Reach Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Reach Church (Everett, WA)
Welcome to the Reach Church Sermon Podcast. Led by Pastor Sean Gasperetti, Reach exists to make disciples who believe the gospel, worship Jesus, grow in community, and live on mission. We hope you're encouraged and challenged to take steps towards Jesus because steps like that are always worth taking.
For more info, find us online: Web: www.reacheverett.cc Socials: @reacheverett.cc
In an age marked by skepticism, doubt, and cynicism, guest speaker, Pastor Riley Taylor reminds us that cynicism is only half the story—hope is the full story God is writing. Through Lamentations 3, we’re invited to call to mind God’s steadfast love and mercies that are new every morning, learning to wait quietly for the Lord and practice hope every day.
In Psalm 100, Pastor Sean Gasperetti reminds us that we’re invited to know God—not just know about Him—and to experience His goodness for ourselves. Because the Lord is good, His faithful love endures forever, and when we truly know Him, we can’t help but respond with gratitude and praise.
In Psalm 103, Pastor Josh Potts reminds us that our calling is simple: praise the Lord and remember all He has done. When we remember God's forgiveness, faithfulness, and steadfast love, our faith is strengthened for today and our hope is renewed for tomorrow. Don't forget His benefits—remember His work, and let your life become a testimony of His goodness.
In a world that celebrates striving and self-sufficiency, Psalm 131 offers a better way. Pastor Sean invites us to stop carrying what only God can carry and discover the kind of rest that can only be found as we humble our hearts, quiet our souls, and anchor our hope in Him.
What are you building—and who is building it? In this message on Psalm 127, Chris Wise reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, our striving is empty. When we trust Him, He gives rest, establishes our lives, and invites us to invest in the next generation. The question isn't whether you're building something—it's whether Jesus is the builder.
In John 15, Pastor Sean Gasperetti unpacks Jesus' final "I AM" statement: "I am the true vine." Discover why there are no alternate sources of life, why abiding in Christ is the highest priority of every believer, and how God's pruning produces lasting fruit.
In this message, Sheperd on-call, Barry Pardue unpacks Jesus' powerful declaration, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Discover why Jesus isn't simply one way or one source of truth, but the only way to the Father, the embodiment of truth, and the source of abundant life. When we know His Word, we learn to recognize His voice and find the life only He can give.
Life is full of tension—the gap between what is and what we wish were true. In this message, Pastor Sean walks through Jesus' declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life," reminding us that we can acknowledge the reality of our pain, speak faith into it, and trust Jesus because He is Lord over it. We can trust Jesus in the tension because He doesn't just give resurrection and life—He is resurrection and life.
There are countless voices competing for our attention, but only one voice leads to life. In this message, Pastor Sean unpacks Jesus' declaration, "I am the Good Shepherd," showing how His sheep hear His voice, know His voice, and follow His voice. Unlike the hired hand who runs from danger, Jesus laid down His life for His sheep and rose again so that we could experience His guidance, protection, and abundant life.
Jesus didn't claim to be a way to God—He claimed to be THE way, the Gate. In this message, Pastor Josh explores John 10 and shows how Jesus stands as the true entrance into salvation, security, and abundant life. The question isn't whether Jesus was a good teacher; it's whether He is who He said He is—and whether we'll walk through the Gate and follow Him.
At the Feast of Tabernacles, surrounded by reminders of God's guiding presence, Jesus made a bold declaration: "I am the light of the world." In this message, Pastor Sean shows how Jesus doesn't just point us toward the light—He is the light, leading us out of darkness and into life.
We all hunger for something—but temporary bread can never satisfy an eternal soul. In this message from John 6, Pastor Sean reminds us that Jesus isn’t just someone who gives provision—He is the Bread of Life who satisfies and sustains us. His presence is meant to nourish our souls every single day.
Pastor Sean reminds us that every day we are sowing seeds that will eventually produce a harvest. In Galatians 6, we’re challenged to stay rooted in the cross, sow to the Spirit, and not grow weary in doing good. You are not trapped by yesterday’s failures—because in Christ, you are a new creation.
Freedom in Christ isn’t freedom to live for ourselves—it’s freedom to walk by the Spirit. As we turn to Galatians 5, Pastor Josh reminds us that the fruit of our lives reveals what’s happening in our hearts, and that spiritual transformation happens as we welcome the Spirit, attune ourselves to His voice, and keep in step with Him.
Drift rarely happens all at once—it’s slow, subtle, and often unnoticeable until it pulls us away from the truth. Looking at Galatians 5:1–12, Pastor Sean gives a wake-up call that small compromises lead to bigger ones, but eyes fixed on Jesus lead to solid ground.
The Kingdom of God isn’t just a future hope—it’s breaking into the present. In this message, Pastor Josh invites us to live in the tension of the already and not yet. As ambassadors of heaven, we’re called to embody Kingdom realities wherever God leads.
If you’re exhausted from striving to be a better Christian and it isn’t working, Jesus offers a better way. In John 15, Pastor Sean reminds us that we are branches, not the vine—apart from Him we can do nothing, but as we remain in Him, our lives naturally produce much fruit. Stop striving, start abiding, and watch what Jesus does in you and through you.
Many people believe in God but don’t regularly experience Him—and yet God is already pursuing us. In this message, Pastor Sean walks through 1 Samuel 3 to show how we can become more aware of God’s presence and learn to recognize His voice through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and community. As we take on the posture, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening,” we position ourselves to truly encounter Him.
God loved us first — before we earned it, before we felt it. Pastor Sean Gasperetti shows how Jesus, the Word made flesh, proves real love isn’t a feeling to chase or a reward to earn. It’s a gift that changes everything.
Pastor Sean Gasperetti reminds us that true freedom isn’t something we achieve—it’s something Jesus has already given. In Galatians 5:1, we’re called to remember our source, stand firm, and not slip back into striving, performance, or self-reliance. Christ set you free—so don’t go back to what He already freed you from.
Pastor Sean challenges us with a simple question: why would you go back after being set free by the Gospel? In Galatians 4:8–20, we’re reminded not to forget our testimony, not to reject truth by making the messenger the enemy, and to beware of voices that pull us away from Jesus.
As we continue in our series through Galatians, we are reminded of something we often forget: our true identity in Christ. Because of Jesus’ work, believers are now children of God and heirs of His promises! Jesus paid the price, we didn't have to free ourselves. With His redemption, we don't just transition from slave to free, but from slave to child of God!
In this message from Galatians 3, Pastor Sean Gasperetti shows how relying on rule-keeping to be right with God actually puts us under a curse, because perfect obedience is required and none of us can achieve it. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus became a curse for us on the cross, redeeming us by grace so we no longer have to perform for God’s acceptance. Through faith in Christ, we are not slaves trying to earn favor but adopted sons and daughters—free to live from grace, not performance.
In this message from our No Other Gospel series, Pastor Josh Potts walks through Epistle to the Galatians 3:1–9 and echoes Paul’s urgent cry: “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” With fatherly intensity, he reminds us that we received the Spirit not by works of the law but by believing what we heard—faith came first. If we’ve begun by the Spirit, why try to finish by the flesh? Snap out of it and stand firm in the true gospel!
In this message from Galatians 2, Pastor Sean Gasperetti exposes two threats to the church—lies from the outside and hypocrisy on the inside—and reminds us that both still endanger our faith today. When false teaching adds to grace or fear drives us to live split lives, we risk setting aside the very gospel that saved us. Our one hope is this: “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me”—so reject lies, confess hypocrisy, and rest in the sufficiency of Jesus.
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In Week 2 of our No Other Gospel series, Pastor Sean Gasperetti walks through Epistle to the Galatians 1:11–24 and asks the question: Do you believe the Gospel can change someone’s life? Looking at the radical transformation of the Apostle Paul—from persecutor to preacher—we’re reminded that God loves to reveal His heart to the people you’d least expect, and that private formation leads to public fruitfulness. If God can change Paul, He can change anyone—not to elevate us, but to magnify Him.
In this message launching our Galatians series, Pastor Sean Gasperetti calls us back to the firm foundation of our faith: there is no other gospel. Paul’s warning is clear—Jesus gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, and we don’t earn it, add to it, or improve on it; it’s by grace through faith, nothing more and nothing less. When we drift into “Jesus + something,” we distort the good news—so we fix our eyes on Christ alone, our true and only salvation.
Pastor Sean Gasperetti calls the church to reclaim the altar of the region by aligning our hearts with God’s heart for Snohomish County. True transformation comes as the Church moves in unity and compassion—loving one another and seeing those outside the church as sheep without a shepherd. When God’s kingdom rule and reign are established through prayer, partnership, and mission, the region is changed from the inside out.
In “The Altar of the Church,” Pastor Sean Gasperetti calls us to reclaim a Spirit-filled vision of the local church as the living body of Christ—submitted to Jesus, devoted to one another, alive in worship, and living on mission. This message invites us to move beyond casual Christianity and rediscover the power and purpose of burning together for the glory of God.
In week two of Restoring Altars, Pastor Sean Gasperetti calls us to rebuild the altar of the home—set-apart spaces where God’s rule and reign are established through worship, prayer, and everyday faithfulness. Rooted in Deuteronomy 6, this message reminds us that the altar of the home flows from the altar of the heart and permeates our daily lives. When our homes are consecrated to God, they become a living testimony of His love and faithfulness.
Pastor Sean Gasperetti calls us to restore the altar of the heart by offering our whole lives as a living sacrifice to God. Drawing from Romans 12, he challenges believers to stop conforming to the patterns of the world and be transformed by the renewing of the mind. When Christ truly rules the heart, worship becomes all of life—and the world is blessed.
In a message titled “Leave It Behind,” Pastor Sean Gasperetti invites us to forget what is behind and reach forward to what is ahead by renewing our minds in Christ (Philippians 3:13–14). This message calls us to let go of old mindsets—spiritual apathy, legalistic obligation, past wins, cynicism, and excused sin—and pursue the surpassing value of knowing Jesus. As we step into a new year, the goal is simple and clear: leave the baggage behind and press on toward the life God is calling us to live.
At Christmas, we often chase nostalgia, tradition, and feelings of peace—but still find ourselves missing something. In this message, Pastor Sean Gasperetti points us to the true “missing peace”: Jesus Christ, the God who saves us from our sins and the God who is with us. Discover how Immanuel offers real peace—not just for Christmas, but for every day.
When peace feels missing and disappointment with God sets in, Chris Wise invites us to press into the tension and run straight into the Father’s arms. Looking at Mary and Joseph, we’re reminded that our idea of peace is often different than God’s—and yet He is a good Father, working a greater story we can trust.
In Living at Peace With Others, Pastor Sean Gasperetti reminds us that while we can’t create peace for the whole world, we are called to fight for peace in our own world. Drawing from Romans 12, this message challenges us to refuse revenge, conquer evil with good, and let God’s kindness shape how we love even our enemies. True peace, Pastor Sean teaches, flows from being at peace with God and choosing a Jesus-shaped response in a world marked by outrage.
In this message, guest speaker, Casey Flitsch invites us to see that God works in our waiting—in our personal tension, our shared longing, and even the story God is writing across all creation. Through Joseph’s story in Matthew 1, we discover that waiting is never wasted but becomes a place of formation, invitation, and the assurance that Immanuel—God with us has come. This Advent, we’re reminded that the delay we feel is often the very space where God is doing His deepest work.
Pastor Sean Gasperetti unpacks the Bible’s promise of “perfect peace” and why so many of us still feel like we’re missing it. Through Isaiah 26 and the teachings of Jesus, he shows that peace is found not in circumstances, but in the God who stays with us through them. Learn how to fix your mind on Him and experience the peace that surpasses understanding.
In this final message of our Costly Discipleship series, Pastor Sean Gasperetti reminds us that in the kingdom of God, “the great ones are servants.” Looking at Matthew 20, he teaches that true greatness begins with Jesus’ own suffering, continues with our death to self, and is modeled perfectly in the way Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many. This sermon calls us to follow Christ by embracing humility, laying down our agenda, and serving others the way He first served us.
In this message, guest speaker and Shepherd on Call, Barry Pardue reminds us that costly discipleship means facing life’s “rip tides” by positioning ourselves to receive from Jesus through prayer. Looking at the two blind men in Matthew 20, he highlights how Christ meets us in our darkness with compassion, renews our minds and hearts, and strengthens our faith. The big idea is simple: when life pulls you under, trust that Jesus is with you, for you, and able to make a way.
In Good and Godly Growth, Pastor Sean Gasperetti teaches from Ephesians 4:14–16 on what true spiritual maturity looks like. Growth in the church isn’t just about numbers or activity—it’s about being grounded in truth, speaking that truth in love, and each person doing their part to build up the body. This message calls us to grow together into the fullness of Christ, reflecting His strength, unity, and love.
In this message, guest speaker, Josh Potts continues our Costly Discipleship series by exploring the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Following Jesus means reorienting our lives and embracing the generosity of God—one that gives freely, not based on merit, but out of His character. God is always searching, always inviting, and always generous—reminding us that in His Kingdom, the last will be first and the first will be last.
In True Wealth, Pastor Sean Gasperetti teaches from Matthew 19, revealing that following Jesus always costs something—but what we gain in Him is worth far more than what we give up. Through the story of the rich young ruler, we see that true discipleship means surrendering what grips our hearts and trusting that treasure in heaven is better than comfort on earth. Life’s real wealth is found not in what we hold onto, but in who we follow.
In this message from Costly Discipleship, Pastor Sean Gasperetti teaches from Matthew 19 on what Jesus says about marriage, divorce, and singleness. He reminds us that following Jesus in our relationships means surrendering comfort and control to honor God’s design. Whether married, divorced, or single, we’re called to reflect Christ’s faithful love and find our ultimate fulfillment in Him.
Pastor Sean Gasperetti challenges us to live as forgiven people who forgive others, unpacking Matthew 18:21-35 to reveal the radical, unlimited mercy of God. He shows how holding onto relational wounds keeps us trapped, and invites us to release others’ debts just as Christ has forgiven ours. This message calls us to surrender resentment and let God’s grace transform our hearts.
In this message, Bright City Men’s Lead, Chris Wise, teaches from Matthew 18:15–20 on how Jesus calls His church to pursue truth and reconciliation with one another. Through confronting sin with humility and love, we reflect the heart of Christ and seek restoration, not condemnation. When we live unified in obedience to Jesus’ commands, He stands behind His church and fills us with His power and presence.
In this message, Pastor Sean Gasperetti unpacks the weight of sin and the love of a Savior who refuses to leave us lost. Jesus warns against leading others astray, calls us to be ruthless with our own sin, and reminds us that He pursues the one who has wandered. The good news: where sin seeks to trap us, Christ seeks to free us.
In this sermon, Pastor Sean shows how Jesus redefines greatness—not through pride or power, but through humility. From Matthew 18, we learn we must become like children: dependent, teachable, and lowly of heart. True greatness is found on the road of humility.
In a week heavy with grief and confusion, Pastor Sean Gasperetti points us to God’s Word in Philippians 4, reminding us that we can have an unworried mind even in the face of tragedy. Through prayer, renewing our thoughts, and following the example of faithful believers, we learn to bring our burdens to Jesus and receive His peace that surpasses understanding.
In Matthew 25, Jesus reminds us that God has entrusted each of us with unique gifts, resources, and opportunities. Pastor Sean Gasperetti unpacks the parable of the talents, showing that our view of God shapes how we steward what He’s given us. Only you can do what God has called you to do—so don’t bury it, invest it for His Kingdom.
Guest Speaker, Jayson Price, shares how God can use you right where you are—mistakes and all. Drawing from Acts 2:37-41, this message reminds us that we are made for the moment God has placed us in.
Guest Speaker and Shepherd on Call, Barry Pardue, reminds us that God uses imperfect people for His perfect plan. Through the story of Peter, we see that it’s not about talent but about being available, even in seasons that test our faith. When ordinary people trust Jesus, He makes the ordinary extraordinary.
Church planter & guest speaker, Caleb Smith, reminds us that the greatest thing we can do is love God with all that we are. When our love for Jesus comes first, it produces fruit that overflows to others and shines Christ's light into the world. At the heart of it all is a simple call: fall in love with Jesus every day and let Him be seen in everything you do.
Join us as we start our Big Family series and hear Pastor Zach Hendricks from Reach Kirkland take us through parts of the book of Matthew.
In his sermon, Pastor Sean explores the story of Stephen, a man "full of the Holy Spirit" who stood boldly for his faith even unto death. In this sermon we, learn how Stephen's unwavering courage, fixed gaze on Jesus, and deep trust in the Holy Spirit allowed him to endure immense pressure and bear fruit beyond his years. This message challenges us to consider what it takes to stand firm in our faith when the heat is on.
When God pours out his Spirit, he creates a people committed to his Word, to one another, and to his mission. These commitments are not flashy—they’re just faithful. In this message, guest speaker Pastor Jon Walker continues our series and unpacks what it looks like to be a church with the right commitments.
When the crowd heard Peter’s message, they were cut to the heart—because the Spirit was at work. In this message, Pastor Sean unpacks a no-frills church growth strategy: repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Discover how God builds His church through ordinary people responding in faith.
Pastor Sean unpacks the first Christian message ever preached after Jesus’ ascension, showing how Peter boldly proclaimed Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, the reigning King, and the gracious Savior who invites all to be saved. Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and Peter’s Spirit-filled preaching, we see the foundation of the Church and the unstoppable power of the gospel message.
Philip McCallum, Founder of Philips House and Lead Outreach Pastor of Everegreen Church, continues our series of The Birth of the Church. In Acts 2, we see the Holy Spirit move on the disciples. Pastor Philip underscores important historical truths, shedding light on the Jewish traditions surrounding Pentecost, and in so doing, we are challenged and encouraged to remember the power of waiting in expectation for God and His Spirit.
God’s plan has always been to build His covenant community — His people, the Church — empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry the good news to the world. Pastor Sean kicks off our new sermon series In Acts 1, and we see Jesus commission His followers, reminding them that His Spirit would go with them, their testimony would flow through them, and the Church would grow beyond them despite opposition. Today, we stand on their legacy, called to be Spirit-empowered witnesses to the hope and life found in Jesus.
Last week, Pastor Sean spoke about finding a better hope in crisis, a hope that transcends human limitations and is found only in Jesus Christ. This week, we hear from Dan Challapalli from Reach Kirkland (our sending church)! In this sermon, we ground ourselves in the heart of that hope — the complete Gospel: that Christ died for our sins and was raised to life so we can live. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul reminds us that the resurrection is not just something to believe, but a new life to live in, carrying the power of the Gospel into the world.
On the road to Emmaus, two disciples were lost in confusion—until Jesus showed up. In this Easter message, Pastor Sean invites us to explore how the risen Christ meets us in our crisis, stirs our curiosity, and opens our eyes to the hope we've been searching for all along.
Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus entered Jerusalem not to claim a throne of power, but to offer salvation as the true Liberator King. We're invited to move beyond convenience-based faith and respond with wholehearted worship, recognizing Jesus as the only one worthy of our lives.
Pastor Sean interviews Dr. Bob Stone, his mentor and a member of our advisory council to reflect on 2 Timothy 2:1–7 and the call to make wise spiritual investments in the lives of others. We’re reminded that true discipleship flows from grace-filled relationships, sound teaching, and a heart willing to entrust God’s truth to faithful, teachable people. In this teaching we discover how intentional discipleship can lead to exponential and eternal impact for the Kingdom of God.
On our official launch Sunday as Bright City Church, Pastor Sean shares a powerful message from John 9 about healing, spiritual sight, and what it means to truly see Jesus. In a world full of confusion and searching, we’re invited to encounter the One who opens blind eyes and redeems broken stories. This isn’t just a story—it’s a call to live in the light and help others do the same.
To embody the kingdom of Jesus on earth as it is in heaven is both an inward and outward reality. In this sermon Pastor Sean continues our Becoming Bright City series exploring our mission focusing on Embody. In this sermon we survey scripture to find 5 areas we embody The Kingdom from the inside out.
Youth Director Jon DeYonker continues our Becoming Bright City series as we explore the words of Jesus in John 15. In this message we hold the call to remain in the love of Jesus in parallel with Jesus' commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. In doing so we discover that we have practices for the parts of ourselves that may have tension with one another to abide in Jesus with our whole-selves.
Many Christians spend years in church but never truly encounter God. Like Samuel in 1 Samuel 3, we can be surrounded by spiritual activity yet miss His voice. In this message, we’ll explore how we position ourselves to encounter God through Scripture, the Spirit, and the Saints.
What does it mean to be a city on a hill? How is God shaping us for the future? In this special Vision Sunday episode, Pastor Sean shares the story, heart, and BIG reveal of our new name!
We’re stepping into to God’s vision for us with clarity, purpose, and excitement like never before. Listen to hear where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how you can be part of it.
In this sermon, Pastor Sean Gasperetti explores Matthew 17, focusing on the power of faith and where we place it. He highlights that true faith isn’t about the size of our belief but trusting in God’s sovereignty. Through the story of a desperate father and the disciples' struggle, Sean encourages us to focus their faith on Christ and trust Him above all else, even in moments of doubt and spiritual warfare.
Ever felt like you’re chasing after an experience with God but missing something deeper? We’re diving into Matthew 17—the incredible moment when Jesus revealed His glory on the mountain.
God’s message to the disciples? "Listen to Him!"
In this message from Matthew 16, Pastor Sean explores Jesus’ warning against the dangers of false teachings and the importance of guarding our faith especially in the age of the internet. We also review Jesus revealing God’s plan to build His church, unshakable and unified in Himself, with a promise that even the gates of hell won’t overcome it. With this truth we find the path to true life in Jesus, through self-denial and embracing the cross.
In Matthew 15:21-31, the faith of a desperate Canaanite woman reveals that Jesus meets us in unexpected places, calls us to trust Him over people, and honors a posture of humility and persistence. Listen as Pastor Sean challenges us to seek God with faith-filled desperation and trust God in every circumstance.
As we continue in the gospel of Matthew, Pastor Sean explores the tension between religion and relationship, focusing on Jesus’ confrontation with the Pharisees in Matthew 15:1-20. He emphasizes that while religious traditions can be helpful, they must not overshadow the importance of a genuine, heart-centered relationship with God, as Jesus teaches that it is not external actions but the condition of the heart that matters.
Continuing through the gospel of Matthew in our Heaven Meets Earth series we come to the passage of Jesus and Peter walking on water. Youth Director Jon DeYonker, reflects on the tension Peter experienced being lost somewhere between both faith and fear. In this sermon Jon challenges and encourages believers to see past both and focusing on Christ alone, by rendering what faith we do have to him, to seek first his kingdom, and to worship Jesus, because it is in Jesus alone that heaven meets earth.
Pastor Sean kicks off our new series exploring the contrast between two types of passion: one that leads to destruction and another that leads to compassion and kingdom-building. Using the stories of Herod's sinful decisions and Jesus' miraculous feeding of the 5,000, he highlights how Herod's selfish passions lead to death, while Jesus' divine compassion brings life and healing. we are called to develop a "Heaven Meets Earth" mindset, where we tap into heavenly resources, rely on the Holy Spirit, and bring God's kingdom into every aspect of our lives.
In this Advent sermon, Jon DeYonker encourages us to lift our eyes above the cultures vision for Christmas to a ‘A Higher Joy’ found in the arrival of Jesus. He contrasts the fleeting happiness of material possessions and perfect moments with the "good news of great joy for all people", as announced at Christ's birth. With our joy set on Christ and His salvation we can be a people who live marked by joy even amidst the struggles and pains of life.
True peace is not obtained simply in the absence of conflict. Pastor Sean continues our advent series as we discover what Isaiahs prophetic words meant in chapter 9 verse 6 calling Jesus the "Prince of Peace"
In this we explore three types of peace—upward (with God), inward (within ourselves), and outward (with others)—this message encourages us to actively pursue peace during the Advent season through prayer, reflection, and reconciliation.
Pastor Sean kicks off a four-week Advent series, focusing on the theme of hope as we prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth and anticipate His return. Drawing from Psalm 130, Sean explores how biblical hope isn't just wishful thinking but a deep, anchored trust in God's faithfulness, even in the darkest times. In this, we are challenged to reflect on where we place our hope, reminding us that true hope lies in Jesus—our savior and the promise of an eternal future.
Pastor Sean explored the altar as a symbol of sacrifice, worship, and trust in God. Through Genesis 22:1–19, we saw Abraham’s radical obedience in being willing to sacrifice Isaac, trusting in God’s provision. When we follow Him it will cost us something, but it’s an act of worship that deepens our faith and transforms us.
In this sermon, Pastor Andrew reflects on Caleb, King Jehoshaphat, and Jesus, carried out true boldness that comes from trust in God's promises and His presence, even in the face of fear of a culture of opposition. Christians should be encouraged to be faithful and courageous, remembering that enduring faith and obedience, not perfection, are what lead to victory and inheritance in God's kingdom.
This true peace really possible? In times of chaos and turmoil, what the world needs is a church that embodies the peace only Jesus can provide. We must first experience it so we can then give it away.
Pastor Andrew takes us through the book of Ephesians to uncover the truth of Spiritual warfare. We learn who our enemy is and isn't, we learn how to fight according to the scripture and how to win the spiritual battle in this life.
Can Christians engage in politics without compromising their faith? In this sermon, Pastor Sean tackles 5 myths about faith and politics, exploring how God’s sovereignty works through human governments and why believers are called to influence the world around them. Consider with us how the gospel shapes every part of life—including the public square.
In this sermon Pastor Sean starts a new sermon series focusing on how the church can stand resilient in a culture of chaos by being anchored in truth and freedom. Drawing from John 8:30-47, we discuss the importance of abiding in God's truth to experience true freedom from sin and false identities.
God isn't looking for puppets, He is looking for missional partners. Pastor Sean Gasperetti leads us in a time to further understand that Jesus' plan A for reaching the world is us. We are sent on a mission to be a light to the world and Jesus is inviting you into building his Kingdom.
Pastor Andrew takes us through the very good news that Jesus Sanctifies us! We see through the sweep of the Old Testament and New that God has always been seeking to Sanctify his people and now in Jesus it is inevitable! Not only is this good news, but it is hope for those who are tired of our cultures answers to the question "Who will I become?
A life with Jesus does not shield you from hardship. The Disciples experienced this and as we read in Mark 4 called out to Jesus in the fear of a storm overtaking them. In this sermon, Pastor Sean preaches a message that reminds us that Jesus sustains us; God sustains the miracle that is the world and us personally.
In this teaching, Pastor Sean Gasperetti kicks off our new sermon series titled Very Good News and in it, we begin with a simple but potent truth - "Jesus Saves." The world can often work like a sort of matrix that gives us the impression we are free to do as we please, but in reality, we can become enslaved to it. Jesus saves us from sin, the desire to want and worship creation above the creator.
In this stand-alone teaching from Pastor Andrew Adams, we review why discipleship is more than sermons and academia. It is closer to parenting than it is to instruction. We also reflect on discipleship in the home and in the family context. We see in Daniel during the exile a generation of Jews who had been brought up in the way of God refused to allow the culture of Babylon to determine their life and personhood.
What do we do, when we cry out to God and it seems we don't hear Him answer? In the last sermon of our Big Family guest speaker series Pastor Chris Rich from Mercy Fellowship in Marysville leads us in a time through Psalm 77 as we reflect on Gods truth in the midst of our human suffering.
As we continue our Big Family guest speaker series, Jimmy Reed Area Director of Young Life encourages us to ask: where is Jesus calling you into healing? In this sermon, we discover the compassion that Jesus led with when a leper risked it all to approach Jesus and ask for healing. When we come to Jesus we can receive his healing, life, and wholeness.
Pastor Andrew Munoz from New Life Church in Everett preaches out of Philippians 3:12-18 and reminds us of the pursuit of Christ we are called to have. From this, Andrew parallels these biblical truths while sharing his testimony of family travesty, wrestling with unbelief, and the journey of healing and redemption through re-engaging with the Christ-centered community, serving the Church, and worshipping Jesus.
The Gospel is not a haircut but a heart transplant. In this teaching, the founder of Reach Kirkland, and director of Breakaway Ministries at Texas A&M Brian McCormack helps us rediscover the rich truths of Jesus' work on the cross by reviewing the things Jesus said from the cross.
As we close our Dwell series Aaron James leads us through Colossians 3:1-17 as we consider what it means to dwell richly in the word of Christ among each other. Here, we discuss why Paul was writing to the church in Colossae and his teaching of bringing to wholeness their relational dynamics among each other in God's truth.
Jesus taught us that to glorify God we are to have fruitful lives (John 15:8). This week, Pastor Andrew continued our Dwell series by reviewing how a fruitful life is more than a spiritual or emotional reality. Here we learn that abiding in God's Word is for the sake of applying it to our lives in obedience. In this obedience, we find ourselves with repentant hearts and authentic lives following after Jesus.
In the 2nd week of our Dwell series, Reach’s Youth Lead Jon preaches a message from Psalm 1 discussing delighting in God’s instruction and meditating on God’s word. In this message, we discuss how the vehicle to delight in God's instructions is meditating on God's word. Jon also discusses the difference between mindfulness, mental health, and meditation on God’s word.
God’s Word reveals who God is. Scripture should be something we interact with on a regular basis, not just at church or Bible study. By prioritizing consistent time in God’s Word, the believer can be transformed by God’s love.
Pastor Andrew finishes off the Parables series showing us in Matthew 13 a "real time" example of what happens when people reject the Messiah and His Kingdom.
In Matthew 13, Pastor Andrew teaches us How Jesus, Just like the prophets in the Old testament would use strange sayings and acts to judge the people and call them back to God. Through the sermon on the mount and the sabbath controversies and now the parable Jesus' ministry rhymes with that of the Old Testament prophets, warning the people of sin and coming judgement. He condemns the pharisees and those with hard hearts who reject God revealed in himself aka God's chosen one, the Messiah. But unlike the prophets, Jesus is starting something new, or rather fulfilling something old, thereby crating something entirely new, The Kingdom of God and his people the Church.
On Move-Up Sunday, Youth Lead Jon continues in our study of Jesus’ parables. In Matthew 13:44-46 we wrestle with two interpretations that offer one simple truth: Jesus' value system is different than our value system. Through this message, we discover how both interpretations highlight Jesus' different value system and call for a reorientation of the heart.
In this sermon Pastor Andrew focuses on the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven. He draws us to consider these parables in the context of the Kingdom of Heaven. They discuss the tension between human expectations of the Kingdom and the different features Jesus presents.
Pastor Sean discusses the parable of the wheat and the weeds from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. The parable highlights the coexistence of believers and unbelievers in the world and the church, emphasizing the role of Christians to live faithfully while trusting in God's plan for the final judgement and restoration at the end of the age.
Pastor Andrew kick off Matthew 13, a passage filled with parables! In this passage Jesus encounters crowds full of followers, seekers and enemies. Jesus will teach them heavenly truths veiled through story and confront each group present and how they receive the word of God!
Jesus teaches us to receive His yoke upon ourselves. While a call to attach yourself to Jesus may not seem freeing, it is the only way to receive freedom and requires us to unyoke ourselves to many other things in our lives. Pastor Andrew helps us understand Jesus' words through Matthew 11:20-30 and helps us understand how we can yoke ourselves to Jesus.
If you have ever doubted taking Jesus at his word, you're in good company, John the Baptist had a moment where he doubted Jesus. In this teaching, Pastor Sean preaches out of Matthew 11:1-19 and helps build a healthy and Jesus-centered perspective about the doubts we experience in our faith as we follow Jesus.
Pastor Sean continues Our Matthew series in "The Burden is Light", with an encouraging word on the global church's experience with persecution through history and in the present, and how we as Christians in the West are to carry out the mission of spreading the gospel.
Pastor Sean closes our Kingdom People series by teaching on Jesus' parable of the servants and the master's talents. Here we learn from God's heart for us to be good stewards over everything we are entrusted with.
Kingdom people pray. Pastor Sean teaches from Matthew 6:9-13, what is commonly known as "the Lord's prayer". In this teaching, we will review the context Jesus spoke into, reflect on the depth of every word, and how we can apply it to our life and prayers today.
Pastor Andrew takes us through the scriptures to learn what Sabbath is and what Jesus has has to say about Sabbath Rest. As kingdom people we learn what to do with Sabbath to encounter the rest Jesus gives.
Pastor Sean teaches us how all people, whether followers of Jesus or not, are worshipers. The question is, where is your worship actually aimed?
The Bible is a library of books, written by over 40 authors over 1,500 years, 3 continents, containing history, law, poetry, hyperbole, metaphor, apocalyptic drama, prophecy, eye witness reporting, all creating one unified story that leads us to Jesus.
Listen in as Pastor Sean invites us to wade deeper into God’s word.
We are citizens of heaven. Members of God’s household. Kingdom people. Listen to this series intro as Pastor Sean invites us to consider the implications of this reality and how we might respond.
There is good news that will bring great joy to all people (Luke 2). Pastor Sean teaches from the gospel of Luke and other passages how the arrival of Jesus reveals God’s desire to pour joy into your life.
In this sermon, Pastor Andrew explores the tension between the two Advents, and we learn to focus on Advent peace.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Sean delves into the various facets of hope as depicted in the Bible.
I think we could all agree that encouragement is a good thing, and we all benefit when it's shared
between us. Here's the problem we're facing in our culture right now: We are at an encouragement deficit. What if the baseline of how people experienced Christian community was genuine, gospel-infused encouragement? Let's explore how we get there, together.
This week Pastor Andrew teaches through Matthew 9:18-29. We'll examine the stories of desperate individuals, like the bleeding woman, blind men, and a synagogue leader, who approached Jesus in their time of need. What can their experiences teach us about faith? How do we nurture our faith in the face of life's challenges? Listen in for a deep dive into these questions and more in this teaching on faith, trust, and the enigmatic ways of Jesus.
There are moments in life when we wait, we mourn, we enter the
uncomfortable. But there are also moments to celebrate! To feast! To rejoice!
In other words, there are times when you must leave behind an old way of
experiencing your situation for a new way.
In this weeks message we look at how Jesus wants us to wait with Him and we are waiting for Him to return as we go through Matthew 9:14-17.
This week, we look at Matthew 9:1-13, documenting a variety of interactions Jesus has with religious leaders and “sinners” alike, all having very different encounters with him along the way. We see a couple controversies, but the controversy that this story ultimately points us to is the reality of where OUR story intersects with those with whom Jesus encountered.
When Jesus comes to the other side of hearts, He deals with the darkness as a Savior, kindly and gently, so we can have what is always being challenged in this spiritual war - the presence of God in hearts.
The storms will keep coming, but the hope we have today is that we are not alone even for a moment as we face them, if Jesus is in the boat of our lives.
There are many things in this world that beg for our attention, but the disciple of Jesus must choose to put Jesus before all else.
This Sunday, we got a taste of Alpha as a church family! Alpha is a fun dinner series followed by group conversations centered around exploring some of the big questions of life and the Christian faith. As we get ready to launch Alpha on September 20th, Pastor Sean shared a brief message on what it looks like to live on mission and share the life-changing message of Jesus. To see what it is we'll be inviting our friends, family, and neighbors into, we also watched the Alpha film "Is There More to Life Than This?" which we'll be showing on Alpha Launch Night.
In a world filled with suffering, we're invited to come humbly before Jesus, trusting in His power and wisdom. Sometimes healing comes immediately, sometimes it doesn't, but in all cases, we're met with His compassion and, ultimately, the promise of healing that is ours when we meet Him in glory.
There is no shortcut to sharing our faith or reaching a city. It’s relational + it’s time consuming, but it's worth it.
On Vision Sunday, Sean explained what Reach's role in our city has looked liked, current looks like, + hopefully will look like in the next few years to come. Now we get to decide what part we will play in being the Church + reaching our city.
As we wrapped up our "Big Family" series, we were able to hear from Pastor Sean's friend + mentor, Bob Stone. He showed us that Paul pointed Timothy to five stones of faith + explained the significant value in each one.
This week, as we continued on in our "Big Family" series, we had the privilege of hearing from our very own Mary Butler on the importance of growing in spiritual maturity. She shared with us her own personal journey through learning this lesson and how God's faithfulness has grown her into an even more faithful follower.
This week, we had the joy of hearing from Jon DeYonker, our Youth / Tech Lead on the concepts of humility, spiritual gifts, and the interconnectedness of believers within the body of Christ.
This week, we had the honor of hearing from Taylor Murray, Lead Pastor of Real Life Church (Covington, WA), sharing about the goodness of God and how he's freed us, fed us, and not forgotten about us.
At every stage of life, we are provided with opportunities to either build on the shifting sands, or to build our life on a firm foundation. God is after our head and our heart; our understanding and our passion. It’s not enough just to comprehend the love of God. It’s not enough to hear the words, we must also do something with them.
While there are areas of our life in which we may be able to masquerade as something or someone we're not, we cannot fool God. You cannot fake your way into the kingdom. You can't flash your "Good person" badge to enter God's presence, or eternity.
There is only one way we obtain salvation and that is through the person and work of Jesus
Christ - crucified on our behalf.
In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us to a kingdom way of living by valuing what God values instead of living by the values of the world.
In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus compares the external righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees to the expression of true and authentic worship that favors the heart of God. Jesus is retraining his disciples on what it means to truly pray and fast. He cautions us against the hypocrisy of praying so that we will be admired, or looking sad so others will notice that we are fasting. Instead, he advises praying in solitude and not not making our fasting obvious. He also gives us guidelines on how to structure our prayers with the Lord’s Prayer found in Mathew 6:9-14.
This week, we were blessed to hear from Jeff Price who shared from Matthew 6 on what it looks like to live a life of generosity.
It's easy to get comfortable in our own little kingdoms and neglect those who don't fit into our paradigms. But that's not what Jesus taught or modeled for us. As citizens of his kingdom, our job is to follow in his footsteps, which includes aligning our hearts with his in regards to our neighbor - regardless of who they are or where they're at in life.
If you truly love God, then you will see the value of your neighbor and acknowledge that, like you, they were created by God, for God, and in his image. There are zero exceptions.
While it's not effort that saves us, the effort we put into our faith is one of the indicators that we have a genuine faith at all. God is values-driven, which means that his commands are meant to reinforce something of his character and priorities, not just his preferences. What we need to realize is that, for the follower of Jesus, we're being instructed not only to fulfill certain moral obligations, rather to recognize that God is calling us to a high standard of living.
Jesus doesn't have a backup plan when it comes to the salvation of people on earth. He came one time for all time, and then sent his disciples out into the world to make more disciples. Jesus commissioned us to be the "salt of the earth," and "the light of the world." If we're not abiding in Christ and doing what he commands us to do, then we're of no use to his mission or his church.
The Beatitudes are a series of eight statements that speak to a posture of living that Christ says results in the blessing of God. They summarize Jesus’ kingdom ethic and the character of Christian believers. They are a call for an inward posture that results in an outward blessing.
Growing is inevitable for the disciple who is abiding in Christ. As we grow, we see the results of Christ-likeness, stability, strength, and participation in the Body of Christ.
Jim Putnam gives five stages of spiritual growth in his book, "Discipleshift," that helps us evaluate where we are and how we can growth further.
For this third week of "Discipleshift," we were able to hear from Robert Montgomery about how discipleship shaped his life and drew him closer to God.
The general call of a disciple is good - it’s often the initial step someone takes when they surrender their lives to Jesus and get excited about his mission. But it cannot stop there. Jesus invites us to follow him completely, which means every area of our lives needs to be discipled.
We live in a time where it’s become too easy to simply go to church without having a conviction to BE the Church. The U.S. Christian Church has tried to hard to compete with culture rather than impacting culture. Whether it’s trying too hard to be entertaining, or bending our theology to be more inclusive - the cost of discipleship has virtually been forgotten.
Where are we headed? Who are we becoming? What should we be doing? What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?
God is writing an incredible story, and it includes us! The reality of our circumstance without God’s intervention is us walking around spiritually dead in our sin. However, the Bible says that death no longer has the final say for those who are in Christ. God did we couldn't do for ourselves. He defeated death itself. The tomb is empty, Jesus is risen, and the resurrection changes everything. Jesus is someone worth paying attention to, but he’s ultimately the hope we’re looking for in this story we’re living out.
Temptation: the conflict between short-term urges and long-term ideals. Short term, we can pursue self-gratification, self-security, and self-exaltation - but all of those things fall short. We cannot ultimately satisfy these things in ourselves, but we have a savior who denied what felt good for what would produce good.
We have a savior who denied his personal security to ensure we could have it eternally. We have a savior who did not shortcut his purpose to avoid the cross, rather endured the cross so we could be freed to discover our true purpose - to glorify God and enjoy him forever.
Baptism is a demonstration of a work that God is doing in someone's heart. Something is
happening internally, and baptism paints a beautiful picture of what that is externally. In other words, it's public identification with Christ and the family of God. Today we explore what we can learn from Jesus' baptism as we recall our own or consider being baptized for the first time.
From time to time, passionate voices who call for change rise to the surface and make an impact. In Matthew 3, we see this very quality in a man named John the Baptist. Much like Jesus Christ, who was actually his relative through their respective mother's, John's ministry ushered in an entirely new day in redemptive history. As part of this new day, John called people to start over in their lives and make some
significant changes.
God has a purpose and plan; he's had one from the very beginning. Sometimes it's hard for us to see when we look at a situation head on, but if we're able to take a moment, sit, and inspect it from a different angle, we might just be able to see his handiwork. Matthew reminds us of this as he tells the story of Jesus' birth and how his life so beautifully fulfills the many prophecies made of a Savior hundreds of years before Jesus was ever born. In doing so, Matthew provides a glimmer of hope as he shows us a new angle on an old story...but the story was only just beginning.
Jesus wants to fill your life with purpose. Yes, he will challenge your authority to establish his own in your life, but when you realize you are being led by the God of the universe, your life takes on a whole new meaning. No amount of power, money, fame, or status can ever satisfy. Nothing in this world could, because what we’re all looking for starts and ends with a child born in humble circumstances, but who will one day return in great power as reigning king over heaven and earth. All of Christianity is simply a response to the coming of a king.
Matthew is a book about some very good news. Matthew's purpose in writing this Gospel is to give an account for the good news about Jesus Christ - how he came to earth, what he did, what he said, and what he accomplished through his death and resurrection. To do that, Matthew had to set us up with the Genealogy of Jesus.
The Kingdom of God is here and is still coming. God says that his Kingdom comes through the Holy Spirit living in us and empowering us to live out our identities as those who have seen, heard, experienced, and now proclaim. A life intentionally lived for the Kingdom gives others glimpses of his Kingdom and his glory. It's reassurance that God still has a plan. It's an indicator that his Kingdom is still here.
Helmet of Salvation is more than just identification, and the Sword of the Spirit more than just a weapon. These two pieces are two parts of a whole. The only way this armor works is by us realizing that every armor piece we put on is also put on by someone else in our faith. We are all on the same team; we do not stand alone.
Faith is complete trust and confidence in something or someone that has proven faithful time and time again. That is why when you stand behind “the shield of faith,” you are literally standing behind the power of Jesus, our faithful God. Whatever battle you’re up against, if you’re a follower of Jesus, your protection AND ability to charge forward are possible through him.
You’re in a battle. Jesus has won the war, but we’re still dealing with the residual effects of sin and Satan’s work. At the end of the day, God wants you to stand. You can run with other pieces of armor on, claiming God has your back, but if you’re not rooted in the Gospel - the truth of Jesus Christ alone - you’re easy prey. So, how do we put on these shoes and stand firm in this spiritual battle?
We live in a battleground not a playground. We have been enlisted into a spiritual war. So, how do we maintain victory in our daily lives?
We base our entire lives around what we believe to be true. We need a truth at the center of our lives that can stand against the scrutiny of the enemy's lies - we need the truth of the Gospel.
This week, we began a new sermon series: “The Armor of God,” looking at some of the offensive and defensive tools God has given us to overcome the challenges we face as we follow Jesus. Christian life can be hard to live out because you are in a battle. As you fight, it's imperative to know that your battle is not against flesh and blood - it's not against other people. Ultimately, the good news is, Christ has won the war.
It's #SERMONTHROWBACK Sunday! // Back in 2020, our church studied the Gospel of John. The entire book is incredible, but there's no doubt that chapter 15 left a mark on us.
As we kick-off a new year, we thought it would be beneficial to revisit one of our favorite sermons from "The Abiding Life" series. To build on where we've been and even grow further, we need to remain in his love.
Christmas is a reminder of God's incredible love that was made abundantly clear to us through Jesus. Listen as Pastor Sean explores Luke 2:1-20 and reminds us of the hope we have in the Gospel at Christmastime.
*Note: There were audio issues with this week's recording, so we apologize in advance for the poor quality.
This Sunday, we closed our series "Light + Life." We looked at three things the author of 1 John is passionate about, and learned that we, as believers, should be just as passionate about them as John was.
God saw humanity stumbling around in the dark, trying to figure out life on our own, and yet offered his Son as the light who would lead us home. He promises that those who walk with him, who follow him, who allow him to illuminate their path and their purpose - that those people will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
Most of us are consumed with the thought that we aren't enough and don't have enough. Even knowing Jesus paid it all for us, we can't see our worth. Instead of living with a scarcity mindset, Jesus, in his human appearance, modeled an abundant life of self-emptying love. The only way Jesus promised that we'll find life is by giving it.
This week, Pastor Sean preaches from John 6 - the feeding of the 5000. This miracle reveals that Jesus not only has the key to abundance, but he IS the abundant leader we should follow.
This week, we dive into Daniel 9 where we learn several lessons on how to approach God in prayer.
Your current circumstances don't have the final say. Society's current voices don't have the final say. God has the final say. Learn how Daniel was reminded of this lesson through another wild and crazy vision!
You may not hold the future in your own hands, but God does. The future according to Daniel's vision in Daniel 7 tells us that all the oppression, sin, and temptation to abandon ship on your faith will one day come to an end when Jesus returns to make all things new. His judgement will be swift and complete for those who have stood in opposition to God, but his mercy will be experienced richly by those who have trusted him over every other alternative.
There is a real and present temptation in the church at this moment in history to live for ourselves and disregard the things God says are true and valuable. Will you stay faithful even when you're tempted not to? Do you believe God can deliver you from the evils of this fallen world?
In a godless society, our call as Christians is not to waver in what we believe, but to stay true to our convictions and to stay faithful to God. Unfortunately, not everyone has done this successfully. Not only have we seen people we have been in community with walk away from the church or even their faith, we’ve sadly also seen an uptick in the stories of pastors and ministry leaders who have fallen from their positions of leadership, for various reasons. Rather than getting bitter, how can we learn to do it better?
Daniel’s prophetic visions offer hope that God will bring all nations under his rule.
Daniel’s visions are packed with apocalyptic imagery, offering hope to Israelites living in exile under Babylonian rule. Daniel remains faithful to the God of Israel, while maintaining influence in the surrounding culture of Babylon. His visions offer guidance for faithfulness and hope of a future where evil hearts and rulers will one day come under the authority of the one true God.
Daniel’s visions also introduce us to the "Son of Man," a Messiah figure who will come to restore Israel to their God and bring about a new Jerusalem. Throughout the Gospel accounts, Jesus uses this title to refer to himself, activating the prophetic hyperlinks of the Hebrew Scriptures and pointing to his identity as the long awaited Jewish Messiah.
What does it look like to be faithful in the midst of exile? The book of Daniel offers a surprising and relevant answer. This incredible work of apocalyptic literature offers a glimpse of God’s plan to restore his people and remain faithful to them no matter the circumstances.
When we go through trials (external circumstances that come against us) we are being given opportunities to let our faith be strengthened into something more resolute.
Oswald Chambers said, “Faith by its very nature must be tested and tried. And the real trial of faith is not that we find it difficult to trust God, but that God’s character must be proven as trustworthy in our own minds.”
If we don’t get this down, then trials will consistently feel like times where God is abandoning us rather than walking with us in the fire.
We exist in a world that is run by corrupt human leaders. For millennia, we have seen the rise and fall of great kingdoms and national superpowers. Yet, this is our hope that we find in Daniel 2: the true God of heaven, the one who establishes and removes earthly kingdoms, wants his people to know that all human kingdoms will ultimately be replaced with his everlasting Kingdom!
We’re called to live a life of conviction in a culture of compromise. That message isn’t just for us. It was true for the people to whom the book of Daniel was originally written. Today, we focus in on Daniel 1.
Often during transitional seasons, what gets neglected is our spiritual lives, and yet, there’s nothing more important than our spiritual health! God strengthens us through His Word and through His Spirit. This week, we focus in on being strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
With Fall rhythms kicking into gear, it’s easy to get consumed by school schedules, work projects, even recommitting to that gym membership! But what about our souls? How can we tend to what matters most?
One of the most transformative practices Christians can maintain is a healthy rhythm of reading scripture. God's Word is a gift, one we should never take for granted! Without it, we lack the wisdom and knowledge we need and greatly benefit from if we endeavor to grow stronger in our relationship with God.
When we look at the life of Jesus, we see he took time to notice people, he saw them, he paid attention, and he had compassion. How might you slow down enough to notice people God has placed before you and to genuinely listen to them?
Our primary identity is - child of God, and yet, many of us are living with secret identities, cultivated out of shame. In order to run the race well, we need to remember who we are and find freedom in Christ who despised shame.
Discipleship is a committed journey of following Jesus as a student, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, in the company of other disciples, with the goal of progressing towards maturity and multiplication.
God the Father is beautifully remaking His broken creation! This new creation, this new work of art, this new community of believers is both Jew and Gentile - it's a big, multicultural family.
There is only one way we obtain salvation and that is through the person and work of Jesus Christ crucified on our behalf. We cannot fake our way into the kingdom.
We need to ask, seek, and knock on the Father's door to obtain what's best and most satisfying for us. Our Father is all-powerful, good, and accessible. He is not far from any of us. He loves us and desires to have a relationship with each of us.
With the Supreme Court ruling to overturn Roe vs. Wade, many of you may be wrestling with what you believe, how to approach conversations, how to engage. At this important cultural moment, Pastor Sean led us through a conversation about abortion and human life from a thoughtful, researched, and Biblically-based perspective.
What do you value? What do you love? Who do you serve? Who do you trust?
In Matthew 6, Jesus is introducing a new kingdom and new way of living. It’s counter-intuitive to most everything our culture stands for. Throughout the entire sermon, Jesus is after one thing: the heart. This week, we dive deeper into verses 19-34 where we find that what we value has a lot of power over us.
This week, Jeff Price showed us how the Lord’s prayer should be used as our guide to our daily walk and conversations with Jesus.
The biggest hindrance to the growth of the Church, based on what people would say on the outside, is that the Church is filled with hypocrites. Jesus did not leave his heavenly throne and enter our earthly mess simply to address behavioral issues. He came to address the sinful, rebellious hearts of each and every human being. At the end of the day, God is building a kingdom and adopting a family that's supposed to look differently than the rest of the world.
Loving our enemies is a central idea to the Kingdom of heaven ethic that Jesus calls his followers into. How do we do it, though? What does it look like to be living, walking, breathing examples of God’s grace and love?
The question we're aiming to answer this week: "When someone wrongs you, do have the right to get even?" When a conflict goes too far, when someone crosses a boundary or pushes your buttons, when you feel insulted by another person - do you have the right to get even? Let's see what Jesus has to say in Matthew 5:38-42.
In our culture, we have a massive shortage of truth-tellers. We crave honesty and are desperate for the truth. Unfortunately, honest people are honestly hard to come by. How can we, as Christians, be people of integrity, people who speak the truth? Let's learn from the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:33-37.
Conquering sin in our lives is challenging. Lust is a snare. Divorce is devastating. These aren't easy issues to deal with. However, the consequences of allowing sin to persist are worse for us and for those involved. How do we bring our sin into the light and flee from it as we run towards Jesus?
Have you felt hopeless? What could it look like for you to anchor your hope in God? Let's explore this together.
This week, we begin a new series “You Have Heard…”, looking at 6 instances where Jesus uses the phrase: “You have heard it said…but I tell you…”Jesus frequently challenges his audience’s understanding of Scripture when he says this. It doesn’t mean he is contradicting Scripture, it’s that he’s bringing clarity to what the people have misunderstood about it. Secondly, his audience often limited Old Testament commandments to external actions, not inward righteousness. Jesus reveals the true intention of the law - God does not look just on the outside of the man, but at the heart.
In Matthew 5, Jesus uses this phrase “You have heard it said” for the first time, and he begins by addressing the topic of murder. The question becomes, “Can I be considered a good person if I’m not a murderer?”
Last week, we celebrated Easter and the reminder that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead — he is ALIVE and engaged with us today on this earth in our day-to-day lives. And what a great reminder that is!
In response to that beautiful reminder, we are invited to draw near to Jesus and allow him to be the center of our lives, however far we may be from that. We are invited to rest, to let Him carry our burdens, to do things His way. He promises rest to all who come to him.
He is risen! And that means whatever you think about who God is, what he cares about, or what he can do in your life - it’s even better than you can imagine. It means that every step you take towards Jesus is a step worth taking, because we’re talking about a God who is absolutely worthy to sit upon his heavenly throne, yet stooped down into the dirt and engaged humanity in a personal way. It means that the Good News that Jesus is alive is VERY, VERY good news.
In these days we’re living, God is calling Christians worldwide to be faithful. Not just to be casual or comfortable, but to be faithful, wherever and however that plays out in our unique context. As the people Jesus calls “a city on a hill,” we’re called to follow in his footsteps and obey his commands.
In Matthew 5, we catch a glimpse of Jesus speaking into the foundation he is laying during his sermon on the mount. Before he gets too far, he takes a moment to specify that what he’s sharing is not new, in fact - it’s quite old. It’s foundational to the relationship between God and humanity. He pauses to reassure them that he’s not just spewing off from the top of his mind, but he’s actually speaking directly to the truths that God had given them long ago, and in fact, he was the one that would ultimately embody everything they were aiming and hoping for.
This week, we begin a new sermon series, “City On A Hill,” where we’ll learn more about what it means to live on mission as the body of Christ, partnering with Jesus to build his Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.
In this sermon, we look at why Jesus called his followers the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world" and what that means for us today.
As followers of Jesus, God has adopted us into his family and brought us together as his children. This experience is similar to getting married — we all must learn how to bend and change to maintain unity in this family. As God’s children, we all have the same inheritance and share the same mission. We’re meant to be a united family.
Jesus knew a thing or two about hatred. He was spit on, beaten, whipped, called names, lied about, brutalized, and murdered. If Jesus himself - the most loving, compassionate, inspiring, generous person to ever walk the earth - knew this kind of rejection, so will we.
We, by nature, don’t want someone ruling our lives, but the only way to have peace in this world is by having peace with God. As we reconcile ourselves to God, we must also reconcile with those around us.
Rescue:Freedom International is on a mission to end sex trafficking once and for all. They work tirelessly to fight exploitation across the globe and attack this injustice from every angle. By partnering with organizations and individuals alike, RFI free dozens of lives each month, help thousands of survivors thrive in freedom, and protect vulnerable people from exploitation.
This week, we were honored to hear from Rescue:Freedom CEO, Jeremy Vallerand for "Freedom Sunday" - a day where we heard the story of Rescue:Freedom, discovered unique ways we can support their mission, and learned about Jesus' heart of freedom for all of us.
This week, we unpack what Jesus meant when he said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8).
Mercy is a central component to God’s nature. Because God is a merciful God, it means your failure doesn’t get the final word! Because we've received God's mercy, He invites us to extend that mercy to others. The whole point of the Christian life is that the character of Jesus will be reproduced in our lives.
There’s something that happens to us when we turn our lives over to Jesus. We begin to realize that the things we craved before Christ could never ultimately satisfy. We begin to see just how fueled our hearts have been by cravings that lead us nowhere (the need for approval, experiencing pleasure, achieving promotion, the allure of a pain-free, comfortable life). The counter-cultural reality for Christians is not that our blessing is found in chasing satisfaction, it’s found in our pursuit of God who is our ultimate satisfaction!
We’re not called to be the most powerful, the most wealthy, the most influential in the world’s eyes - we’re called to be humble. To Jesus, humility doesn’t look like being on top or being the best. It doesn’t look like boasting in your strength, or bringing attention to yourself - that’s not where blessing lies. At the end of the day, Jesus is clear that the way of humility is the way to victory in our relationships, in our workplaces, and ultimately, in the Kingdom.
The radical, moral vision of the upside-down kingdom of God is that rather than celebrating sin, or simply living apathetically towards it, we would mourn it. When we get real about where things are at, and particularly, where we’re personally at, that’s where God shows up and ushers in comfort that we won’t find anywhere else.
There is blessing in realizing you're broken. That's not just some self-help affirmation. This is the way of Jesus.
This week, we began a new series, “Counter Culture” looking at perhaps the most famous words recorded from the mouth of Jesus Christ known as “The Sermon on the Mount” recorded in Matthew’s Gospel, chapters 5-7. Before both spectator and disciple, Jesus sat down to teach what participation in God’s Kingdom actually looks like. The Sermon on the Mount is not just some moral code that can be applied across cultures regardless of religious affiliation. If you want to follow Jesus, what you need to realize is that he’s not interested in you following some legalistic system of morality, rather, recognizing and responding to your need for new life that can only be found in him.
Many of us have things in our rearview mirror, from this last year or even beyond, that have weighed us down. Your past, though part of your story, doesn’t have to define your present nor your future. As we kick off 2022, let’s consider what God might be calling us to leave behind and explore what to go after instead.
We're nearing the end of 2021, can you believe it? The new year is always a great time to evaluate the rhythms of our lives and set some goals for the year ahead.
Today's devotional is designed to help you make plans (as you might normally do) with God as the focal point. Join Pastor Sean for 10 or so minutes as he shares his heart and resources you with some questions to build from.
Have a great "week off" and we'll see you next Sunday, January 2nd!
The treasure of Christmas isn’t found under the tree or in a tradition, rather in the reality of what happened in a small middle-eastern town to an unassuming family 2,000 years ago.
This week, we wrap up our final week of Advent focusing in on the theme of love. Loving God and loving others as you love yourself is the point of life with God.
Joy cannot be separated from the arrival of Christ and what it means for humanity. If you’ve been lacking joy in your life, perhaps it’s because you’ve lost sight of the God who embodies it. Perhaps it’s time you make room for King Jesus to reintroduce you to the joy that’s found only in him.
Peace is something everyone is fighting for, but few seem to be experiencing. Thankfully, peace is possible because one called “The Prince of Peace” arrived on this earth 2000 years ago.
Advent is a season where we anticipate the arrival of Jesus. As we prepare our hearts and create space for Jesus, this week, we focus on the first theme of Advent: hope.
Hope isn’t focused on our circumstances - in fact, it’s often what allows us to thrive in the face of unwelcome circumstances. Biblical hope says “I was a slave to sin, but God set me free. Therefore, rather than trusting in other gods, in other people, or in myself, I will trust in him.”
God isn’t looking for puppets, he’s looking for partners. The good news is that we’re not called to invent the work. God’s already doing it. He’s already got a mission. Our job is to be on God’s team.
Following Jesus isn’t just your ticket to Heaven and means to true change. Knowing him and being known by him is the most satisfying thing in the universe, because his steadfast love is better than life itself.
Can people really change? Your answer to that question has more implications than you think. The very good news is that Jesus brings change into our lives — so we should know how He does it, and how to be all-in with the process.
What if Jesus is more committed to you than you are to him? If he really is a good shepherd who never loses sheep, you can rest in his love for you — regardless of the darkness you're walking through.
Your Gospel is too small. Your understanding and vision of Jesus is too small. Regardless of who you are - be it a spiritual seeker or life-long follower of Jesus, or somewhere in-between -- your current understanding of just how big Jesus really is and just how good the Gospel is pales in comparison to reality.
When we say, "Jesus saves," what we need to realize is that he saves COMPLETELY. Everything about us is different. Yes, Heaven is real and the most exciting reality to look forward to, but Jesus saves us for right now too!
Michael Franzese is a former member of the infamous Colombo crime family. At his most affluent, he was generating between $5,000,000.00 to $8,000,000.00 PER WEEK from both legal and illegal business. In 1986, he was named by Vanity fair to be one of the biggest money earners the mob had seen since Al Capone.
Eventually, his lifestyle caught up to him. He was sentenced for his crimes, put in prison, and spent significant time in solitary confinement. It was a hopeless tale...that is...until a faithful wife and a prison Bible teed him up for a life-changing transformation.
As we look to further live out what it means to be the Church and reach the city, we revisit our values, discuss intentional next steps, and set our sights on the season ahead.
The Lord's Prayer is one of the commonly utilized prayers in the entirety of scripture. Jesus reveals many of Heaven's priorities through this prayer and invites you and I to carry it with us wherever we go.
Your actions, words, lifestyle - it all holds weight. Ultimately, God is looking for faithful people who will steward his name well, who will speak on his behalf and act consistently with those words.
Complaining is generally unhelpful, but it's especially toxic when it's Christians complaining about one another. Why? Pastors Sean and Stephen unpack the implications of James 5:9, revealing how the way we communicate about one another directly impacts the family - a reality Jesus will hold us accountable to.
Wealth is temporary and fading. Monetary injustice is evil. Self-indulgence leads to ruin. So, what’s the anecdote for a heart that’s consumed with wealth? Generosity.
Many people live as if they were the final authority in their life. “We have a right to decide our own destiny and choose what is best for us”...so the line goes. In the Christian community of believers, sometimes our actions and attitudes are not much different. How should a Christian's life differ from his non-Christian counterpart?
God didn’t give us the law so we could beat it over the heads of our neighbor. He gave us the law so we could stay close to him by doing what it says. So that, in turn, we would express and reveal his love to others as his ambassadors, not as his security guards.
As we dive into chapter 4 of James together, we learn to live at peace with God, others, and ourselves.
Words wield incredible power and say a lot about the condition of our hearts. Our proximity to Jesus will be revealed by the nature of our conversation.
It is not simply enough to have the right ideas about God. Those right ideas should always translate into right living.
As we jump into chapter 2 of James, we learn about the sin of favoritism. There are a lot of different types of people in the world, but James reminds us that we are called to love them all.
The genuine disciple of Jesus will live a life marked by controlled speech, compassion for the least, and cleanliness from the ways of the world.
It's one thing to listen to good advice, it's another thing to act on it. James calls his audience to not only "hear" the Word, but to also do what it says. Much like Jesus makes clear in the Sermon on the Mount, those who hear the Good News and yet don't act on it are only fooling themselves into thinking they are spiritually mature.
The invitation in this sermon is to reflect upon your own life, allowing God room to challenge you and call you upward into a life of greater faithfulness. Will you accept the challenge?
When we face trials, we have the tendency to think, we are going through trials because God is distant. Or when we are facing trials we think — not only is God distant, but we must not be God’s people if we are facing hardships. This isn’t true. We have all faced trials and it’s easy to wonder if God is near. He is near and He does care and will use your trials for His redemptive purposes in your life. We count it as joy because we are already loved by Him — already a part of God’s family.
Regardless of what you bring to the table, Jesus invites us to lay it all down. In return, everyone gets a shot at an abundance of life that's only found in Him.
There's a difference between knowing something and having wisdom for how to apply what you know. Knowledge is about obtaining information, but wisdom knows how to use it. This week, Pastor Sean unpacks James 1:5-8 and talks us through how we can seek wisdom and find it in God.
Why do we count trials as joy? Because it makes us more complete; it makes us more like Jesus! Whether God allowed it to happen, put it in your path, or is simply with you in the midst of it - we can take heart in knowing that THROUGH the hard times, we have an opportunity to grow and mature.
The Christian faith is best experienced when it’s lived out, not just when it’s considered.
One of the greatest threats to you fulfilling your calling as a disciple is comparing your journey to someone else’s.
Jesus repurposes our brokenness for good and redeploys it to help us live out a better story. A story not defined by our past, but defined by him.
What happens when something no longer fits inside the belief system you use to make sense of world? You doubt. For followers of Jesus, doubt is what occurs when we have experiences that don't intuitively align with what we think we know about God. So where do we go from there?
This Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus together! We took a look at John 20, where we see the progression of what the earliest followers of Jesus experienced as they engaged the tomb - from confusion to clarity to commissioning.
Everything changes if Jesus is really King. Many have chosen avoidance, mockery, or hatred, but what would happen if we really believe this to be truth - if He really is on the throne?
Prone to trade Jesus for the disordered desires of our hearts, we often make bargains for the things we ultimately crave. But the good news is this; he willingly accepted the exchange, dying a rebel's death for our rebellion.
A life of following Jesus is one often filled with dissonance. Disparity. Disintegration. Gaps between the things we say we believe and the ways that belief materializes in reality. But Jesus' commitment to us through it all gives us hope.
This week, Pastor Sean closed out our “Take Heart” series with the prayer in John 17 that Jesus prayed in his last 24 hours before the cross. This prayer is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus’ and it communicates the heart of God for his people. In Jesus' final moments, he doesn't go looking to satisfy the flesh. Instead, he prays.
Following Jesus has the tendency to be a sometimes confusing process. Lack of clarity can seem built-in and we're often left asking questions with no convincing answers. But it's in our darkest moments of disorientation, moments that Jesus has already foreseen, that he is working for good in ways that we could never foresee.
Jesus knew the disciples would suffer and experience heartache, especially in his absence. He wanted them to experience joy, and he promised it would be possible despite any circumstance. The same applies to all believers, too.
Jesus may not be present in the flesh, but he’s sent us the Holy Spirit to lead us into truth. Through power and conviction, the Spirit of God is precisely the resource we need to stay faithful and live out the mission God invites us into.
In John 16 Jesus is all the more intentional to equip his disciples for his absence, and for the opposition they will face. He foretells the hardship to come, but makes it clear he will be with them every step of the way. He says the same to us today -- no matter how dark things get.
We’re called into community, but not for community’s sake alone. God’s plan for his people is connected to his mission. What’s the mission? Letting the Good News spill out into every nook and cranny. As a result, broken hearts are restored and God’s family grows.
Are you led more by your head or your heart? Often in following Jesus, we’re prone to prioritizing one over the other. But it’s not either/or. It’s both/and. When it comes to the Christian life, the Gospel should compel us to worship and worship should point us back to the Gospel.
This week, we had the honor of hearing from Curtis Hall who serves on the leadership team at Mercy Fellowship in Marysville. He shared on the topic of faith and how it can change our lives. When we believe the promises God has made to us, it changes how we live in our present circumstances.
This week, Pastor Sean set the tone for the new year by taking us through the three temptations of Jesus - how he was tempted, how he responded, and how we can learn from him as we endeavor to stand firm heading into 2021.
As we conclude a challenging year, several people from Reach share stories of how God has continued to be faithful.
He was given a name upon arrival, a name that would change the course of human history. At Christmas, we gather around the name of Jesus Christ - the Son of God - the Savior of the world.
If we want to know true love, we need to first understand that love originated in God. When we look to him alone as our source of love, we are able to give that love away to others.
Joy cannot be separated from the arrival of Christ and what it means for humanity. If you’ve been lacking joy in your life, perhaps it’s because you’ve lost sight of the God who embodies it. Perhaps it’s time you make room for King Jesus to reintroduce you to the joy that’s found only in him.
Peace is something everyone is fighting for, but few seem to be experiencing. Thankfully, peace is possible because one called “The Prince of Peace” arrived on this earth 2000 years ago.
This Sunday, November 29th, marks the beginning of Advent where we anticipate the arrival of Jesus. As we prepare our hearts and make room for King Jesus, this week, we focus on the first theme of Advent: hope.
Hope isn’t focused on our circumstances - in fact, it’s often what allows us to thrive in the face of unwelcome circumstances. Biblical hope says “I was a slave to sin, but God set me free. Therefore, rather than trusting in other gods, in other people, or in myself, I will trust in him.”
Retrospective means “looking back on or dealing with past events or situations.” There are some things we’re all probably excited to leave behind, but a few things we should hang onto. Join us as we look back on 5 themes we’ve covered this year, all while looking forward at the next season God is leading us into.
You’re not called to “be agreeable,” but rather, to pay attention and be intentional in how you engage your community. You’re a representative of Jesus Christ - when people see you, what does it say about Jesus?
If you’re postured to be a blessing, God can use you. If you’re postured to curse, everybody loses. Blessing and cursing reveal how we view other people. How you view other people is tied to how you view the imago Dei in them.
As we continue walking through Romans 12, we see Paul exhorting the church in Rome not to just receive the love of God, but to live that love. Often our culture expresses love as either sappy sentimentality or just a practical reality, but for the disciple of Jesus, love in action is authentic and comprehensive.
This week we hear from Leland Rounds who has served as Lead Pastor at New Hope Foursquare in Bellingham, WA for the past 5 years. He recently transitioned to a position with the Foursquare North Pacific District in Portland. He and his wife Ashley have 2 wonderful kids and have been good friends with Pastor Sean’s family for years. Leland’s faithfulness to Jesus, love for his family, and hilarious personality make him a delight to hear from at Reach!
In the body of Christ there is unity, but not uniformity. We're united, but we're distinct.
The world doesn’t need you to conform. Everybody is doing that. The world is completely clueless to it, but desperately needs you to let Jesus transform you and to live accordingly.
On September 27th, we celebrated our first in-person Sunday AM gathering in our new home in downtown Everett! God has given us this home, but why? Why did he gather us to this place in this season? Pastor Sean walks us through a few key reasons.
Dr. Gerry Breshears helps us get practical, using the biblical example of Elijah to show us how to respond to depression and anxiety. Includes live Q&A immediately after the message.
We start our conversation on mental health by establishing a shared vocabulary, declaring shared convictions, and pointing to a shared hope. For further conversation on this topic, check out our sermon series entitled “Anxious and Depressed”.
As we learn the rhythms of abiding in Christ, what flows out of us matters greatly. It's only when the Holy Spirit is empowering us with the truth that we are able to testify to Christ and make an impact on our world. Stop striving, start abiding, and watch what God will do through you!
"I must be liked!" It's the cry of many of our hearts, and yet Jesus promised that we would be hated because we associate with him. Is there any hope in that? What should our posture be? There is, and Jesus shows us the way.
In a world where love is defined however one chooses, Jesus calls us to something higher.
Loving God and loving others is not at odds with obeying God. Jesus Himself is the example for us to follow of what it looks like to be in the world and not of it.
As the Father loves the Son, so does the Son love you and me! There is an INCREDIBLE joy that follows those who experience that kind of love.
In order to live an abiding lifestyle, you'll need a perspective shift, you'll need support, and you'll need some tools. We circle back on the words of Christ to abide in him while laying out some practical next steps.
It turns out that God’s loving means for making us more fruitful comes by way of the strategic reduction and thoughtful thinning of areas in our lives that are experiencing limited yield in order to bring forth multiplied abundance.
God’s desire for your life is to produce fruit. The single most defining attribute of an abiding life, is the result of fruit. It’s not in your striving that fruit is produced. It’s in your abiding.
NOTE: We apologize that there is no video (and subpar audio) this week. We had some issues with our livestream that impacted our recording this weekend.
Pruning is a natural process in which branches are able to produce more fruit. Nothing is off limits. On the other side is a deeper intimacy with him. Abiding is hard, but it’s worth it.
As we get ready to dive into John 15 as a church and what it means to live the abiding life, we take a moment to do a quick heart check together.
The world is not at peace and yet peace is what everyone is looking for. As we explore John 14 further, we see that Jesus is the ONLY answer to the crisis of peace we have in our world.
The Trinity is not an abstract proclamation about God. It is an intimate invitation into the very life of God. Joshua Ryan Butler helps us gain a deeper understanding of the Trinity and its implications for our lives.
The Spirit-filled life is not about wanting something more THAN Jesus; but about wanting more OF Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the helper we need to obey God with love, and share God with boldness.
Our friend, Jonathan Rainey (chaplain, Washington Huskies / Seattle Seahawks) shares an incredibly encouraging word about the power and practicalities of prayer, especially prayer in the midst of doubt.
Sometimes major lessons come through minor characters. Philip, a rarely mentioned apostle, shows us that regardless of our doubts, change is possible in the knowledge of Jesus.
In what may seem like an insignificant set of verses we dive deep into our identity in Christ as saints.
Is heaven real? Is Jesus the only way to get there? Pastor Brittney (College Pastor, Reach Church - Kirkland) unpacks beautiful truths about what's to come to give us hope right where we are.
It’s hard to stay faithful when the world is so dark - UNLESS we have a clear picture for what we’re running towards. When life gets hard, and when there are no simple answers for the problems we see in the world, it becomes all the more challenging to stay the course - UNLESS we have clear vision.
This week, Pastor Sean walks us through Peter’s struggle to stay the course in being faithful and how we can avoid destructive tendencies ourselves.
"Is Jesus God?" "Christianity seems too complicated." "What if I've been hurt by Christians in the past?" "I tried already, and failed."
Our God is not intimidated by doubts and questions like these. As we continue studying the final night of Jesus' life, we see Jesus ramping up the compassion and the clarity for his closest friends...the same way he wants to for you.
Whether you've walked towards Jesus or away from him, there is grace available for those who opt in.
Jesus breaks from all expectations of a rabbi on Passover to do something typically only done by the lowliest of servants — he washes his disciples’ feet, and commands them to do the same for others. Before we can do what Jesus did, we must know the 3 things he knew that empowered him to love to the uttermost.
In Luke 24, two disciples moved from crisis to clarity after an encounter with the risen Jesus. We too can move from crisis to clarity in our own lives.
Who is Jesus? Why did he come? Is there hope for me? Do my decisions matter? How can I have eternal life?
Whether you’re on a mountain top or walking through the valley - we ALL need hope in this season. As the church, it’s our job to share about the hope we’ve found in Christ, and offer support wherever possible.
We have a choice - to walk in darkness or to walk in the light. Both have consequences, but one leads to the life each of us ultimately desire.
We’re in a unique point in history, truly a trial we’ve never experienced. Be encouraged to trust Jesus, believing he will transform us and those around us in the process.
Have you ever had to gear up for something you knew would be good in the long run but difficult in the immediate? Jesus did and, as it turns out, his response to that question is the exact hope each of us longs for - especially in times of great need.
Everyone is dying to live, but we’re killing ourselves in the process. The striving for purpose and fulfillment only wears us down. Jesus invites us to die, and in doing so, find the abundant life we’re all searching for.
How do you 'see' Jesus? In John 12, Some Greeks who were looking for Jesus stand out against the gospel narrative as unusual in the political landscape of the time. In a culture where there was separate "worship" for the Gentiles at the Jewish temple, these men were a picture of all who want to know God. As these Greeks request to see Jesus, his response is that in order to rightly see him, you have to see his death, burial, and resurrection.
It's possible to engage in the legalistic act of giving but never experience the abundant joy of generosity. God, instead, calls us to trust in His provision, living lives of open-handed generosity. Not because religion requires us to but because grace invites us to.
Prayer is one of the most fundamental aspects of the Christian faith. What we see in scripture is a model, given by Jesus, on what it looks like to align ourselves with our creator.
We get tired. Exhausted. Depleted. We crave vacation. Days off. A BREAK. Yet it seems nothing does the trick. God has a response to the hustle, a rhythm to slow us down in order to fill us up. It's called sabbath and it's something citizens are invited to practice.
Why does the Bible matter? How should we approach it? Dive in with us as we learn about the Bible, from the Bible.
Citizens of God’s kingdom are called to love our neighbors on earth. But who is my neighbor? How should I love them? Jesus shows us the way.
Ephesians 2:19 - "So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household..."
Eternal rights in the Kingdom. Intimate connection with a perfect Father. Through Christ, we are invited into something quite remarkable - The Kingdom of God.
Reach fam,
It's the end of the year - can you believe it? If you're like me, you're beginning to feel both a sense of excitement and simultaneously a sense of panic as 2020 approaches.
"Did I do enough this year?"
"Will I make the most of next year?"
Hey, take it easy for a second.
What if we've made "achieving" and "accomplishing" our chief end...to our detriment. What if the filter with which you look at goal setting needs to change, perhaps in a way that would set you up for growth every time?
God's plan for us is greater than we can see or imagine, why not learn to trust him as we do our best in making plans?
I hope this brief message encourages you. Know that I'm praying for you, and I sure am grateful to be your pastor.
Bring on 2020, Sean Gasperetti
P.S. I mention a goal-setting PDF at the end of the video. You can download it by clicking the link above.
When Christians claim they’ve been raised to life spiritually, some are eager to learn more. Others, eager to criticize and/or disregard. No matter what you encounter, you’re called to let your life speak for itself.
Christmas is fast approaching! Gifts of all kinds are soon to be given. When it comes to faith in Christ, it's good for us to ask ourselves, "What value have I placed on the gift of relationship with Jesus?"
When an unexpected source proclaims the most important part of the Good News, we are forced to answer a crucial question — “How will we respond to the irrefutable power of Jesus?”
It’s a guarantee we‘ll wrong each other. We’re called to be distinct in how we make it right.
In a letter to his friend Philemon, Paul mentioned that he was encouraged by the refreshment Philemon offered his church family. His love for his community and his faith in Jesus was significant. In our day in age, could the same be said of us? If not, wouldn’t it be worth fighting for?
In moments of hopelessness, it doesn’t always seem practical to trust Jesus. But who determines when something is truly hopeless? What if Jesus is the hope you needed all along?
Let’s face it: the Western world is ill-equipped when it comes to grieving. How do we do it well? How do we trust God in the process? Jesus models well at the tomb of Lazarus.
The now and not yet. The moments between your current reality and a better one. How do we trust Jesus in the tension? Know that you can, and that he’s trustworthy.
Where culture says “always be closing,” Jesus says “play the long game.” To be faithful in the Kingdom of God looks like long obedience in the same direction. This means the things that will hold long term, even eternal value, require faithfulness that isn’t produced overnight. How is God calling you to be faithful in the season ahead?
It’s difficult to hear God’s voice when we come to him with our own ideals. We become entitled, failing to realize we’re blinded by our attitudes of opposition. Fortunately, Jesus keeps on speaking and keeps on pursuing. It’s time to get our hearts in line with his.
How do you know what you’re investing your life into is secure? Is it possible to find security in our faith? Jesus wants to provide that kind of assurance to the sheep in his care.
As we look to further live out what it means to be the Church and reach the city, we revisit our values, discuss intentional next steps, and set our sights on the season ahead.
Jesus pursues us before, during, and after we realize he is. How should we respond? We’ve got options, but some are more appropriate than others.
Even when Jesus does a transformative work in our lives, we can still be met with opposition. Even so, it’s possible to walk in confidence and allow God’s love to shine through us.
Jesus heals a man born blind and reveals that every broken story can be a redemption story.
Jesus challenges the faith of his audience by giving evidence of what true, saving faith looks like.
Everyone is looking for truth, and everyone wants to be free. When you realize Jesus is the answer to both desires, you can’t help but follow his lead.
Jesus pulls no punches when addressing those who do not yet believe in him. He calls us to look to the cross and believe in the one we see.
Jesus never stopped short of making norm-shattering claims about His identity. Declaring Himself to be the Light of the World was certainly no exception. The implications of our response to this statement might just change the way we live.
Jesus doesn't make good human behavior a prerequisite for His love. Rather, He loves us first and compels us to change in response, walking into the fullness of the life He has to offer.
Anyone can have an opinion about Jesus but at some point, you have to decide whether or not you're standing with him.
If we’re going to be a church that reaches our city, we are going to need more than human ingenuity. We are going to need the Holy Spirit.
As the crowd around Jesus once wondered, "Could this man really be the Messiah?" we too have been left to wrestle with that very question ourselves. This recorded version of the message was delivered at Reach Church in Kirkland, WA.
Our capacity to follow Jesus well is contingent upon our ability to get Him right. Often undermined by our own faulty preconceived ideas and self-deceptions, it's easy for us to miss Jesus altogether. But there's hope found in viewing Him through the proper lens.
If we want to develop eyes for the mission God calls us into, it means we must keep our eyes open to the culture around us. As we fill our hearts with compassion and fuel our soul's with the truth of the Gospel, God can and will use us to bring about restoration in the places that need it most.
Our friend, Jonathan Rainey brought a relevant and timely message to our family of churches about the kind of church the greater Seattle area needs. Jonathan's powerful simplicity should encourage and equip you to join God on His mission in our city.
No one hopes to finish life feeling like it was wasted. Yet, we live in a culture of such mindless complacency. Jesus wants better for us and calls us to live with counter-cultural Gospel urgency.
Aren’t you glad Jesus stayed so focused on his mission? Even in the face of opposition, Jesus models a brand of belief that stays the course - a belief that leads us into the freedom only He offers.
Our motives for following Jesus get tested when we are confronted by hard truths. Some will persevere, others will not. What will you do?
Your soul was never meant to be satisfied with temporary things. When Jesus says “I am the bread of life,” he’s revealing that he has and is exactly what we need.
No matter how great the storm, we have a God who meets us in the middle of it and gets us to the other side.
When we’re in a season of great need, often our best attempted solutions fall short. Fortunately, Jesus is the kind of leader who knows how to handle our needs.
“You Were Never Alone.” Spiritual wanderer? Apathetic church-goer? Perhaps somewhere in between? No matter where you’re at, God is ready to receive you with open arms. Take one step towards Him and He’ll sprint towards you with nothing but love in His eyes.
Your existence is not an accident. Your identity is greater than you know. Your life has a purpose, and Jesus offers direction on where to find it.
Our culture is filled with people who are both wildly successful and profoundly unsatisfied. Are you willing to consider the possibility that satisfaction comes not in the acquisition of things, nor the performing of works, but in the knowledge of a particular person?
Often, our most hopeless moments are those marked by our perceived inability to realize lasting life change. But what if, through the power of what the Gospel makes possible, real change was not only achievable, but an inevitable? In our sin, we became distinctly other than God. But through Jesus, we can regain what was lost as we are re-made holy once again through his power.
When you’re caught in the middle of a storm in your life, what do you do? Is there hope that you’ll hit solid ground? Absolutely, because Jesus sustains.
Everyone is enslaved to something, and some things enslave us all. We need a redeemer who can remove guilt, alleviate fear, defeat evil, and conquer death. So, can we be set free? Yes, because Jesus Saves.
We’re called into community, but not for community’s sake alone. God’s plan for his people is connected to his mission. What’s the mission? Letting the Good News spill out into every nook and cranny. As a result, broken hearts are restored and God’s family grows.
Are you led more by your head or your heart? Often in following Jesus, we're prone to prioritizing one over the other. But it's not either/or. It's both/and. When it comes to the Christian life, the Gospel should compel us to worship and worship should point us back to the Gospel.
Prayer was never meant to be complicated. But Jesus knew that we, being human, would tend to convolute the simple things. So He gave us a practical template from which to pray specifically and simply.
This series has been one of asking the question, “Is Jesus at the center of my life?” The logical follow-up question is, "What happens if He’s not?" What would the consequences be?
We don't just go to church, we ARE the church! Which is a handy realization when "snowmageddon" hits the PNW. Despite the school district canceling all weekend happenings (including our gathering), we still have ways to be encouraged collectively by God's word. Hence, this video!
Our friend, Josh Siegel, will share a brief but timely word with us about what God has truly called us to, and what our appropriate response might look like.
So grab your family, some friends, or whoever's around, and take a moment this Sunday to worship Jesus together as you hear God's word for you today.
If the things Jesus say about Himself are reliable, then we too can live lives that speak reliably about Him.
Who has authority in your life? Are there voices that shouldn’t? What if Jesus is asking you to trust that his authority is what you actually need?
We all desperately desire rest. Chances are, you’re not getting the kind of rest you need. Fortunately, God has a method that, should we take it seriously, could change our lives entirely.
In John 5, we find a story about Jesus healing someone who wasn’t expecting it. But stories like this often address more than what’s on the surface. When Jesus heals, he’s always pointing towards a greater healing that is yet to happen.
When Jesus offers “rest” to the weary in Matthew 11, what does that actually look like? It looks like an invitation — not to living idle, but to living with intentionality and purpose.
Hey there, church!
I'm so glad you decided to check out the resources we've made you for this Sunday. Even though we're not physically together this weekend, our hope is to equip you with useful tools to enjoy "church at home" wherever you're at.
Up top is a 15-minute message to help you think through your approach to starting 2019. I've included a "Goal Setting Guide" PDF that accompanies the message as well. Print it out and utilize it in your goal setting this year.
There's also a link to a video entitled, "A 4-year old explains the problem with New Year's resolutions." Honestly, I thought it was hilarious and might be fun for those of you with kids.
Finally, we've added a direct link to our online giving portal. End of year giving obviously won't happen in-service, so you're invited to help advance the mission of the church by giving through the app. Gifts given by the 31st at 11:59pm will count towards the 2018 tax year.
I hope you are encouraged and equipped as you work through this content. May you find that Jesus is already at work in your life, and wants to direct your steps this year. Praying God's best for you in the season ahead!
- Sean
Imagine what it would have felt like to be present for that first Christmas. What would it have felt like for Joseph? The Wise Men? Those who opposed Jesus? This Christmas, you’re invited to get curious, to put yourself in their shoes and to consider your own perspective of a sacred holiday.
Life for Joseph and Mary on that first Christmas was nothing like they had expected or planned for. Ultimately, God’s plan was to exceed their expectations, and inevitably, ours.
"What you direct your life towards is where your worship happens.” Your life reflects what you value most. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The problem isn’t that we worship, the problem is where we aim our worship. To find real satisfaction life, it's imperative that we direct our worship towards Jesus.
In our culture, humility is overrated, yet it's precisely what the Kingdom of God is built upon. In the life of John the Baptist, we see that biblical humility looks like taking a backseat and joyfully pointing our entire lives towards Jesus.
The love of God is unlike any other love in this world. It’s pursuing, it’s sacrificial, and it’s for everyone.
No matter how good or bad you think you are, you’ll never experience all that God has for you while relying on what you bring to the table. You need new credentials entirely, and Jesus shows us the way.
Guest speaker Ryan Williams of Foundation Church shares how Jesus’ angry outburst in the temple reveals an important element of pure and authentic worship.
Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine. How much more amazing that He can clean us up and transform us into something entirely different.
Depression tries to convince us that God is nowhere to be found. FALSE. You are never outside God’s reach, no matter how low you feel.
You may have lived life riddled with anxieties of all kinds. It can feel so isolating. But you’re not alone. The Gospel guarantees it.
When we see something great, our inclination is to respond accordingly. If worship is our response to having seen God, it's imperative that we see him afresh.
If the Gospel is really "good news," then why do statements like "for God so loved the world" often seem cliche? Maybe we've missed the power these familiar words hold. Maybe God's love is better than we realize.
You have a God who knows your past, present, and future, and he not only saves you, he equips you for battle.
When we’re bombarded with lies, feeling isolated, or just looking for protection, the shield of faith is the resource we need.
When life feels shaky and the enemy is trying to get us off balance, we need the Gospel of peace to secure our footing.
We base our entire lives around what we believe to be true. We need a truth at the center of our lives that can stand against the scrutiny of the enemy's lies - we need the truth of the Gospel.
*This sermon was recorded during the week, outside of our normal gathering. Please forgive any audio inconsistencies you might encounter!
You’re in a spiritual battle whether you realize it or not. Rather than denying it or obsessing over it, we can walk in victory over it. Why? Because Christ has won the war.
Paul's words to slaves and masters in 1st Century Rome were paradigm shifting in every way. Those same words have more implications for our lives today than we would expect as we follow the great emancipator, Jesus Christ.
How we honor our parents and raise our children both speak volumes about how we follow Jesus. Even those without kids play a part.
If we’re going to thrive in following Jesus, what we are filled with matters—maybe more than we realize.
Is sexual sin really a big deal to God? If so, why? Is unlimited sexual freedom actually freeing, or does God have something better in mind?
Because God loves you, he desires you to grow in spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness. As you do, the result is a grounding in truth that’s evidenced in love.
Jesus gives spiritual gifts to each person, but whether a role takes a front stage / backstage position doesn’t matter. What matters is that we’ve got our eyes on the one who’s calling the shots.
God’s family is called to be a united one, regardless of denominational or cultural differences. Real talk: How do we actually pull this off?
Life hits. Hard times come. We pour ourselves out. Where does our strength come from? The Apostle Paul prayed that we would find it in Christ.
Jesus is advancing His mission through broken, messed up people...and yet it's still plan A. Are you in?
Following Jesus isn’t boring. It also doesn’t have to be complex. When we are faithful to respond to the Gospel, life is nothing short of an adventure.
In order for something new to be built, something old needs to be broken down. In Christ, the old life is demolished and something beautiful is constructed in its place.
The world craves peace, yet we have no idea how to achieve it. In the Gospel we find the answer.
As believers, it's crucial that we understand where we've been, as it shapes our understanding of who we are and why we're that way. Especially in light of what Christ has done.
We’re not saved by good works, but we’re saved for good works. Hear a conversation on what it means to be God’s “workmanship” and reflect his goodness and artistry through our very lives.
Brennan Manning once asked, “How is it then that we’ve come to imagine that Christianity consists primarily in what we do for God?” Scripture is clear when it comes to what makes us “enough” before God. It’s not by works, nor by human efforts, but by grace.
Jesus described himself as “the resurrection and the life.” It’s not just what he does, it’s who he is. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate that even death itself can’t defeat what Jesus made possible through his resurrection.
G.K. Chesterton once said, “Whatever else is or is not true, this one thing is certain—man is not what he was meant to be.” The challenge that we face today is that no matter how hard we try - no matter how far we run - we are held captive by the evils of this world and the sins of this world because they’re just as much part of us as anyone. Without outside intervention, we’re hopeless.
Many will spend their lives building a personal kingdom, but with no eternal guarantees. In Christ, we not only have peace for today, but a rich inheritance that will last forever.
When you hear “church family,” what comes to mind? In Hebrews 10, we see a few ways we’re meant to live it out in response to all Christ has done for us.
“What’s God’s will for my life?” Great question, one we should all be asking. How do sons and daughters of God think, grow, and live “according to the good pleasure of his will?” (Eph. 1:6). Ultimately, it’s more about who you are than what you do.
If adoption equals rescue from broken situations, then God’s intention is absolutely to rescue sons and daughters out of destructive places in order to place them into a loving family.
A lot has happened in our first four months as a church! Pastor Sean recaps our core values, shares things God has already done that are worth celebrating, and vision for what’s ahead in 2018.
Paul and the Ephesian church both reveal something of our identity in Christ, as well as the family Jesus came to establish. The first 2 verses of Ephesians might often be blown over as "scriptural pleasantries," yet they hold much weight when you consider the context.
Jesus invites each of us into a personal relationship, but He doesn’t stop there. He invites us into a family, and he saves us a seat at the table. It’s at the table we discover one of the greatest gifts God's given us this side of heaven: each other.
In the midst of our physical, emotional, and spiritual brokenness, Jesus desires to be our healer. But how do we maintain hope when healing hasn't come yet? As we fix our eyes on Him, we begin to realize a greater plan is at work—one that results in our ultimate healing
As we experience trials in life, the question often becomes, “Does God really have a plan in all of this?” Through the story of Daniel, we’ll see how the fruit of faithfulness results in God’s glory, and inevitably, our joy.
Have you ever felt like you were in a battle you just couldn't win? David's fight with Goliath seemed hopeless, yet his victory proved otherwise—foreshadowing Christ as our ultimate victor.
Nearly all of our favorite characters in the Bible, while remembered for their heroism, walk with a tainted past. Can God really use broken, messed up people for His purposes? This week, we explore the life of Jacob—a man whose wrestling with God led him to confront his past and discover a bright new future.