let go of our own. Repentance and confession is so easy to ignore but by embracing it we can glorify God’s greatness in our weakness. What can we learn from Amos about the importance of confession and repentance?
Week 1 of Songs for the SoulTeacher: Devynn Brankel
The response to wonder is to worship, which is what we see in Hannah’s story. Hannah prays for a son and God answers her prayer with not only what she wanted but with what she needed. She wanted a son but she really just needed to feel loved and valued in the kingdom of God. In her song, she praises God for his faithfulness in answering this prayer, but we also get to hear her sing the lessons she learned about God along the way. Her small story of answered prayer becomes the prayer of the entire nation of Israel. It’s a song about hope and awe at the creator of the universe. Hannah’s song teaches us that worship is not just about us, it’s about being in the kingdom of God that is bigger than us, it is about loving a God who is bigger than anything that we can imagine.
Week 4 of I AM
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
The world can feel like a dangerous place. What do we do in the face of that danger and our fear? What reassurances do we have in God? Jesus declares that “I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers… Those who come in through me will be saved.” A gate keeps out those who mean to hurt the sheep while providing access to those who would care for them. At the same time, it is one of the weirder images Jesus uses. What is Jesus really offering as the gate for the sheep? If it is simply protection, then why does the world still feel so dangerous? Let us listen to what Jesus is teaching and what it means to be a gate for us.
Week 3 of I AM
Teacher: Megan Stibrich
It is a part of reality that all things come to an end. Death comes for us all, and even the Bible teaches us that the consequence of our sin and our broken relationships with God and others is death. Yet when Jesus comes to mourn his dear friend’s death, he tells the man’s sister that, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus challenges everything she understood and believed, even in her faithfulness, and it changes everything for us. It is a bold declaration that death is not the final word for those in Christ. This Easter Sunday, let us hear the message Jesus proclaims and celebrate his victory over death.
Week 2 of I AM
Teacher: Brad Miller
Shepherds may not be as prevalent in our day and age as they were in Jesus' time, but we understand the difference between someone who truly cares for those he watches and someone just doing a job. Jesus teaches his followers that “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep… I know my own sheep, and they know me.” Jesus is committed to caring and watching over those who are His. He protects His followers as shepherds protect their flocks from predators. Let us learn what it means to hear the voice of our good shepherd.
Week 1 of I AM
Teacher: Devynn Brankel
In our world today, we hear conflicting claims about truth. How do we know what is true? What if my truth is different than yours? How can we really know what is true, especially about God and faith? In the face of his disciples’ own confusion, Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Jesus is not just a source of truth. He is the source of all truth and knowledge about God. Let us turn to Jesus and learn from him the way to truth and life.
Week 5 of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Teacher: Megan Stibrich
We're used to crazy-packed schedules and the only acceptable reason for saying "no" to another commitment is because we already have something else. But what if we chose to have margin, to say "no" simply to have space?
Week 4 of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Teacher: Ryan Miller
With productivity as a marker of success, status tied to your busyness, and a crazy number of commitments, it's a radical step to choose to stop. Not because you need a break. Not because there's nothing to do. But because you're made in God's image and he told you to stop. Can we regain our created rhythm and just stop a day a week?
Week 3 of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Teacher: Tyler Stibrich
Jesus' teachings on possessions and wealth are radical -- he says you need food and clothing. Why do we feel like we need so much? How can we find freedom from the grind of "more" and accumulation?
Week 2 of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Teacher: Megan Miller
Our lives are filled with noise and distraction, a whirlwind of opinions, social media, information, things to watch and see and consume. Is it possible to be quiet? Why do we struggle with silence? Why do we need it? Can we embrace turning it off?
Week 1 of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Teacher: Megan Stibrich We're sick -- sick with hurry. Harried. Busy. Frenetic. Unsatisfied. Restless. Mildly (or more than mildly) depressed and anxious and confused. Why can we never seem to get on top of it all? Why are we always running, not enough time, not enough space, hard to connect with others, hard to connect with God? Is there something deeply wrong?
Week 5 of This Is UsTeacher: Ryan Miller
// We Make God’s Love Tangible //
Jesus calls us to love the outsider, protect the weak, and walk with the hurting. We model His love and character by recognizing the needs outside our church, responding with love and compassion, and intentionally acting to make Jesus’ love tangible to those we encounter.
Week 4 of This Is UsTeacher: Brad Miller
// We Serve How We Are Gifted //
Jesus came to serve, not to be served. Among His small group of followers, He led by example: serving them, investing in them, and training them to train others. We follow this example set for us. We live and serve together, identifying and using our God given gifts to honor Him and pour back into our church community.
Week 3 of This Is UsTeacher: Megan Miller
// We Change and Grow //
Jesus changes everything and He invites us not just into intellectual assent but into an entirely new way of life. We lay down our attitudes and character, values and family scripts, and thoughts and actions in faith. When we choose Him, we begin a process of deep transformation that is only possible through the Spirit leading us, teaching us new rhythms of grace and practices that align us with God and reflect Christ.
Week 2 of This Is UsTeacher: Tyler Stibrich
// We Meet People Where They Are //
Jesus entered the world He created and met us in our humanity, proclaiming God’s Kingdom in our language. We continue this mission, creatively engaging with the culture around us and contextualizing God’s truth in art and story. This means that we sacrifice our preferences and remove barriers, willing to change everything but the unchanging Gospel, to help people find their way to Jesus.
Week 1 of This Is UsTeacher: Ryan Miller
// We Choose Together Over Separate //
Just as the Father, Son, and Spirit are One, we are called to be united as the followers of Jesus. We believe that we are all equal in brokenness and in beauty, and we focus on how the Gospel unites us rather than how the world divides us. We create space for people in our community – where everyone is welcome, conflict is resolved, grace is extended, forgiveness is offered, and “I’m sorry” is heard.