Soma Culver City: Recent Episodes
Soma Culver City
In our last gathering we had Matt Woo, Shannon Woo, and Maurissa Edwards share their stories about what God has done in their lives and through Soma during their time in the church.
In this gathering Brad talks about how you can evaluate a church beyond "Sundays" before sitting down with Jessica Salzman and David Holtgrewe as they share their stories about Soma.
In this special gathering, Brad Watson shares biblical wisdom on how to prepare your heart to be sent to a new church and how the Spirit and our desires shape what we look for in a new church. Brad starts by articulating what the church is. Read more of his notes here.After that, Sarah Wechsler, Evie Hutton, and Casey Samulski answer questions and share stories from the early days of Soma and how they’ve seen God work in and through them.
The Resurrection of Something Dead to Life, is the most outlandish, surprising, and honestly courageous beliefs to have. Dead things don’t come back to life. It’s part of the definition of death--beyond resuscitation. However, the story of Easter is that Jesus was confirmed died Friday at 11am, was buried and then came out of the grave on Sunday around 7 or 8 in the morning. it’s not just hanging out on the edge of the Christian faith—it’s not a sub point or peripheral claim of Christianity. It is core to the essence of the faith. It’s foundational to the belief anyone has in Jesus. It’s essential to the nature of Christ. It’s not a part of the hope—it’s the whole hope. In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through 1 Corinthians 15:1-22 and how we can have confidence in Jesus' Resurrection
In this Palm Sunday, Brad Watson preaches through John 12:12-19, Psalm 118, and Zechariah 9. Through these passages we’re brought into Holy Week, our hearts are prepared, and our lives become attentive to the need and work of Jesus.
Chris, Casey, and Brad share about the future of Soma Culver City and Brad preaches from 1 Peter 1 on the hope of God amidst trials.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches about the saints of unbelief who walk with Jesus but also are filled with doubt as they serve Jesus. In this sermon we reflect on Moses’ and Elijah’s stories of doubt as we find lasting hope in Jesus.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches about doubt and faith and what that truly feels like and how Jesus meets us in our unbelief. Brad preaches through the story of the father with an evil spirit tormented child. Through this story we are able to ask some of our deepest questions and explore the foundations of doubt.
In this sermon, Brad Watson continues our series on hope by examining the core claim and message of Jesus. Jesus preaches good news of the kingdom of God on earth. How do we respond to that? How do we get into it? Jesus says we respond through belief.
A life without hope is untenable. We were made for it and our hearts are driven towards it. The question is: Is Jesus the lasting hope? Can we trust it? How do we get that hope? In this sermon, Brad Watson walks through those questions.
In this sermon, Austin Edwards preaches through John 1:29-37 and how John the Baptist makes the announcement of all announcements about the nature of Jesus. In this sermon, Austin explains the background of the phrase “lamb of God” and what it means to behold and announce Christ.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through John 11:1-44 and the story of Lazarus’ death, the ensuing grief, and the miraculous raising of Lazarus to death. Through this sermon we process how Christian hope works in the midst of terrible events. Do we hope that all of this is a character building exercise? Do we hope that at least Jesus will counsel us through the storm? Or, do we we hope Jesus is who he said he is: resurrection and life? Continue to process in DNA groups with this guide. See Brad’s list of additional resources on the problem of evil and suffering.
Every year we have a family meeting to reflect back on the past year and look forward, sharing the spiritual direction for the year that the elders have prayed over, and the apostolic team has prepared. During our family meeting we spent a lot of time reflecting on 2023 and sharing our celebrations and regrets before moving into this portion of the evening focused on 2024. We’ll share more in the coming weeks, but hope you take time to listen if you missed. You can download the handout here.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through John 2:1-11 and the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine. In this passage we learn and see how Jesus involves himself in the trivial, even when we don’t see it, and even when we aren’t prepared.
In this sermon, Evie Hutton preaches through Philippians 4:8-9 as Paul calls the church to look around them and notice whatever is good, noble, lovely, pure, and excellent and to think on these things. Evie challenges us to see and acknowledge the good within our city while also holding onto the reality that not everything is good.
In this sermon, Watson preaches on the beginning of Advent and the challenge to see our hopes recalibrated back to Jesus through Isaiah 8:19-9:7. First, looking at the reality of darkness, despair, and distress before shifting to see reality of light, peace, and hope found in the Child Born to us.
In this sermon, Sarah Wechsler preaches through Philippians 4:2-7 and how the gospel gives us the power to pursue restoration in relational conflict. She speaks to Paul’s example in this passage and his exhortation to rejoice in the midst of conflict.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Philippians 3:17-41 as Paul calls the church to live as citizens of the kingdom of heaven. I this sermon Brad compares the kingdoms of this earth with the kingdom of heaven and what it means to take up residency with Christ.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Philippians 3:12-16 and how Paul reveals he’s like all of us: a work in progress. Through this sermon we see how Jesus isn’t simply the answer on paper, but in our lives as we come to experience his grip on us.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Philippians 3:1-11 and Paul’s explicit warning against legalism as he shares his own story of achieving and abandoning a life of legalism in exchange for knowing Christ.
In this sermon, Casey Samulski preaches through Philippians 2:1-11 and how the rat race of proving our significance and worth is reshaped by the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Engage in this series with guides for the individual, DNA groups, and more: www.somaculvercity.com/philippians
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Philippians 1:27-30 and what it means to conduct yourself worthy of the gospel—not matter what happens. Brad focuses on why we might find this task difficult and misunderstandings we carry into these encouragements to “behave ourselves”. Ultimately, we see lots of beauty in the gospel.
In this sermon, Chris Scruton preaches through this famed passage by St. Paul on the desire to live a life glorifying Christ.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Philippians 1:12-18a and how the gospel advances through our lives—even in our suffering—and how nothing keeps the gospel from thriving. Brad teaches on how the message of Jesus advances and what our motives have to do with it.
At our Sunday gathering we affirmed, challenged, and prayed over Casey as he officially became an elder within our body. Please listen in to be encouraged and participate in this moment. If you’re curious, all things eldership can be found here.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Philippians 1:3-11 and what makes Christian community from common friendship and how the gospel is the cure for our epidemic of loneliness. Christian community is marked by thankfulness to God, the affection of Christ, and prayer.
How to write an OCCA Paragraph? They should start with a very brief, 2-3 sentence, descriptive summary of the key idea or argument (direction of reasoning) that you perceived in the reading, as you. The rest of the paragraph is then an outline of your own personal view (yes, we do want your own opinion) of the issue, topic, challenge or question. They can be narrow (identifying a single issue or question) or broader in focus. You can, if you want to, conclude the paragraph with a question or direction that you would like to explore more. They should be between 150-250 words in length. We ask you to produce these paragraphs each time we do a reading and discussion (in each Cycle 2). Although we will not collect them in or mark them, so you don’t ever need to submit them, you can share them with each other. Be ready though! From time to time, we may ask you to share your paragraphs, and some discussion leaders may make them a key focus, whilst some won’t. In any case you must have them ready for each Cycle 2 discussion, just in case. We fully expect the first few to be a learning experience so don’t worry too much if it feels a bit odd to start with.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Psalm 139:13-15:175, Romans 12:1, and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 as we continue our series on holistic formation Brad gave a “kids sermon” story before getting into the heart of the message (09:32). This time, we’re looking at the the biblical concept of loving God with all our strength.
This is our last episode on preaching! In this episode all three elders, Jeff, Chris, and Brad sit down with Casey and talk about their personal histories, perspectives, and views on preaching. They also share transparently about their desires and longings for our body and what our church can expect from preaching in the coming season.
This is part three of our four-part special podcast on how we view preaching in Soma to clarify and give context for what we do in building the preaching team of men and women proclaiming the gospel under the authority of elders.
In this episode, Casey Samulski asks Brad Watson to walk through the historical background of the Church with preaching and how, after two thousand years, we ended up here and more about what preaching means to our church today.
In this episode, Casey Samulski asks Brad Watson questions about how preaching is experienced in the gathering of our church, and what is happening within our lives as we experience preaching during our gatherings. Please see show notes below on all the passages of scripture references and additional resources, articles, and podcast. You can also read an overview and summary of our view here. Here’s the Definitions of Preaching slideshow from Dr. Watson (Brad’s dad) that was referenced.
In this episode, Casey Samulski asks Brad Watson questions about where we see the preaching throughout the Bible as we begin to ask the question: What is preaching, biblically? Where do we see it? What do we learn from it and how does that inform our view and practice of preaching today. They also talk through important passages in the New Testament about who can preach, namely 1 Timothy 2:8-15 and the office of elders. Please see show notes below on all the passages of scripture references and additional resources, articles, and podcast.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Psalm 119:175, Psalm 42:1-2, Song of Songs 3:1, and Ecclesiastes 9 as we continue our series on holistic formation. This time, we’re looking at the the biblical concept of soul and practices we can engage in that will help us love God with all our soul in everyday life. There’s an accompanying DNA guide you can use here.
This month we’ve asked everyone to “host” someone in your life in an intentional way. Think of someone you want to get to know better. Invite them over and enjoy welcoming them into your home. -How do you invite people over and create intentional space and relationship with them? Sarah Wechsler and Brad Watson talk through all of those questions in this short conversation.
Are you going on vacation? How can you apply some of the principles from this teaching to your vacation this month? Sarah Wechsler and Brad Watson have some real talk about vacations/trips with kids and about temptations to indulge and not seek God. They also talk through the five questions of intentional vacationing shared during the recent sermon on feast of tabernacles.
Five Questions of Intentional Vacations 1. Where can we be at rest? Sabbath 2. Where can we we unplug? Simplicity 3. How can we get out of town? Retreat 4. How will we connect? Relating 5. When will We remember God? Worship
Sarah Wechsler gives an encouragement to the men within our body and some important announcements. Then in the sermon (5:40), Brad Watson preaches through Leviticus 23:39-44 and excerpts from Psalm 116 and Psalm 113. Through this final festival, we see God inviting us into practices that resist the temptation of a hurried life through remembering God’s story, feasting, and retreating.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Leviticus 23:23-29, Leviticus 16:28-34, and Hebrews 10:9-25 as we learn about how the festival of Trumpets and Day of Atonement point us to the lasting joy and satisfaction that comes from Jesus.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Leviticus 23:9-22 and teaches on the the two festivals on the first fruits of barley and wheat harvests. Seemingly obscure, this passage challenges our notions of worship, generosity, and work.
In this sermon, Brad Watson introduces our series on the feasts God commands the Israelites to celebrate in Leviticus 23 and preaches on the first to feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread through Exodus 12.. While incredibly nerdy (sorry/not sorry), we see the evidence of God’s grace, power, and character as the Redeemer.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Psalm 145 as the Scriptures increase our imaginations for who God is while inviting us into the prayer practice of praise. Get more resources at somaculvercity.com/pray
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Psalm 34 as we wrestle with why we struggle to believe that prayer matters or works and how this Psalm instructs us to seek the presence of God as the ultimate end of prayer. Get more resources at somaculvercity.com/pray
In this sermon, Chris Scruton begins our season of prayer, Soma Prays, by walking us through Psalm 1 and how the beginning of a prayer-filled life begins with delight. Get more resources at somaculvercity.com/pray
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through John 20 on Easter morning. Through the first witnesses of the resurrection we’re brought into contact with our own doubts, longings, and gaps in belief. However, we see Jesus’ resurrection as the hope for the world—providing a personal transformation to our souls.
In this sermon, Evie Hutton reads the entire account of Jesus' death from Mark 14 and 15. Then (12:15), Brad Watson shares some reflections about what makes Good Friday good.
In this sermon, Casey Samulski preaches through John 12:1-19 and how we struggle with doubt and belief: specifically doubting whether Jesus is worthy, whether he is the king, and whether he is enough. Through the narrative of the original Palm Sunday, we see the gospel applied to each aspect of our doubts.
In this sermon, we recap this series on Genesis and reflect with dialogue before Brad Watson preaches (9:17) through that story of the city of on the plains of Shinar where the people build a massive temple complex and tower before God confuses their language and scatters them. In this passage we see how a diluted view of God always distorts humanity and how we cannot make God like us to close the gap between us, but instead need Jesus to come to us. Continue to engage in DNA.
In this sermon, Evie Hutton reads the entire account of Noah’s family and the flood that covered the known world and Brad Watson preaching through that story. In it we come in contact with pervasive evil, God’s wrath to death with, but also the nature of God’s wrath is it always leads to restoration. Continue to engage in DNA.
In this sermon, Glenn Watson preaches through Genesis 4 and the story of Cain and Abel. Through this passage we see the trajectory of sin as a worship issue: our failure at the altar leads to our failure in the fields. We also see the twisting of sin and avoidance of responsibility through Cain’s life. Continue to engage in DNA.
In this sermon, Joshua Bowditch preaches through Genesis 3:14-24 and how God extends justice for sin that results in exceedingly good blessings. Looking at the fallout from the first sins of Adam and Eve, Joshua explains how God not only gives judgement but also delights in giving mercy. From day one, God planned to redeem what was lost. Continue to engage in DNA.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Genesis 2:25-3:13 and the tragedy of the rebellion, shame, guild, and broken relationship that comes from the first sins of Adam and Eve. In this passage we see God challenge our notion of who he is as he pursue restoration with humans and seeks them out even in their sin. Continue to engage in DNA.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Genesis2:4-25 about how God creates our human identity and belonging through the cultivation of the garden of Eden and the formation of the man and woman. He also speaks to misunderstandings of how this passage has been used in regards to gender. Continue to engage in DNA.
Due to technical difficulties, we weren’t able to record this sermon on February 5th, however, we’re going to share the sermon notes in hopes it can still be helpful, especially if you missed. Continue to engage in DNA.
Sermon NotesIntroduction SHARP: Chronic fatigue (38%), restlessness, burnout is the leading cause of people leaving their jobs (according to a Business Insider Study on the “great Resignation”
Burnout, is when the gap between what is expected and what is required of us is greater than our capacity can bare….
55% of Americans say no amount of rest or time off helps them regain focus or feel energized…according to National Library of Medicine study, if left unaddressed, even if Americans eat better, exercise more (reduce our levels of obesity to nearly zero), these conditions will grow as account for our burnout/fatigue: heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and will account for the number one underlying reason people will go to the ER and seek medical care….
We don’t have a work/life balance problem…We have a LIFE problem…
Some of us might say, well Americans work too much and have too many responsibilities and take more time for hobbies, exercise, vacations, et…
….in the history of the world, there’s never been more money spent by a society on leisure, vacations, hobbies, childcare, food delivery, etc…(According to Fortune Magazine, the Economist, and GDP data)
Some have supposed that in modern life, we’ve turned liesure into work…the same parts of our brain that are filled with responsibility, stress, and threatening outcomes that come from work are now also found in our leisure time…That’s wild…
We are an Exhausted culture.
Here’s what all of this means to me, even when we’re doing all the self-care, all the CALM apps, all the vacation days and all the hobbies…we’re still tired because we haven’t found true rest..
“We were made for God and our hearts will not find rest until they find their rest in Him.” African Theologian St. Augustine of Hippo
Now, Wouldn’t that be something: “To Find Rest.”
Today we come to the sabbath (literally the seventh day). Throughout this year, we plan to talk about restful godly delight or sabbath rest three more times this year as part of our vision to become a people with a deep satisfaction and joy in Jesus…There’s so many angles…Today we start with the first day of restful delight as God created time and space without labor and with contentment.
I hope I lead you to water today, and some of us (maybe even all of us) will grow in a desire to drink deeply of a contented life in Christ…., explains how that is the truth woven into the universe by the most holy, always blessing, and content God…
“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
Genesis 2:1-3
Part 1: God Blessed it and made it holyThe Last Day is a Significant day… The order of lasts…the last thing is the best thing…the thing everything has been building towards…
I.e. main purpose and aim of a movie isn’t the screen play, the costumes, the editing, or the acting. No, it’s when it all comes together and is viewed by an audience. That’s why the final award at the oscars is for the producer who pulls all of those things together.
***This is how Hebrew literature and Narrative works, too. The end of the narrative section is pointing to the purpose…What has God been working towards, a seventh day of rest.
This account, Genesis 1, is saying the grand thing: all of the forming and ordering of creation was bent towards one outcome and one outcome alone: God’s gracious rule and blessing…The temples and tents we make are merely shadows…of the Work God has done which he now says is complete, and he pauses, on this day…
There were other ancient creation accounts—Oddly/Not oddly if you think about it, they have lots of similarities…a god forming and giving purpose to all things, delegating roles, even the sequence. Here’s the three main differences, which lead us to seeing the main significance of what God is saying in Genesis. In the other accounts…
- The creating god makes other gods in charge of each thing (Sky, Moon, Earth, Water) in Genesis, Its only God!
- In other accounts humans a made as slaves to God and the gods, to work and build their world.
- Lastly, the seventh day. A God At Peace. At Rest. Content. Glad. — All others have an anxious God, a hurried God who wants more and more…
It Genesis is says, God looked at what he made and said, It is complete!
— I think we might have a view of God that’s more inline with ancient pagan thoughts: A God frustrated..A God wanting more…But this gives us a profound picture: A God content.
Rest = Ceasing/Pausing from Work
Existing in stability/completion/security — Not relaxation…Not a spa day.
Only Day Blessed, “Blessed Day” (Humans blessed in their endeavor, Animals, Fish, and Birds are blessed to multiply) But this is God creating time, moment, a day… — The Hebrew Bible views time itself as a thing to bless.
Holy Moments are formed “God made it holy”…which stands in contrast a hurried world that says time is money…Time that is Holy…Set-apart.
But God wasn’t doing something alone, he was doing it with us…We are invited into it! More like ushered into it.
Part 2: Humanity Begins with RestGod commissions the people, gives them purpose and his imprint on ever essence of their being and then, right from the start, their very first moments are God saying, That’s very good…humanity is thinking, “Okay, now what do we do now?”
Now, what’s the first step? What’s the first agenda item? Is it the mission to all nations? Is it the building of a new society of grace? Is it political revolution? Is the top of the agenda rules, regulations, and procedures?
No…it’s joining God in rest…it’s peace…it’s contentment. It’s delight. It’s God saying, “lets rest in this holy moment I’ve created.”
It’s like this: Get hired for a new Job (You’re not sure you’ll be up to it,, CEO brings you in, says we’ve got lots of work to do…really an eternal amount of work. Do you think you can handle it? Yup, okay…welll first order of business…Let’s take a day off together. And just be and know each other.
Sabbath, now remember, this is being heard by a people worked to the bone and told their only purpose in existence was to produce for someone else’s pleasure. Pretty familiar, our education system, and view on all things in this society is: You were made to produce and you were made to consume. Produce Monday through Friday, Consume Saturday-Sunday…
God is saying we were created with a purpose and it starts with rest for God’s delight…
Shorter Westminster Catechism: “Chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”
John Piper, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.”
Sabbath is an invitation to be satisfied with God, as he is satisfied with creation…
But that’s not for us is it?
You might think, well that was then….this is now! Sin has messed it all up but then Jesus changes everything… now our first step is work for God and the Gospel and then we can rest later in eternity…That’s when we get the seventh day!
On the night of Jesus’ arrest he does a few things:
First, he washes his disciples feet…He says, I don’t call you my servants, I call you friends…I called you together, you heard my voice, I’ve made you disciples…
Then…he gives them a new command, to love one another…Sacrificial LOVE!
Then he tells them: Abide in ME! Then he says, lets eat a meal. Let’s pray, lets take a walk to the grove of olive trees in the evening light…
Then, he’s arrested, beaten, and killed and on the cross he says, in the echos of His own voice in creation: “It is finished!” (The It is done, it is done of Genesis 2, is re-spoken by the voice who created all things, but now is saying: redemption is finished!)
The next day, Sabbath, he’s in the tomb, but then on Sunday he comes out of the grave this is what they’re tasked with, before they are scattered across the world to proclaim the hope of resurrection: He says this as his first words, “Peace!”, he has a meal with them, he embraces them, then, he invites them to a breakfast on the beach that he prepared for them.
I know that’s a lot of story, but it tells me this: The gospel doesn’t produce a work now rest in eternity later, but it is Christ’s Work on the cross was complete, sufficient, and generous and our first step in the Christian faith is to Rest in his work, to know that this moment is holy, and to enjoy God forever and in doing so live out the mission of God….
The Christian life is an extravagant abiding (not in fancy cars, paychecks, or clothes) in the prosperity that is knowing and receiving the love of God from step one…
Again, we enter that rest, that sabbath rest:
1) is an active resistance against the lie that we must earn salvation, mercy,. That we are our work. And instead embrace the truth that Christ’s work is more than enough and His Work Defines who we are….+
2) As a way to to recognize Christ’s control of the cosmos and his rule over the cosmos….and his kingdom coming
3) Delight in the holy reality that Christ is with us, for us, and in us. He’s made us holy! That, Family, is Freedom.
Part 3: Practical SabbathNow, how should we do “a” sabbath?
Headline: Mark 4: “Sabbath was made for man! Not man for the Sabbath”
Prepare
Play
Pray
Sabbath with kids and particularly small kids
— Take a break from parental worry and parental control…Relax…as an act of saying, “God is going to write their story!”
— Make it sweet
— Try to know your children
— Nap-times are key (not for errands as you typically might, but for connecting as spouses, for prayer, for rest together)
— you’re actually teaching them about The Father…and shaping their view of God, Tell them, I’m so happy with you. I love you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
— Play and Pray…
ConclusionHe’s done all the work. He’s formed the church. He’s building it up. He’s advancing his mission. He’s recreating all things. Welcome and rest.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Genesis 1:26-31 about how God formed and shaped humanity with intentionality out of the overflow of God’s communal love to cultivate the world and thrive. He also speaks to why that doesn’t feel like our existence and what Jesus has done to remake humanity. Continue to engage in DNA.
In this sermon, we started our study on the first eleven chapters of Genesis. Brad Watson preaches through Genesis 1:1-25 about how God formed and shaped the world intentionally as a universe of never ending praise of his worth, glory, and goodness. Engage with your DNA.
Further Learning
Exploring My Strange Bible: Science and Faith. This is a lecture about the first two chapters of Genesis by Dr. Tim Mackie that explores the ancient world of cosmology, science, and the literature of the Bible. (50 minutes)
Conflict Really Lies by Alvin Plantinga (book)
The Lost World of Genesis by John Walton (Short book)
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through John 4:1-42, and how Jesus promises to satisfy our souls. In this passage we encounter multiple characters and moments that teach us how to grow in satisfaction in Christ.
In this sermon, Brad Watson kicks off the new year by reading and preaching on Nehemiah 8 and how this passage of the return of exiles in ancient Jerusalem teach us how to receive and experience joy.
Study more with this DNA guide on the passage.
In our final Advent Sunday of 2022, Casey Samulski preaches through Revelation 21, and the coming of Jesus to make all things new.
On Monday, December 12th, we had our annual end-of-the-year church-wide meeting and party. We spent time reflecting backwards, looking forward, and celebrating the goodness of God. Listen in and enjoy hearing what God has done in our church this year and what we pray God will do in us next year.
Download our Annual Review Packet with more information about each area of our church, future budget, and goals. Also, download the overview of our calendar for 2023.
In this Advent sermon, Chris Scruton preached through Luke 2:1-20 and how the joy of the Lord came to and appeared to the people at Jesus’ birth. Through this passage we see that joy is not a feeling, but instead is something we have, something we’ve been given.
In this Advent sermon, Brad Watson preaching through Isaiah 8:17-9:7; as the prophet declares the hope altering reality of God’s promise to end gloom. This passage challenges us to shift from despair to certain hope, from vague solutions to the Son, and from a individual help to global holistic renewal.
In this teaching, Jeff Lowndes leads a panel with Estefania Soto and Evan Todd as they discuss the final section of the sermon of Jesus in Luke chapter 6, when Jesus instructs his disciples to obey what he’s spoken and to build their lives on a firm foundation.
In this sermon, Chris Scruton preaches through Luke 6:43-45 and Jesus’ teaching on the heart. That we need to be made new within our hearts. Chris explains the parable Jesus tells about good trees and good fruit and bad trees and bad fruit. Lastly, Chris shares a model of repentance that helps us go beyond the surface of behavior modification.
In this sermon, Joshua Bowditch preaches Luke 6:27-36, and Jesus call to love our enemies—not simply to avoid hating, but to seek their good, to serve them, and to long to see them prosper. Joshua dives into how this can be and how we can even try. Ultimately, we see that Jesus loved us, his enemies, through the gospel and empowers us to do the same.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches Luke 6:17-26 and the opening lines of Jesus’ sermon on the plain. In this sermon we will see Jesus confront and challenge us to reexamine what abundant life is, and what it means to be citizens of his kingdom. He starts with reshaping our view of the “good life” and how we receive it.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on Acts 17:16-34 and how the Apostle Paul reacts to the city of Athens and what it teaches us about loving our city, too.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on Acts 16:11-34 and how the message of the gospel spreads into surprising areas. In this passage, the gospel isn’t contained. What freedom would that give us if we knew that the Kingdom of God belongs in unexpected places. Maybe, we might grow to expect the gospel to flourish everywhere.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on Acts 11:19-30 and Acts 13:1-3 and how the kingdom comes to see a city transformed through a diverse presence of the church in Antioch that speaks the gospel, meets needs generously, and then both receives and sends help. We see throughout that Jesus changes where we live.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on Acts 2:22-41 and how the message of the gospel brings a response of repentance and faith. In this passage we see multiple aspects of the message: hope has arrived, the historic acts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection; and the profound meaning this means. Bottom line, Jesus changes what we believe about everything.
In this sermon, we start our new study on the book of Acts and Brad Watson outlines how and why we’ll be studying this rich book that outlines the birth of the church and the continuation of Jesus’ work and message through ordinary people. Brad also teaches on the first lines of Acts and how the gospel transforms and gives us a new identity: witnesses.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on James 5:16 and the command to confess our sins to one another as we continue our study on New Testament passages dealing with community and how we ought to share our life together.
Special recording from August 7th, as people within our church shared how they’re seeing Christ work within us and through us. Jeff Lowndes shares a word of encouragement from Matthew 7:24-27 (15:04). Also, our director of youth discipleship, Estefania Soto shares vision for the upcoming year (21:01).
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaching on 1 Peter 4:7-11 and how we’re called to serve one another with deep love, the gifts we’ve been given, and with the strength of God.
This is special conversation on how the community Christ creates is used by God to transform our lives. Sarah Carroll, Ali Lowndes, and Jared Brient share their stories, thoughts, and lessons learned about community.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Ephesians 4:1-6,31-32 and the calling we’ve received to be patient, kind, humble, and united with one-another. This isn’t a calling of doing, but of being as Brad articulates our ways to try to change ourselves and how Jesus is better.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Hebrews 10:17-25 and how the good news about Jesus creates an implication to draw near to God, hold onto hope, and encourage one another to love and good deeds.
In this sermon we start our summer study on biblical community and what the New Testament says is different about who we are and how we are a community. Brad Watson teaches from 1 John 4:7-12 on the command to love-one-another.
We took this Sunday to remember the vision, goals, and prayers the elder team shared six months ago in order that we might celebrate and be encouraged, but also be challenged afresh by what God has called us into.
In this sermon, Brad Watson teaches on Pentecost and the sending of the Holy Spirit to birth the church with his presence, to empower us, and to make us participants in Jesus’ kingdom coming.
In this sermon, Brad Watson teaches through the last half of Jesus’ model prayer in Luke 11:1-4. In this teaching, Brad shares how Jesus teaches us to come to prayer needy. Asking for needs to be met, asking for forgiveness, and asking for Jesus to lead us. But these are not mere requests, they’re imperatives given to God based on his character and his nature.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on the prayer to invite the kingdom of God into our lives and into our world as our daily lives seem chaotic and the world seems to be off the rails. This prayer is activity resistance to doubt and is a call to lasting hope: that Jesus will restore all things. From Luke 11:1-4
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on praying in a posture of surrender were we seek God’s name to be made holy in every aspect of our lives. As we pray for Jesus’ name to be made holy, our idols are realigned. It’s in these prayers our idols are turned from things that destroy us and instead become the arena of God’s mission through us.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on the relational nature of God as the starting point of our prayer life and that as Jesus taught his disciples to pray he was teaching them the truth that prayer is a reorientation of our view of who God is and who we are.
On this Sunday, we read Matthew 11:25-30 and heard from the personal stories from Joshua Bowditch, Mirela Watson, and Chris Scruton on how they’ve learned to authentically go to God in prayer.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Luke 24 and how we can incorporate principles and practices to embrace the life of the resurrection through our ordinary lives.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches through Luke 23:44-24-12 on the death and then life again of Jesus. This story has power because it's true and it has implications for all of humanity.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on 19:28-44 and Jesus’ entrance into the city of Jerusalem while his disciples praised him and Jesus wept.
In this sermon, Jared Brient teaches on Luke 18:9-14 and the parable of the pharisee and tax collector. in this passage we see Jesus describing two-self made men contrasted in the ways they find life.
If you’re interested in learning more about Judge Mitchel and the Skid Row Running club, listen to this podcast or watch the documentary.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on Luke 16:19-31 and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. This parable confronts our notion of repentance, relating to the poor, and how Jesus’ kingdom is about naming the invisible and the gospel is the good news that Jesus gives us a name.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on the parable of the dishonest manager and why Jesus upholds this character as a hero for us to follow. In Luke 16:1-13, we see Jesus challenge our notions of how to leverage our intelligence, finances, and lives for the sake of the kingdom.
In this sermon, Brad Watson teaches on the parables of the Shepherd, the Woman, and the Father who have each lost things: a sheep, a coin, and a son. Luke 15 is an appeal from Jesus to repent of self-sufficient righteousness and depend on God’s gracious presence.
In this sermon, Brad Watson teaches on Luke 14:15-33 and the parable of the great banquet where many are invited but many also give excuses and do not come. The invitation into the kingdom is extraordinary; but the cost is high, we must say no to other kingdoms to say yes to Jesus.
In this sermon Brad Watson preaches on Luke 14:1-14 and the parable of the table arrangements at a Pharisee's house.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on Luke 13:20-21 and the parable of the yeast kneaded into flour. In this teaching we’re brought to reflect on the ever expanded, ever transforming kingdom of God that is guaranteed and we get to be part of it.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on the parable of the mustard seed and how Jesus tells us the kingdom of God is like a seed that grows into a tree and provides rest.
In this sermon, Jared Brient preaches Luke 12:13-34 and the parable of the rich man who builds barns to store his grain.
Note: we had a few technical difficulties at the beginning of this recording and missed a few minutes of introduction about how Jesus has called us to live a life worthy in every aspect of life.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches Luke 11:1-13 on Jesus’ teaching on prayer and his parable of a friend who comes in the middle of the night seeking bread.
In this sermon, Brad Watson introduces our new study on the Parables of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke and Jesus’ journey through Samaria to Jerusalem.
In this sermon, Brad Watson is joined by Evie Hutton, Danielle Bowditch, and Sarah Wechsler as they preach on Mary’s song in response to the news that God’s king will arrive into the world through her. Drawing from their personal stories on welcoming and creating space in their lives for children, they speak to how God meets all of us with his faithfulness. We call this hope.
After a year-long study in Romans, what are we supposed to do now? Where do we go from here? The last two chapters of Romans give us a look at what both Paul and the church of Rome did in response to the gospel.
Sometimes we have to cut really important pieces from our sermons for the sake of time. However, we want to share an additional 12 minutes on something crucial to our church: what we mean when we say, “living on mission” and how we do that scattered across the city and gathered together in communities.
In this sermon, Brad Watson teaches from 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 and through this passage we see that Jesus’ mission is the greatest purpose we could give our lives to, he is the greatest person we could live for, and his vision for the world is better than any other.
In this sermon, Brad Watson preaches on Acts 2:41-47 and how we struggle to live that idilic community not because we don’t try and don’t want to, but because we’re hindered by wounds, shame, and guilt that Jesus deals with through his life, death, and resurrection. Brad reminds us of three stories in the life of Jesus where he healed, removed shame, and forgave sins so others could enter community.
In this sermon, Brad Watson teaches on how Jesus' love for us creates the foundational resource from which we live out the command to love one-another in community.
In this sermon, Brad Watson teaches on how Jesus' call to follow him is also a calling to be transformed by him. Brad traces the language of God to call to follow and to make new while also speaking to how we, as a church, have an expectation that we will be transformed.
Get more resources on this topic and from this series at somaculvercity.com/senttogether.
The first sermon of our Sent Together series. Brad Watson begins by talking about the invitation and calling to follow Jesus while looking at Luke 5::27-32 and the life of Levi.
In this sermon, Jared Brient teaches on how we find the key to the awe we crave in the mercy of Jesus.
In this sermon, Brad Watson teaches on how God doesn't neglect or give up on us, how he shows mercy, how he harden hearts, and why God chooses people.
In this sermon, Jeff Lowndes teaches on how we are not condemned but are in Christ and set free from the law by the Spirit.
In this sermon, Brad Watson teaches on how our struggle with sin is not a sign the cross didn’t work, but instead a sign the cross was bigger than we first imagined. He also teaches on how we try to make ourselves free of sin and what the first crucial step is: confession and surrender.
We're in the midst of a struggle with the effects and residue of sin on our lives, and yet: "Jesus is still saving us!"
In this sermon, Trip Forgeng teaches on how we’re all submitted to and serving a master. Our choice is: will it be under the tyranny of sin or under the life of Jesus?
In this sermon Brad Watson preaches on how the gift of life in Jesus is so different from the curse and burden brought through Adam.
In this sermon, Brad Watson teaches on Romans 4 and how wholeness comes through belief.
In this sermon, both Brad Watson and Trip Forgeng share about the prayer and spiritual direction for our church this year.
In this sermon, Trip Forgeng starts a new series on the book of 1 Peter, a book written to followers of Jesus to encourage and instruct them how to live in the midst of hard trials and many life changes.
In this sermon on the resurrection of Jesus, Brad Watson preaches through Mark 16:1-8 which tells of Jesus raising from the dead and how that filled his disciples with awe and reverence. It’s an astonishing reality that changes who we are, how we live, and our world.
In this sermon, Evie Hutton reads the entire account of Jesus' death from Mark 14 and 15. Then, Brad Watson preaches about the Good News of Jesus' death. About the shame, guilt, and death he bore on the cross. In Mark 15, we find the story of Jesus that cannot compare to anything anyone as ever done for us.
In this Sermon, Brad Watson speaks to how Jesus gives himself to redeem us out of captivity to sin, death, and evil. And that he has given himself as the promise of abundant life with him. In Mark 14:12-26, we see two profound images in the Old Testament become tangible realities for us today: passover lamb and the covenant.