Vineyard Church of Hopkinton: Recent Episodes
Vineyard Hopkinton
Welcome to Vineyard Hopkinton! For more information, visit https://vineyardchurchma.org/connect/
Jesus is returning (soon?!) and when he does all will be (re)made into the good he created in the beginning. That's good news! And it's good news for today.
The Church...We're finally at our part of the story (!!) and honestly, we have 2000 years of all over the place results. Jesus places us in the church and he created it to be a huge part of redemption in our world. That's good news!
The Story of God would not be much of a story without Jesus. Jesus is the one who brings redemption to all, reversing the effects of sin and death. And he does it through his death and resurrection. That is good news!
The Old Testament is filled with stories and poems and prophecies and so much! Yet there is a singular story being told from God to humanity of a covenant relationship that he longs to have with us.
Genesis 3 tells us about how Adam and Eve sinned and the destruction and death that it brought. How do we deal with the effects of sin when looking at the plan of God? Good news is found in the most broken passages of scripture, because, even in the brokenness, Jesus is there.
The creation story in the Bible is filled with God's proclamations of good. He created and it was good! Learning to embrace God's proclamation that you are good and made in his image is healthy and necessary for all of us.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is beginning our series The Story of God, looking at the over arching story of the Bible. Jesus tells us that he came to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God and when he preached from the Bible, people said he preached like he was the author! The Story of God is written in the pages of the Bible, but unless we read it through the life of Jesus we might not get it.
David was called a man after God's own heart and at times, he lived it out well! Other times not at all. What does it mean to become people after God's own heart?
In Samuel's farewell address he teaches about prayer and encourages the people to pray with the right focus and time. What does that sort of prayer look like for us?
Eli, the high priest at the beginning of Samuel's life, had a rough go of it parenting. He did some stuff ok, some stuff not so good. In his story, we're given tools for parenting (and mentoring) well.
The Israelites demanded that God replace Samuel with a king. And both God and Samuel were heartbroken. Why did God feel the need to give so many warning signs when it came to them having a king? What do warning signs mean in our lives?
The Israelites lost the Ark of the Covenant and it took them years to get it back. It's a crazy, sad story that teaches us about worship and how our worship has to be focused on God completely.
Saul was Israel's 1st King...and he was a mess. His life was filled with self and sometimes that left him overinflated and other times pretty deflated. His life points us to good news though: Jesus wants to fill us and that will allow to live good lives.
Joshua Chestnut is speaking from Ephesians 4 on unity in the church. It's been an issue since the Old Testament and although the groups causing dissension have changed, the strategies and goals of disunity have not. Let's learn how to be a unified church.
The priests took the Ark of the Covenant to the battle and lost it!?! This unique story has somethings to teach us about letting God lead vs. us trying to control the outcome.
The story of Samuel highlights this unique experience of hearing God speak to him in the middle of the night. And after that, his life is changed. What happens when God calls our names?
The story of Samuel couldn't begin anywhere else but with Hannah (his mother!). Hannah was a woman used to pain and yet deeply trusted in God's ability to act. Her prayers and actions show us how to love and trust well.
Spiritual warfare is not the most commonly talked about subject but there is a spiritual war going on and Jesus shows us how to fight. Let's connect in and learn how we can have victory as Jesus leads us.
There are two stories in Mark 12 that teach how to live like Jesus. But it requires living in a very different way than everyone else! Living a life that makes Jesus marvel!
It's Pentecost, the day we remember and celebrate the birth of the Church through the gift of the Holy Spirit. What are we asking for when we pray Come Holy Spirit? Who even is the Holy Spirit?
The miracles of Jesus are not always done the way we would choose! How can we learn to let Jesus just do it the way he wants? And still keep pushing for more.
When Jesus feeds thousands, he is continuing to show us that God always provides... No matter your attitude! But when we show the compassion that Jesus embodies, we end up with not just enough, but we get leftovers.
Dimetra Barrios, a guest speaker and pastor from NYC, is speaking on the woman being healed from an issue with blood. A woman who modeled what it looks like to be desperate, dedicated and deliberate.
Faith looks like... What exactly does faith look like according to Jesus? And how do we show that we have faith? "I believe but help me with my unbelief!"
Everything happens immediately in Mark! Is that real life? Is Mark trying to teach us something? God wants to move immediately, but it takes a story to get to that place.
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is beginning our series in Mark on the Holy Spirit. Jesus was always inviting people to follow him and do what he did. How can we be obedient to that request? What does it mean to listen to the prophetic voice of Jesus in our time?
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking this Easter from Mark 10:32-45 on the unusual ways that Jesus chooses to use his resurrected power. And it's always to our good!
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, leads us into Holy Week by looking at the strange ways that Jesus answered the prayers of Israel. The ways of Jesus do not always look like what we expect! And sometimes they come riding on a donkey.
Ruben Quintero is a Vineyard pastor from El Centro, California and leads the Hispanic Association for Vineyard USA. His church is also a part of the Iberia (Spain) Partnership that we are a part of. He's sharing his story with us today.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is looking at Peter's question of Jesus, "How many times do I need to forgive?" and the story that Jesus told as an answer from Matthew 18. Unforgiveness is a heavy weight to carry and when we learn to release it to Jesus freedom comes.
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is looking at the story of Esau, which is referenced in Hebrews 12, as we see how God longs for us to deal with disappointment.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is looking at the Bible's encouragement to live rightly through practices and disciplines. Which of course requires a choice and action!
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is beginning Lent by sharing from Hebrews 12:1-4 and connecting it to Ash Wednesday as the beginning of Lent.
In Ephesians 6 Paul talks about the spiritual battle that we are in. But do we actually believe this stuff? If we do (and we do
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from Ephesians 5 where Paul talks about 3 temptations to depend on yourself instead of relying on God. The difference when we give up control and begin to trust will change us forever!
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from Ephesians 2 where Paul lays out the gospel in great detail. The good news of life that Jesus brings to all of us, even when we didn't know him!
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from Ephesians 1 where Paul gives an encouragement that we will be given every good blessing in Jesus! How does this play out in our regular lives though?
We have a panel of pastors and leaders to discuss questions that people in our church asked. Things like, "How do I read the Bible well?", "How do I deal with sin?", "Why does the Old Testament God feel so different from the New Testament God?"
We have a panel of pastors and leaders to discuss questions that people in our church asked. Things like, "Why is the Church in decline and what could help?" "What does it look like to love your neighbor as yourself? How do you honor people who don't honor God?" and more!
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, begins 2025 by encouraging us to lean all the way into Jesus this year. It's easy (kind of) to try to do both what Jesus wants and what I want. But the way of mediocre dedication and halfway obligation do not lead to the goodness of Jesus. Obedience and willingness do!
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, ends 2024 by helping to guide us as we look back on our year. Asking questions is important to healthy growth. Not getting stuck in the past is necessary.
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is sharing from the Christmas story. The story of a man born who came to save us all.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on waiting from the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her story (and her responses) teach us that God is always working in the waiting, he's not waiting for it end!
Rod Klinger, leader at Vineyard Hopkinton, speaks on the way that the Advent prophecies in the Old Testament point to the Upside Down Kingdom that Jesus came to bring.
Isaiah 40:1-11, “Comfort, comfort my people...it’s the voice of someone shouting...” Advent Podcast Series Episode 2.
Isaiah 9:1-7, “for to us a child is born...” This is Episode 1 of our Advent podcast series.
This is from our Advent series. Rob Davis, founding pastor, is sharing a look back with gratitude at the story of God's faithfulness to VCH and the hope we can have moving forward through the promises of God.
In Luke 14:7-24, Jesus teaches and shares a parable about going and inviting others in. And he roots it all in our confidence that grows based in his love for us, a love that grows out of prayer.
Ask. Seek. Knock. And God will give, guide and lead. It does require something of us though. A willingness to be shameless in our desire to God.
An oft repeated verse (2 Chron. 7:14) tells us that God will hear our cries, forgive us and heal us. But that happens only if we first humble, pray and turn.
We know what we want from prayer: help!, what now?, which direction?, why me?!. But what does God want in our prayer? Let's tune out hearts that direction and see.
Romans 12 teaches us how to live as peacemakers, people who bring peace into our world, and living this out requires spiritual transformation. Romans 12:2 tells us that Jesus wants to transform us into new people and that changes everything!
Romans 12 teaches us how to live as peacemakers, people who bring peace into our world. Be happy with those who are happy and weep with those who weep. Joining others in happiness is a blessing right?! And so is weeping with those who weep. But we don't always see it that way. Let's dig into and learn how we can bless those who are in times of pain and suffering.
The main two ways we respond and react to conflict are to become defensive or hit back offensively. Colossians 3:12-15 teaches us that there is another path that leads to peace and it goes through the action of forgiveness.
Romans 12 teaches us how to live as peacemakers, people who bring peace into our world. Conflict usually breeds negativity and hurtful words. But the way of Jesus brings blessing. Speaking blessing over others (especially those we have conflict with!) brings so much health!
Aisha Sharifa, a guest from 24-7 prayer, is speaking from Isaiah 56:6-7 on creating a house of prayer, looking at calling we have to build a house of prayer.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from Isaiah 56:1-8 on creating a house of prayer, looking at the Who (who is called/supposed to pray?) and What (what exactly is prayer and why do we need to do it?) of prayer.
Our purpose as followers of Jesus might be slightly easier to define. But our calling as individual followers of Jesus is a lot harder! Let's see what we can learn from Peter and Jesus' encounter.
Who am I? How do I define myself? This questions affect our lives over and over throughout the years and so often we engage with them as though they are blank slates. But the Bible gives us hope that we are not blank slates, we're created on purpose and that roots us deeply.
We all long for peace! Living in a world with more felt anxiety and stress than almost any other time in history often leaves us feeling less than peace-ful. Yet Jesus promises peace. John 14 begins to show us how this can possibly be.
This is from our Summer Mixtape series in August. Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on faith stages and soul practices.
In Luke 5:1-11, we're given the first encounter that Peter has with Jesus and it's filled with requests, a willingness to follow, the kindness of Jesus and even more risk! Today, we're hearing from people in our church as they share their own stories of obedience, kindness and risk.
John Reichart, a Vineyard pastor in Long Island who planted Vineyard Hopkinton, is speaking on Luke 22:62 and Peter's path to reconciliation with Jesus. Learning to reconcile with Jesus AFTER we fail is deeply important, let's see what we can learn about having humble hearts that just want Jesus.
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from the Sermon on Judging. If we're allowing God, who is the judge, to do his job, then what does that mean we are supposed to do?
Good fruit, houses on rocks and sand and narrow vs. wide gates. Jesus is encouraging us to analyze our lives; are we building on the strong foundation of Jesus or just doing what everyone else is doing?
The Lord's Prayer has been the foundation of prayer for many followers of Jesus, but do we understand how it's forming us? Let's let this prayer of Jesus form us, free us and reveal the good stuff of following Jesus.
Joshua Chestnut is speaking on Jesus' teachings around anger. Jesus did get angry. But he also says for us not to let our anger drive us. Let's learn how to live in that in between space in whole and healthy and Spirit led ways.
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on Jesus' teachings around lust, divorce, going an extra mile and more. It's a lot of rules and doing! Why does Jesus teach us about these things? He says it's because of love.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on Jesus' teaching to be salt and light in our world. Which is deeply connected to seeing our lives as flourishing. Flourishing people bring life to those around them!
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from Proverbs on the invitation to be wise parents and to be children of God, people who wisely accept the leading of a good God.
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from Proverbs on learning to have wisdom with our words, words that are few, true and reject false choices.
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from Proverbs 14. What does it look like to build a life based in Godly wisdom? Proverbs teaches that wisdom is based in the fear of the Lord, but that's not a commonly defined term! Let's dig in and see what we can learn about building our lives well.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is talking speaking about money from Proverbs. The encouragement of the Bible is to live with simplicity and generosity (vs. debt and greed). Let's take time to see how the Bible encourages us to live wisely with our money.
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is talking speaking from Proverbs 31. An oft-quoted chapter, that is not about what women should be but about how we should honor women.
Rod Klinger, a leader in our church, is talking about worship. We spend somewhere around 1/3 to a 1/2 of our weekly gathering singing songs. Why do we do this?! How is singing formational? Listen in as we learn why we worship the way we do.
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is talking about communion. The way we worship forms us. And we all worship something. Why do we take communion (the Eucharist, the Lord's Supper) regularly together?
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is talking about liturgy and worship. The way we worship forms us. And we all worship something. Why do we pray the way we do? And what does that say about who we are praying to?
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from Revelation 21-22. God's plan for the end is good news and that should change our expectation of now. Heaven is not for then. Heaven is for here.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from Revelation 18-20. What about the end of the world? The same Jesus we see on Good Friday and Easter Sunday will return and when he returns LIFE comes to all. What does that look like for you and I today? How can we accept this new life?
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on the resurrection of Jesus on that Easter morning. What does the reality of the resurrection bring to our lives? Purpose. Hope. Identity.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on the Crucifixion account. Two (largely) unnamed groups play a role in this story: the crowd and the friends. What do both groups teach us about what it looks like to follow Jesus faithfully in times of exhaustion, when "everyone else" is living something contrary to the way of Jesus?
Rob Davis, founding pastor, is speaking on Palm Sunday. What does it look like to live a Palm Sunday celebratory reality, while also acknowledging that we are living a basic, everyday Monday sort of life?
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from Revelation 12-14. We have hints of the spiritual war happening all around us. What if they are nudges towards Jesus? How can we allow these reminders to change the way we live?
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on Revelation 11. It's a picture of the church; what the church is called to be and can be today.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on Revelation 6-8. These chapters are filled with death and destruction, yet the early church found hope in them. Let's refocus our eyes on the goodness of following a God who actively brings justice into a world filled with injustice.
Jose Luis Ruz, guest speaker from the Barcelona Spain Vineyard, is speaking on the Kingdom of God and how a proper understanding of Jesus' main message changes how we live our lives.
We all worship something and our worship is never neutral. Revelation teaches us about worship in ways we might be surprised by, but that leave us focused on Jesus even more clearly.
What exactly is the goal of this unique book? It's to disciple people living in 7 cities on what it looks like to follow Jesus in hard times. And it's to disciple US! on what it looks like to follow Jesus.
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is starting off the series by giving us an overview of this (at times very confusing) book that ends the Bible. What is the book of Revelation all about? Why does it matter to me?
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on the discipline of simplicity. How do we live lives filled with contentment? How do we keep our eyes focused on Jesus (and not on stuff)? Learning to value simplicity leads us in the right direction.
In Luke 1, Zechariah finds out his wife is going to be pregnant and his reply of "What? ha!" was not what God was looking for. 10 months of silence turned into a gift for a man who was struggling to see God move. What can silence do in our lives?
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on making space for solitude. When Jesus reached his limits, he would get away to be with his Father. How do we live this out?
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on making space for the Scripture, looking at Paul's encouragement about the Bible in 2 Timothy 3.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on Christmas Eve from Luke 2. What does it look like to choose Joy this Christmas? Let's learn from a young mother who experienced a lot on that first Christmas.
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from Luke 3 on John the Baptist. John lived a unique life but he was called the greatest prophet. Why? Simply because he was the closest to the Messiah, Jesus.
This is from Luke 1:26-38 on Mary. Mary said yes because she had confidence in the plan of God for her life. What does it look like to live lives filled with contentment in our time?
Isaiah tells us about the Prince of Peace leading us into battle and bringing about surprising results, like joy and peace. When we're armed like Jesus, we'll be able to bring life to those around us.
This is from our Advent series. Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking about thankfulness from Psalm 103. Let's learn how to stop turning blessings into burdens.
Jesus left the disciples with clear instructions...sit still and don't go anywhere until I tell you more! 10 days in that upper room probably got a little uncomfortable. What does Jesus have to teach us about the places and times we need to wait? How can they be spaces for transformation instead of bitterness?
Our faith is deeply connected to our hope that Jesus is with us. The promises that we hold onto are connected to the promise that Jesus is with us. Let's learn how to live as people who's promises are tied to the presence of Jesus.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking from Ezekiel 37. It's a vision of a field filled with dead bones that God gives new life to. We're encouraged to pray crazy prayers and ask God to bring life. And to be people who prophesy life into others' around us!
Anthony Cannon, guest speaker from Vineyard Columbus (OH), is speaking on Galatians 2:20. Living lives transformed by cross of Jesus. He's sharing his story of being changed. It's a powerful moment of experiencing the love of Jesus.
Throughout the Bible, the people of God built places where they connected with God. They were places of expectancy and places of acknowledging our own weakness and failure. Our calling is to build altars in our space, places where God comes and meets us today.
We're looking at Jesus' example from Matthew 6. How do we live within the will of God, especially in times of temptation? Let's learn how to move from expectations to expectancy.
We are looking at the lives of Anna and Simeon, 2 folks who got to hold Jesus as a baby and saw the future kingdom he would bring. How can we shape our lives by praying like Anna and Simeon?
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is ending our Colossians series by connecting it to Philemon. The Bible's stance on slavery can be confusing. Does spiritual equality actually affect social equality? The good news is that the answer is yes! Jesus brings freedom and that news is for all of us.
We're told in Colossians 3 that a yes to something other than God is a no to God (a yes to sin, a no to God). How can we train ourselves to say yes to the things of Jesus and no to the distractions around us?
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is preaching on Colossians 2. Paul uses baptism to teach us how dangerous it is to add something to Jesus. Jesus is enough in every circumstance and for all of us!
This is from our This Changes Everything series on the book of Colossians. Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is preaching on suffering. In Col. 1:24, Paul says that he is glad in the midst of his suffering. How is the possible? We all suffer at one time or another and thankfully the Bible has good news to share with us.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is preaching on the reality that Jesus changes everything in our lives. If we let him. How can we be obedient to that call and begin to see our lives changes? Let's learn from Colossians 1:1-23.
This is from our Mission/Vision series on our focus as a church. Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is preaching on our call to be a a church that is pursuing kingdom of God justice, looking at the story of Zaccheus from the gospels.
This is from our Mission/Vision series on our focus as a church. Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is preaching on our call to be a a church that is multicultural and to get there we need to learn how!
This is from our Mission/Vision series on our focus as a church. Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is preaching on our call to be a people who experience the Holy Spirit. We as a church want more of God, what does it look like to create space for him to come and move?
This is from our series, (Not Popular) Powerful. Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is teaching from 2 Kings 6:8-23.
This is from our series, (Not Popular) Powerful. Rob Davis, founding pastor, is sharing about Missions.
This is from our series, (Not Popular) Powerful. Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking. 1 Kings 13 tells us the story of 2 prophets who behaved badly and the consequences of those choices.
Solomon lived a life like few others (wealth, power). Yet the way he lived his life led to tremendous disaster for Israel. What does it look like to live a life of slow compromise, no big sin yet the end result is disastrous?
Obedience is greater than enthusiasm. Naaman was offering complete healing but it came in a way he did not like. Learning how to be obedient when it doesn't come in the package we want is hard, but often in following Jesus, it's necessary.
What causes people to walk away from Jesus? Often it's a mix of conflict and other priorities pushing out the love of Jesus. Jesus tells us to remain in his love. How do we do this? Through dealing with conflict well, bringing reconciliation and choosing to stay.
Our culture doesn't talk a lot about honor but the Bible does. How can we be a people that honor others well? How can we create a culture of honoring?
Transition can be really hard. Change happens all the time, yet so many of us are surprised when it happens. How can we deal with change and transition well as followers of Jesus?
What does thriving faith look like? Jesus invites us to look ahead, not remain stuck in the past or bitter about the present.
Peter begins to explain what's happening in Acts 2 by quoting Joel 2. Why? What's the connection? In order to be filled with the Holy Spirit (life!), we need to be emptied of things that lead to death.
This is from our series, Empowered. Sarah Cowan Johnson, guest speaker, is teaching about hearing God's voice.
Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is teaching about Jesus and his mom! (It's Mother's Day!) Empowerment always come from a place of obedience to the leadership of Jesus in our lives.
There are other supernatural forces and they are pushing against us. What does Jesus (and the Bible) teach us about the Holy Spirit and supernatural power? How can we have confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit against all other forces?
In John 9, Jesus heals a man and a conversation begins about why the man needed healing in the first place. Why does Jesus heal? And does he still do it today?
In John 14, Jesus tells his followers that the Holy Spirit will come and (later in John) says that it's better than Jesus being here! What does this mean? How is the Holy Spirit such good news?
The gifts of Spirit are gifts! Not something we can buy or earn. How can we learn to receive and honor them as precious gifts from Jesus? Let's learn from Simon in Acts 8.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is teaching about the Resurrection from Matthew 28 and Romans 8. The Resurrection is Good News! And good news has the power to change us. How does the resurrection of Jesus impact our lives today?
Looking at Zechariah and John on Palm Sunday. When you see how good and powerful Jesus is, you have to praise him. Even if he's different. Or maybe because he's different.
We are all searching for happiness and contentment. We don't always look to the Bible for answers on how to live that way. But the Bible does teach us a lot about how to live well!
We don't always find nice, neat answers to the problems of evil and injustice. But we are given a way forward. Repentance and trust.
Malachi has a serious of conversations between Israel and God. Each time that God speaks, the Israelites snap back rejecting God. Stephen talks about his own recent story of creating space for God and the temptations that Malachi presents to reject God instead.
This is from our series, Prophets for Today. Rod Klinger, a leader at Vineyard Hopkinton, is speaking from Micah 6:8. Act justly. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly. It's not complicated, but it can be so hard!
Relationships matter! Let's talk about the selfless example of Jesus and how that can help us to have better friendships and marriages.
Philippians 4:4-9 teaches us how Jesus equips us to fight anxiety. Fight with joy. Fight with gratitude. Embrace peace and control your thoughts!
Starting a new series and beginning by looking at Ephesians 6:10-18 on the armor of God. God gives us the tools we need to stand firm in the face of opposition. What are those tools? Peace. Truth. Salvation. The Word of God.
Jacob has a surprising encounter with God and is transformed. His focus goes from grabbing to generosity. What can we learn about being transformed worshippers of God from this story?
Each family has a legacy, a history and a set of patterns. God wants to bring blessing and healing to broken patterns. What can we learn from this family about how God wants to bring healing and how God still works in spite of our mistakes.
This is from our series, Origins: God's Grace in Genesis. Joshua Chestnut, a leader in the church, spoke on the story from Genesis 22 of God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. What can we learn about God from this? How can we learn from Abraham what it looks like to be entrusted by God?
Let's talk about the story of Hagar: A servant/slave in the middle of a dysfunctional relationship who is seen by God and names God. It's a story that reminds us that normative behavior isn't always godly and God loves to show up in the midst of our suffering with gifts of love and dignity.
How can we respond to the promises of God with faith? Abraham and Sarah (Gen. 18) were way too old to have kids and yet God promised. Their reactions, what God did and what they learned give us a lesson in faith.
This is from our series, Origins: God's Grace in Genesis. Rob Davis, founding pastor, is speaking on Abraham and asking, "How can we have faith like Abraham?"
This is from our Advent Series, Waiting for Christmas. Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking on the way that Jesus came to be one of us on Christmas. John 1:1-14 tells us this wonderful mystery was hinted at since the beginning, that God would become one of us.
The Old and New Testament words for Peace mean complete or whole. So when Jesus said he was giving us peace, it meant that he was making us complete. How do we embrace this gift and allow him to come and move in our lives?
Micah 7:1-20 tells us that we, as followers of Jesus, wait for God to do what he has promised. We don't wait for what we want, we wait for what God wants (which is always better). How do we learn to wait for the promises of God?
Hope in the Bible isn't vague or abstract, it's rooted in the person and character of Jesus. And it's deeply connected to how we wait. How do we, as the church, remain healthy as a people who are called to wait?
Moriah Felder, pastor from Elm City Vineyard in New Haven, CT, is speaking on the Sabbath. How do we learn to rest (and work) like Jesus?
One of the most obvious habits that Jesus had was prayer. Jesus was always praying! How do we grow healthy prayer habits in our lives? How do we pray for others like Jesus did?
This is from our series Who Would Jesus Be (WWJB). Mike Turrigiano, guest speaker, is talking about the relational dance between us and the Holy Spirit.
This is from our series Who Would Jesus Be (WWJB). Sarah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is speaking about joy. What does the character of Jesus (and his first miracle) show us about joy?
Jesus is merciful, which we see in the story of the woman caught in adultery from John 8. What does the character of Jesus show us about mercy? What are the limits of the mercy of God? And who needs mercy?
Acts 11:19-30 tells the story of the church in Antioch. Healthy churches are filled with healthy people who are using their influence wisely. Sharing Jesus in the places they are sent. Creating space at the table. And living in ways that raise the level of spiritual health for those around them.
The church in Corinth was messy, but so is any growing community! How do we learn to live united as the body of Christ, not in spite of our differences but because we have differences?
Rob Davis, Founding Pastor, is speaking from Acts 19:1-16 and Ephesians 1:22-23 on what it looks like to be the church, a church filled with the Holy Spirit.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is looking at the story of the church in Philippi from Acts 15 and 16 and talking about the types of relationships we are supposed to have as followers of Jesus from Philippians 4:1-3.
arah Schneider Watson, co-lead pastor, is looking at Acts 3-4 and talking about how we are called to live like Jesus, with an expectation that the Holy Spirit will move in the lives of those around us.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is looking at Acts 4: 32-35 and talking about how the church in Acts was formed and how we create a hospitable and generous community.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is looking at Acts 2:42-47 and talking about how the church in Acts was formed and how we can learn to rebuild community in our time.
What happens after revival hits Nineveh? Join us as we dig into Jonah's reaction to God's goodness.
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is looking at Jonah 3, an amazing story of revival and transformation for the people of Nineveh. What leads to revival? What can we learn about partnering with Jesus in bringing revival to our communities?
Rob Davis, founding pastor, is speaking from Isaiah 6. What does it look like to be positive in an increasingly negative world?
Stephen Watson, co-lead pastor, is looking at Jonah 2, Jonah's prayer from the belly of a whale. How can we be led by God instead of our own pain and frustration? How are we formed as followers of Jesus?
This is from our series Running from Revival, looking at the story of Jonah. Sarah Schneider Watson is starting in Jonah 1, looking at God's plan to save Nineveh, Jonah's reaction and what we can learn about God.
In Luke 12, Jesus tells us a parable about a rich fool and then he teaches about anxiety and the provision of God. Jesus asks us the question, "Where is your focus? On wealth and security? Or on your Father, who loves you and provides for you?"
What do we need to unlearn so that we can be followers of Jesus? What does Jesus invite us to learn as we become his disciples? Let's learn from Jesus teaching the beatitudes in Matthew 5.
Rod Klinger, a leader in our church, is sharing from 2 Peter 1:3-11. How does God generously supply all we need? This isn't about things or money, but the character building stuff. Love, perseverance, goodness, self-control.
How do we know if we are living our lives the way that Jesus wants? One way is by looking at the fruit. In Galatians, Paul tells us what the fruit of a Holy Spirit guided life looks like (and what it looks like to live another way).
What does it look like to be free according to Jesus? We know what freedom means to a country or even a popular princess, but what does it mean to Jesus? Look at John 8 with us and let's learn from Jesus.
How can we be people of the presence of God and what does it look like to live our lives on mission?
What is strength? It's not power. It's not muscles. It's definitely available when we're weak. Let's learn from the misadventures of Samson how we can live in strength through living healthy, honest lives.
Why do we need to hear the voice of Jesus? How we can learn to hear his voice? This might be the important thing you could ever learn!
In John 21, the resurrected Jesus comes and engages with the disciples. This interaction transformed Peter. Why? Peter learned to be loved. And he learned to be led.
Every week we do this unique thing. We come and sing songs together, about who Jesus is and what he has done and what we are asking him to do. Why? And how does Jesus want us to worship him? Let's learn from the Psalms about why and how we should worship Jesus.
Why did Jesus create the church? Why call us to be a part of this messy organization filled with imperfect people? Join us and learn more!
Have you ever struggled to read and understand the Bible? Every wondered why followers of Jesus put so much attention on this ancient book? Let's walk with Jesus on the road to Emmaus and learn why the Bible matters.
In Ephesians, Paul tells us that we have been given every spiritual blessing through Jesus. What does that look like? How can we live that out?
Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom had come and then he did crazy things. What if this message and theology affected how we lived our lives?
Jesus is resurrected from the dead on Easter. He hangs for a while. And then he flies into the clouds? What do make of the ascension and the way Jesus returns to the Father? What does this show us about Jesus?
Death to life. What a scene! No one expected it. No one prepared for it. And everything was changed because of it.
What would the road to the cross have looked like through the eyes of Simon of Cyrene, the other man who carried the cross? How would that whole experience have changed him? How can we live our lives changed by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross?
On Palm Sunday, who did the crowd see Jesus as? How about the disciples? How can we be formed by a king who actions seem so different as he goes from the crowd, to a private convo to the upper room? John 12 & 13 show us a glimpse of the king that we follow and that is worth all awe and glory and love.
The story of Mary anointing the feet of Jesus is beautiful and gives us opportunities to ask "How do we reflect the love of Jesus?" How do we respond to his love towards us?
How do we live well while we wait for Jesus to return? The answers to this question have been all over the board throughout history, but Jesus does give us some solid advice in how to do it well. Matthew 24 and 25 share with us truths about following Jesus completely and sharing the good news (that Jesus loves everyone and wants to be in relationship with everyone!) with those around us.
In John 11, Jesus' friend Lazarus dies and Jesus weeps and then Jesus calls him out of the grave. We are loved by a God who weeps when we grieve. And a God who calls us to live again.
In John 4, Jesus breaks all the rules. A Samaritan. A Woman. And in this rule breaking conversation, we see the character and person of Jesus clearly. And we learn more of how much we loves us.
Don't be controlled by your phone, laptop, tablet, etc. Let Jesus in and learn a better way. Let's learn about God's good creation and how his good plan intersects with our struggle for balance when it comes to technology and media.
Stephen Watson talks about how discipleship is a whole church process and interviews a few people from the church on how they've been intentional about raising kids who know Jesus.
This is from our series Healed, Healthy & Whole. Phil Chorlian, Lead Pastor of the North Jersey Vineyard, is speaking on finding your purpose as follower of Jesus.
In Matthew 11:25-30, Jesus invites us to live lives with less stress and exhaustion, learning from him and allowing him to carry our burdens. In a time when so many are exhausted and stressed, how do we live differently? James 1:2-12 gives us a starting point, learning to work through the stress, reminding us that moving through the pressure will bring life and more life.
Our society has an increasing issue with a lack of happiness. What does the Bible have to teach us about this? What does Jesus have to teach us about this? Let's learn about joy from John 16-16-24.
Quick. What was Jesus' first miracle? You got it?....Turning water into wine. Not quite what you expected. But what can we learn from this miracle about who Jesus is and how we should live our lives?
The first people Jesus sent out were surprising and yet he sent them out in his name to do the things he was doing. What does it look like for us to be sent by Jesus into the places and to the people Jesus is sending us to? Let's learn from the example of Jesus in Matthew 10.
The temptation of Jesus is such a unique passage. Good vs. evil. Jesus vs. the Devil. It's more like Star Wars or a superhero movie than what we expect. What do Jesus' replies to the lies of the devil teach us about how we should live and what we should value?
In the only story from Jesus' childhood, we're told that he got "lost" in the temple for days. His reason? He wanted to be close to his Father. As we open this year, how are we positioning ourselves to be close to Jesus, to be in the presence of God our Father? Join us as we look at Luke 2:41-51.
Many of us are content to stand outside the manger and admire the scene. The donkey and cows and shepherds and even Mary and Joseph and the crib make a pretty picture. But what if we were to step into the room? What would we encounter? This Christmas Eve, the invitation is to meet Jesus.
Why would an entire caravan of wealthy astrologers and diplomats travel across the desert for a baby? Sarah unpacks what the story of the wise men tells us about Jesus.
When God shows up, it's shocking. It might not happen in the way or the time you expect. But God's moving and he wants to speak to you. Rob shares from the experience of Joseph, the father of Jesus, what it looks like to be responsive to the inbreaking of God.
Mary (the mother of Jesus) responded to the Angel with a resounding "Yes!!" How do we live our lives in the same way? Sarah Schneider Watson leads us through learning from Mary in Luke 1:26-38.
As we begin our Advent series, Parousia, we want to position ourselves to anticipate the coming of Jesus. What does it look like for Jesus to come? Who is he? What does he bring? Join us as we jump into John 1:1-18.
Do you ever struggle to get out of a bad cycle? Romans 7-8 has a lot to teach us about the tools that Jesus wants to give us to live better, get out of ruts and be aware of God's presence as he brings freedom.
How has the cross of Jesus affected your life? How do you view your life through the lens of the cross? Sarah takes a look at Romans 5-6 and points us to the beautiful reality of the love of Jesus.
Romans 3 and 4 tell us the story of Abraham, a man who lives by faith, and of what it looks like to NOT live by faith. If you're struggling to find hope, wondering how long you have to wait before God does something, this is for you.
What is the Gospel? Sarah unpacks what is the gospel from Romans 1 and also ways that we are tempted to divert our attention.
Romans 9-11 teaches us that we have been chosen by God, not because of anything we've done but simply by Grace. And through Grace, we're grafted in to the family of God.
What do we allow to form us? Are we being formed in the presence of Jesus or by other things? Look at Romans 12-13 with for the answers!
How do we deal with issues that aren't black and white? It's not sin but it might bother other people. Conscience and Consideration are the way forward. Romans 14-15 help us to learn how to follow our conscience and consider others in all sorts of fun situations!
In the 1st talk of the series In this Together: Faith for Community through the book of Romans, we ask "What does it look like to live out our theology?" The churches in Rome were a diverse bunch with a lot of different opinions and practices and yet they were formed into the likeness of Jesus unified as one. How can we live in this way as well?
In this 4th talk of the series Hard Questions, Good Answers, we ask "What do we do when Christians get it wrong?" Whether it's taking Bible verses out of context or prophetic words that are more me than Jesus, Christians sometimes get things wrong. How do we respond?
God's is trustworthy and keeps Promises. God is Patient and not Hasty. God always offers Peace. God is Merciful. God's plan has always been the same. We can trust God.
Did God actually say That? Check for the context of the quotation. God is the Center. God is Love.
God is LOVE. God has spoken to us through Jesus. God always offers forgiveness and redemption. God always welcomes us back.
Are you in need of God's guidance, direction and wisdom? You must know about Jesus, believe in Jesus and live for Jesus (be a disciple). Proverbs are faith in action and faith in real life. Proverbs teach Wisdom and Discipline. God wants to be in Your Life.
Experience Wonder: Be in the Moment. Focus on the Now. God wants us to have a full and fulfilling Life.
For Eternal Life, live according to the Commandments. Eternal Life is The Kingdom of Heaven is Salvation. The Gospel is Now. Eternity has begin and it is Now.
How do I find meaning in my life? Strive to find contentment. Freedom instead of Frustration.
You do not have to be smart to be Wise. God guides us to good living. Absolutizing: the rewards and punishments of Proverbs are not guarantees but are the best route toward a desired outcome.
The Lord has examined your heart and knows everything about You. We are God's priceless treasure. Your worth is based on the Lord who created You, not based on your accomplishments. You are GOOD!
Nothing done in love is ever lost. Wisdom Psalm. The Lord will provide if we walk in love and faith and trust in the Lord. Trust the Lord to build Life. Lean on the Blessings of God.
Worthy of Love Leave a legacy, a mark on the world that can't be erased Live intentionally; live a GOOD life. We are marked by the character of God. FORM Me Lord: F.O.R.M.: Fear, Obedience, Righteousness, Marked.
Don't confuse wisdom with advice or competence. Rely on God not only on human inputs. Fix your thoughts on what is worthy of praise. The Lord watches over the path of the godly. God is watching and guiding you and wants you to succeed. Commit to the Lord.
Why you shouldn't give up even when you are feeling abandoned. Express your pain to God. Turn your thoughts always to the goodness of God. Praising God is your way out of pain.
Experiencing God in our every-day life. Notice where God is at work in your life. Pay attention and center yourself to see what God is doing. All of Life is given to God.
The gift of tongues; reaching all people in their own languages. Pentecost was when the Holy Spirit translated the message into all languages for all people. Pentecost is about communication; it is about the Cross communicating: God to Us and Us to Others.
Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is poured out and remains and dwells in people. All of God's people can be prophets. What it means to hear God's Voice. Jesus is empowered to do the extraordinary. Jesus is speaking to you and wants to speak through you. Reveal who God is and who you are to other people. You are as loved as Jesus is loved. What it means to be a prophetic people: all about relationship to God. God is in the still small voice.
The Kingdom of God on Earth as in Heaven Provide daily bread for all Generosity comes from a willing heart. Joy comes from encountering Jesus. Give freely in proportion to what you have. The more you give, the more you reap.
Receive the Holy Spirit from Jesus. Jesus will quench your thirst with living water. Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises.
Kingdom Cultural Competence The Kingdom of God is here on Earth as it is in Heaven. We are Kingdom People. The Kingdom is Us. Risk Failure to see diversity grow.
What is our Mission and Vision? Good news: the Kingdom of God is here. Follow Jesus together. Justice looks like Jesus; it is the original design and plan of God. Humble yourself and be part of the restoration of God's design. Repent and Believe.
God assists us to become fruit-bearing branches. Transformation happens when we are lifted up. Do not avoid God. Salvation is God's rescue plan for us. The Kingdom of God is Peace and Joy. God prunes us so that we will regrow properly.
See a need and address it with your serving. We are intentionally multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual. We are holy spirit and Kingdom of God centered
Create space for the holy spirit and the gifts from the Spirit. Fill your life with love, joy, peace, patience and self-control.
Palm Sunday Behold, your King comes to you! Lay down what is valuable to you before Jesus. You are loved by Jesus. Say Yes to Jesus and to the Love of God. Yield to Jesus. Jesus come to You. As King, humbly in Love.
Own your Ask. Jesus has the power to do what we ask. No request is too simple nor too obvious. What do you want Jesus to do for you? Pray for the small things. Pray often and more prayers will be answered. If you worry about it then pray about it. Give in to Jesus before giving in to fear and anxiety.
Who is God? Why do we pray? The WHO comes before the HOW. God is compassionate and merciful and gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. God never stops loving you. Adore Jesus and Rejoice being in his presence.
Pause. Sit in God's presence and receive God's Love. Wait quietly before the Lord. Silence is wisdom. Stop rushing; good things come when you stop and listen. Tips for Prayer: Keep it Simple. Keep it Real. Keep it up.
Celebrating Rob and Liz as Rob transitions from Lead Pastor to Founding Pastor. Run the good race and finish well. Take the best and leave the rest. Preach the whole word of God. Study the word of God continually. Put God first.
You are defined by God's Love. Lent is you time to get your heart ready for God. Repair you imperfections. All of Sin comes from thinking "I am in charge." Sin stands for: Shove off God, I am in charge, No need for your rules. Self-awareness is 90% of change. Abandon yourself to God. Confess to God. God loves you and will forgive you.
God is love. God is not about punishment but is about renewal and redemption and resurrection. Rejoice in the Lord. Trust in the Lord. Look for what is your true Joy. Ask God for Joy and Peace and Hope,
Money - Be cheerful givers. Give your Best to God. Respect the Sabbath - renew, refresh, walk with God every week Marriage - honor the blessing and the obligation Find your Joy in the Lord. Treasure Jesus and your Heart will be there too.
Be influenced by the work and presence of God. Remember the order: Learn then Live then Lead Choose to be a disciple; choose to be influenced by the Word and Presence of God. Choose to live like Jesus.
Let go and rely on God to rebuild and remake us through his presence and not through our own power. Choose the way of Jesus.
Motivate each other to acts of love, kindness and good works. God wants to use YOU for his Big Plan. You are living stones supporting one another. Be part of God's plan and Live in it. Commit to being part of the church community.
Your plan for success in 2021 Rule of Life: organize your life around being in the presence of God Invite Jesus into the practices and patterns of your day. You lead by the way you live; live intentionally. Make space in your life to follow Jesus.
God is LOVE. God is Large and In Charge. God is Sovereign. Love one another. Serve one another. Be kind to one another. Be forgiving and tender hearted. Motivate one another. Use your gifts to Serve. God wants to use us. God will get it done!
God's presence is with us forever. We are God's children. Say "Yes" to Jesus and his blessings
Know Jesus; Know True Comfort. Worship God alone. Make straight the pathway for the Lord. The voice of God prevails and brings comfort.
God gives and fills our empty spaces. A dream deferred is not a dream denied. Wait for God to answer your prayers. Let God work in your heart.
Hold multiple tensions together: Pain and Joy. The extremes of lament and the consistency of gratitude. It is not happiness that makes us grateful; it is gratefulness that makes us happy. Share gratitude with others. The faithful love of the Lord never ends. Wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.
What holds you back from being held together? Unity is not uniformity. Focus on Jesus, not on politics. Strive for Unity. Pray for Unity/
Forgiveness is the currency of the kingdom. God is abundance, grace, love and healing for all offenses. Look at things from God's point of view. Commit to receive God's Love and overlook slights and offenses of people.
A better future requires Hope. Follow Christ and choose the leader who does also. Look for competence and character in any leader. Only Jesus can solve our internal problems of anxiety, depression and fear. The fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control NOT criticism and complaining.
Transformation looks to the future whereas Change looks to the past. Do not seek protection, security and defense. Do not dwell on preserving things the way they are. Do not test drive Love. Plunge in and take a Risk.
Longing for love, connections, relationships Admit that we need other people. Awaken our God-given desires. Make Jesus the Center of our relationships. Love others well.
What is freedom as a Christian? Freedom is choosing the good. What in your life holds power over you? Surrender that idol to Jesus. Freedom is loving others and serving others. Freedom is becoming more like Jesus. Do not worship the idol of the moment, worship the savior of your life. Jesus frees us from the idols that control us.
What do you see when you see Jesus and the Cross? What does it look like to be spiritually mature? Mature Christians major in Love. We live on the other side of Jesus, not in the Old Testament. Do not be guided by fear, but by love. Do not be weak and worldly.
Focus on Jesus. Look to Jesus, not to human leaders. People Divide, God Unifies. There is only one standard of spirituality, the Cross. Our Hope is based on the Resurrection and the Cross.
Connect and Relate to God through the Bible. Rejoice in the Treasure that is God. Benefits of reading the bible regularly (Psalm 119). Spend time with God. Walk in Freedom.
Treat others with forgiveness, kindness, openness, honesty, gentleness, mercy, patience and love. Live in love and peace with each other. GOD = LOVE Love others like Jesus loved us. Sacrifice for others. Relationships are not about being in charge.
Love One Another, just as He commanded us. Encourage one another. Care for one another. Accept one another. Be Kind to one another. Sympathize with one another. Worship with one another
We were designed to be connected to God. In God's company, Loneliness leaves us alone. To be Human is to be Lonely. Try to spend less time on social media connections and more time on real people connections. God does not want us to be alone. God does not want us to be separated or isolated. God does not exist in isolation. God is the Trinity. God is always together, always connected, always three in one. Spend time with people. Be intentional. Invite people to join you. Be with someone who is lonely; seek them out and bring them love. Be a bringer of consolation.
Friendship in tough times. A real friend doesn't judge or critique the other person. Love encourages. Judgement discourages. Friendship is living life together. Love is open handed. There is no judgement in Jesus; we are accepted the way we are. Be honest about your real feelings and needs. It's OK to admit that you are not OK. Jesus is our First Friend.
God is using you and me to bring in the Kingdom of God. God has given YOU a Gift. Identify your spiritual Gifts. Use your Gifts to serve others. Loving others is a Gift. Share with others and help them experience God. It is all about working as a Team. What does Love demand of You today?
Reconciliation IS the Gospel. Reconciliation restores broken relationships and systems; we are all called to be reconcilers. We are called to be reconciled to Jesus and to others; Reconciliation is initiated from God to us. Be Truth tellers; the Truth will set you free. Be Humble and Patient. Treat all people as children of God. Be confessors; acknowledge your mistakes and move toward wholeness. Be Grace receivers and Grace givers.
What is worship all about? Worship is about talking TO God, not just talking ABOUT God. Worship allows us to participate in the LOVE relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is in the room! God is with us!
The Word of God is alive. The Kingdom of God is central to Jesus' teachings and fundamental to how we should pray. God can use anybody. Tell everyone about the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is present when you see miracles happening.
Emmanuel: God in Us. God With Us. Invite Jesus into Your Life. Jesus: Please speak to us; Move among us; Heal us; Increase your presence in our lives. Say Yes. Release control to Jesus.
Gifts that Christ gave to the Church. Speak the Truth in Love. Discover Your Gifts. Learn from Others. Find your Way to Serve.
How to deal with Life in a Season of Change. How to be Prepared for Change. Hear the words of Jesus and take them to heart to build your life on a solid foundation. Ask the Lord how to prepare; put your trust and finances in the Lord. Give freely and become more wealthy. The generous will prosper. Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. If you search for Good, you will find favor.
Let the breath of God, the spirit of God, enter you and you will Live. Prophesy Life into our World. Shout Jesus! Show love instead of hate!
Let God prune and change and shape us. God cuts off the branches that do not produce fruit and prunes other branches so those will produce more fruit. What is God doing In You at this time? Take notice of what God is doing during this unique time. Find gratitude daily. Jesus is the vine and we are all connected to Jesus; Jesus gives us Life.
Be like your Creator. Think of the things of heaven, not of earthly things. Get rid of anger, rage, slander and all malicious behaviors. We are children of God. Love draws you forward to be like your Creator. Your natural habitat is in God's presence.
We are living in Messy Times. Open your ears and hear this story. There are weeds among the wheat, for now. Focus on the Wheat. Jesus has a Plan. It might be messy but it's going to be good. Trust in Jesus. Jesus wants to plant Good Seeds in your life.
Don't Worry. Don't be anxious. Worry weighs a person down. Identify what is bothering you and give it to Jesus. Guard against Greed. Little faith = Big Worries Big Faith = Little Worries
Accept & enjoy all that God gives us. Do not think about what you deserve. Let go of control. Come Home. Celebrate the return of one who was lost.
The Good Samaritan Jesus, Teach Us to be Like You Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Jesus teaches us to pray. Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.
Hosanna: Lord come and save us. What is it that you want? Practice the Art of Stopping, of not rushing but stopping to make space in your life to encounter Jesus. Be Patient. Live deeply in the HERE and the NOW.
The Coronavirus Pandemic: Plagues, Crowns, Who and What Rules, Confusion, Anxiety, social distancing, Social connecting, Spiritual Battle and other Normal Church & Biblical Themes Reach out. Have meaningful conversations. Connect. Do you know Jesus? Ask Jesus into your life. Commit to follow Jesus.
We need each other; none of us can succeed by ourselves. Strive to have deeper conversations. Ask the difficult questions: How are you doing spiritually? Where are you at with God now? What brings you joy? Jesus empowers us and lifts us up. People want Jesus and don't know it.
- Remarkable. Renewal. Revival.
- What is our purpose as Christians? a. Follow Jesus and try to become like Jesus. [1 Corinthians 11:1] b. Make disciples [Matthew 28:19-20] c. Love people so well that it's weird (but it catches people's attention). [Acts 2:42-47] d. Become essential to our communities, towns and neighborhoods.
Why would you want the Presence of God in your life? To Experience: 1. Knowing you will succeed 2. Knowing it will go well 3. Rest 4. Guidance 5. Compassion and Mercy 6. God being slow to anger. 7. Unfailing Love and Forgiveness Moses knew that the Presence of God was not a Luxury but a Necessity. How can you experience God's Presence? 1. Receive Christ 2. Be where God is! (church, small groups, with one or two other believers) 3. Conferences 4. Time alone with intention. 5. Prayer
Story of Exodus: Rescued, Gathered, Equipped; everything is good, right? Meaning of the Golden Calf What do we frequently put our hope in? What are the idols in my life? Rebellion, Meditation, Restoration: Moses' meditation points us to Jesus' meditation. God's restoration is always greater than before. Idolatry vs. Dedication Moses was dedicated to the Lord and he saw the Lord's Glory.
The commandments are specific to a people, a time and a place (The Israelites in the desert one year after escaping Egypt); these were meant to create order and laws and hold a people together. God is the linchpin for Israel. According to Jesus, the 10 Commandments become the 2 most important Commandments: Love God with all that you are, Love Others. Only if we lose ourselves in loving will we find ourselves. The Sabbath means Stop and Delight. People who keep the Sabbath live all seven days differently. The Sabbath isn't optional. I can be content with whatever I have. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.
What is the best way to see your faith dry up? Here are five ways: You Panic. You ask WHY, like a 3-year-old. You complain. You blame the leader. You think up the worst case scenario. 5 Fair Building Exercises: Don't be afraid, Stand Still and let go. Watch the Lord rescue you. The Lord will fight for you. Stay Calm. Take the long view. Walking in faith is rarely a straight path. Resistance tests your faith. God ALWAYS comes through for you.
What do you complain about? Complaining distorts the past, exaggerates the present and distrusts God. God's solution to complaining. God gives us what we need when we need it. God directs us to Rest.
God is Large and In Charge: The 10 Plagues of Egypt God is over all other gods and over all creation. Worshiping God so you can live FOR Jesus because you live FROM Jesus.
Following Jesus' plan for your life requires going through a process. The process for living out God's calling in your life: a. Deal with the reality of who we are and what formed us b. Deal with it in God's presence c. Accept God's mission for your life. Say YES to Jesus.
The Bible Project: Read Scripture App Discovering that Jesus is a treasure. Get Passionate. Focus and Willingness to follow Jesus. Identifying where you are at.
Invitations from Jesus: 1. Let Jesus into the Boat, 2. Go Deeper, 3. Be Amazed. 4. Let Jesus Guide You into the Unknown. Make Space for Jesus. Leave Everything and Follow Jesus.
We meet Jesus in the Present Moment. We meet Jesus in Love. Live in the present and center yourself in God.
The Greatest Treasure. Great gifts from Jesus change us. There is nowhere better; no place we would rather be. You are loved, therefore you exist. You are God's masterpiece.
Jesus' Long Walk To The Cross - Palm Sunday: 4 Urgent Life Decisions Jesus Wants You To Make