Sermons @ Grace Alameda

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There is no such thing as not worshiping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. And the compelling reason for maybe choosing some sort of god or spiritual-type thing to worship….is that pretty much anything else you worship will eat you alive.

David Foster Wallace, 2005 commencement address to Kenyon College

Worship is not a distinctly Christian act that only happens at church. Worship however is only glorious and grace-filled when it is centered on Jesus Christ and nothing else. The trajectory of God’s redemption plan has always been centered on gathering a people, not siloed off individuals, to worship Him. Whenever God displays His glory in Scripture, it often occurs in a corporate gathering or for the purpose of calling people to gather together in unity. This is why COVID, internet-streamed worship was comfortable, convenient, even encouraging, but it could never be glorious as it isn’t what God intended.

This glory in worship is forever connected to the grace of our God in Christ, who chose us to be a people of His possession. The church is not an accessory dangling off of God’s keychain but His shining jewel, His beloved people. The reference to Hosea’s marriage in v10 reminds us of the price God paid to redeem us back, to show us His mercy, and to make us His people. Our only rightful response is to faithfully, consistently, and fervently worship Him together as the church.

Discussion Questions1. Do you agree or disagree with the David Foster Wallace quote? Why? 2. Why is it important to see that God primarily displays His glory when His people are gathered together? How does this inform our understanding of Sunday worship? 3. In what ways was worship difficult for you during COVID? Are there ways that you can think of where we missed the glory of gathered worship while doing so online only? 4. Read Hosea 2. How is the life of Hosea and Gomer a mirror image of how God loves the church? 5. Are there any particular obstacles or desires that keep you from consistently longing for the glory of God in gathered worship? What does it look like to make that a priority in your life?

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The East Bay is a place where people care just as much about where they worship as who they worship. As a church that values transparency, honesty, and integrity, we always want to be clear about who God has called us to be and what our church community will always be about. Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going to explore what our church is for and why God has us here.

First and foremost, we’re a church for the gospel, the good news that Christ has come to redeem us from sin, death, and Satan and renew all things by His grace and mercy. All Paul wanted to know is Christ and him crucified which is how we want to be identified too. It’s why the gospel is foundational to everything we are and do. All of the Bible points us to the gospel, revealing to us the grand sweep of redemption that God set forth in Jesus Christ. Everything about who we are is formed by God’s Word. Lastly, we need the gospel to experience the kind of peace that Paul demonstrates as he addresses his enemies. Rather than live out of defensiveness or anger, Christ grants us the status, security, and comfort we all hope for in moments of distress, confusion, or struggle. Receive the good news today!

Discussion Questions1. What do you think a church is for? What do you think your neighbors think a church is for? 2. Why is the gospel about a person and not propositions? Why is it good news and not good advice? Why are both of these necessary truths about the gospel? 3. Luke 24:44-47 says, “Then [Jesus] said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead [Christ and him crucified], and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” Can you think of some examples of how all of the Bible points to Jesus? 4. Are there any situations or aspects of your life where you need the gospel most? Where are you experiencing frustration, anger, or sadness the most? How do you think Jesus speaks into that?

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We sometimes chalk up our moments in life to mere coincidence. Things happen to fall in place to make us who we are. When we read about Jesus’ triumphal entry, we often make the same assumption. How perfect it is that Jesus just happens to fit the prophetical descriptions of a messiah! Yet that’s actually not the case. What we should see is Jesus’ intentional, purposeful declaration and presentation of His messianic kingship as He enters Jerusalem one last time. Crown him or kill him but don’t expect anything less anymore from the one people call the Son of David. Come and see a king who comes as a humble servant, riding on a donkey. His knows this path to messianic glory must first go through the cross of Calvary and Jesus still continues on for our sake. He is truly worthy of all our worship!

Discussion Questions1. How does Jesus intentionally arrange events and circumstances so that His entry into Jerusalem comes with great fanfare? 2. Many people speak of Jesus as a great moral teacher, a wise guru, or just another crazy person in history. Why does the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem disallow these interpretations of who He is and what He had come to do? 3. What does it look like for Jesus to be king in your life? What does that mean for how you live, think, and speak? 4. Why does how Jesus entered into Jerusalem matter just as much as why Jesus entered into Jerusalem? Does this challenge you in what it looks like to follow Jesus? 5. Are there areas of your life where Jesus isn’t king? Places or people in your life where He’s not allowed to rule? Take time to pray and commit them to Him, knowing there is no better person to place your trust, security, and comfort in. Sing a song of thanksgiving to Him.

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This week, we welcomed Pastor Wade Chan from Indelible Grace Church. Join us for our Good Friday service on April 15, 5-6pm and Easter Sunday on April 17 at 10am. Both services will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alameda. We’ll have an egg hunt for kids after service and a catered lunch for all who stick around. Bring a friend!

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Paul ends his letter to the Ephesians with a reminder that they are not in peacetime but wartime. The enemy we face is not of flesh and blood but the devil himself. Even in our “see it to believe it” world, it would be foolish to ignore the spiritual realities behind everything that goes on. If we are in Christ, we best believe that the devil will come for our church, our marriages, our families, our jobs, our emotional states, and our mental health. The good news is that God has not left us defenseless but calls us to stand firm in the face of such evil, outfitting us with the resources to engage in battle. More importantly, by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, we fight an enemy that has already lost the war. Satan knows his days are limited and rages against the victors. We stand confidently in Christ by His Spirit, dependent on no one and nothing else, rejoicing in all that has been won for us!

Discussion Questions1. “The loveliest trick of the Devil is to persuade you that he does not exist.” How have you been fooled this way before? 2. Why is it important to recognize where evil comes from and who is behind it in this world? How does that change how we view those we disagree with, we oppose, or we witness doing evil? 3. What are the different ways in which Paul calls us to stand against the devil in v11-14? What are the resources God gives us to stand against the devil? 4. Why is our battle against the devil less about independence and personal freedom but more about utter dependence on God in all things? Have you seen this happen in your own life? 5. Take the time to identify the battle fronts in your own life right now. Where are you most tempted? Where do you sense the devil trying to attack you? What does it look like to be committed to radical dependence on God to help you stand? How can the church stand alongside you in this battle?

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The promise that God saw all people in a household and not just the adult men was a revolutionary idea in the Greco-Roman world. The household code in Ephesians underscores the dignity and love God had for all people, reminding every person, regardless of their age or status that they belonged to Him alone. We don’t work for employers alone but God before all. We don’t parent children for their good alone but God first. Our worth, status, security, and hope does not need to be placed in our children, our parents, our jobs, or our bosses. Instead, we find it in Christ, the Son who died so we would be the adopted children of the Heavenly Father. Jesus was the Master of the universe who became a slave for us, giving His whole life up to raise us to the God’s glory. Let us walk in His grace.

Discussion Questions1. In what ways were Greco-Roman household codes different from what Paul instructed in Ephesians? Why is that a big deal? 2. “God is watching you.” Does this statement bring you comfort and hope or fear and anxiety? Why? Has it always been this way? 3. Are there ways you’ve placed ultimate worth, value, and security in your parent-child relationships or work relationships? Have they been able to truly satisfy you? 4. Why is it important that our primary accountability for our roles as parents, children, employees, or employers are with God before anyone else? How does the gospel help us remain rooted in this? 5. Pray for freedom from bondage in any of these type of relationships. Ask the Lord to help you honor and obey your parents, to lovingly instruct and discipline your children in God, and to work hard for the Lord above all else.

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Paul’s passage on marriage make most modern ears do a double take. Words like “submit" and “lead” can carry a lot of cultural and personal baggage for people. It’s important to tie them into entire context of Ephesians and the one-ness that God has brought the church into with Christ. If we see marriage as an ultimate relationship or an institution that brings personal fulfillment, it will always disappoint and fail us. Instead, we’re encouraged to see that our marriages aren’t about us. They’re about displaying the glory of the gospel where two people are covenantally committed to seek the thriving and blessing of their spouse before they seek their own. The true marks of marriage are never our emotional state, the number of arguments, or the amount of sex but what type of sacrifices are made for one another, how much grace is given, and what manner of perseverance is displayed in all circumstances to the glory of God.

Discussion Questions1. What do the words “submit” or “lead” mean to you? What informs (contexts, examples, experiences) your definitions of these words? 2. Why is it problematic to see marriage as a form of personal fulfillment? What type of problems arise when marriage is only about making you a better you or seeking the best possible life for yourself? 3. Why does marriage need to not be about us? Why does it need to be modeled off of the heavenly marriage between Christ and the church? 4. Do you agree with the statement that marriage is not a 50-50 or 100-100 endeavor but a 100-0 one? Why or why not? 5. Our marriages or desire for marriage should not be done in the dark. Does anyone know the blessings and struggles of your marriage or singleness? If you’re isolated, find a trustworthy, safe person to share with this week. Let them know how they can pray for you.

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Following the common pattern found in all his letters, Paul grounds us in the truth of who we are made to be in Jesus before we receive commands on how we are to live. In v8, we are reminded first, “you are light in the Lord,” before we are told to “walk as children of light.” To walk in this type of obedience means to be children of gratitude and children of joy. Only when we give thanks and delight in what we have been given from God will we begin to obey his commands in a manner that brings glory and honor to his name. Obedience will not be something we do to curry favor or gain a false sense of security or safety but it will be the overflow of a heart that has been filled full with the Spirit of God.

Discussion Questions1. What about the city of Ephesus helps us understand why Paul addresses particular themes in his letter? Are these issues different from those in our day? 2. Why are sex and money not bad things in and of themselves? How do they become corrupted or problematic for us? 3. In v19-21, the Spirit helps us grow in joy in a couple of ways. What does it look like for you to grow in joy in these areas? 4. Why are thankfulness and joy key to growing in obedience to God’s commands? 5. Every day this week, take 15 minutes to say a prayer of thanksgiving and sing a song of praise to the Lord. Foster habits of gratitude and joy in your heart for all you have in Jesus Christ and grow in obedience to his commands!

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When we begin to follow Jesus by faith, we’re exhorted to put off the old self, a life plunged into spiritual blindness and wayward desires. Instead, we put on the new self, where our hopes and yearnings begin to mirror those of God in all areas of our lives. While it’s tempting to think this is a matter of human effort and personal striving, the Apostle Paul shows us that all the resources and power to do this has already been handed over to us by the Spirit through faith in Christ. We are called to become who God has already made us to be by His grace. Self-improvement and personal to-do-lists can’t accomplish what Jesus has finished in His life, death, and resurrection for us. This is good news for all of us because it’s not up to us to finally get it right but we’re already spiritually in progress as His children. Now, let’s dress like who we already are.

Discussion Questions1. How does Paul describe the old self in our passage? Are there ways you’ve seen this in your own life? 2. How does Paul describe the new self in our passage? Are there ways you’ve seen this in your own life? 3. Is there a difference between “be who you already are” versus “be who you hope to become”? Does it affect how you view change in your life? 4. Do you believe that God doesn’t give up on you, even when you struggle to “put on the new self”? How have you seen evidence of this in your own life? 5. Who are the people in your life that have put on the new self and are “imitators of God” (5:1)? Encourage and affirm them and let them know you see that happening. Who are the people struggling with their old selves? Pray for them and find a way to walk alongside them in their journey.

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Having given us a foundation for the new life God has called the church to belong to, He now calls all His people to “walk in a manner worthy of their calling”. The values and ethics of this new kingdom are not only counter-cultural to the Greco-Roman world Paul lived in but life in the Bay Area as well. It forms a covenant community that embraces its glorious oneness while each member exercises their God-given gifts. All of it fosters a people who become more like Jesus and remain steadfast and persevering in the face of a changing world. God has not and never will give up on the church He has brought forth in Jesus Christ. We rest in this truth and participate in that life together by the Spirit!

Discussion Questions1. Why do you think it’s important that Paul structures his letter to the Ephesians by focusing on everything that God has done for the church in chapters 1-3 before providing instructions to the church in chapters 4-6? 2. What does a life worth living in the Bay Area look like today? What values/attributes does our culture uphold? How are they different from the ones Paul gives in v2-3? 3. Are your relationships defined more by what you’re against (push out) or what you’re for (pull in)? How does a church become more of a pull in community rather than a push out one? 4. God has given each of us spiritual gifts to be exercised in His church. What do you believe yours are? Are they being exercised at Grace Alameda? Why or why not? 5. Take some time to pray for our church to be one that walks in a manner worthy of her calling. Are you an integral part in helping us move forward in this way? Take time to consider how the Lord is at work in your life and pray that you would be woven deeper into the tapestry of God’s church.

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We tend to think that following Jesus means finding those things that we lack, that we don’t have, and adding them to our lives so we might be able to have fuller, richer engagement with God. Paul in our passage shows us that everything we need is already given to us by faith in Christ. The reality is we don’t need to add to what we have but go deeper with what we already have. It means embracing our place as adopted children of God who receive the perfect love of a heavenly Father and rooting ourselves firmly in God’s desire and work of making that love known to us through faith alone in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. Ask for it and He abundantly gives it to us.

Discussion Questions1. When’s the last time you forgot to use something that you actually had available? Is this something that happens often? 2. What are the differences between saying, “Love is God" and “God is love"? Does it matter? 3. God calls Himself Father and graciously adopts us as His own children because of Jesus. Is this an easy or difficult thing to apprehend for you? What are the obstacles or difficulties that may keep you from letting God be a good Heavenly Father to you. 4. Paul says in v19 that we are to “be filled with all the fullness of God.” What has been filling your heart up lately? Is it eternally fulfilling? How would do you think your life would be different if you were filled up by God’s love? 5. Our passage ends in v20-21 with the promise that our God can abundantly meet our prayers and thoughts to be filled up by God and see His glory displayed through His church. Take some time to pray and ask the Lord to fill you up in the places of your life where you’re running on empty. The Lord can do it!

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We tend to over-sentimentalize Christmas when there are real tensions that appear in the birth of Jesus. Simeon gives voice to this in his song as he cradles the newborn Jesus in his arms. He exclaims that he can finally die, knowing that his salvation has been secured by the birth of this child. While Simeon holds on to this child, he can finally let all things go. That’s a difficult thing for many of us as we pursue our careers, dreams, and hopes in this life. The other tension is the sorrow that comes with receiving the joy of Christ. Simeon knows what Mary must suffer because of how Jesus will suffer and die for us. Trust in Christ doesn’t mean escape from suffering but it does mean our God is present with us in our suffering. It means there are sacrifices to be made in following Him but much joy to be found amidst our own sorrows.

Discussion Questions1. “Now I can die a happy person.” Have you ever said this and in what context did you say it? 2. Christmas is not just a season of fuzzy feelings but is often a hard time of year for a lot of people. What kind of tensions arise for you and others during this time? 3. What are the things that are hard to let go of in your life if you want to hold onto Jesus as He is promised to us in the gospel? 4. How did the birth of Jesus bring joy to some and sorrow to others? How does that still happen to this day? 5. In what ways does following and trusting in Jesus today bring about hardship and sorrow for us? How do we continue to cling to His joy in those situations?

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We’re created to delight in something far greater than ourselves and to share that joy with others. Advent is a unique time where we’re invited to do so as the church because of Immanuel, God with us. When the angels appear before the shepherds on that cold night, they rejoice because of the good news that God is finally sending the one true Good Shepherd who will care for the sheep. He is the one Savior sent to rescue God’s people. He is the chosen Christ, anointed to do what no other man can do. He is our Lord who rules over us in covenant love and steadfast faithfulness which none can compare. Join with the angels in their song today!

Discussion Questions1. When was the last time you witnessed an amazing, glorious spectacle? What type of event was it and why was it so amazing to behold? 2. Why is it somewhat fitting that these angels appeared to shepherds before anyone else? What does it say about the nature and character of our God? 3. Why should we rejoice that Jesus was born to be our Savior? Where do you look for salvation in your own life? 4. Have you ever done something that only you could’ve done, as if you were the chosen one to accomplish such a task? Why should we rejoice that Jesus was sent to be the the Christ, our Messiah? 5. Why should we rejoice that Jesus is Lord? How is His lordship over us loving and different from our cultural notions of authority, submission, and rule?

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Mary’s song emerges out of a heart that feels the weight of being one who is constantly overlooked. A young girl in a nowhere place whose people had heard no word form God for 400 years now carries the prophesied Messiah in her womb. She explodes with joy because she now knows God sees her, not because she has proven herself worthy or something inherently wonderful about her, but because He is a God of steadfast faithfulness and covenant love. Our Savior came to reverse our understanding of what power, influence, and wealth look like, granting us hope and peace in a world filled with turmoil.

Discussion Questions1. Have you ever felt disregarded and overlooked before? What was the situation? 2. Why is Mary a strange pick to be the one to carry the Messiah? Who would Mary be in our current context if God were to pick someone in a humble estate to bring forth His glory? 3. Are there ways in which you fit the profile of the proud, mighty, and wealthy that Mary rejoices in being scattered, brought down, and emptied in Jesus that perhaps you don’t want to admit? 4. Even if you’re not proud, mighty, or wealthy by today’s standards, how might you still lack humility before God when it comes to your need for Christ? How do you continue to trust in yourself rather than Him? 5. How did community play an important role in Mary being able to sing her song? Why is community important for us to have joy during this Advent season?

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During this Advent season, we want to return to the joy the first people who encountered Jesus had. The past two years have surely worn us down, dulling our delight and patience with God. Zechariah’s exclamation after months of being mute points us to a salvation that is far more powerful than we can ever imagine. He connects us to the ultimate story over all our stories and helps us see the purpose for why we are here while we wait between the first and second Advents.

Discussion Questions1. In what ways does Zechariah describe the power of Christmas? 2. Do you over sentimentalize Christmas? How do we better recognize and adore the power of Christ’s birth this time of year? 3. How have you traditionally celebrated Christmas? Any cultural or family traditions, things that you absolutely have to do to celebrate it right? 4. How does the birth of Christ bring the world into a greater, ultimate, and eternal story that sweeps throughout all of history? How have you been brought into it? 5. What is the new purpose (v74-75) for which we are to live in light of Christ’s coming? Does this change how we view our vision and goals for our lives?

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By making compromises, Jacob allows for terrible disaster to befall his community, his family, and his calling. The terrible assault of Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, and his sons’ genocidal response forces us to confront this question: do we always have to make a compromise between justice and mercy? Can justice be fully served while gracious mercy still be held out for those in the wrong? Every religious system makes a compromise on one side or another. The cross of Christ however puts on powerful display justice being fully and finally serve while mercy abundantly pours forth to unworthy recipients. What Jacob, his family, and even the Shechemites need is God to intervene in their lives.

Discussion Questions1. What are the different compromises that Jacob makes in this chapter? Why are they so dangerous? 2. Have you ever compromised on something that you ended up regretting? Why did your compromise end up being so problematic? 3. Are there circumstances or situations where our world demands justice without mercy? What about mercy without justice? Why is that? 4. Why is the cross the place where justice and mercy kiss? How are both justice and mercy granted in 100% fullness because of Christ? 5. How does the cross help us make sense of situations where we are victims? What about when we are offenders?

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Reconciling with those we’ve hurt is always a difficult thing to do. Repentance is necessary if there is any chance for two parties to be properly reunited. Jacob gives us a picture of what real repentance looks like but also points us to the one who makes real repentance possible in the first place.

Discussion Questions1. Do you struggle with repentance before God and others? Why do you think it’s such a difficult thing to do? 2. How does Jacob demonstrate humility before Esau? How does he show that he really cares for Esau’s well-being, contrary to what how he acted decades before? 3. What makes repentance such a risky proposition? What are the risks when trying to make things right with others? What do you stand to lose? 4. What is it about Jacob’s previous experiences with God in chapters 28 and 32 transform him to become a person who can repent before his brother? 5. Is there someone in your life right now that you need to repent to? What is keeping you from doing it? How does Christ’s sacrifice for you form a foundation for why you can and should?

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This past Sunday, we welcomed Dave Lee, pastor of spiritual formation at Resurrection Oakland, as he reflected on one of the well-known parables of Jesus.

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Jacob settles in for what might be the last night of his life. Out of the darkness emerges a mysterious man who engages him in a wrestling match that goes all night until the breaking of the dawn. In this fight for his life, Jacob finally breaks down, humbled by one far greater than him. As a sign of transformation beginning in his life, he finally receives blessing from the hand of another instead of taking it for himself.

Wrestling with VulnerabilityIt finally dawns on Jacob that his opponent is someone more than human, far greater than him. He responds in three ways that demonstrates a vulnerability he has never displayed before. First, he clings to the man’s leg and refuses to let go, even after being crippled. This demonstrates dependence and trust. He also asks for blessing, no longer trying to take it by his own cunning and power. Lastly, he gives his name, a confession of his past and acknowledgment of who he has been. In receiving a new name, he is made into a new man by God’s blessing.
Christ the WrestlerIn our own struggles, we often find ourselves wrestling with God. We must remember that our God knows what this dark night of the soul looks like too. Our Savior Jesus, on the night before his crucifixion, wrestled with God in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying, “Remove this cup of wrath from me.” On the cross, he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In submitting to suffering and death, He secured blessing we do not deserve. In new life, we have assurance that God is eternally for us in our times of weakness. We may not walk out of our wrestling unscathed. After all, Jacob would limp the rest of his life. Yet by faith in Christ, our weaknesses are memorials of God’s continued pursuit of us. In the end, what we see is a God who clings to us far longer and stronger than we ever can to Him.

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As Jacob prepares to return home, he hears Esau is going to meet him with 400 men. Is this a big welcoming party or a vengeful army on the way? In this desperation, Jacob shows a vulnerability and humility that we haven’t seen from him. He also shows that he’s still not a perfect person, one who fears man more than God. Most importantly, we witness God’s continued faithfulness to a sometimes faithless man.

An Honest PrayerEven as Jacob witnesses the camp of angels at the boundary of the Promised Land, he still proceeds with fear. Out of that anxiety, he lifts up an incredible prayer, one we should model for its humility (v10), its honesty (v11), and its appeal to the promises of God (v9, 12). Imagine what our own prayer lives would look like if we prayed out of that same desperation and need for God.
What We Say vs. What We DoWhat Jacob does though doesn’t match his confessed trust of the Lord. Jacob tries to strategically find ways to appease Esau as he prepares to meet him. He splits his own camp in two, hoping that at least one survives though God has already promised that He will be with Jacob and his people. He refers to Esau as “my lord” and calls himself "your servant” while sending multiple envoys of offerings, hoping to soften up his older brother. All of this reveals a heart that still hasn’t taken hold of what God has given to him.
Conflict ResolutionThis is the age-old problem right? Where what we say doesn’t match with what we do. Every religion in history tries to find a way to deal with it and every atheist simply ignores it. Nonetheless, we all still live with some level of anxiety and frustration that we don’t act the way we say we should. Here’s where the gospel changes things. Instead of our continued attempts to appease God by sacrifice and good works, God sent Jesus as the final gift to do what we can’t. His life of good works and once-for-all sacrifice for us fulfills what Jacob prayed for and what we all long for. By faith in Jesus, even when our words and actions don’t match, we know God still welcomes us home by His grace.

Discussion Questions1. Has there been a time when you didn’t understand someone’s words or actions towards you were good or bad? How did that make you feel? 2. In what ways is there a dissonance between what Jacob prays in v9-12 and his actions afterwards? 3. How do you feel about people who say one thing but do another? How do you think God feels about that? Are there ways you’re guilty of being this way with God? 4. How does the gospel speak to our attempts to deal with the anxiety and fear of not being sure whether we’ve done enough to make up for our contradictions? How does it guarantee that God accepts us and we can always come home to Him? 5. What would you say to someone who doesn’t follow Jesus because they don’t like how Christians say one thing but do another?

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Deep down inside, we all want to get our own way, particularly when we’ve been wronged and deceived. We don’t just want to get mad about things but long to get even, just like Jacob does with Laban in our passage. Yet let’s not mistake what happens here as God giving approval of Jacob’s behavior. It’s a picture of God’s continued faithfulness to an unfaithful person and a reminder of every person’s need for God’s grace in our lives.

How Jacob Gets EvenJacob’s desire is to go home and provide for his own family but Laban won’t let him. They agree on a profit-sharing plan where Jacob can keep all the abnormally patterned and colored sheep and goats that emerge from his flock. Laban tries to get a leg up by sending off all of these animals with recessive traits three days ahead with his sons. Nonetheless, whether by biological genius or superstitious magic, Jacob manages to breed a large flock that is strong, striped, and mottled. As he sneaks off with his wives, children, servants, and new found riches, it seems as if getting even has paid off for Jacob.
How God Gets EvenTwo lessons emerge from this. The first is the simple recognition that only God gives success, regardless of our ingenuity or ability. Psalm 127:1 reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Secondly, justice belongs to the Lord, not us. Everything that happens to Jacob is not because he has served justice but because God graciously remains faithful to His promise to Jacob’s grandfather Abraham. Abraham becomes the father of many nations by the many children of Jacob. This same grace is ours by Jesus Christ. What care and attention Jacob receives from God because of his bloodline, we receive from God because of faith in Christ. In Him, we are in the line of Abraham also and are welcome to the same promised blessings. This is why getting even isn’t an option for those who follow Jesus but trusting that God will have his way in due time.

Discussion Questions1. When’s the last time you wanted to get even with someone because you had been wronged? Did it work out the way you had hoped? 2. Does God help Jacob because he is industrious or clever? Does he help him simply because he’s been wronged by Laban? What is the ultimate reason why God helps Jacob succeed? 3. Has there ever been a time where you took credit for something that someone else actually accomplished for you? What about when you’ve taken credit for something only God could’ve done? 4. The same grace at work in Jacob’s life because of God’s promise to Abraham is the same grace at work in our in Jesus Christ. How does that affect the way we look at a person like Jacob who doesn’t seem to be very moral or upstanding? 5. Is there someone in your life right now that you want to get even with? What do you think it looks like to faithfully follow Jesus and live by grace in light of the situation?

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God’s faithfulness continues to show up in unexpected places. Even amongst the squabbles between two wives and the cold posture of an apathetic husband, God continues to bring to fruition the promise He made generations earlier. It’s a constant reminder that even when everything seems to spin out of our control and we’ve responded to pressure in sinful manners, God continues to show up by His grace.

Desperate LongingBoth women are in situations out of their own control. Leah was pushed onto a man who didn’t love her because her father didn’t believe she could be married off properly. Rachel struggled with barrenness which was a scarlet letter for women of that day. They can’t be held accountable for these circumstances. Their responses of using children as chess pieces of approval and love however were terrible. Jacob fails to be a peacemaker, choosing instead to be angry at barren Rachel and cold to Leah. All he does is become a piece of meat, good only for procreation. This is a broken family, with no tender care, leadership, and faithful love. People are purely products to be traded and used for personal gain.
Eternal SatisfactionHow does God show up in this type of mess? Even despite the abounding disobedience, God is still fulfilling the prophecy that He would establish a company of peoples that will be faithful to Him through Jacob. All of the boys born in this passage form 11 of the 12 tribes of Israel, the very nation through which God would call forth His own Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only Son we can put our trust and hope in. By His righteous life, He wins for us eternal approval and love from God Himself. By His death, He pays the price of sin and death that we deserve for our disobedience. All of this is granted by His grace through faith so we can cease from our striving and struggle.

Discussion Questions1. Have you ever been a blameless victim of circumstances out of your control yet responded to them in a sinful way? Share an example. 2. How problematic and inhumane are the ways in which Jacob, Rachel, and Leah treat one another and their children? Do you see similarities in how our culture today treats human bodies in the same devalued way? 3. We’re all created to want to be wanted and valued. Where do you often go to seek approval and love? Do you find it to be satisfying? Why is God the only one who can provide ultimate approval and love? 4. How does God show up in this passage? How does He continue to demonstrate faithfulness and love to some incredibly unlovable people? How do you come alongside someone who is struggling through a really tough time and responding poorly to it?

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Even in our moments of greatest joy and delight in Jesus, our sinfulness still leaves us prone to fall into old patterns of self-dependence. Jacob shows us what that looks like in his pursuit of a wife. We witness the disastrous effects a life lived apart from wholehearted trust in God can have.

The Price of IdolatryJacob’s pursuit of Rachel is clearly rooted in his physical attraction for her and belief in his own ability and strength. He shows us what idolatry looks like because of the price he’s willing to pay to be with Rachel. He puts ultimate and eternal value in a person who cannot provide that very thing. We often can identify our idols by considering where our money, time, and thoughts go. They aren’t always bad, immoral things but usually are good things like marriage, kids, housing, and jobs that we think can give us ultimate worth. In the end, they remain false gods.
The Cost of IdolatryThe thing with idols is that the more you give to them, the more they demand from you. When you think it’s time to collect, they grant you far less. You go to bed thinking you have Rachel but wake up to Leah. Laban’s deceit holds a mirror up to Jacob so he can see a reflection of his own behavior. When God is left out of the picture, we resort to chasing false gods that only disappoint. Nonetheless, our God is gracious and promises us Himself in Christ. Jesus is no mere idol with false promises but gave fully of Himself so we have nothing to pay.

Discussion Questions1. Read Genesis 24 and the encounter of Abraham’s servant an Rebekah at the well. How does this narrative unfold differently from Jacob and Rachel’s, especially in relation to trust in God? 2. Are there things in your life right now that you think will make you whole and complete if you have them? Would you consider them an idol in your heart? 3. Have you ever had the experience of thinking you’ve finally received your Rachel but woken up and realized it’s just Leah? What happened and how did you handle the realization that things weren’t what you thought they were? 4. What is it about Jesus that makes him no idol but the only one who by faith can truly deliver and satisfy?

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Upon exile from his family, Jacob wanders in the wilderness. Nothing about promised blessings seems likely for a homeless man with no wife and children who uses a stone for a pillow. However, it often is the case that God makes His presence most powerfully known in the darkest of places. He does so with Jacob here in an unexpected vision that carries a powerful affirmation.

Jacob’s DreamThis ladder or stairway from heaven is a reversal of the disaster of the Tower of Babel. In that situation, the people of the world sought significance and security by the power of their own hands, only for God to doom their efforts and scatter them into confusion. Jacob’s stairway though is the promise that his significance and security will come from God. It will not be of his own making but by the unmerited grace of God. Jesus Himself will be our ladder, the very bridge between heaven and earth, our one way to God. The foot of this ladder will be among the “company of peoples”, a hint of God’s establishment of His church in the world.
Jacob’s ResponseWhat’s the right response to so great a promise? Generosity and worship. Jacob vows to give a full tenth of everything to God. He also responds in ecstatic worship, delighting in God’s promise to Him. We must consider that Jacob felt this way merely standing at the foot of the ladder. Worship for us on this side of the cross though means we are in the very throne room of God (Hebrews 12:28). How much greater should our hearts overflow with generosity and worship as we gather every week in God’s very presence to me with Him? In Jesus, we don’t need to climb our way to the top but can find all our significance and security we need in Him alone by faith.

Discussion Questions1. Have you ever met God in the wilderness in your life? What happened? 2. How have you seen yourself pursue significance and security in your own life? Did you ever feel like you’ve had enough? 3. Why is our experience of being in the presence of God more powerful than what Jacob experienced? How should that affect our understanding of generosity and worship? 4. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper embrace of Christ as our staircase from heaven and a heartier response of generosity and worship out of gratitude to God?

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We often fall into the trap of thinking we don’t have to face consequences of our actions. Like an action hero in a movie, we can blow things up and walk away with nary a flinch. The reality is sin never leaves any of us unscathed. Jacob experiences this in Genesis 27 as his collusion with his mother Rebekah tears apart their family. Nonetheless, God continues to work through their mess to bring everyone closer to the promised Messiah.

The Big Lie and Its ConsequencesEven though Rebekah is the mastermind, Jacob has no problem taking another shortcut at the expense of his own integrity. He willingly deceives Isaac in order to get what he has longed for. However, once things are uncovered, all hell breaks loose. Isaac realized he’s been tricked by his youngest child. Esau, who didn’t seem to care about his birthright, burns with murderous rage toward Jacob once it’s taken from him. Rebekah sends off her beloved Jacob, not realizing it is the last time she will ever see him. Jacob may have gained his father’s blessing but now he’s exiled with nothing but the clothes on his back to figure out his future.
The Gracious SaviorDespite all this, God’s grace is still abundant. Even among the lies and deceit, we are getting closer and closer to Christ’s birth and promised blessing that Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob will deliver through their family line. All of the evil committed here is reversed in Christ, the one who covers over us to bless, not to deceive. He takes on the curse in a way Rebekah never could.

This is why we need to take sin seriously. The consequences are far more dire and real than we realize and any attempt to cover them over leave us cast out from God. Our only hope is to return to God and trust that Christ has become the curse for us. The best news of all is that God doesn’t give up on us. By His grace, every one of our sins can be covered over by Jesus’ blood. His grace is sufficient. Stop walking away and return to Christ by faith.

Discussion Questions1. Have you ever done something thinking you could avoid the consequences? What happened instead? 2. Why do the ends never justify the means when it comes to someone who follows Jesus? Are there ways where you’ve lived with this wrongful attitude? 3. How have you seen God graciously work through your sins, mistakes, and failures? How did you respond when you saw the evidence of this? 4. Some think that if Jesus died on the cross for our sins, we have license to sin all the more since it’s all paid for. How does Christ’s crucifixion cause us to take sin more seriously and desire to live in obedience to Him? 5. God doesn’t give up on us. Are there people you’ve given up on? People you think are beyond the grasp of God? Pray for them and for a change in your own posture toward these people in your life.

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Our new sermon series looks at the life of Jacob, challenging us to see how gracious and loving our God is, even to the biggest of troublemakers and rabblerousers. Your own life might be one filled with conflict and struggle. As we learn about Jacob’s story, we’ll see how God reveals His promise and plan of hope for all in Jesus Christ.

The Wrong FoundationThe prophecy over Rebekah’s pregnancy was that the older would serve the younger. By flipping over the cultural notions of birth order and gender in a society that primarily gave blessing and value to firstborn sons, God showed he doesn’t play favorites based on our societal traditions. He does not grant any extra advantage because of anything inherent about us such as nationality, ethnicity, or class. He chooses who he loves because of who he is, not because of what we do.
The Wrong PrioritiesThe deal struck between brothers illustrates two examples of rash behavior with wrong priorities. On one hand, Esau gives away something of great value for temporary satisfaction of the most basic of appetites. On the other hand, Jacob is unwilling to trust God to fulfill what he has prophesied and sacrifices his own character in order to walk a shorter, easier path. Both brothers fail to grasp how great a blessing the Lord grants and how the Lord gives it.
The Right BlessingIn reality, Esau and Jacob’s failures mirror our own. We also desire God’s love but don’t know how to do get it. We often settle for cheaper imitations in order to gratify our base desires like greed and lust. Or we try to snag what we can in ways that corrupt our integrity and holiness before God. Ultimately, we need a savior who will bring blessing to us. Jesus rightly understood his own birthright and freely shared it with us at the cost of his own life. He doesn’t attempt to strike a deal but loves because he loves. Only by faith in Christ can we finally rest and receive God’s great love and blessing.

Discussion Questions1. Why is it so hard to believe that God doesn’t base his love and blessing on our personalities, backgrounds, skills, etc.? Why do we often wish it were that way? 2. Are there ways in which you’ve settled for far less than what God has promised to you in Jesus? What “bowls of soup” have you eaten because you didn’t want to wait for something better? 3. Have you ever sacrificed your character or integrity in order to make things easier for yourself? Were there any repercussions to your actions? 4. How does Christ properly value and handle the blessing and love he had as the Son of God? What did he have to do to share that blessing and love with us? 5. What situations are you currently in where you’re tempted to take the easy way out, disobey God, or settle for less? What does it look like to walk by faith in these circumstances?

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In our passage, God gives us three commands that both find their root in gratitude and result in gratitude toward God.

RejoiceNobody writes a thank you card that isn’t addressed to a particular name or has no place to be delivered. Genuine thanksgiving necessitates a recipient or at least someone to share in its joy. Paul instructs our thanksgiving to be directed and shared with the Lord, as he himself practiced in Philippians 2:1-2 where he calls on the Philippians church to “complete my joy” if “there is any encouragement in Christ.” GK Chesterton once said, “The worst moment for the atheist is when he is really thankful and has no one to thank.” No matter what our circumstances may be, there is always a place to joyfully give thanks to God.
Be ReasonableReasonable people are never defensive or feel like they need to prove themselves. They’re level-headed and steady, traits our world currently doesn’t demonstrate well. Paul believes Christians should be marked by this reasonableness because “the Lord is at hand.” In one sense, he’s referring to the impending second coming of Christ. In another sense, he’s also referring to Christ’s current presence with us by the Holy Spirit. God has not left us on our own but is at our defense. This means we can remain unshaken when we’re attacked or taken advantage of for Christ is for us and never against us.
RelaxLastly, we can peacefully pray with thanksgiving because we know God only gives good things to those He loves. This doesn’t mean life is all hunky-dory but it does mean that all we receive is to His glory and for our good. We can go to Him with our requests knowing He will not withhold is grace and love to us but guard us securely. Thankfully, He allows us to rest from our efforts and find comfort in His shelter.

Discussion Questions1. When was the last time you were so filled with gratitude that you had to rejoice with someone? What caused you to be that happy? 2. How does thankfulness for Christ allow us to be reasonable even when we’re being attacked or taken advantage of? 3. What is your attitude when it comes to a majority of your prayers with God? How does Christ allow us to come to the Father in prayer with a posture of peace and thanksgiving? 4. How can you cultivate gratitude for God because of Christ over the course of this week? How can you share this gratitude with others?

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Sermon RecapThere are only three things that last, three virtues we can give ourselves to that will endure into eternity: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Cor. 13:13). This means that there is nothing greater we can devote our lives to than the cultivation of love for God and for others (Mt. 22:34-39).

To understand love rightly, we need to recognize that:

Love begins with God (1 John 4:7-9)
Love is embodied in Jesus Christ (1 John 4:10; Rom. 5:6-8)
We love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19)
We participate in God through love (1 John 4:16; John 15:9-11)

With our love directed by these truths, we will live lives of eternal significance.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. In the sermon, we learned that love begins with God. This is not an idea we hear often in our world. Where do we tend to think that love begins? 2. God’s love for us is embodied in Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Take some time to remember some specific ways we see God’s love for us in Jesus. 3. Our love flows from God’s love for us. What kinds of things prevent us from loving others? Why is God’s love for us an important starting place for our love for others (see 1 John 4:18-19)? 4. In what way do you find it difficult to love God? Remember that faith and hope work together in our hearts to produce love. Practice faith and hope—remember the truth about God in Christ and pray that truth back to him in hope. 5. In what way do you find it difficult to love others? Are there specific people you struggle to love? Confess this and offer your need for God’s grace in prayer.

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Sermon RecapAccording to the biblical pattern, faith produces hope. Faith tells us what is fundamentally true about ourselves, the universe, and our God. And that leads us to locate our desired future—hope—in a new location. Not on earth or in the things we have in this life, but in heaven, “where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1).

Hope is a virtue because it takes consistent, hard work on our part to put our hope in the fact that our “life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). How do we practice this virtue until it becomes second nature? Prayer. With Christ, we pray, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We bring heaven to earth in our prayer by becoming the sort of people who hope in a Christian way, who are driven by a heavenly, not an earthly agenda.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. Look again at Colossians 3:1-4. Where is faith in the passage? Where is hope? 2. The sermon discussed St. Gregory of Nyssa’s explanation of the soul as three posts of a door frame, with the understanding (reason) on top, and the drive and desire as supporting sides beneath it. Why is it so important to have our souls “in order.” What might happen if our reason, governed by faith, fell below desire or drive? 3. How does Colossians 3:1-4 coincide with this understanding that a faith-formed reason has to remain above our drives and desires? 4. What drives/motivates you most in life? To what extent is your hope formed by faith? How do you need to repent of misplaced hope in your life? 5. We practice hope in prayer. What is your prayer life like right now? How do you need to grow in this area to build up the virtue of hope in your life?

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Sermon RecapIn 1 Corinthians 13:13, St. Paul says that three things in our lives abide, endure, last: faith, hope, and love. In Pastor Jeff’s last three sermons at Grace Alameda, he will look at each one of these virtues in turn, beginning with faith.

We tend to get faith wrong in one of two ways. Either we think of it as intellectual assent (yes, I believe the creed or statement of faith written on that paper, and I will even sign my name to it). Or we think of it as a blind leap (I don’t have any good reason to believe this, but I’m going to believe it anyway!).

Christian faith, however, is more like letting ourselves be guided across a pitch dark room by a trusted friend. The friend knows better than we do and can direct our steps. Intellectual assent would shout back that we believe the friend, but stay put and not venture into the darkness. Blind faith would just start walking without listening well. Christian faith listens and acts, trusts and lives out of that trust. Christian faith is not a series of ideas, but a belief in a person we trust to lead us into goodness and truth—Jesus Christ.

The incredible thing is that faith is more than merely listening and trusting. Faith brings about actual union with Christ! We participate in his life and joy and peace by faith!

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. How do you tend to get faith wrong? Do you think of it as intellectual assent? Or blind stumbling in the darkness? How do you see this play out in your life? 2. Faith is belief in the unseen (Hebrews 11:1; 2 Cor. 5:7). Why is it difficult for us to trust in what we can’t see (Christ)? Why do we tend to misplace our faith in what we can see (money, family, success, pleasure)? 3. The Christian life begins with faith and ends with vision. Do you long to see Jesus? Do you believe that seeing him will give you all the joy and happiness your heart longs for? How is this difficult to believe for you? 4. Do you believe that Christ unites us to himself by faith? That by faith we participate in God himself, in his life, goodness and salvation? How should this fact change the way we see ourselves? How should it change the way you live today? 5. What most tempts you in this life to lose faith in God’s care, presence and purpose for you? Confess that to him and a trusted friend. Seek help from more mature believers to grow in the virtue of faith.

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Old Testament Israel only knew a God behind the curtain. Like the Wizard of Oz, they only encountered Him in fire, thunder, and smoke. Jesus leads us through the curtain into the very presence of God, changing us and showing us how we are to live.

Behind the CurtainIn the Old Testament, God dwelt in the innermost portion of the temple, the Holy of Holies. Only the high priest could go in once a year after making the perfect and proper sacrifices and ritual cleansing. Anyone else who dared enter was immediately struck dead by God’s burning righteousness and holiness. This only changed when Jesus came, not only to be the perfect high priest but our perfect sacrifice as well. When He was crucified, the curtain was torn in two. By His love, we are ushered into the courts of God to worship and rejoice with Him.
How We ChangeWe see three ways this changes how we know our God. First, we can draw near to God by faith with no fear of rejection or judgment. No matter where we are in life, where our hearts are, we can go before Him by the blood of Jesus. Second, we can hold fast to God with hope, knowing He will not abandon us. He has proven His faithfulness to us by bringing us through the curtain by the sacrifice of His Son. Third, in making a way for all of us by His grace, He calls us to regularly gather to stir up each other to love and good works. We are to actively provoke one another to follow Jesus and gather each Sunday to be reminded of His love for us.

Discussion Questions1. What does humility look like to you? What do you think it looks like in our culture? Are those definitions of humility the same? 2. Why is humility such a necessary character trait for the Christian? How is it prevalent in true faith and repentance in Christ? 3. Why should the future of the church be dependent on power of God and not cultural or worldly influence, wealth, and power? 4. In what ways might the devil attack our church as we go through a season of transition? Take some times to ask the Lord for protection and hope in prayer at this time. 5. How might you open your eyes to the eternal glory present in our worship? How can you foster a deeper sense of His heavenly grandeur whenever the church gathers?

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Our culture doesn’t reward humility or thinks of it as belittling and brow-beating oneself. As we consider the way forward for Grace Alameda, why are we to “clothes [ourselves] in humility”? Where should we turn to as we humble ourselves and pray for the future of the church?

Power in HumilityCS Lewis defines humility this way: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” Peter understood this very well as one who denied Christ three times but was restored by Jesus after he was resurrected. More importantly, we see in Jesus the Son who humbled Himself to death upon the cross (Phil. 2:8) in obedience to the Father, only to be raised three days later in glory. Our God can bring power out of any weakness, life out of any death. This is the power that “exalts” and lifts us up when we humble ourselves before God and is at work in the church as we submit to Jesus.
Two Reasons for HumilityFirst, we must humbly recognize that the devil prowls like a lion, looking for a way to cause division as we figure out the future. Satan hates when people gather to worship Jesus, no matter where or how it happens. We resist him when we humbly trust Christ to be our defender and serve one another in love and submission. Second, humility helps us see the glory of Sunday worship. In a new environment that will take time to grow into. It recognizes our gathering of struggling, weak sinners who, by the grace of God, are also saints who are eternally restored, confirmed, strengthened, and established in Christ. We are truly lifted up by His grace!

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Sermon RecapThere are as many versions of peace as there are people on the planet. Whether hippy peace, domestic peace—or a more substantial longing for peace from oppression and suffering—every person on earth longs for peace in one way or another.

The message of Christianity is that peace has come in the flesh. In the person of Jesus Christ, God has blessed us with a peace that the world cannot give. In his death and resurrection, Christ invites us into ultimate peace by faith in him.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. What kind of this-worldly peace do you tend to wish for? Why? 2. How is this-worldly peace a version of “peace IF?” In what ways are the versions of peace outside Christ in this world contingent on us and our efforts? Think of some concrete examples. 3. Why is it significant that God doesn’t merely promise peace, but that he gives us “peace in the flesh?” Why was Christ’s incarnation essential to our ability to receive divine peace? 4. What does it look like for you to take hold of the peace of Christ practically right now? How can you put off “peace IF” and embrace the fleshy peace of Jesus? 5. In this season of transition at Grace Alameda, why is Christ’s peace such good news? How can our church body embrace Christ’s peace through this time of change?

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When you face hard times, do you believe God is with you? Even if you believe He is with you, in what manner is He with you? Do you find Him to be an impassive deity or an employer looking for mistakes? Psalm 23 gives us a picture of a God who is with us as both a loving shepherd and great conqueror.

God is With Us as ShepherdAs His flock, God provides for our every need, giving us green pastures to lie down in and rivers to drink from. He leads us in paths of righteousness. These may not be paths of comfort nor ease but they always lead to His glory and our growth for our good. God is our comforter, who protects us from enemies with His rod and protects us from ourselves with His staff. In these ways, we see not only how Jesus could pray this psalm for Himself but also becomes our Great Shepherd. He has gone before us in all of this and we can confidently trust Him to lead and care for us in our difficult circumstances.
God is With Us as ConquerorThe vision of Psalm 23 shifts in v5 to a banqueting table where a festal spread is laid out for all to partake, similar to one soldiers enjoyed upon return from victorious battle or a marriage celebration. Cups overflow and food is bountiful as all guests are treated with honor and anointed with oil. Defeated enemies helplessly look on as God’s people confidently rejoice in the assurance that “surely goodness and mercy shall follow [us] all the days of [our lives].” Christ has gone to battle against death and won in resurrected glory. We have eternal hope in Him and celebrate this very thing each Sunday as we worship together!

Discussion Questions1. Has there ever been a time where you’ve wondered if God was with you? What were you going through or struggling with? 2. What elements of Psalm 23 reveal God to be a loving shepherd? What elements show God to be a great conqueror? 3. Jesus prayed Psalm 23 as He walked among us in this world. When you think about who He was and how He lived, are there ways you can see him living out this psalm? 4. Why is it important for us that Jesus not only prayed Psalm 23 but lived it out? How does this make Him our Great Shepherd and Conquering King.? 5. How should these dual truths of how God is present with us change not only our attitudes and approaches to both private and public worship of Jesus?

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Sermon RecapWhen we read a verse like Psalm 127:1, we tend to fall into either/or thinking. Either the Lord builds the house, or we labor; either God gets the credit, or we do. Not only does this way of thinking make our faith implausible to the world around us—it keeps us from spiritual maturity as well.

Jesus gives us a way out of either/or thinking in Matthew 7:7-8. We are to ask, seek and knock, and when we do, God promises to answer us. Rather than either/or thinking, Christ invites into loving participation in the life of God himself through prayer.

In this season of significant transition for our church, we need one another to lean into that participation in God through prayer. We need God to meet us in our need. That requires us to heed Christ’s call to ask, seek and knock for one another and our church.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. What are some examples of either/or thinking that tends to characterize Christians’ approach to God, the world and themselves? 2. Where have you found yourself guilty of this either/or thinking? 3. Why is either/or thinking easy for us to fall into? What attracts us to it? 4. How does either/or thinking make the gospel unbelievable to our neighbors? How does it end up either making us seem crazy to others, or just as secular as the world around us? 5. How does Christ invite us to move beyond either/or thinking in Matthew 7:7-8? 6. How is participation in the life of God and his work on this earth a marker of his grace to us? 7. How can you participate with God in this season of transition at Grace Alameda?

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Waiting during a time of change is a hard thing to do. This short passage from Psalm 25 gives us a glimpse of how to faithfully do so while our church enters into this period of great transition.

Wait in Prayer for GodOften when we pray for our future, we ask for guidance but not for the guide. We like to think that we can do it on our own as long as we have a road map to follow. King David doesn’t ask for battle strategies or right weaponry in Psalm 25. He asks for God to be present, to fight his battles. While we wait, we need God to lead us more than we need God to tell us how to get where we’re going.
Wait in Obedience to GodWe often conflate waiting with inactivity but it can also be a time of preparation. As we wait on God, He still calls us to continued obedience in the things He’s clearly commanded us to do. This puts our heart in a posture where we’ll be ready to go when He leads us. We know God will eventually act because, like David in v2-3, we know we won’t be put to shame or be overcome by sin and death because Christ suffered those things for us at the cross. Instead, we have His record of perfect obedience which means God is eternally for us and His church.

Discussion Questions1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to wait for? What made it so difficult? 2. Can you ever think of a time where you had guidance but really need a guide? How much of your prayer life often asks for the former but not the latter? 3. What does continued obedience in a time of spiritual waiting look like for you? How can it prepare your heart for whatever comes next? 4. Why does the gospel give us assurance and comfort that we will not wait forever? How can it be an encouragement to Grace Alameda in light of the coming changes?

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As we seem to be on the other side of the pandemic with new transitions on the horizon, we’re tempted to jump into immediate action. Proverbs 16:1-9 contains great wisdom on how we should approach our plans for the future.

We must plan.Planning is not a bad thing as God has given us discernment, responsibility, and character to do so. The whole story of our redemption by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ is God’s unfolding plan from all eternity. As we are made in His image, we are wise to make plans when we consider the future.
We must plan, trusting in God’s control.We must remember God is in control of all our plans and ordains our steps (v1, 4, 9). Our plans must be centered on who God calls us to be and to “commit [our] work to the Lord.” (v3). Any plan we set forth for the future must be rooted in what we know God is doing through the church.
We must plan, trusting in God’s control, with humility, love, and integrity.How we plan matters just as much as what we plan. There is no place for arrogance, pride, and personal preferences. Christ humbled Himself to death on the cross so God’s ultimate purposes would be accomplished and glory would be revealed. As the head goes, so goes the body of Christ. We need humility to know both our strengths and limits. We love sacrificially so others might know God’s love and walk with integrity and openness. We not only speak up but also listen earnestly to one another, looking to re-engage with each other again.

Discussion Questions1. When’s the last time you had well-laid plans fall apart? What made your plans fall apart? How did you feel about it? 2. If God is in control of anything, why make plans at all? How can God’s sovereignty be a comfort and encouragement when facing an unknown future? 3. What does it look like to "commit your work to the Lord” when you make plans for the future? What do you think that looks like for a church in the midst of big changes? 4. Do you think how you plan something matters just as much as what you plan? How might you walk in humility, love, and integrity right now with the rest of Grace Alameda during this transitional time?

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Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is rooted in the Trinity, the Christian doctrine of God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Out of the Trinity’s unfolding redemptive plan, the church is established to be a visible manifestation of God’s hope, riches, and power in this world. In light of all that we receive in salvation, Paul prays less for a change of circumstances and more blessings for the Ephesians church but a remembrance and re-grasping of what they are founded on in Jesus Christ. By the Spirit, in our season of transition, that is how Grace Alameda is to pray as well.

Discussion Questions1. The word “Trinity” never appears in the Bible but we see the three persons of God appear and interact throughout all of Scripture. Can you think of some instances? 2. We are God’s glorious inheritance. This makes us recipients of the riches of heaven. Have you ever been so treasured by another that it led you to explode in delight and joy? What kind of confidence and comfort does being loved by another bring you? 3. In His wisdom, God makes Christ’s resurrection and ruling power visibly manifest in the church. What does this mean for the place and purpose of the church in this world? How should this shape our own attitudes toward the church? 4. Examine your prayer life. How much of your prayers are focused on asking God for new blessings and circumstantial changes rather than laying hold of all that God has already given us? Take some time to give thanks for all He has already accomplished for us and to strengthen our grasp of these blessings!

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Sermon RecapWhat goes up, must come down. That not only describes the law of gravity, but the law of human religion. The story of the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9) is the clearest example of it in Scripture. When we try to lift ourselves up spiritually, we inevitably fall (Prov. 16:18). Pentecost was the opposite of religion. In Pentecost, we learn the law of Christian faith, that what goes down will go up. The first Christians didn’t need human ascent (human religion), but divine descent—the coming of the Holy Spirit by the grace of Christ.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. In what ways do you tend to seek to lift yourself up in life? Where do you look to your own efforts rather than God’s grace for peace and hope? 2. What are some examples of the law of human nature playing out in history? In your experience? 3. Pentecost was one of the great events in salvation history. Where else in Scripture do you see examples the law of Christian faith (what goes down will go up)? 4. Where in your life do you need to apply the law of Christian faith? What will that look like for you this week?

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This is the third message in our Ripples of the Resurrection series. It is taken from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20:

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

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Christian generosity is not primarily determined by earthly measurements and means but the joy and abundance of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. It refuses to see what we have or don’t have in this world and only sees the sufficiency of a God who provides all the security and safety we ever need. This frees us to give generously of our time, talent, and treasure so others may join in thanksgiving and worship of God.

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How do we respond to times of intense difficulty, complexity, and sorrow? In what ways is the church called to be alongside those who are suffering and grieving? The spirit of our age is immediate judgment and charged reaction to every single event. Yet Jesus says we should mourn with those who mourn, or as Paul instructs us here in Romans, to groan with all creation as it is subject to sinful futility. When this is our first response, we better fulfill our call to compassion and grace in a world that regularly moves away from these things.

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This is the third message in our Ripples of the Resurrection series. It is taken from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20:

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Our new sermon series, Ripples of the Resurrection, explores how Jesus Christ’s resurrection redefines and reshapes how we see ourselves and the world around us. Join us as we explore the paradigm-shifting glory of new life in Christ each week. Today, we explore how the resurrection calls us to reconciliation with God and others.

Discussion Questions1. Why is reconciliation a big problem in our country today? Why does it seem like an impossible task? 2. How does the resurrection of Christ make us more accountable to God? 3. What is our role as ambassadors of reconciliation? Why does God give us this responsibility when we follow Jesus? 4. Are you reconciled to God? If not, talk to someone who knows what that means and learn about it. Is there someone in your life you need to seek reconciliation with? Take some time to pray for them and yourself. Then take small steps in pursuing reconciliation with them.

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Discussion Questions1. When you think about your identity before others, what are three main things you think of? What do you think are three things others think of when they identify you? 2. What was the importance of firstborn sons in the ancient Near East and Roman contexts of the Bible? Do you see any of this weight on birth order and gender in family dynamics today? 3. Why is the resurrection necessary for us to embrace and experience our sonship of God? 4. How does our identity in Christ challenge us to see issues of race and ethnicity differently than how the world sees it? How does it help us in difficult conversations and awkward or offensive moments when dealing with race and ethnicity?

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When we go to God in lament in the midst of suffering and sorrow, we are forced to re-evaluate where we have put our trust in. God loves us too much to continue to worship golden calves. Lament not only helps us see this misplaced hope but leads us to worship the one true God.

Discussion Questions1. What are the cultural and social idols in America today? Why do you think they are idols? 2. How does lament help us reveal where our false hopes have been placed? Why does going to God seem to always expose our misplaced trust? 3. Has there ever been a time in your life where God opened your eyes to a false idol you were holding on to? How did He reveal it to you? How did you respond when you realized it? 4. What is it about Jesus that makes him more than just a crutch for our faith? How is He different from anything else we put our trust and hope in? 5. Spend some time lamenting in prayer over the false idols of our world. Go to God with any grief and sorrow you have over how broken things are and how helpless we are without Him. Ask God to reveal your own idols and lament over your own waywardness and need for Christ.

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We continue our new series on lament, “How Long, O Lord?” with a sermon by Pastor Jeff Locke from Lamentations 3.

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We continue our new series on lament, “How Long, O Lord?” with a sermon by Kaiwin Su from Lamentations 1-2.

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We continue our new series on lament, “How Long, O Lord?” with a sermon by Pastor Jeff Locke from Psalm 13.

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This is the first sermon about the gift and grace of lament as it leads us closer to God. Check us out at www.gracealameda.org!

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This is the last of four sermons exploring who we are and what we’re about at Grace Alameda. Check us out at www.gracealameda.org!

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This is the third of four sermons exploring who we are and what we’re about at Grace Alameda. Check us out at www.gracealameda.org!

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This is the second of four sermons exploring who we are and what we’re about at Grace Alameda. Check us out at www.gracealameda.org!

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Droughts historically brought worries for wineries of bad crops and dead vineyards. Research in 2018 revealed though that not only are grapevines incredibly drought resistant but drought often helped produce richer, more complex wines. This past year was a spiritual, emotional, and financial drought for many yet we believe in a God who is still able to cause a parched and exhausted church to bear fruit. We’ll see how as we explore John 15 and Jesus’ metaphor of the vine and the branches in the month of January.

Begin a new sermon series with us this week, The Vine and the Branches, as we look at John 15. Today, we look at what it means to abide in Christ and why tha...

Sermon Recap1. Abide in JesusWhen Jesus said, “I am the true vine,” He reached back into Old Testament history. This proclamation wasn’t only a claim as the true Israel but emphasized the deeper reality that He alone righteously obeyed God and bore real fruit. It’s why He calls His followers to abide in Him. Without Him, there is no life, no connection to the Father in heaven. If anything else sits at the core of our identity, we will be abiding in that particular belief or thing, not in Jesus. We saw an example of that this past week with the storming of the Capitol. Though flags bearing the name of Jesus were flown, people were abusing the name of Christ for the sake of political power. It was not an abiding in but an abandoning of Jesus.

How We Abide in JesusSo what does it look like to abide in Him? First, we trust in His Word (v3) and obey His commands (v10). We often make abiding out to be a mystical, hyper-spiritual thing when it’s really simple obedience to Jesus. It doesn’t have to be more than knowing His Word and living in light of it. Second, we abide in prayer (v7). Prayer conforms and shapes our desires to be like God’s which makes obedience and trust all the more natural to us. Lastly, we must receive Jesus’ love. It means we look nowhere else for love but Christ alone who loves us with the awe-inspiring passion that His Father loves Him with. The same love that would lead Him to the cross for our sake. This is why He is the vine and we are the branches and we must abide in Him.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. Why does Jesus use the image of a vine to describe Himself? How is it fitting that He uses this metaphor? 2. Jesus says that we must abide in Him to bear any fruit, “for apart from me you can do nothing.” (v5) Are there any experiences in your life where you’ve found this to be true? 3. Why do we often connect the idea of “abiding” as a mystical or “out-of-body” experience. Is this what Jesus makes it look like? 4. What do you think abiding in His Word is? How can you grow in this area? What about abiding in prayer? 5. What makes the love of Christ far greater and superior to any other love? Do you have a hard time receiving His love? Why?

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Sermon RecapAs we begin a New Year, we look at a psalm of King David that ponders mankind’s place in the middle of God and the rest of creation. Where we do look when we’re trying to make up for a lost year and make sense of a year to come? We look to Jesus who joined us in the middle of this mess and fulfills Psalm 8 for us.

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Sermon RecapOn the first Sunday after Christmas, Pastor Sam Shin from Wellspring Church preached a sermon titled, "Awaiting the Light" from Isaiah 9:2-7. Let us worship the Light that shines on the world!

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This is the fourth sermon in our Advent series for the 2020-21 Christian year.

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This is the third sermon in our Advent series for the 2020-21 Christian year.

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This is the second sermon in our Advent series for the 2020-21 Christian year.

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This is the first sermon in our Advent series for the 2020-21 Christian year.

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As COVID surges again, health experts are encouraging everyone to do the holidays on their own, apart from beloved friends and family. Churches that were on the cusp of meeting indoors again now have to shelve their plans and remain online only. This extended period of separation and isolation is so hard. Acts 2 shows us why it’s particularly hard for the Christian and how we can hope together while we’re apart.

This week, we finish our series on having hope. Join us for worship Sunday at 10AM!- New to Grace? Connect with us here: http://gracealameda.org/contact- Giv...

Sermon Recap1. The Loss of CommunityMany think that shelter-in-place has forced Americans to lose their sense of community. This however has been going on for decades. For a long time now, most Americans have moved away from commitment and chosen not to participate or join religious and social organizations. This is not what we see in the early church. As these new believers repent and are baptized, the remain where they are and worship. Every nation, tribe, and tongue gathers to form the early church, burning with desire to worship God together. This “one-ness” was their witness to Roman society as these various ethnicities were reconciled to each other and the poor and outcasts were cared for.

The Need for CommunityThis means following Jesus requires real community in the flesh. If we cut ourselves off from the church community, we are cutting ourselves off from Christ’s chosen manifestation of his presence in this world. While some of us need time for healing from past experiences, the danger of more isolation is that it leads us to further cynicism and suspicion of others which only leads us away from community. This pandemic, while keeping us separate, requires us to deepen our commitment to one another in new ways. This is why we do car communion, morning prayer online, and meet virtually in groups. Our greatest testimony in this time will be how we wait in hope together. We do not give up nor give in but rest in knowing our God is with his church.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. With COVID taking a turn for the worst and the county tightening things up, how are you handling everything? 2. Would you consider yourself as a spirital “none”? How would you describe the spiritual lives of those who are “nones”? 3. What is the response of the people in Acts 2 as the Spirit of God indwells them and they receive the Word of God? Are any of these remarkable to you considering the world we’re in today? 4. What are the perils of cutting oneself off from the church? 5. What have been the most encouraging ways for you to stay connected to the church during shelter-in-place? Are there any new or different ways you’ve engaged with others that you want to keep as common practice?

Being the ChangeGandhi is often attributed with the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It inspires us to think about the little actions we make that can be world-changing. However Gandhi never actually said this but argued that one must have a complete transformation of their nature in order for anything to be different. We can’t do this on our own because we are “dead in our trespasses and sins.” Changing our nature is made even more impossible by the influence of the world and Satan’s activity against us (v2-3). This is why every attempt to change ourselves only brings frustration instead of freedom.
Receiving the ChangeReal change can only come from God’s hand when we recognize how powerless we are to change ourselves and how much God loves to bring the dead to life in Jesus Christ. By faith in him, we are raised up with him, seated in the heavenly places, and showered by God’s kindness (v.6-7). Our identities are no longer formed by what we can change but by God’s work of change in us. We are now “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” This liberates us to seek good for others without sucking out meaning and purpose from them. We no longer need to hope in change in the world but can hope in the change that Jesus is working in us.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. How do you handle changes in your life? Do you get excited or nervous about change? How are you handling all the changes going on in the world right now? 2. Evaluate the falsely-attributed Gandhi quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Why does it inspire? Why is it unrealistic? 3. Why is it so hard to change your very nature? Are there ways you’ve tried but failed? 4. By faith in Jesus, how have you seen God change you? In what areas of your life have you gone from death to life? 5. Why is it liberating to be God’s workmanship, created for good works? How does that change the way we approach our jobs, how we interact with others, and our desire for change in the world.?

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It’s easy to be excited (or concerned) because of all the change in the air. We have elected a new president and there are optimistic results from COVID vaccine and therapy trials. What adds to all this excitement is how personally responsible we feel for it all, whether it’s voting or mask-wearing. However, what does all this lead to real, long-lasting change? Paul shows us today what real change we should hope for and seek.

This week, we continue our series on having hope. Join us for worship Sunday at 10AM! - New to Grace? Connect with us here: http://gracealameda.org/contact -...

Sermon Recap1. Being the ChangeGandhi is often attributed with the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It inspires us to think about the little actions we make that can be world-changing. However Gandhi never actually said this but argued that one must have a complete transformation of their nature in order for anything to be different. We can’t do this on our own because we are “dead in our trespasses and sins.” Changing our nature is made even more impossible by the influence of the world and Satan’s activity against us (v2-3). This is why every attempt to change ourselves only brings frustration instead of freedom.

Receiving the ChangeReal change can only come from God’s hand when we recognize how powerless we are to change ourselves and how much God loves to bring the dead to life in Jesus Christ. By faith in him, we are raised up with him, seated in the heavenly places, and showered by God’s kindness (v.6-7). Our identities are no longer formed by what we can change but by God’s work of change in us. We are now “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” This liberates us to seek good for others without sucking out meaning and purpose from them. We no longer need to hope in change in the world but can hope in the change that Jesus is working in us.

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In the lead up to the election, both presidential candidates spoke of their strengths and shared what they would do to keep this country strong. They definitely emphasized the weaknesses of their opposition. What they didn’t do is mention their own personal weaknesses, failures, and shortcomings. After all, who wants to vote for a weak president? This reality makes Paul’s words here otherworldly as he boasts in his weaknesses. What is he doing and why should it make us consider our own weaknesses before God?

This week, we continue our series on having hope. Join us for worship Sunday at 10AM!- New to Grace? Connect with us here: http://gracealameda.org/contact- Give...

Sermon Recap1. The Presumption of Strength

Paul was in the position of defending himself from Corinthian churches that he had planted. New leaders had undone his gospel work and replaced it with emphases on wealth, power, and influence, a reflection of the Roman society they lived in and our world today. We spend so much of our time accruing these things because we only want to be accepted for our best characteristics. We need to be shaken out of this mindset.

The Purpose of Our WeaknessThis is why Paul begins to boast in the same manner as his attackers. None can match his religious and cultural heritage. His boasting takes a turn though when he begins to talk about his whippings, shipwrecks, imprisonments, and near-death experiences. Why mention all this suffering? Paul wants them to understand that it is precisely all his suffering and weakness that draws him closer to God.
The Power in Our WeaknessAll Paul cares about is living a life that points to Jesus, our Savior who forsook heavenly power to walk with us in our weakness. He willingly went to the cross to suffer abandonment from God so we would never experience that. The church has never been identified with strength, influence, and wealth but by the God who is strong when the church abides in Him in her weakness and suffering. It is where God draws near to us, particularly in this time of shelter-in-place and social upheaval. Draw near to him in weakness today!

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. What’s one area of weakness in your life that you hate letting others see? Why do you try to hide it so much? 2. Are there places in society where people are accepted for their weaknesses and worst characteristics? Where and why? 3. What is Paul trying to accomplish in boasting of his weaknesses? 4. How does the person, life, and work of Jesus Christ remind us what the values of the church should be? How does it show us that there is a greater power at work in our weakness? 5. It takes humility and sensitivity to acknowledge and own our weaknesses. It takes repentance and faith to see God working in those very same weaknesses. Take time this week to reflect on your own weaknesses and how God is at work in them. Pray that His Spirit would draw you closer in dependence and hope in Christ.

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We shouldn’t be surprised by chaos in the world and in our lives. What often shocks us however is how fast things become chaotic or how chaotic things get. Bob Dylan once said, “I accept chaos. I’m not sure whether it accepts me.” No matter how prepared we think we are for unexpected disaster, we never seem to handle it well when it happens. When everything is out of control, where is God? How do we have hope in chaos?

This week, we our series on having hope. Join us for worship Sunday at 10AM! - New to Grace? Connect with us here: http://gracealameda.org/contact - Give you...

Sermon Recap1. Sea of ChaosAncient Near East writings regularly referred to bodies of water as a metaphor for chaos and deadly situations. The psalmist speaks of floods of increasing danger three times in v.3. It gives voice to the craziness of the day we live in, where we’re pounded by bad news every single day like waves crashing on sea cliffs. It makes us wonder if this is from God and if it is, isn’t it all his fault?

God Over ChaosBefore our psalmist looks at the chaos in v.3, he looks at God in v.1-2. The world has order because God is on the throne. He created and controls all of it. Chaos is not a result of God’s design at work but us working against God and his original design. Things fall apart because of us and our desire to do things our own way. It’s why if we need to look to God if we want any semblance of order, direction, and hope in chaos. How do you know he’ll help you though?
Hope in ChaosWe know God will help because he’s helped his people before like Noah in the ark or the Israelites at the Red Sea. More importantly, God’s greatest testimony that he knows our chaos is in Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us and walked in our world. He demonstrated power over chaos like when he walked on the water or commanded the wind and waves to be silent. At the cross, Jesus entered into our chaos and suffered the most chaotic evil of all, death, so we would draw near to him in our chaos. Go and hope in him today.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. What was the most chaotic time of your life? What made it so crazy and out of control? How did you try to deal with it? 2. In what ways do you see this world moving from order to disorder? Are there ways you see the opposite happen? How is this evidence of God’s design and why we should look to God in chaos? 3. Why is it important that Jesus didn’t only have power over our chaos but entered into our chaos as well? How is that a comfort and hope for you and make him trustworthy? 4. As we hope in Jesus in the midst of chaos, we recognize that others are possibly going through even tougher times. Is there someone whose chaos you can enter into and walk with so they might see Jesus as their hope? Is there a tangible way you can serve them this week? Do it!

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Vice Admiral James Stockdale, a POW survivor of the Vietnam War, once said, “You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end - which you can never afford to lose - with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.” Real hope can never be Polly-annish optimism but wrestles and struggles with our current circumstances. Our upcoming sermon series, “Our Only Hope", will help us find hope in God during these difficult times in the face of every challenge.

This week, we begin a new series on what it means to have hope. Join us for worship this Sunday at 10AM! - New to Grace? Connect with us here: http://graceal...

Sermon Recap1. A Living HopeWe all have hopes for life after shelter-in-place but what if those hopes never come true? It’s possible that COVID will forever change how we gather and interact in public. The reality is any earthly, finite hope cannot last forever. A hope in a spouse, a child, our career, or our money will only suffice as long as they are around. God offers us a living, eternal hope in Jesus Christ. He is our resurrected Savior who can never be taken away from us, a love that has overcome the grave and is ours forever.

A Visible JoyOur hope in Christ means we can have purpose and meaning in suffering. We can rejoice in the midst of suffering for we know that our faith is being refined like gold in the fire. Real joy allows us to properly confront our suffering for we know God is at work. Romans 5:3-4, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Jesus himself lived this out. He suffered the shame and abandonment of the cross for the joy of redeeming a people for his own glory. It is this joy we share as we persevere in suffering and hope in Christ.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. Consider the James Stockdale quote. Do you think vibrant, honest faith that has true hope does that? 2. What are your little hopes for life after shelter-in-place? Are they ones you’re optimistic or pessimistic about actually happening? How much value do you actually place in them? 3. Why is Jesus our only living hope? Why is Jesus our only eternal hope? 4. Read Romans 5:3-4 again. In your suffering, have you experienced this sequence of events before? What did it look like? Was hope in Christ the foundation of your experience? 5. Imagine the joy and delight of knowing that Jesus will glory over our faith and hope in him amidst our earthly sufferings. This should lead us to recognize people in our lives who have persevered in their struggles and still hoped in Jesus. If someone’s story has encouraged you, let them know! Give praise to God with them for Christ’s work in their life.

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Genesis 2:4-9

4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.

5 When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, 6 and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground— 7 then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. 8 And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

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Waiting is difficult and we unfortunately live in a time where we’re always waiting. Whether it’s small things like getting into a grocery store or having food delivered to big things like justice to be delivered or for wildfire smoke to dissipate, waiting often makes us ask God, “Where are you?” “When will you show up and do something?” Thankfully this isn’t a foreign emotion to people in Scripture.

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Sermon Recap1. Wait with RecognitionIt’s hard to recognize the country we live in right now. It feels more politically and socially divided than ever. Yearly wildfires were not an issue growing up in the Bay Area. What is familiar however are the troublesome ways we respond to these circumstances. Waiting is hard, not because of what’s around us but because of what’s within us. The psalmist recognizes that before he can ask the world around him to change, he himself must first be changed by God. We must recognize the same as we wait on God.

Wait with HopeWe live in an atmosphere of fear. Some wear masks for fear of COVID while others refuse to wear masks for fear of losing civil liberties. In either case, people are driven to terror or dread of those who don’t act the same way. We are to fear God but in a different way. God does not draw us to obey and submit to him by shame, guilt, or ridicule but by his love and forgiveness. We see this most clearly at the cross of Jesus Christ, where God’s justice and mercy are both accomplished. This means we can wait with hope like watchmen wait for the morning. We know his steadfast love is for us and we know change will come in his time.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. What is the last thing you waited for? Did it lead to any frustration or anger? Why? 2. “Wait is hard, not because of what’s around us but because of what’s within us?” Do you think this is true? Why or why not? 3. Why is fear of God a good thing? How is the current climate of fear in our culture different from the fear of God that comes from his forgiveness? 4. How does the cross help us recognize our own need for help in waiting? How does it instill a godly fear in us? How does it give us hope in our waiting? 5. What are you waiting for God to do? What question have you been waiting for him to answer? Commit this week to daily prayer and Scripture reading as you wait with hope in him.

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Genesis 1:26-28

26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

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From Philippians 4:10-23:

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

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From Philippians 4:8-9:

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

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We’ve all faced the reality of having something you thought would provide much gain turn into something that caused great loss. Maybe it was a friendship that turned sour or a job opportunity that you hoped would lead to a promotion but ended up getting you fired. The same can happen spiritually. What does false spiritual gain and what does it look like to have the real kind?

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Sermon Recap1. False ProfitThe Philippians church was under attack from Judaizers, a Jewish sect that sought to make Christians observe Jewish law. This group sought their righteousness in their own pedigree and performance before God. Paul understood this type of spiritual approach for he himself was this way at one time. He once was the Pharisee of Pharisees, the Hebrew of Hebrews, known for his persecution of the Christian church. Only when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus did he begin to see what little spiritual gain he truly had living this way.

True ProfitPaul’s life changed when he found his righteousness in Christ alone. He recognized how everything in his past life was not just neutral or something to move on from but detrimental and poisonous to his life. This act of repentance helped him walk in faith, knowing that only Christ can graciously love and rescue a murderer and racist like him. It also led him to take hold of the power of the resurrection, not only as he hoped to see it in an eventual physical death, but as he currently made do with his imprisonment and sufferings for Christ. Though he had nothing in that very moment, with Christ, Paul had the only true spiritual profit that mattered.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. Have you ever invested in something (financial item, person, job, etc.) that you were sure was going to be worth a lot but ended up being a total loss? How did you handle the disappointment? 2. In what ways did the Judaizers depend on their pedigree and performance to justify themselves? How did Paul used to do it? 3. Are there ways that you have spiritually tried to live by depending on your pedigree? What about by performance? How? 4. Why are repentance and faith key to walking away on self-dependence and trusting in Christ alone? How do you see Paul exemplifying that? 5. Isn’t it amazing that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is at work in you by faith in Jesus? Share a couple of ways you’ve seen God’s resurrection power at work in your life.

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In a culture where self-care is of utmost importance, what priority should we have as followers of Jesus in relation to God and other people? If we continue Paul’s line of thinking from earlier in chapter 2, the humility of Christ leads us to recognize that we must have God first, others second, and ourselves last.

Sermon Recap1. Why It Must Be This OrderPaul calls us to work out our salvation which we understand as seeing to the out-working or fruit of our salvation. Any real change in our lives is a result of the “God who works in you” (v.13). To look to ourselves or others to bring about real change is not only futile but idolatrous. It’s why following Jesus has never been about us and what we can do but who He is and what He’s done for us.

How Do We Keep This OrderTo make sure we keep things in right order, Paul first warns us against grumbling. The anti-social nature of grumbling pushes God and others away and harms our witness as the church in the world. Instead, we must learn to rejoice and give thanks. We do this because we were first the joy of Christ. He loved us so much that he went to the cross to rescue and redeem us so He might delight in us. It is out of His joy that we have reason in every circumstance to delight in God’s grace.
What Does It Look LikeAs we keep our order in place, we’ll learn to worship and grow alongside others. We will be surrounded by people who are not in it for themselves because we are not in it for ourselves. Instead, we learn to embrace the preferences and passions of others. We also will become sacrificial in our love to others. This points the world to our Savior, the one who gave His very life for us so we might love our neighbor as ourselves.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. How hard is it for you to keep the order of God first, others second, and yourself last? In what aspects of life do you often put yourself first? 2. What is so heinous and wrong about putting ourselves before God? Why does it nullify any real attempt for change and growth in our lives? 3. Why is grumbling unhealthy? How is it a selfish act that turns us inward and puts ourselves first? 4. Why should Christ be the only one who can “spark joy” for any of us? What did He do when we didn’t “spark joy” for Him? 5. How has following Jesus led you to making sacrifices you normally wouldn’t make? Are there ways in which that has helped you grow alongside others in the church?

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When it feels like you’re in a social prison because of COVID-19, what has been your life? How have you answered the question, “To live is (blank)?” What gets you up in the morning and gets you going through the day? For Paul, the answer was very clear; to live is Christ and to die is gain. What does that look like for us?

Sermon Recap1. A Life for ChristHow Paul’s prison term would end. Would he be set free or receive capital punishment? Amazingly enough, Paul was not. By prayer and the Spirit, Paul knew his true freedom was only found in Christ, that ultimate vindication only came from the highest court of heaven. Knowing that case had long been settled when Christ went to the cross for him, Paul lived without worry or anxiety of his earthly circumstances.

A Longing for ChristPaul’s desire to be with Christ is hard for us to understand in the better moments of our lives. When things are well, we settle for less than what God intended for all creation before the Fall. It is a form of unbelief to think that we can have our best life now. Instead, God’s desire is that we long for Christ in the same way He longs for us, so much so that “for the joy that was set before him” Jesus died for our sake. (Heb. 12:2)
A Loyalty to ChristThis longing roots us in our heavenly citizenship. It means our ultimate fealty belongs to Christ alone. This is not something we boast of for it has been graciously given to us. It should lead us to a humble unity with one another, leading us into selfless service before others. It calls us to fight for the oppressed and call the oppressors to repentance, longing for all to be reconciled to God on the final day.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. How have you answered the questions, “To live is (blank)?” What has given you life during shelter-in-place? What has sustained you and gets you going day after day? 2. What people or areas of life have so much importance to you that their opinion or judgment of you matters? If Christ is your ultimate vindication, how does that change the way you view the judgment of others? 3. When’s the last time you said to yourself, “It doesn’t get better than this?” What type of situation was it? What made it so great? 4. What does longing for God look like in a time where we often settle for far less? 5. Why does valuing our heavenly citizenship matter in our current earthly context? How does our heavenly citizenship not take us out of worldly concerns but firmly entrenches us in serving and loving others here and now?

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Paul’s assertion that the gospel is advancing during his imprisonment seems unfathomable. How does the good news get out when the messenger is locked up and his freedoms are taken away? In our time of coronavirus and national division, it’s also difficult to imagine the gospel going forth. Paul’s situation encourages us to know that not only can this happen but this is an important time for it to happen.

Sermon Recap1. The Gospel Advances When We Engage SufferingPaul’s imprisonment reveals the spiritual principle that God’s power is made manifest through weakness. Paul willingly subjects himself to the Roman penal system because he knows this is how God’s power is displayed. When we consider the Beatitudes, Christ says it is the poor in spirit, those who mourn, are meek, and hunger/thirst for righteousness/justice that are blessed. As the church, we cannot and should not ignore suffering, even if it is not our own. Following Jesus means engaging it in the same manner that Christ engaged ours.

The Gospel Advances When We Are Rooted in ChristThere are a diversity of opinions on how we are to respond to this current time. Many of us are not sure how to act or what our motivations might be. Paul’s response to those who leverage his imprisonment for personal gain shows us that our reputations do not matter as much as our identity in Christ. Christ in us means we’re unburdened by the demands of our culture. We’re not subject to its judgment and condemnation. Instead, we can learn how racist or selfish we are in this time and still be forgiven, repent, change, and seek the good of our black friends. This is how the gospel advances in this context today.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. Have you ever willingly entered into a situation that you knew would bring you suffering or make you weak? What was your reason for it? Do you think it was worth it? 2. How have you made sense of these past couple weeks with the issues of race and police brutality? Are there ways in which you’ve learned something new or been challenged? 3. How does the gospel reveal that God’s power is made manifest through weakness? Why is it then the proper motivation for us engage suffering, not only of our own but of others around us? 4. As you’ve considered what it looks like to engage, have you ever questioned your own motivations for how you want to do it? Why can it seem so hard to make a decision on what to do? 5. Why must our identity in Christ be the foundation for any response we make in this particular time? What happens if we act out of our other identities of race, occupation, political disposition, etc.?

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Revelation 7 is an intervening interlude during the opening of the seven seals in chapters 6 and 8. God grants John two visions of the people of God, the church on earth and the church in heaven, to bring comfort and hope for those in the midst of trial and tribulation and affirm His continuing work of bringing His sheep back into the fold.

Sermon Recap1. The Church on EarthIn our first vision, an angel of the Lord keeps the four winds from destroying the world so that all the servants of God may be sealed. Revelation 14:1 tells us that it is the name of God and the Lamb that is written on their foreheads. Seals are a mark of an authority’s power and presence over another as we know from baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Those who are sealed number 144,000, arranged as an Old Testament Israelite army ready for battle. It’s a symbolic picture of all God’s people, Jew and Gentile, standing before their God, awaiting the Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ, to come lead them into the final battle. We are reminded that how things currently are is not how it will always be.

The Church in HeavenThe second vision reveals a people at rest, an innumerable multitude of every nation, tribe, and tongue, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise of Genesis 12 and 15. They’re clothed in white, purified by the blood of the Lamb, waving palm branches in celebration of their liberation from Satan, sin, and death by the sacrifice of Christ. Their new song is now echoed by the angels, the heavenly elders, and the four living creatures in a picture of perfected worship. The Lamb of God is now celebrated as the Great Shepherd of the sheep. Even now, as the idea of gathering as one church again seems so farfetched, this vision tells us that the amazing glory of worship is not in Grace Alameda gathering once again (though we can’t wait to do that again!) but when all of God’s people gather to worship for eternity. This gives us reason to persevere at this time.

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. Has it been a struggle for you to not physically gather for worship on Sundays? What’s been the hardest part of it all? What about Sunday service do you long for and miss the most? 2. What comes to mind when you think of seals? What do those seals usually represent? 3. How is it a comfort that God delays the final judgment to come while He seals all the servants of God? What does that say about who and how many God saves? 4. What is the tenor and tone of worship in the vision of the church in heaven? How should that inform our worship during this time? 5. How do these two vision of the church on earth and the church in heaven encourage you during this time of shelter in place? How can you encourage others who are struggling with our current context?

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In most legal contracts, disastrous events are usually considered under a blanket clause called “acts of God”. A lot of that language and imagery comes from what we see in Revelation 6 as we see a vision of God’s judgment pouring out upon the earth. How do we make sense of the opening of the seals and how does Jesus speak to who our God is in all of this?

We will be live streaming our Sunday worship service today at 4PM. Please join us!Sermon Recap1. Lord Over All CalamityThe intense picture of the four horsemen reminds us that God is in control of the end. He determines how they’re unleashed and what they can destroy. Even now, we see the effects of God’s judgment upon the sin and corruption of a rebellious world as evidence of this destruction is everywhere. While believers are not exempt from suffering the effects of this judgment, we know that in Christ, no judgment befalls us for our own sins for we stand forgiven in Christ.

Lord Over All ChronologyOpening the fifth seal reveals a vision of martyrs crying under the altar for God’s justice to be fulfilled. We may not understand the importance of this in our context because martyrdom isn’t a daily reality. Yet what we see is God numbers the days until final judgment by the number of martyrs killed, not by dates on a calendar. It centers the church’s worship, crying out, “How long O Lord,” with the saints in heaven, trusting our Lord will come. in His timing and not ours.
Lord Over All CreationThe sixth seal causes a de-creation of all the world to occur. A great earthquake that signifies God’s administration of justice is happening, one that all mankind cannot escape. This is not the first time this has happened. When Christ was crucified, the sky went dark and a great earthquake occurred as well. For at the cross, God’s judgment fell upon Christ for all who would believe in Him. Thus, when the heavens and earth are shaken one final time, those who trust in Christ can rightly say, “We stand in Jesus!”

Reflection & Discussion Questions1. When you think of “acts of God”, what do you imagine? Are they things that match this vision in Revelation 6? 2. Why should it bring us comfort that God is in control of all judgment in this world? Why should believers not fear judgment even as we experience it now? 3. Why is it important to note that God counts the days until final judgment by the number of martyrs who give up their lives for their faith and not by days in a year? How does this affect how we should view worship as the church? 4. Is there something in your life where you’re currently praying, "How long O Lord?” Share this with your community group or with someone else and take time to pray together. 5. When Christ was crucified, he experienced the “de-creation” envisioned with the sixth seal. What does that mean for believers as we await the final day of judgment? How does that affect how we live today before the rest of the world?

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Sermon RecapJesus’ approach to being with Martha and Mary are different even though they ask Him the exact same question. As we look at His response to Mary, we’ll see His humanity on full display, not only knowing that He will soon Lazarus from the dead, but knowing how much closer this leads to His own death.

What Christ FeelsJesus was “deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled” when He witnessed the mourning of Mary and others. This wasn’t just purely sorrow but also anger at sin and death along with the despair and hopelessness they wrought. It leads Him to weep alongside everyone else. We all know Jesus could’ve avoided all this emotion. After all, He’s fully God, He can do anything. But He’s also fully man, which means He enters into our sorrow, grief, and anger and does not let us experience them alone. What great comfort!
What Christ GivesJesus’ humanity in this moment gives us permission to weep and be angry at what coronavirus is doing to the world. We can rightly mourn and groan in this time, knowing Jesus joins us in this. He also gives us hope. For weeping and anger without hope only kills the soul. It expresses itself with no end in sight, only leading us to demonize others or victimize ourselves. However, in Christ, we have the greatest of all hope for He is our resurrection and our life. He reminds us that this will not be how it will always be but He has set all things right by His death and resurrection for our sake.

Reflection and Discussion QuestionsHead1. What is the angriest you’ve ever been? What about the saddest? How alone did you feel in the moment? 2. Have you ever knowingly allowed yourself to enter into sorrow or anger, knowing you could’ve prevented it? Why would Jesus do that?

Heart1. How have you made sense of the situation the world is in right now? Have you spiritually and emotionally engaged what’s going on? Do you feel any connection to those who are suffering and dying? Why or why not?

Hands1. We need to be reminded of our eternal hope in Christ during this difficult time. Not only must we remember it for ourselves but we must proclaim it to one another. Call, text, or message five people right now and remind them that their one and only hope right now is Jesus Christ for He is our resurrection and life!

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Sermon RecapNobody likes dealing with someone who isn’t in touch with reality. Our frustration with those who continue to ignore government health recommendations is that they’re ignoring how serious a threat COVID-19 is. Jesus’ followers often thought Jesus wasn’t in touch with reality either. Yet the truth was He was the only one who knew the beginning from the end and the reality of what God wanted for Him.

The Reality of DeathMartha didn’t understand what took Jesus so long to see them. When pressed, Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again,” words that may have hardly brought real comfort to this grieving sister. Jesus however meant something for different from what Martha thought. He wasn’t promising that Lazarus would be resurrected on the final day of judgment. He meant Lazarus was going to rise right now, while Jesus was there.
The Reality of LifeThis is why Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He’s not here to be a miracle-worker but the miracle itself that everyone needs. This reality of eternal life wasn’t just a promise for the dead who believed but for the living who followed Him. As we deal with the reality of a faceless virus that brings death, we embrace the reality of eternal life in the face of Jesus Christ. God is with us in this crisis, whether we return to normalcy in a month or leads to our deaths. For Christ is our resurrection and our life.

Reflection and Discussion QuestionsHead1. Why do you think Jesus told Martha that He was the resurrection and the life instead of telling her that He would resurrect Lazarus? 2. Why is Christianity not a form of existential escapism but actually has an answer for the everyday realities that we face?

Heart1. What is the best kind of counsel or consolation you’ve received when you’ve mourned or grieved? What was the worst kind? How did you respond to each?

Hands1. Since resurrection life has a face and a name, we carry that reality in us every single day. This leads us to be as real and human as Christ was in loving and serving our neighbors. Be visible in the life of someone who is struggling with fear today. It could be a video chat with them or dropping a meal off on a doorstep.

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Due to the public health crisis, we held a special prayer service instead of our usual Sunday worship gathering. As long as the government discourages public gatherings for safety reasons, you can catch live-streams and watch recordings online on the Grace Alameda YouTube channel.

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