We want to become a praying church. A people who allows prayer to be the power of what we do together, who pray Scripture-fed and Spirit-led prayers, who seek intimacy with God that leads to fulfillment of his purposes in us, through us, and around us. We want to seek his face, cultivate his presence, and position ourselves to meet with him. To that end, we’re looking at biblical prayers from all across the Storyline of Scripture. Each week we’ll look at the context (understand where we are in the story and how that shapes the pray-er and his/her prayer), the content (what is emphasized, requested, described, etc.) of the prayer, and the connections (how we can or should use each prayer as a model for our own engagement with God). We’ll practice praying together each week, using the prayer as a model. This week we look at Solomon's prayer for the church from 1 Kings 3:1-15.

We want to become a praying church. A people who allows prayer to be the power of what we do together, who pray Scripture-fed and Spirit-led prayers, who seek intimacy with God that leads to fulfillment of his purposes in us, through us, and around us. We want to seek his face, cultivate his presence, and position ourselves to meet with him. To that end, we’re looking at biblical prayers from all across the Storyline of Scripture. Each week we’ll look at the context (understand where we are in the story and how that shapes the pray-er and his/her prayer), the content (what is emphasized, requested, described, etc.) of the prayer, and the connections (how we can or should use each prayer as a model for our own engagement with God). We’ll practice praying together each week, using the prayer as a model. This week we look at Solomon's prayer for the church from 1 Kings 3:1-15.

Solomon: 1 King 3:1-15

We want to become a praying church. A people who allow prayer to be the power of what we do together, who pray Scripture-fed and Spirit-led prayers, who seek intimacy with God that leads to fulfillment of his purposes in us, through us, and around us. We want to seek his face, cultivate his presence, and position ourselves to meet with him. To that end, we’re looking at biblical prayers from all across the Storyline of Scripture. Each week we’ll look at the context (understand where we are in the story and how that shapes the pray-er and his/her prayer), the content (what is emphasized, requested, described, etc) of the prayer, and the connections (how we can or should use each prayer as a model for our own engagement with God). We’ll practice praying together each week, using the prayer as a model. This week we’ll look at Hannah’s prayer from 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

We want to become a praying church. A people who allow prayer to be the power of what we do together, who pray Scripture-fed and Spirit-led prayers, who seek intimacy with God that leads to fulfillment of his purposes in us, through us, and around us. We want to seek his face, cultivate his presence, and position ourselves to meet with him. To that end, we’re looking at biblical prayers from all across the Storyline of Scripture. Each week we’ll look at the context (understand where we are in the story and how that shapes the pray-er and his/her prayer), the content (what is emphasized, requested, described, etc) of the prayer, and the connections (how we can or should use each prayer as a model for our own engagement with God). We’ll practice praying together each week, using the prayer as a model. This week we’ll look at Hannah’s prayer from 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

Hannah: 1 Samuel 2:1-10

One of our priorities over the last few years has been to move from being “a church that prays” to being “a praying church.” We want prayer — turning to God in praise, dependence, confession, and supplication — to be the power of what we do together. We want to pray Scripture-fed and Spirit-led prayers, seeking intimacy with God that leads to fulfillment of his purposes in us, through us, and around us. We want to seek his face, cultivate his presence, and position ourselves to meet with him. “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” To that end, we’re taking 8 Sundays this Summer (July 16 - September 2) and looking at biblical prayers from all across the Storyline of Scripture. Each week we’ll look at the context (understand where we are in the story and how that shapes the pray-er and his/her prayer), the content (what is emphasized, requested, described, etc) of the prayer, and the connections (how we can or should use each prayer as a model for our own engagement with God). We’ll practice praying together each week, using the prayer as a model. This week we’ll look at Paul’s prayer for the church from Ephesians 3:14-21.

One of our priorities over the last few years has been to move from being “a church that prays” to being “a praying church.” We want prayer — turning to God in praise, dependence, confession, and supplication — to be the power of what we do together. We want to pray Scripture-fed and Spirit-led prayers, seeking intimacy with God that leads to fulfillment of his purposes in us, through us, and around us. We want to seek his face, cultivate his presence, and position ourselves to meet with him. “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” To that end, we’re taking 8 Sundays this Summer (July 16 - September 2) and looking at biblical prayers from all across the Storyline of Scripture. Each week we’ll look at the context (understand where we are in the story and how that shapes the pray-er and his/her prayer), the content (what is emphasized, requested, described, etc) of the prayer, and the connections (how we can or should use each prayer as a model for our own engagement with God). We’ll practice praying together each week, using the prayer as a model. This week we’ll look at Paul’s prayer for the church from Ephesians 3:14-21.

Paul: Ephesians 3:14-21

This series is all about what it means to fulfill Jesus' Promise: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses. 1 Peter 3.13-18 tells us to Bear Witness includes 3 things: Deep allegiance to Jesus and his kingdom, clear readiness to suffer for Jesus' sake, and a commitment to live good lives - with personal integrity, in committed community, and in service to the world. As we do that, Peter says, we'll have opportunity to respond to those who ask for a reason for the hope that is in us. In the final part of our series, we're giving reasons for hope by looking at the Storyline of the Bible - Creation, Rebellion, Redemption, and Restoration. Each movement propels hope-filled living and gives us intellectually stimulating, emotionally satisfying, and consistently livable answers to life's biggest questions. This week we explore the doctrine of Restoration: God will return to dwell among us as he did in Eden, remaking the world as it was meant to be, eradicating evil and sin, and making all things new!

This series is all about what it means to fulfill Jesus' Promise: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses. 1 Peter 3.13-18 tells us to Bear Witness includes 3 things: Deep allegiance to Jesus and his kingdom, clear readiness to suffer for Jesus' sake, and a commitment to live good lives - with personal integrity, in committed community, and in service to the world. As we do that, Peter says, we'll have opportunity to respond to those who ask for a reason for the hope that is in us. In the final part of our series, we're giving reasons for hope by looking at the Storyline of the Bible - Creation, Rebellion, Redemption, and Restoration. Each movement propels hope-filled living and gives us intellectually stimulating, emotionally satisfying, and consistently livable answers to life's biggest questions. This week we explore the doctrine of Restoration: God will return to dwell among us as he did in Eden, remaking the world as it was meant to be, eradicating evil and sin, and making all things new!

Restoration: Making All Things New

This series is all about what it means to fulfill Jesus' Promise: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses. 1 Peter 3.13-18 tells us to Bear Witness includes 3 things: Deep allegiance to Jesus and his kingdom, clear readiness to suffer for Jesus' sake, and a commitment to live good lives - with personal integrity, in committed community, and in service to the world. As we do that, Peter says, we'll have opportunity to respond to those who ask for a reason for the hope that is in us. In the final part of our series, we're giving reasons for hope by looking at the Storyline of the Bible - Creation, Rebellion, Redemption, and Restoration. Each movement propels hope-filled living and gives us intellectually stimulating, emotionally satisfying, and consistently livable answers to life's biggest questions. This week we explore the doctrine of Redemption: putting everything right through Jesus, restoring what has been marred and destroyed in all of creation's rebellion against God.

This series is all about what it means to fulfill Jesus' Promise: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses. 1 Peter 3.13-18 tells us to Bear Witness includes 3 things: Deep allegiance to Jesus and his kingdom, clear readiness to suffer for Jesus' sake, and a commitment to live good lives - with personal integrity, in committed community, and in service to the world. As we do that, Peter says, we'll have opportunity to respond to those who ask for a reason for the hope that is in us. In the final part of our series, we're giving reasons for hope by looking at the Storyline of the Bible - Creation, Rebellion, Redemption, and Restoration. Each movement propels hope-filled living and gives us intellectually stimulating, emotionally satisfying, and consistently livable answers to life's biggest questions. This week we explore the doctrine of Redemption: putting everything right through Jesus, restoring what has been marred and destroyed in all of creation's rebellion against God.

Redemption: Jesus Is The Answer

This series is all about what it means to fulfill Jesus' Promise: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses. 1 Peter 3.13-18 tells us to Bear Witness includes 3 things: Deep allegiance to Jesus and his kingdom, clear readiness to suffer for Jesus' sake, and a commitment to live good lives - with personal integrity, in committed community, and in service to the world. As we do that, Peter says, we'll have opportunity to respond to those who ask for a reason for the hope that is in us. In the final part of our series, we're giving reasons for hope by looking at the Storyline of the Bible - Creation, Rebellion, Redemption, and Restoration. Each movement propels hope-filled living and gives us intellectually stimulating, emotionally satisfying, and consistently livable answers to life's biggest questions. This week we explore the doctrine of Rebellion: We are alienated from God and living in a world that is unravelling from God's original intent.

This series is all about what it means to fulfill Jesus' Promise: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses. 1 Peter 3.13-18 tells us to Bear Witness includes 3 things: Deep allegiance to Jesus and his kingdom, clear readiness to suffer for Jesus' sake, and a commitment to live good lives - with personal integrity, in committed community, and in service to the world. As we do that, Peter says, we'll have opportunity to respond to those who ask for a reason for the hope that is in us. In the final part of our series, we're giving reasons for hope by looking at the Storyline of the Bible - Creation, Rebellion, Redemption, and Restoration. Each movement propels hope-filled living and gives us intellectually stimulating, emotionally satisfying, and consistently livable answers to life's biggest questions. This week we explore the doctrine of Rebellion: We are alienated from God and living in a world that is unravelling from God's original intent.

Rebellion: The Unraveling of It All

This series is all about what it means to fulfill Jesus' Promise: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses. 1 Peter 3.13-18 tells us to Bear Witness includes 3 things: Deep allegiance to Jesus and his kingdom, clear readiness to suffer for Jesus' sake, and a commitment to live good lives - with personal integrity, in committed community, and in service to the world. As we do that, Peter says, we'll have opportunity to respond to those who ask for a reason for the hope that is in us. In the final part of our series, we're giving reasons for hope by looking at the Storyline of the Bible - Creation, Rebellion, Redemption, and Restoration. Each movement propels hope-filled living and gives us intellectually stimulating, emotionally satisfying, and consistently livable answers to life's biggest questions. This week we explore the doctrine of Creation: We live in a God-breathed and God-sustained world, amongst people made in God's image, built to depend on and center our lives on God.

This series is all about what it means to fulfill Jesus' Promise: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses. 1 Peter 3.13-18 tells us to Bear Witness includes 3 things: Deep allegiance to Jesus and his kingdom, clear readiness to suffer for Jesus' sake, and a commitment to live good lives - with personal integrity, in committed community, and in service to the world. As we do that, Peter says, we'll have opportunity to respond to those who ask for a reason for the hope that is in us. In the final part of our series, we're giving reasons for hope by looking at the Storyline of the Bible - Creation, Rebellion, Redemption, and Restoration. Each movement propels hope-filled living and gives us intellectually stimulating, emotionally satisfying, and consistently livable answers to life's biggest questions. This week we explore the doctrine of Creation: We live in a God-breathed and God-sustained world, amongst people made in God's image, built to depend on and center our lives on God.

Creation: All That Is Good and Right

Peter’s vision is actually really down to earth: commit yourself to doing good in the world, and be ready to speak of the hope you have when the moment comes. There’s no door-knocking or weird sales pitches. There’s faithfulness to Jesus that shows itself in the kind of life that demands an explanation. And when that moment comes, we answer with gentleness and respect, even when people revile us. Practically, this means being “zealous for good deeds” — to live as citizens of Jesus’ Kingdom for the sake of the world — with an eager readiness to give a reason for your hope. What kind of lives might lead our neighbors to ask “why?” And what will be our answer when they do?

Peter’s vision is actually really down to earth: commit yourself to doing good in the world, and be ready to speak of the hope you have when the moment comes. There’s no door-knocking or weird sales pitches. There’s faithfulness to Jesus that shows itself in the kind of life that demands an explanation. And when that moment comes, we answer with gentleness and respect, even when people revile us. Practically, this means being “zealous for good deeds” — to live as citizens of Jesus’ Kingdom for the sake of the world — with an eager readiness to give a reason for your hope. What kind of lives might lead our neighbors to ask “why?” And what will be our answer when they do?

Lives That Demand Explanation

The expectation of the early church was that allegiance to Jesus would mean suffering. It wasn’t a matter of “if” but of “when” and “how”. For many, it was the rejection or ridicule of family, friends, and neighbors. For others, it was official persecution, suffering, and death. Peter says, don’t see it as “something strange” (4.13) but to “rejoice” because you suffer with Christ! We’re to suffer as we commit ourselves to living good lives, suffering not because we’re meddlers but because we’re disciples of Jesus. God is at work in our suffering, as he conforms us to the image of Christ and prepares us to share in the glory of Christ.

The expectation of the early church was that allegiance to Jesus would mean suffering. It wasn’t a matter of “if” but of “when” and “how”. For many, it was the rejection or ridicule of family, friends, and neighbors. For others, it was official persecution, suffering, and death. Peter says, don’t see it as “something strange” (4.13) but to “rejoice” because you suffer with Christ! We’re to suffer as we commit ourselves to living good lives, suffering not because we’re meddlers but because we’re disciples of Jesus. God is at work in our suffering, as he conforms us to the image of Christ and prepares us to share in the glory of Christ.

The Cost of Faithfulness

We’re launching a new series this Sunday entitled “Bearing Witness,” and we’ll be spending 7 weeks in 1 Peter 3.13-18. Peter gives us a “mission for normal folks” in these verses. This isn’t Paul in Acts traveling city to city and causing riots; this is everyday folks, living in neighborhoods, raising their families, working their jobs, and being faithful witnesses for Jesus. They aren’t knocking on doors, trying awkwardly to drop “Jesus” into every conversation, or donning some witness-wear. They’re people energized by the Spirit and the Good News, zealously committed to doing what is good, right, and true, even when it is costly. They’ve given their whole-hearted allegiance to Jesus and his Kingdom, and have abandoned hopes in the Empire. They are living the kind of lives that make their neighbors ask questions, into which they are eager and ready to speak of their Hope in Jesus. They hold their deep convictions and speak of them with gentleness and respect. In all things, Jesus is not only their message but also their means — he suffered for sin and for sinners, especially us. It is going to be a great series!

We’re launching a new series this Sunday entitled “Bearing Witness,” and we’ll be spending 7 weeks in 1 Peter 3.13-18. Peter gives us a “mission for normal folks” in these verses. This isn’t Paul in Acts traveling city to city and causing riots; this is everyday folks, living in neighborhoods, raising their families, working their jobs, and being faithful witnesses for Jesus. They aren’t knocking on doors, trying awkwardly to drop “Jesus” into every conversation, or donning some witness-wear. They’re people energized by the Spirit and the Good News, zealously committed to doing what is good, right, and true, even when it is costly. They’ve given their whole-hearted allegiance to Jesus and his Kingdom, and have abandoned hopes in the Empire. They are living the kind of lives that make their neighbors ask questions, into which they are eager and ready to speak of their Hope in Jesus. They hold their deep convictions and speak of them with gentleness and respect. In all things, Jesus is not only their message but also their means — he suffered for sin and for sinners, especially us. It is going to be a great series!

Undivided Allegiance

Our vision is Gospel Saturation: that every person in our region would have a regular encounter with the good news of Jesus Christ in both word and deed.

I Love this group of people! Healthy community living out what they teach. I wish I lived here so I could hang out and learn to walk with you guys.

Check it out!

Soma Spokane Sermons

The bible offers a unique view of human wholeness, and no where is that more obvious than in regards to singleness, marriage, and sex. In a culture full of mixed messages, the bible shoots straight: our bodies and our sexuality are gifts from God and need to be stewarded well for the sake of our own and other’s flourishing. In marriage, that means mutual honor, care, and commitment to one another and to the sexual union. In singleness, that means honoring the body in celibacy and learning to cultivate non-sexual intimacy. Surprisingly, married people can worship God by having regular sex and single people can worship God by not having sex! Only the gospel - the good news of God’s intimate love for us in the gift of his Son - can dethrone sex, set us free from the need of it, and free us to enjoy it as God intended.QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: 1. Read the text, 1 Corinthians 7.1-16. In v. 1, Paul quotes something the Corinthian church was saying. In v.2-6, he responds and corrects their view. What are your initial reactions to Paul’s instructions regarding sex in marriage?2. Steve said that Good Married Sex is obedient, other-centered, holistic, redemptive, and joyful. Unpack and define each of those. Which is most challenging for you? Which is most encouraging? Why?3. Consider Paul’s instructions to singles in v.7-9. What are your initial reactions to Paul’s instructions regarding sex and singleness? What is most challenging for you? What is most encouraging?4. Taking all of this together, how does the gospel shape our view of the body, sex, and sexuality? Where does it call you to repentance? Where does it invite you to rejoicing?

The bible offers a unique view of human wholeness, and no where is that more obvious than in regards to singleness, marriage, and sex. In a culture full of mixed messages, the bible shoots straight: our bodies and our sexuality are gifts from God and need to be stewarded well for the sake of our own and other’s flourishing. In marriage, that means mutual honor, care, and commitment to one another and to the sexual union. In singleness, that means honoring the body in celibacy and learning to cultivate non-sexual intimacy. Surprisingly, married people can worship God by having regular sex and single people can worship God by not having sex! Only the gospel - the good news of God’s intimate love for us in the gift of his Son - can dethrone sex, set us free from the need of it, and free us to enjoy it as God intended. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: 1. Read the text, 1 Corinthians 7.1-16. In v. 1, Paul quotes something the Corinthian church was saying. In v.2-6, he responds and corrects their view. What are your initial reactions to Paul’s instructions regarding sex in marriage? 2. Steve said that Good Married Sex is obedient, other-centered, holistic, redemptive, and joyful. Unpack and define each of those. Which is most challenging for you? Which is most encouraging? Why? 3. Consider Paul’s instructions to singles in v.7-9. What are your initial reactions to Paul’s instructions regarding sex and singleness? What is most challenging for you? What is most encouraging? 4. Taking all of this together, how does the gospel shape our view of the body, sex, and sexuality? Where does it call you to repentance? Where does it invite you to rejoicing?

04 | Sex, Singleness, and Marriage

God’s dream for the world is that every nook and cranny of His creation would know and enjoy Him forever. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2.14). To that end, we’re calling and equipping every disciple to our biblical Priorities of Gospel Formation, Life In Community, and Everyday Mission. In our wrap-up to this series, we look at 4 Key Practices - Gather, Go, Grow, and Give - and how they help us get our Priorities to the ground. While we don’t have membership, committing together to these 4 Practices is how we partner for the sake of the Gospel in our church, region, and the world.1. Read Titus 2.11-15. What has struck you most about this text as we’ve soaked in it over the last 10 weeks?2. Take some time to review where we’ve been in Basics. Consider the riches of the Gospel and all that is ours in Jesus. Remember your baptism into the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, and reacquaint yourself with what it means to be part of a Family of Servants and Missionaries. And consider the call of Jesus into everyday mission, to whom He has sent you and what He has called you to do. What has most impacted you about this series?3. Read over the 4 Practices, and describe how you’re living it out in this season. Please don’t see this as the new law or expectation; these are simply guidelines or best practices, designed to help you think and pray about what faithfulness in this season looks like. It should be unique to you, your season, your family, and your strengths and liabilities. If you need more help dialing it in, let me know!4. To end our Basics series, we’re taking a special offering for church planting. Church planting is one of the best ways to reach new people with the Gospel, and we are committed to planting churches locally and globally. How is the Spirit leading you to give? Every dollar of this special offering will go directly to church planting right here in the Inland Northwest! somaspokane.org/give

God’s dream for the world is that every nook and cranny of His creation would know and enjoy Him forever. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2.14). To that end, we’re calling and equipping every disciple to our biblical Priorities of Gospel Formation, Life In Community, and Everyday Mission. In our wrap-up to this series, we look at 4 Key Practices - Gather, Go, Grow, and Give - and how they help us get our Priorities to the ground. While we don’t have membership, committing together to these 4 Practices is how we partner for the sake of the Gospel in our church, region, and the world. 1. Read Titus 2.11-15. What has struck you most about this text as we’ve soaked in it over the last 10 weeks? 2. Take some time to review where we’ve been in Basics. Consider the riches of the Gospel and all that is ours in Jesus. Remember your baptism into the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, and reacquaint yourself with what it means to be part of a Family of Servants and Missionaries. And consider the call of Jesus into everyday mission, to whom He has sent you and what He has called you to do. What has most impacted you about this series? 3. Read over the 4 Practices, and describe how you’re living it out in this season. Please don’t see this as the new law or expectation; these are simply guidelines or best practices, designed to help you think and pray about what faithfulness in this season looks like. It should be unique to you, your season, your family, and your strengths and liabilities. If you need more help dialing it in, let me know! 4. To end our Basics series, we’re taking a special offering for church planting. Church planting is one of the best ways to reach new people with the Gospel, and we are committed to planting churches locally and globally. How is the Spirit leading you to give? Every dollar of this special offering will go directly to church planting right here in the Inland Northwest! <a href="http://somaspokane.org/give" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">somaspokane.org/give</a>

11 | Everyday Practices

The Lord's Prayer is, simultaneously, the simplest form of prayer and the deepest expression of prayer's meaning. Simple enough for a child to memorize, the prayer gives us the basic content of every true Christian prayer. Over the month of January, we'll unpack what Jesus means by this prayer, practice it alone and together, and lean toward becoming a praying church. This week we look at 2 pathologies of prayer (religious and pagan praying) before unpacking the first phrase of the prayer itself. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name" tells us both with whom and to whom we pray, as well as directing us toward the real hope of all Christian praying. Check out this link and join us for a week of prayer: somaspokane.org/prayer

The Lord's Prayer is, simultaneously, the simplest form of prayer and the deepest expression of prayer's meaning. Simple enough for a child to memorize, the prayer gives us the basic content of every true Christian prayer. Over the month of January, we'll unpack what Jesus means by this prayer, practice it alone and together, and lean toward becoming a praying church. This week we look at 2 pathologies of prayer (religious and pagan praying) before unpacking the first phrase of the prayer itself. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name" tells us both with whom and to whom we pray, as well as directing us toward the real hope of all Christian praying. Check out this link and join us for a week of prayer: <a href="http://somaspokane.org/prayer" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">somaspokane.org/prayer</a>

01 | Our Father

Does prayer work? Most people can point to places in their life where they've felt like prayer doesn't work - things we've asked for, prayed diligently about, and pleaded with God to do have not happened. What do we make of that? In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus urges us to make our needs known (give us this day!), but also shows us where personal requests fit in the larger work of prayer. We're not making requests of a genie in a bottle but of our good and trustworthy Father, and expressing our needs comes after we've aligned ourselves with his kingdom and will. The flow of the prayer is intentional, and as we learn to follow it we'll see that indeed prayer always works!

Does prayer work? Most people can point to places in their life where they've felt like prayer doesn't work - things we've asked for, prayed diligently about, and pleaded with God to do have not happened. What do we make of that? In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus urges us to make our needs known (give us this day!), but also shows us where personal requests fit in the larger work of prayer. We're not making requests of a genie in a bottle but of our good and trustworthy Father, and expressing our needs comes after we've aligned ourselves with his kingdom and will. The flow of the prayer is intentional, and as we learn to follow it we'll see that indeed prayer always works!

03 | Give us this Day

Romans 12a

The holidays are prone to sentimentalism, that warm fuzzy feeling that lit trees, cute family Christmas cards, and stockings hung by crackling fires brings us. And because the Christmas story is so familiar, it is really hard for it to be for us anything more than emotional warmth. But the first Christmas was not sentimental in the least: an unwed teen with an unplanned pregnancy gave birth in a barn, poor and rejected and alone, with nothing but strips of cloth and a manger for her newborn. And in that barn 2000 years ago God broke into our world to do something that forever changed the course of history and ushered in a whole new possibility between men and God: Good news for all people, in and through Jesus, the Savior, Anointed King, and Sovereign Lord!

The holidays are prone to sentimentalism, that warm fuzzy feeling that lit trees, cute family Christmas cards, and stockings hung by crackling fires brings us. And because the Christmas story is so familiar, it is really hard for it to be for us anything more than emotional warmth. But the first Christmas was not sentimental in the least: an unwed teen with an unplanned pregnancy gave birth in a barn, poor and rejected and alone, with nothing but strips of cloth and a manger for her newborn. And in that barn 2000 years ago God broke into our world to do something that forever changed the course of history and ushered in a whole new possibility between men and God: Good news for all people, in and through Jesus, the Savior, Anointed King, and Sovereign Lord!

04 | Handling the Holidays: Peacemaker!

The Gospel is the central message of Christianity, the good news that functions as a hub on the wheel of everything Christianity is. All that is involved in being a follower of Jesus is directly linked to understanding, believing, and living in light of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, ascension, and soon return! Last week, we unpacked the first of 3 statements regarding the power of the Gospel for our personal lives: We have been saved from the penalty of sin by the life and death of Jesus. We celebrated the good news of gracious acceptance with God, once and for all, knowing Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness, so that God treats us as if we perfectly obeyed! This week, we look at the ongoing power of the Gospel: We are being saved from the power of sin through the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Jesus rose victorious over death, disarming sin's power, and now sits at the right hand of God interceding for us. And, He has sent the Holy Spirit to empower our lives toward maturity. We mature into holiness - conformity to Jesus - by grace and the work of the Spirit.Read Titus 2.11-15. This is the text we’ll be in for the whole Basics series.Questions for Discussion:1. Recall the 3 Gospel Statements (Past, Present, and Future Tense). Review from last week the Past Tense statement. What does each mean? With which of these - past, present, future - are you least familiar? How might a deeper understanding of that tense affect your life?2. Re-read Titus 2.11-12. What life changes does Paul describe in the verses? What does real growth and change look like? Change can be hard. What resources do we have through Jesus’ resurrection and ascension?3. Look at the list of the 4 Gs in p.26-27 of the handbook. Which are you most prone to forget? What are the results when you do? What changes when you are remembering these truths about God?4. If you’d like to dig more deeply into this week’s content, you can access the video here: https://subspla.sh/whsk5bh. In particular, here is a short clip to watch and discuss: 41:00-42:00 minutes - Embracing the Process.5. Each week, we’ll be giving some ideas for how to engage kids and youth with the Basics content. This week, explain the Present Tense of the Gospel to your kids. What has Jesus' resurrection and ascension done for us? What difference does that make when our kids disobey?

The Gospel is the central message of Christianity, the good news that functions as a hub on the wheel of everything Christianity is. All that is involved in being a follower of Jesus is directly linked to understanding, believing, and living in light of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, ascension, and soon return! Last week, we unpacked the first of 3 statements regarding the power of the Gospel for our personal lives: We have been saved from the penalty of sin by the life and death of Jesus. We celebrated the good news of gracious acceptance with God, once and for all, knowing Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness, so that God treats us as if we perfectly obeyed! This week, we look at the ongoing power of the Gospel: We are being saved from the power of sin through the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Jesus rose victorious over death, disarming sin's power, and now sits at the right hand of God interceding for us. And, He has sent the Holy Spirit to empower our lives toward maturity. We mature into holiness - conformity to Jesus - by grace and the work of the Spirit. Read Titus 2.11-15. This is the text we’ll be in for the whole Basics series. Questions for Discussion: 1. Recall the 3 Gospel Statements (Past, Present, and Future Tense). Review from last week the Past Tense statement. What does each mean? With which of these - past, present, future - are you least familiar? How might a deeper understanding of that tense affect your life? 2. Re-read Titus 2.11-12. What life changes does Paul describe in the verses? What does real growth and change look like? Change can be hard. What resources do we have through Jesus’ resurrection and ascension? 3. Look at the list of the 4 Gs in p.26-27 of the handbook. Which are you most prone to forget? What are the results when you do? What changes when you are remembering these truths about God? 4. If you’d like to dig more deeply into this week’s content, you can access the video here: <a href="https://subspla.sh/whsk5bh" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://subspla.sh/whsk5bh</a>. In particular, here is a short clip to watch and discuss: 41:00-42:00 minutes - Embracing the Process. 5. Each week, we’ll be giving some ideas for how to engage kids and youth with the Basics content. This week, explain the Present Tense of the Gospel to your kids. What has Jesus' resurrection and ascension done for us? What difference does that make when our kids disobey?

03 | Formed by the Gospel: Part 2 - Present Tense

One of the questions that have driven us as a church for years is this: If we can’t do all the formal church things - services, sermons, events, classes - would our people still know how to be the church? We’ve worked to equip, train and live into this for the last 15 years, and now we have an incredible opportunity to put into practice all that we have learned! You are gospel-formed people, able to be steady and grounded in the midst of uncertain times; you are already being the church, connected in life-shaping relationships, living as a family of servants and missionaries; and you are equipped to be disciple-makers in the everyday stuff of life. Now is the time to be the church, and we’re pivoting away from Planted in order to call, equip, and release you to the opportunity this pandemic has created. We’ll return to Planted, fundraising, and facilities when the time is right; for now, let’s put our time, talent, and treasure into being the church of Jesus!

One of the questions that have driven us as a church for years is this: If we can’t do all the formal church things - services, sermons, events, classes - would our people still know how to be the church? We’ve worked to equip, train and live into this for the last 15 years, and now we have an incredible opportunity to put into practice all that we have learned! You are gospel-formed people, able to be steady and grounded in the midst of uncertain times; you are already being the church, connected in life-shaping relationships, living as a family of servants and missionaries; and you are equipped to be disciple-makers in the everyday stuff of life. Now is the time to be the church, and we’re pivoting away from Planted in order to call, equip, and release you to the opportunity this pandemic has created. We’ll return to Planted, fundraising, and facilities when the time is right; for now, let’s put our time, talent, and treasure into being the church of Jesus!

Responding to COVID-19

Over the last 3 weeks, we've looked at the past, present, and future tenses of salvation: We have been saved from the penalty of sin (past), are being saved from the power of sin (present), and will be saved from the presence of sin (future). All 3 have massive implications for us as followers of Jesus, and taken together can transform our lives. But how does that transformation happen? This week we explore Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3.14-21, where he asks the Spirit to bring the truth and power of God's love for us in Christ deep into our hearts. We look at how to welcome this process and hear stories of how people in our church family are experiencing the Gospel's power today.Questions for Review:1. Read Ephesians 3.14-21. The focus of Paul’s prayer is the Spirit’s work to drive the love of God in Jesus into our hearts. Why is the Bible ruthlessly “heart” focused when it comes to real growth and change? What happens if we ignore, minimize, or deny the central role of the heart?2. What is one area of living (thoughts, words, or actions) that you’d like to see change? What is the root or heart issue involved (think: what am I believing, desiring, or trusting)?3. What aspect of the Gospel, if it was “known beyond knowledge,” would fill you with the fullness of God and set you free?4. If you’d like to dig more deeply into this week’s content, you can access the Gospel Formation Workshop videos here:(Part 1) https://subspla.sh/tzq655p(Part 2) https://subspla.sh/m2fnskt5. For Kids &amp; Youth: Discuss with your kids why the focus of change is the heart (consider Luke 6.43-45). As much as we want our kids to obey us and God, we are ultimately hoping God will grab ahold of their hearts and desires, and lead them into newness of life. Pray with your kids, asking the Spirit to fill our hearts with the love of God!

Over the last 3 weeks, we've looked at the past, present, and future tenses of salvation: We have been saved from the penalty of sin (past), are being saved from the power of sin (present), and will be saved from the presence of sin (future). All 3 have massive implications for us as followers of Jesus, and taken together can transform our lives. But how does that transformation happen? This week we explore Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3.14-21, where he asks the Spirit to bring the truth and power of God's love for us in Christ deep into our hearts. We look at how to welcome this process and hear stories of how people in our church family are experiencing the Gospel's power today. Questions for Review: 1. Read Ephesians 3.14-21. The focus of Paul’s prayer is the Spirit’s work to drive the love of God in Jesus into our hearts. Why is the Bible ruthlessly “heart” focused when it comes to real growth and change? What happens if we ignore, minimize, or deny the central role of the heart? 2. What is one area of living (thoughts, words, or actions) that you’d like to see change? What is the root or heart issue involved (think: what am I believing, desiring, or trusting)? 3. What aspect of the Gospel, if it was “known beyond knowledge,” would fill you with the fullness of God and set you free? 4. If you’d like to dig more deeply into this week’s content, you can access the Gospel Formation Workshop videos here: (Part 1) <a href="https://subspla.sh/tzq655p" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://subspla.sh/tzq655p</a> (Part 2) <a href="https://subspla.sh/m2fnskt" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://subspla.sh/m2fnskt</a> 5. For Kids &amp; Youth: Discuss with your kids why the focus of change is the heart (consider Luke 6.43-45). As much as we want our kids to obey us and God, we are ultimately hoping God will grab ahold of their hearts and desires, and lead them into newness of life. Pray with your kids, asking the Spirit to fill our hearts with the love of God!

05 | Gospel Formation Summary & Stories

Over the month of February, we're encouraging the whole church to take stock of their current growth as disciples and make a plan to lean in to Jesus, to community, and to being equipped in 2020 as a disciple-maker. By making simple goals around 4 key practices - Gather, Go, Grow, and Give - you can lean toward maturity in Christ. This week, we look at our second biblical practice, Go, considering how we are engaging with community and everyday ministry. In Philippians 1.27-30, Paul encourages the church to put the gospel on display in their inward-facing unity around Jesus and their outward-facing mission for Jesus.

Over the month of February, we're encouraging the whole church to take stock of their current growth as disciples and make a plan to lean in to Jesus, to community, and to being equipped in 2020 as a disciple-maker. By making simple goals around 4 key practices - Gather, Go, Grow, and Give - you can lean toward maturity in Christ. This week, we look at our second biblical practice, Go, considering how we are engaging with community and everyday ministry. In Philippians 1.27-30, Paul encourages the church to put the gospel on display in their inward-facing unity around Jesus and their outward-facing mission for Jesus.

02 | Go

After 15 fruitful years of being a family on mission, we’re ready to make a faith-filled journey toward permanent facilities. Our goal is to lean into being a long-term disciple-making presence in our region and beyond, and so we’re dreaming together and raising the funds we need to make it happen. To that end, we’re asking the Soma family to spend a month considering the biblical teaching on generosity and to make a 2-year financial commitment to the vision of Planted. Our aim is to grow into sacrificial and joyful generosity, rooted in personal experience of the sacrificial generosity of Jesus Christ. Without deep knowledge of his work for you - all he gave up on your behalf, and all you’ve been given in him - living a life of generosity will never make any sense. Paul urges us to reflect on the grace of Jesus until we’re transformed, leading to a radical, sacrificial, and joyful lifestyle of generosity.

After 15 fruitful years of being a family on mission, we’re ready to make a faith-filled journey toward permanent facilities. Our goal is to lean into being a long-term disciple-making presence in our region and beyond, and so we’re dreaming together and raising the funds we need to make it happen. To that end, we’re asking the Soma family to spend a month considering the biblical teaching on generosity and to make a 2-year financial commitment to the vision of Planted. Our aim is to grow into sacrificial and joyful generosity, rooted in personal experience of the sacrificial generosity of Jesus Christ. Without deep knowledge of his work for you - all he gave up on your behalf, and all you’ve been given in him - living a life of generosity will never make any sense. Paul urges us to reflect on the grace of Jesus until we’re transformed, leading to a radical, sacrificial, and joyful lifestyle of generosity.

01 | An Act of Grace

Everyday Mission, Part 1 - Gospel PowerThe good news of the Gospel is the power of the Christian life, not just as the start but throughout the whole of life. The good news of Jesus' work brings ongoing transformation, day in and day out, as the Spirit permeates our lives with its truth. That power of the Gospel shapes us into a certain kind of people - a Family of Servants and Missionaries - called the Church, a Gospel people. It is through these people that Jesus is on mission in the world today, making disciples who can make disciples and planting churches that can plant churches.1. Take some time to review where we’ve been: Gospel Formation and Life In Community. What are the 3 aspects of the Gospel we’ve discussed? What are the Identities that shape our community?2. Re-read Titus 2.11-15, and pay special attention to what Paul says in v.14. What was the purpose for Jesus’ rescue mission? What does Paul say is the identity and the purpose of the Church?3. Consider this: the place where your passions and the needs of the world intersect is where God has called you to do His works. What opportunities for good works are right in front of you?4. If you’d like to dig more deeply into this week’s content, you can access the video here: https://subspla.sh/j5hrj5q. In particular, here's a short clip to watch and discuss: The Purpose of the Gospel (27:30-30:00).5. For Kids &amp; Youth: In what ways are you as a family engaging the brokenness of the world? What are some needs around you that you can meet as a family today? Help your kids see how the power of the Gospel and purpose of the Gospel connect!

Everyday Mission, Part 1 - Gospel Power The good news of the Gospel is the power of the Christian life, not just as the start but throughout the whole of life. The good news of Jesus' work brings ongoing transformation, day in and day out, as the Spirit permeates our lives with its truth. That power of the Gospel shapes us into a certain kind of people - a Family of Servants and Missionaries - called the Church, a Gospel people. It is through these people that Jesus is on mission in the world today, making disciples who can make disciples and planting churches that can plant churches. 1. Take some time to review where we’ve been: Gospel Formation and Life In Community. What are the 3 aspects of the Gospel we’ve discussed? What are the Identities that shape our community? 2. Re-read Titus 2.11-15, and pay special attention to what Paul says in v.14. What was the purpose for Jesus’ rescue mission? What does Paul say is the identity and the purpose of the Church? 3. Consider this: the place where your passions and the needs of the world intersect is where God has called you to do His works. What opportunities for good works are right in front of you? 4. If you’d like to dig more deeply into this week’s content, you can access the video here: <a href="https://subspla.sh/j5hrj5q" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://subspla.sh/j5hrj5q</a>. In particular, here's a short clip to watch and discuss: The Purpose of the Gospel (27:30-30:00). 5. For Kids &amp; Youth: In what ways are you as a family engaging the brokenness of the world? What are some needs around you that you can meet as a family today? Help your kids see how the power of the Gospel and purpose of the Gospel connect!

09 | Everyday Mission: Part 1 - Gospel Power

Basics 8: Life in Community, Part 3 - We Are MissionariesThe life, death, and resurrection of Jesus was a great rescue operation in which God stepped into His rebel world and purchased the freedom of a people at great cost to Himself. Jesus has paid the price to free us from sin, self, and death, so we can live now as His people - the Church - in all of life. This week we look at how Jesus equips us as His people so He can continue His rescue operation through us, empowering us by His Holy Spirit to be Missionaries, sent into the world to share and show the good news.1. Read Acts 1.1-8, where Jesus promises the Spirit to make the disciples into witnesses (Missionaries!). What is Jesus promising His disciples? 2. What has been your personal understanding and experience of the presence and power of the Spirit? How does your experience compare to what Jesus seems to be promising in Acts? 3. With whom has Jesus given you favor? How would you live differently if you knew Jesus was going save them as you build relationship and share Gospel with them?4. If you’d like to dig more deeply into this week’s content, you can access the video https://subspla.sh/brk5syh. In particular, here are 2 short clips to watch and discuss: Getting To Know the Spirit (3:50-5:45), or Our Missionary Identity (48:30-52:00)5. For Kids &amp; Youth: Who has God given you favor with as a family? Consider your neighbors, sports teams, kids friends, etc. In what ways can you as a family prioritize relationship with them, invite them in, and learn more of their story? What aspects of the Gospel might be good news for them?

Basics 8: Life in Community, Part 3 - We Are Missionaries The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus was a great rescue operation in which God stepped into His rebel world and purchased the freedom of a people at great cost to Himself. Jesus has paid the price to free us from sin, self, and death, so we can live now as His people - the Church - in all of life. This week we look at how Jesus equips us as His people so He can continue His rescue operation through us, empowering us by His Holy Spirit to be Missionaries, sent into the world to share and show the good news. 1. Read Acts 1.1-8, where Jesus promises the Spirit to make the disciples into witnesses (Missionaries!). What is Jesus promising His disciples? 2. What has been your personal understanding and experience of the presence and power of the Spirit? How does your experience compare to what Jesus seems to be promising in Acts? 3. With whom has Jesus given you favor? How would you live differently if you knew Jesus was going save them as you build relationship and share Gospel with them? 4. If you’d like to dig more deeply into this week’s content, you can access the video <a href="https://subspla.sh/brk5syh" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://subspla.sh/brk5syh</a>. In particular, here are 2 short clips to watch and discuss: Getting To Know the Spirit (3:50-5:45), or Our Missionary Identity (48:30-52:00) 5. For Kids &amp; Youth: Who has God given you favor with as a family? Consider your neighbors, sports teams, kids friends, etc. In what ways can you as a family prioritize relationship with them, invite them in, and learn more of their story? What aspects of the Gospel might be good news for them?

08 | Life in Community: Part 3 - We are Missionaries

Holy Tuesday

There's no hotter topic than sex and sexuality, and nothing in human experience has the unique ability to be simultaneously profoundly beautiful and powerfully destructive in our lives. How can we account for both the heights of intimacy experienced in sexual union and the depths of brokenness  experienced through sexual abuse, confusion, and shame? Our culture has no answer, but the bible does: God made the body good, and his design was that sex would create an indestructible bond between husband and wife. And though we've misused and abused his good gift, the fact remains that our bodies belong to our Creator and he has a good purpose for them. In the gospel, God redeems the body and restores sex to its rightful purpose: worship!QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:1. Read the text, 1 Corinthians 6.9-20. Take note that the quotations are most likely Corinthian sayings or slogans, and Paul is trying to respond to and correct their understandings. At first read, what does Paul seem to be most concerned about in this text? In what ways do we see their views at work in both the church and society?2. There’s (at least!) two big challenges to real conversation regarding the body, sex, and sexuality. First, we all have our own stories, including harm we’ve caused and harm we’ve received via the body and sex. Second, the strength of Paul’s corrections can feel divisive and even hateful. In what ways do these realities make the conversation difficult for you?3. Consider Paul’s theology of the body (v.15-20). What does he say about the body here? Why is it significant? Are there parts of it that are new or hard for you to get your mind around?4. Reflect on your own journey of body, sex, and sexuality. Where has there been harm or confusion? Where has there been freedom or victory?5. End by meditating on v.11, considering all that Jesus has done for our sexual struggles and brokenness. What does it mean “and such were some of you”? And how is each declaration - washed, sanctified, and justified - really good news for us?

There's no hotter topic than sex and sexuality, and nothing in human experience has the unique ability to be simultaneously profoundly beautiful and powerfully destructive in our lives. How can we account for both the heights of intimacy experienced in sexual union and the depths of brokenness experienced through sexual abuse, confusion, and shame? Our culture has no answer, but the bible does: God made the body good, and his design was that sex would create an indestructible bond between husband and wife. And though we've misused and abused his good gift, the fact remains that our bodies belong to our Creator and he has a good purpose for them. In the gospel, God redeems the body and restores sex to its rightful purpose: worship! QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: 1. Read the text, 1 Corinthians 6.9-20. Take note that the quotations are most likely Corinthian sayings or slogans, and Paul is trying to respond to and correct their understandings. At first read, what does Paul seem to be most concerned about in this text? In what ways do we see their views at work in both the church and society? 2. There’s (at least!) two big challenges to real conversation regarding the body, sex, and sexuality. First, we all have our own stories, including harm we’ve caused and harm we’ve received via the body and sex. Second, the strength of Paul’s corrections can feel divisive and even hateful. In what ways do these realities make the conversation difficult for you? 3. Consider Paul’s theology of the body (v.15-20). What does he say about the body here? Why is it significant? Are there parts of it that are new or hard for you to get your mind around? 4. Reflect on your own journey of body, sex, and sexuality. Where has there been harm or confusion? Where has there been freedom or victory? 5. End by meditating on v.11, considering all that Jesus has done for our sexual struggles and brokenness. What does it mean “and such were some of you”? And how is each declaration - washed, sanctified, and justified - really good news for us?

03 | Glorious Sex

Through Jesus, we have been adopted into God’s family. And, like in any family, it is up to the parents to establish the culture of their home. Paul corrects the Corinthian church like a father shapes his family. He wants them to understand who they are (Identity), what the rules are (Morals), and how they are to interact with the world (Ethics). Paul doesn’t ignore the reality that all people, families and communities experience conflict. In these verses, he passionately warns the church that way they handle conflict matters. It matters for those in the family, and those who are outside looking in.QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:1. Read this week’s text, 1 Corinthians 6:1-8. Notice how many times Paul uses the term “Brothers” (this isn’t meant to be limited to male). What difference does it make that the Bible refers to the Church as a family? What would be different if we viewed our church life as if it were family.2. What is your default response to conflict? Fight, flight, Freeze? Have you experienced poor responses to conflict? What was the cost? 3. There are some very practical applications in these verses. How is God inviting you to respond? Is there areas you need to allow yourself to suffer wrong? Are there conflicts and offenses that you need to work through?

Through Jesus, we have been adopted into God’s family. And, like in any family, it is up to the parents to establish the culture of their home. Paul corrects the Corinthian church like a father shapes his family. He wants them to understand who they are (Identity), what the rules are (Morals), and how they are to interact with the world (Ethics). Paul doesn’t ignore the reality that all people, families and communities experience conflict. In these verses, he passionately warns the church that way they handle conflict matters. It matters for those in the family, and those who are outside looking in. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: 1. Read this week’s text, 1 Corinthians 6:1-8. Notice how many times Paul uses the term “Brothers” (this isn’t meant to be limited to male). What difference does it make that the Bible refers to the Church as a family? What would be different if we viewed our church life as if it were family. 2. What is your default response to conflict? Fight, flight, Freeze? Have you experienced poor responses to conflict? What was the cost? 3. There are some very practical applications in these verses. How is God inviting you to respond? Is there areas you need to allow yourself to suffer wrong? Are there conflicts and offenses that you need to work through?

02 | Collisions in Community

No matter where you find yourself, what ever life situation that salvation now finds you, it finds you for the sake of sharing that salvation where you are. God hasn’t made a mistake in where he has put you, and he fully intends on you living out your salvation exactly where you are: in your family, with your coworkers, at your school, in your neighborhood. A strong church is God’s people living out their salvation right where they are with intentionality and humility.QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:1. Read 1 Corinthians 7:10-24. Three times in this section Paul tells the Corinthians to embrace the sphere in which God has placed them. What are some the examples he gives in v.10-24 to illustrate the point? Why is his instruction significant for these situations?2. Paul uses some identity language in v.23. Of what is he trying to remind the Corinthians? What makes this phrasing so significant?3. Where has God placed you? In what situations or groups of people has he in his great sovereign wisdom place you in or among?4. What would it look like to remain in that situation with God (v.24)? What is Paul urging us to do?5. According to the sermon, what are the resources God has given us for this task?

No matter where you find yourself, what ever life situation that salvation now finds you, it finds you for the sake of sharing that salvation where you are. God hasn’t made a mistake in where he has put you, and he fully intends on you living out your salvation exactly where you are: in your family, with your coworkers, at your school, in your neighborhood. A strong church is God’s people living out their salvation right where they are with intentionality and humility. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: 1. Read 1 Corinthians 7:10-24. Three times in this section Paul tells the Corinthians to embrace the sphere in which God has placed them. What are some the examples he gives in v.10-24 to illustrate the point? Why is his instruction significant for these situations? 2. Paul uses some identity language in v.23. Of what is he trying to remind the Corinthians? What makes this phrasing so significant? 3. Where has God placed you? In what situations or groups of people has he in his great sovereign wisdom place you in or among? 4. What would it look like to remain in that situation with God (v.24)? What is Paul urging us to do? 5. According to the sermon, what are the resources God has given us for this task?

05 | Live As You Are Called

LEAD

Like a ship set to sea with no certainty of easy sailing, we move through life with the cruel reality of pain and difficulty. We need guidance and often require deliverance. This is not so much a prayer for safety and security but is instead a prayer for the alignment of God’s purposes in our experiences. This petition is an appeal for God to use the pain of life to build something beautiful, rather than let evil destroy us. It is a prayer of submission to God’s plan, come what may. Our journey may include crashing through treacherous waves but we pray he will deliver us to the still waters of deep harbors.

Like a ship set to sea with no certainty of easy sailing, we move through life with the cruel reality of pain and difficulty. We need guidance and often require deliverance. This is not so much a prayer for safety and security but is instead a prayer for the alignment of God’s purposes in our experiences. This petition is an appeal for God to use the pain of life to build something beautiful, rather than let evil destroy us. It is a prayer of submission to God’s plan, come what may. Our journey may include crashing through treacherous waves but we pray he will deliver us to the still waters of deep harbors.

04 | Lead Us

This Sunday we’re launching a short series called “Next Steps,” designed to help us all think through where we’re at with Jesus and what He's calling us to in 2020. Our Priorities as a church are clear - gospel formation, life in community, and everyday mission - and we’re committed to orienting our lives around them. But how we actually do that can sometimes be a little muddier. So, over the coming weeks, we’re going to walk through 4 Practices that help us live our Priorities. This Sunday we’ll talk about Gather, looking at why we meet on Sundays, what participation looks like, and how you can use your gifts in the context of the church at worship.

This Sunday we’re launching a short series called “Next Steps,” designed to help us all think through where we’re at with Jesus and what He's calling us to in 2020. Our Priorities as a church are clear - gospel formation, life in community, and everyday mission - and we’re committed to orienting our lives around them. But how we actually do that can sometimes be a little muddier. So, over the coming weeks, we’re going to walk through 4 Practices that help us live our Priorities. This Sunday we’ll talk about Gather, looking at why we meet on Sundays, what participation looks like, and how you can use your gifts in the context of the church at worship.

01 | Gather

Maundy Thursday

The best podcasts on investing. For anyone interested in the stories in the investing industry, whether it's an interview with Ray Dalio or Ed Thorp to the writer of The Big Short. This topic includes the most fascinating stories from all the best investors. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Investing Podcasts

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!