Hospitality can mean different things to different people. For some it is opening their home, for others it is providing meals to those in need, and still for others it could mean something completely different. This week Lisa Trevino shares stories from her own life in connection with the woman that washed the feet of Jesus with her hair and tears to talk about the ways The Bible calls us to approach hospitality as we engage others in the world around us.

Hospitality can mean different things to different people. For some it is opening their home, for others it is providing meals to those in need, and still for others it could mean something completely different. This week Lisa Trevino shares stories from her own life in connection with the woman that washed the feet of Jesus with her hair and tears to talk about the ways The Bible calls us to approach hospitality as we engage others in the world around us.

Hospitality - Tell Her Story

The story of Ruth &amp; Naomi teaches about what it means to depend on one another and offer presence to each other. Ericka Graham continues in our series titled Tell Her Story, by inviting us into the story of Ruth &amp; Naomi. Scripture &amp; References Ruth 1A long time ago, when judges still ruled over Israel and the land was dried up with famine, a man from Bethlehem, which ironically means “place of bread,” left his home in Judah to live as a foreigner in the land of Moab. He traveled with his wife and their two sons. His name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi; their two sons were called Mahlon and Chilion. They were descendants of Ephraim’s tribe from Bethlehem in Judah. They had settled and made lives for themselves in Moab, but soon after, Elimelech died leaving Naomi in the care of her sons. Each son married a woman from Moab—one was named Orpah, the other Ruth—and they lived together for 10 years before Mahlon and Chilion died also. Naomi was left alone, without her husband and two sons.Word had reached Moab that the Eternal One had once again brought life back to the land of Israel and blessed His people with food. Naomi prepared to return with her daughters-in-law. With Orpah and Ruth at her side, she began her journey back to Judah, leaving the place where she had lived.Naomi (to Orpah and Ruth): You have accompanied me far enough; you must both return to Moab. Go home to your mothers’ care and your people. May the Eternal show His loyal love to you just as you demonstrated it to my dead sons and me. I hope He will bring you new husbands and that you will find the rest you deserve in their homes.She drew close, kissed them, and turned to go on her way, alone. But Orpah and Ruth wailed and sobbed, crying out to her.Orpah and Ruth: Do not leave us! We insist you take us with you to live with you and your people.Naomi: Go back to your homes, my daughters. What possible reason would you have for returning with me? Do you think there are more sons inside of me? Will you marry these unborn sons? Listen to me, daughters, and go back. I am too old; I will not marry again because I cannot conceive. But even if I could—if I still believed there was hope for me, or if I had a husband and conceived sons tonight— would you waste a lifetime waiting for them to grow up? Would you let this hope for the future keep you from remarrying now? Of course not, my dear daughters. It is obvious that the Eternal has acted against me. My life is much too bitter for you to share with me.At this Orpah and Ruth wailed and wept again. Then Orpah kissed Naomi, said goodbye, and returned the way she had come. Yet Ruth refused to let go of Naomi.Naomi: Look at your sister-in-law. She has returned to live with her people and to worship her gods; go and follow her.Ruth: Stop pushing me away,        insisting that I stop following you!    Wherever you go, I will go.        Wherever you live, I will live.    Your people will be my people.        Your God will be my God.    Wherever you die, I will also die        and be buried there near you.    May the Eternal One punish me—        and even more so—        if anything besides death comes between us.When Naomi heard this and saw Ruth’s resolve, she stopped trying to talk her out of returning to Judah. The two women went on together to Bethlehem.News of their arrival spread throughout Bethlehem. In fact, the whole community was humming with the report, with the women exclaiming, “Could it really be the same Naomi who left us so long ago?”Naomi: Do not call me Naomi ever again, for I am no longer pleasant.        Call me Mara instead, for I am filled with bitterness        because the Highest One has treated me bitterly.There is a Hebrew wordplay here from Naomi, “pleasant,” to Mara, “bitterness.” Even Orpah (“neck”) turns her back on Naomi.    I left this place full, in spite of the famine,        but the Eternal has brought me back empty from a plentiful land.    Why would you call me “Pleasant”        when the Eternal has testified against me,        and the Highest One has brought disaster upon me?Naomi’s story is similar to the story of Job. God tests them, as Job and Naomi have full lives. Then they go from emptiness to vindication, and finally to redemption.This was how Naomi came into Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law, Ruth, from Moab. It was at the beginning of the barley harvest when they returned to the land.

The story of Ruth &amp; Naomi teaches about what it means to depend on one another and offer presence to each other. Ericka Graham continues in our series titled Tell Her Story, by inviting us into the story of Ruth &amp; Naomi. <h2>Scripture &amp; References </h2>Ruth 1A long time ago, when judges still ruled over Israel and the land was dried up with famine, a man from Bethlehem, which ironically means “place of bread,” left his home in Judah to live as a foreigner in the land of Moab. He traveled with his wife and their two sons. His name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi; their two sons were called Mahlon and Chilion. They were descendants of Ephraim’s tribe from Bethlehem in Judah. They had settled and made lives for themselves in Moab, but soon after, Elimelech died leaving Naomi in the care of her sons. Each son married a woman from Moab—one was named Orpah, the other Ruth—and they lived together for 10 years before Mahlon and Chilion died also. Naomi was left alone, without her husband and two sons.Word had reached Moab that the Eternal One had once again brought life back to the land of Israel and blessed His people with food. Naomi prepared to return with her daughters-in-law. With Orpah and Ruth at her side, she began her journey back to Judah, leaving the place where she had lived.Naomi (to Orpah and Ruth): You have accompanied me far enough; you must both return to Moab. Go home to your mothers’ care and your people. May the Eternal show His loyal love to you just as you demonstrated it to my dead sons and me. I hope He will bring you new husbands and that you will find the rest you deserve in their homes.She drew close, kissed them, and turned to go on her way, alone. But Orpah and Ruth wailed and sobbed, crying out to her.Orpah and Ruth: Do not leave us! We insist you take us with you to live with you and your people.Naomi: Go back to your homes, my daughters. What possible reason would you have for returning with me? Do you think there are more sons inside of me? Will you marry these unborn sons? Listen to me, daughters, and go back. I am too old; I will not marry again because I cannot conceive. But even if I could—if I still believed there was hope for me, or if I had a husband and conceived sons tonight— would you waste a lifetime waiting for them to grow up? Would you let this hope for the future keep you from remarrying now? Of course not, my dear daughters. It is obvious that the Eternal has acted against me. My life is much too bitter for you to share with me.At this Orpah and Ruth wailed and wept again. Then Orpah kissed Naomi, said goodbye, and returned the way she had come. Yet Ruth refused to let go of Naomi.Naomi: Look at your sister-in-law. She has returned to live with her people and to worship her gods; go and follow her.Ruth: Stop pushing me away,         insisting that I stop following you!     Wherever you go, I will go.         Wherever you live, I will live.     Your people will be my people.         Your God will be my God.     Wherever you die, I will also die         and be buried there near you.     May the Eternal One punish me—         and even more so—         if anything besides death comes between us.When Naomi heard this and saw Ruth’s resolve, she stopped trying to talk her out of returning to Judah. The two women went on together to Bethlehem.News of their arrival spread throughout Bethlehem. In fact, the whole community was humming with the report, with the women exclaiming, “Could it really be the same Naomi who left us so long ago?”Naomi: Do not call me Naomi ever again, for I am no longer pleasant.         Call me Mara instead, for I am filled with bitterness         because the Highest One has treated me bitterly.There is a Hebrew wordplay here from Naomi, “pleasant,” to Mara, “bitterness.” Even Orpah (“neck”) turns her back on Naomi.    I left this place full, in spite of the famine,         but the Eternal has brought me back empty from a plentiful land.     Why would you call me “Pleasant”         when the Eternal has testified against me,         and the Highest One has brought disaster upon me?Naomi’s story is similar to the story of Job. God tests them, as Job and Naomi have full lives. Then they go from emptiness to vindication, and finally to redemption.This was how Naomi came into Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law, Ruth, from Moab. It was at the beginning of the barley harvest when they returned to the land.

The Story of Ruth & Naomi - Tell Her Story

Ericka Graham shares the story of Deborah and Jael and invites us to reimagine how we view leadership and authority. These powerful women in Scripture teach us a lot about collaboration, humility &amp; strength. Scripture &amp; References Judges 4:3-10The people of Israel cried out to the Eternal again for help. Since Sisera had 900 iron chariots, he prevailed against and oppressed the Israelites for 20 years.These iron chariots are an especially potent assault vehicle against the Israelites on the plains, but not as much in mountainous regions.4 At that time, Deborah the prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, served as judge over Israel. 5 She used to sit beneath the palm tree of Deborah, situated in the hill country of Ephraim between Ramah and Bethel, and the people would go up to her there to settle disputes. 6 She urgently sent for Barak, the son of Abinoam, out of Kedesh-naphtali.Deborah: The Eternal God of Israel commands you: “Go and get into position near Mount Tabor. Take 10,000 soldiers from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun. 7 I will draw out Sisera, Jabin’s general, to meet you at the wadi Kishon with his chariots and his army, and I will deliver him to you.”Barak (to Deborah): 8 I will do this if you will go with me; but if you won’t, then I won’t go either.Deborah: 9 I will certainly go with you, but you should know from the beginning that this battle will not lead to your personal glory. The Eternal has decreed that the mighty Sisera will be defeated by a woman.Then Deborah got up and accompanied Barak to Kedesh. 10 Barak summoned the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun, and they sent 10,000 men to follow him. With Deborah, they went to Kedesh.Judges 4:18-24Jael went out to meet Sisera.Jael: Come in, my lord, come in with me. There is nothing to be afraid of here.So he came inside the tent with her, and she covered him with a rug just in case some of Barak’s soldiers came looking for him.Sisera: 19 May I have a little water to drink?He was very thirsty, so she opened a skin filled with milk and gave him a little, then covered him again.Sisera: 20 Stand and wait at the opening to the tent. If anybody comes and asks you, “Is anyone inside?” tell them “No.”21 Sisera fell into a deep sleep, for he was weary. Jael, the wife of Heber, took a tent peg in one hand and a hammer in the other. She crept softly to his side. Then she drove the peg into his temple, down into the ground, and killed him.22 When Barak came looking for Sisera, Jael went out to meet him.Jael: Come inside, and I will show you the man you seek.So he went into the tent with her, and there lay Sisera dead, with a tent peg driven through his head.23 On that day, God vanquished Jabin, king of Canaan, before the people of Israel; 24 and the Israelites bore down harder and harder on him until at last Jabin, king of Canaan, was destroyed.

Ericka Graham shares the story of Deborah and Jael and invites us to reimagine how we view leadership and authority. These powerful women in Scripture teach us a lot about collaboration, humility &amp; strength. <h2>Scripture &amp; References</h2> Judges 4:3-10The people of Israel cried out to the Eternal again for help. Since Sisera had 900 iron chariots, he prevailed against and oppressed the Israelites for 20 years.These iron chariots are an especially potent assault vehicle against the Israelites on the plains, but not as much in mountainous regions.4 At that time, Deborah the prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, served as judge over Israel. 5 She used to sit beneath the palm tree of Deborah, situated in the hill country of Ephraim between Ramah and Bethel, and the people would go up to her there to settle disputes. 6 She urgently sent for Barak, the son of Abinoam, out of Kedesh-naphtali.Deborah: The Eternal God of Israel commands you: “Go and get into position near Mount Tabor. Take 10,000 soldiers from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun. 7 I will draw out Sisera, Jabin’s general, to meet you at the wadi Kishon with his chariots and his army, and I will deliver him to you.”Barak (to Deborah): 8 I will do this if you will go with me; but if you won’t, then I won’t go either.Deborah: 9 I will certainly go with you, but you should know from the beginning that this battle will not lead to your personal glory. The Eternal has decreed that the mighty Sisera will be defeated by a woman.Then Deborah got up and accompanied Barak to Kedesh. 10 Barak summoned the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun, and they sent 10,000 men to follow him. With Deborah, they went to Kedesh.Judges 4:18-24Jael went out to meet Sisera.Jael: Come in, my lord, come in with me. There is nothing to be afraid of here.So he came inside the tent with her, and she covered him with a rug just in case some of Barak’s soldiers came looking for him.Sisera: 19 May I have a little water to drink?He was very thirsty, so she opened a skin filled with milk and gave him a little, then covered him again.Sisera: 20 Stand and wait at the opening to the tent. If anybody comes and asks you, “Is anyone inside?” tell them “No.”21 Sisera fell into a deep sleep, for he was weary. Jael, the wife of Heber, took a tent peg in one hand and a hammer in the other. She crept softly to his side. Then she drove the peg into his temple, down into the ground, and killed him.22 When Barak came looking for Sisera, Jael went out to meet him.Jael: Come inside, and I will show you the man you seek.So he went into the tent with her, and there lay Sisera dead, with a tent peg driven through his head.23 On that day, God vanquished Jabin, king of Canaan, before the people of Israel; 24 and the Israelites bore down harder and harder on him until at last Jabin, king of Canaan, was destroyed.

What Makes A Good Leader? - Tell Her Story

Pastor Chris kicks off a new series called "Tell Her Story." Over the next several weeks we will be focusing on women in the Bible and their stories of faith and leadership. Today, Pastor Chris recounts the story of Hagar, Sarah &amp; Abraham and invites us to reimagine how we balance the humanity of these figures of our faith. Scripture &amp; References Genesis 16:1-81 Despite God's promise, years went by. Still Abram wife Sarai remained childless. But she did have an Egyptian servant girl whose name was Hagar. Sarai had an idea so she approached her husband.Sarai (to Abram): 2 You can see that the Eternal One has still not allowed me to have any children. Why don't you sleep with my servant girl? Maybe I could use her as a surrogate and have a child through her! Abram listened to Sarai and agreed to follow her plan.3 After they had lived 10 years in Canaan, Abram's wife Sarai took her servant girl Hagar, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram as a wife. 4 So Abram slept with Hagar. It was not long before she conceived. But as soon as she knew she was pregnant with Abram's child, Hagar's attitude changed and she became haughty toward Sarai. 5 Sarai would not tolerate her servant looking down on her, so she approached Abram again.Sarai (to Abram): This is all your fault. I allowed my servant girl to be intimate with you, and as soon as she saw she was pregnant with your child, she started behaving arrogantly and disrespectfully toward me! I have done nothing to deserve this. Let the Eternal One judge who is in the wrong here-you or me!Abram (to Sarai): 6 Sarai -look, she's still your servant girl. Do whatever you want with her. She's under vour control. So Sarai clamped down on Hagar severely, and Hagar ran away. 7 The Special Messenger of the Eternal One found Hagar alone by a spring of water out in the desert. It was the spring of water along the road that went to Shur.Special Messenger: 8 Hagar, Sarai's servant girl? Where have you come from, and where are you planning to go?Hagar: I am running away from my mistress, Sarai!Genesis 16:12And he shall be as a wild ass among men; his hand shall be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his brethren.

Pastor Chris kicks off a new series called "Tell Her Story." Over the next several weeks we will be focusing on women in the Bible and their stories of faith and leadership. Today, Pastor Chris recounts the story of Hagar, Sarah &amp; Abraham and invites us to reimagine how we balance the humanity of these figures of our faith. <h2>Scripture &amp; References</h2> Genesis 16:1-81 Despite God's promise, years went by. Still Abram wife Sarai remained childless. But she did have an Egyptian servant girl whose name was Hagar. Sarai had an idea so she approached her husband.Sarai (to Abram): 2 You can see that the Eternal One has still not allowed me to have any children. Why don't you sleep with my servant girl? Maybe I could use her as a surrogate and have a child through her! Abram listened to Sarai and agreed to follow her plan.3 After they had lived 10 years in Canaan, Abram's wife Sarai took her servant girl Hagar, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram as a wife. 4 So Abram slept with Hagar. It was not long before she conceived. But as soon as she knew she was pregnant with Abram's child, Hagar's attitude changed and she became haughty toward Sarai. 5 Sarai would not tolerate her servant looking down on her, so she approached Abram again.Sarai (to Abram): This is all your fault. I allowed my servant girl to be intimate with you, and as soon as she saw she was pregnant with your child, she started behaving arrogantly and disrespectfully toward me! I have done nothing to deserve this. Let the Eternal One judge who is in the wrong here-you or me!Abram (to Sarai): 6 Sarai -look, she's still your servant girl. Do whatever you want with her. She's under vour control. So Sarai clamped down on Hagar severely, and Hagar ran away. 7 The Special Messenger of the Eternal One found Hagar alone by a spring of water out in the desert. It was the spring of water along the road that went to Shur.Special Messenger: 8 Hagar, Sarai's servant girl? Where have you come from, and where are you planning to go?Hagar: I am running away from my mistress, Sarai!Genesis 16:12And he shall be as a wild ass among men; his hand shall be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his brethren.

Tell Her Story - Hagar

Guest Speaker, Carlos Rodriguez, invites us to be open to change. Through his story of ministry, Carlos invites us to be open to God's movement in our life. AUDIO VERSION SCRIPTURE  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.John 3:8

Guest Speaker, Carlos Rodriguez, invites us to be open to change. Through his story of ministry, Carlos invites us to be open to God's movement in our life. <h2>AUDIO VERSION</h2> <h2>SCRIPTURE </h2> The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.John 3:8

Changing with God's Wind

Our friend Marcelo Robles joins Pastor Chris in sharing a message about hope and friendship and invites us to act in supporting our friends in Argentina. LIVE TEACHING PODCAST SCRIPTURES  &amp; REFERENCES "What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it."- C. S. Lewis"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create). It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival."-C. S. Lewis How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in peace! 2 It is like the finest oils poured on the head, sweet-smelling oils flowing down to cover the beard, flowing down the beard of Aaron, flowing down the collar of his robe. a It is like the gentle rain of Mount Hermon that falls on the hills of Zion. Yes, from this place, the Eternal spoke the command, from there He gave His blessing -life forever.Psalm 133When the crowd gathered again, the people brought their children to see Jesus, hoping that He might grantthem His blessing through His touch. His disciples turned them all away; 14 but when Jesus saw this, He was incensed. Jesus (to the disciples): Let the children come to Me, and don't ever stand in their way, for this is what the kingdom of God is all about.Truly anyone who doesn't accept the kingdom of God as a little child does can never enter it. 16 Jesus gathered the children in His arms, and He laid His hands on them to bless them.Mark 10:13-16

Our friend Marcelo Robles joins Pastor Chris in sharing a message about hope and friendship and invites us to act in supporting our friends in Argentina. <h2>LIVE TEACHING PODCAST</h2> <h2>SCRIPTURES &amp; REFERENCES</h2> "What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it."- C. S. Lewis"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create). It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival."-C. S. Lewis How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in peace! 2 It is like the finest oils poured on the head, sweet-smelling oils flowing down to cover the beard, flowing down the beard of Aaron, flowing down the collar of his robe. a It is like the gentle rain of Mount Hermon that falls on the hills of Zion. Yes, from this place, the Eternal spoke the command, from there He gave His blessing -life forever.Psalm 133When the crowd gathered again, the people brought their children to see Jesus, hoping that He might grantthem His blessing through His touch. His disciples turned them all away; 14 but when Jesus saw this, He was incensed. Jesus (to the disciples): Let the children come to Me, and don't ever stand in their way, for this is what the kingdom of God is all about.Truly anyone who doesn't accept the kingdom of God as a little child does can never enter it. 16 Jesus gathered the children in His arms, and He laid His hands on them to bless them.Mark 10:13-16

Our Friends in Argentina

Happy Father's Day! This Sunday we are excited to have Ed Seay, Pastor Chris's dad, join us to share a message for fathers. He shares stories of highs and lows of fatherhood and some things he has learned along the way. Live Teaching Podcast Scriptures &amp; References John 3:16-1816 For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. 17 Here’s the point. God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it; instead, He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction.18 No one who believes in Him has to fear condemnation, yet condemnation is already the reality for everyone who refuses to believe because they reject the name of the only Son of God.2 Timothy 3:14-1714-15 So surely you ought to stick to what you know is certain. All you have learned comes from people you know and trust because since childhood you have known the holy Scriptures, which enable you to be wise and lead to salvation through faith in Jesus the Anointed. 16-17 All of Scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right so that God’s people may be up to the task ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work.Ephesians 6:1-41 Now to you, children, obey your parents in the Lord because this is right in God’s eyes. 2-3 This is the first commandment onto which He added a promise: “Honor your father and your mother, and if you do, you will live long and well in this land.”4 And, fathers, do not drive your children mad, but nurture them in the discipline and teaching that come from the Lord.Luke 6:27-28, 31-33a, 35a27 If you’re listening, here’s My message: Keep loving your enemies no matter what they do. Keep doing good to those who hate you. 28 Keep speaking blessings on those who curse you. Keep praying for those who mistreat you. 31 Think of the kindness you wish others would show you; do the same for them.32 Listen, what’s the big deal if you love people who already love you? Even scoundrels do that much! 33a So what if you do good to those who do good to you? Even scoundrels do that much! 35a If you want to be extraordinary—love your enemies! Do good without restraint!Jesus: 14 This is how it will be. It will be like a landowner who is going on a trip. He instructed his slaves about caring for his property. 15 He gave five talents to one slave, two to the next, and then one talent to the last slave—each according to his ability. Then the man left.16 Promptly the man who had been given five talents went out and bartered and sold and turned his five talents into ten. 17 And the one who had received two talents went to the market and turned his two into four. 18 And the slave who had received just one talent? He dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money there.19 Eventually the master came back from his travels, found his slaves, and settled up with them. 20 The slave who had been given five talents came forward and told his master how he’d turned five into ten; then he handed the whole lot over to his master.Master: 21 Excellent. You’ve proved yourself not only clever but loyal. You’ve executed a rather small task masterfully, so now I am going to put you in charge of something larger. But before you go back to work, come join my great feast and celebration.

Happy Father's Day! This Sunday we are excited to have Ed Seay, Pastor Chris's dad, join us to share a message for fathers. He shares stories of highs and lows of fatherhood and some things he has learned along the way. <h2>Live Teaching Podcast</h2> <h2>Scriptures &amp; References</h2> John 3:16-1816 For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. 17 Here’s the point. God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it; instead, He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction.18 No one who believes in Him has to fear condemnation, yet condemnation is already the reality for everyone who refuses to believe because they reject the name of the only Son of God.2 Timothy 3:14-1714-15 So surely you ought to stick to what you know is certain. All you have learned comes from people you know and trust because since childhood you have known the holy Scriptures, which enable you to be wise and lead to salvation through faith in Jesus the Anointed. 16-17 All of Scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right so that God’s people may be up to the task ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work.Ephesians 6:1-41 Now to you, children, obey your parents in the Lord because this is right in God’s eyes. 2-3 This is the first commandment onto which He added a promise: “Honor your father and your mother, and if you do, you will live long and well in this land.”4 And, fathers, do not drive your children mad, but nurture them in the discipline and teaching that come from the Lord.Luke 6:27-28, 31-33a, 35a27 If you’re listening, here’s My message: Keep loving your enemies no matter what they do. Keep doing good to those who hate you. 28 Keep speaking blessings on those who curse you. Keep praying for those who mistreat you. 31 Think of the kindness you wish others would show you; do the same for them.32 Listen, what’s the big deal if you love people who already love you? Even scoundrels do that much! 33a So what if you do good to those who do good to you? Even scoundrels do that much! 35a If you want to be extraordinary—love your enemies! Do good without restraint!Jesus: 14 This is how it will be. It will be like a landowner who is going on a trip. He instructed his slaves about caring for his property. 15 He gave five talents to one slave, two to the next, and then one talent to the last slave—each according to his ability. Then the man left.16 Promptly the man who had been given five talents went out and bartered and sold and turned his five talents into ten. 17 And the one who had received two talents went to the market and turned his two into four. 18 And the slave who had received just one talent? He dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money there.19 Eventually the master came back from his travels, found his slaves, and settled up with them. 20 The slave who had been given five talents came forward and told his master how he’d turned five into ten; then he handed the whole lot over to his master.Master: 21 Excellent. You’ve proved yourself not only clever but loyal. You’ve executed a rather small task masterfully, so now I am going to put you in charge of something larger. But before you go back to work, come join my great feast and celebration.

Father's Day

Pastor Chris invites us into a rhythm of rest through the Psalms. Live Teaching Podcast Scriptures &amp; References Psalm 32:1-61 How happy is the one whose wrongs are forgiven, whose sin is hidden from sight.2 How happy is the person whose sin the Eternal will not take into account.How happy are those who no longer lie, to themselves or others. 3 When I refused to admit my wrongs, I was miserable, moaning and complaining all day long so that even my bones felt brittle. 4 Day and night, Your hand kept pressing on me. My strength dried up like water in the summer heat; You wore me down.[Pause]5 When I finally saw my own lies, I owned up to my sins before You, and I did not try to hide my evil deeds from You. I said to myself, “I’ll admit all my sins to the Eternal,” and You lifted and carried away the guilt of my sin.[Pause]6 So let all who are devoted to You speak honestly to You now, while You are still listening. For then when the floods come, surely the rushing water will not even reach them. Ephesians 4:29-3229 Don’t let even one rotten word seep out of your mouths. Instead, offer only fresh words that build others up when they need it most. That way your good words will communicate grace to those who hear them. 30 It’s time to stop bringing grief to God’s Holy Spirit; you have been sealed with the Spirit, marked as His own for the day of rescue. 31 Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all malicious thoughts—these are poison. 32 Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King. Acts 8:26-2926 Messenger of the Lord: Leave Samaria. Go south to the Jerusalem-Gaza road.The message was especially unusual because this road runs through the middle of uninhabited desert. 27 But Philip got up, left the excitement of Samaria, and did as he was told to do. Along this road, Philip saw a chariot in the distance. In the chariot was a dignitary from Ethiopia (the treasurer for Queen Candace), an African man who had been castrated.He had gone north to Jerusalem to worship at the Jewish temple, 28 and he was now heading southwest on his way home. He was seated in the chariot and was reading aloud from a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. 29 Philip received another prompting from the Holy Spirit:Holy Spirit: Go over to the chariot and climb on board.

Pastor Chris invites us into a rhythm of rest through the Psalms. <h2>Live Teaching Podcast</h2> <h2>Scriptures &amp; References</h2> Psalm 32:1-61 How happy is the one whose wrongs are forgiven, whose sin is hidden from sight.2 How happy is the person whose sin the Eternal will not take into account.How happy are those who no longer lie, to themselves or others. 3 When I refused to admit my wrongs, I was miserable, moaning and complaining all day long so that even my bones felt brittle. 4 Day and night, Your hand kept pressing on me. My strength dried up like water in the summer heat; You wore me down.[Pause]5 When I finally saw my own lies, I owned up to my sins before You, and I did not try to hide my evil deeds from You. I said to myself, “I’ll admit all my sins to the Eternal,” and You lifted and carried away the guilt of my sin.[Pause]6 So let all who are devoted to You speak honestly to You now, while You are still listening. For then when the floods come, surely the rushing water will not even reach them. Ephesians 4:29-3229 Don’t let even one rotten word seep out of your mouths. Instead, offer only fresh words that build others up when they need it most. That way your good words will communicate grace to those who hear them. 30 It’s time to stop bringing grief to God’s Holy Spirit; you have been sealed with the Spirit, marked as His own for the day of rescue. 31 Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all malicious thoughts—these are poison. 32 Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King. Acts 8:26-2926 Messenger of the Lord: Leave Samaria. Go south to the Jerusalem-Gaza road.The message was especially unusual because this road runs through the middle of uninhabited desert. 27 But Philip got up, left the excitement of Samaria, and did as he was told to do. Along this road, Philip saw a chariot in the distance. In the chariot was a dignitary from Ethiopia (the treasurer for Queen Candace), an African man who had been castrated.He had gone north to Jerusalem to worship at the Jewish temple, 28 and he was now heading southwest on his way home. He was seated in the chariot and was reading aloud from a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. 29 Philip received another prompting from the Holy Spirit:Holy Spirit: Go over to the chariot and climb on board.

Summer Selah

Pastor Mike shares that benediction is reminder that we are a beloved people whom God gathers, that then become a chosen people whom God sends. LIVE TEACHING PODCAST

Pastor Mike shares that benediction is reminder that we are a beloved people whom God gathers, that then become a chosen people whom God sends. <h2>LIVE TEACHING PODCAST</h2>

Magic Kingdom

Welcome to The Ecclesia Podcast, a place where we share stories and conversations about what it means to live in a holistic, Christian, missional community. In this episode, Pastor Chris sits down with Pastor Mike to discuss his time at Ecclesia as he prepares to move on to a new season planting his own church in SW Houston.At Ecclesia, our mission is to be a community that seeks to follow Jesus in all areas of life, and that includes our worship. We believe that there are many ways to worship God beyond just music and Sunday gatherings. If you're interested in learning more about our church community in Houston, Texas, please visit our website at www.ecclesiahouston.org. There you can learn more about ways to connect in small groups where you can share stories and remember together.Thank you for listening to The Ecclesia Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more thought-provoking conversations about what it means to live in holistic, Christian community.

Welcome to The Ecclesia Podcast, a place where we share stories and conversations about what it means to live in a holistic, Christian, missional community. In this episode, Pastor Chris sits down with Pastor Mike to discuss his time at Ecclesia as he prepares to move on to a new season planting his own church in SW Houston.At Ecclesia, our mission is to be a community that seeks to follow Jesus in all areas of life, and that includes our worship. We believe that there are many ways to worship God beyond just music and Sunday gatherings. If you're interested in learning more about our church community in Houston, Texas, please visit our website at <a href="http://www.ecclesiahouston.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ecclesiahouston.org</a>. There you can learn more about ways to connect in small groups where you can share stories and remember together.Thank you for listening to The Ecclesia Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more thought-provoking conversations about what it means to live in holistic, Christian community.

A Conversation With Mike Yager

A collection of media, reflections, and resources from our weekend gatherings. For additional information on Ecclesia Houston visit us online at http://ecclesiahouston.org

The miracle of Pentecost remind us of who we are as a church. This story invites is to imagine a new world, requires community, and celebrates differences while uniting under a shared vision and spirit.  LIVE TEACHING PODCAST SCRIPTURES &amp; REFERENCES Acts 2:1-41 When the holy day of Pentecost came 50 days after Passover, they were gathered together in one place. 2 Picture yourself among the disciples:A sound roars from the sky without warning, the roar of a violent wind, and the whole house where you are gathered reverberates with the sound. 3 Then a flame appears, dividing into smaller flames and spreading from one person to the next. 4 All the people present are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in languages they’ve never spoken, as the Spirit empowers them.Acts 2:5-215 Because of the holy festival, there are devout Jews staying as pilgrims in Jerusalem from every nation under the sun. 6 They hear the sound, and a crowd gathers. They are amazed because each of them can hear the group speaking in their native languages. 7 They are shocked and amazed by this.Pilgrims: Just a minute. Aren’t all of these people Galileans? 8 How in the world do we all hear our native languages being spoken? 9 Look—there are Parthians here, and Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamians, and Judeans, residents of Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygians and Pamphylians, Egyptians and Libyans from Cyrene, Romans including both Jews by birth and converts, 11 Cretans, and Arabs. We’re each, in our own languages, hearing these people talk about God’s powerful deeds.12 Their amazement becomes confusion as they wonder,Pilgrims: What does this mean?Skeptics: 13 It doesn’t mean anything. They’re all drunk on some fresh wine!14 As the twelve stood together, Peter shouted to the crowd,Peter: Men of Judea and all who are staying here in Jerusalem, listen. I want you to understand: 15 these people aren’t drunk as you may think. Look, it’s only nine o’clock in the morning! 16 No, this isn’t drunkenness; this is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. 17 Hear what God says!  In the last days,  I will offer My Spirit to humanity as a libation.  Your children will boldly speak the word of the Lord.  Young warriors will see visions,  and your elders will dream dreams.  18  Yes, in those days I shall offer My Spirit to all servants,  both male and female, and they will boldly speak My word.19  And in the heaven above and on the earth below,  I shall give signs of impending judgment: blood, fire, and clouds of smoke.  20 The sun will become a void of darkness,  and the moon will become blood.  Then the great and dreadful day of the Lord will arrive,  21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord         will be liberated into God’s freedom and peace.

The miracle of Pentecost remind us of who we are as a church. This story invites is to imagine a new world, requires community, and celebrates differences while uniting under a shared vision and spirit. <h2>LIVE TEACHING PODCAST</h2> <h2>SCRIPTURES &amp; REFERENCES</h2> Acts 2:1-41 When the holy day of Pentecost came 50 days after Passover, they were gathered together in one place. 2 Picture yourself among the disciples:A sound roars from the sky without warning, the roar of a violent wind, and the whole house where you are gathered reverberates with the sound. 3 Then a flame appears, dividing into smaller flames and spreading from one person to the next. 4 All the people present are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in languages they’ve never spoken, as the Spirit empowers them.Acts 2:5-215 Because of the holy festival, there are devout Jews staying as pilgrims in Jerusalem from every nation under the sun. 6 They hear the sound, and a crowd gathers. They are amazed because each of them can hear the group speaking in their native languages. 7 They are shocked and amazed by this.Pilgrims: Just a minute. Aren’t all of these people Galileans? 8 How in the world do we all hear our native languages being spoken? 9 Look—there are Parthians here, and Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamians, and Judeans, residents of Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygians and Pamphylians, Egyptians and Libyans from Cyrene, Romans including both Jews by birth and converts, 11 Cretans, and Arabs. We’re each, in our own languages, hearing these people talk about God’s powerful deeds.12 Their amazement becomes confusion as they wonder,Pilgrims: What does this mean?Skeptics: 13 It doesn’t mean anything. They’re all drunk on some fresh wine!14 As the twelve stood together, Peter shouted to the crowd,Peter: Men of Judea and all who are staying here in Jerusalem, listen. I want you to understand: 15 these people aren’t drunk as you may think. Look, it’s only nine o’clock in the morning! 16 No, this isn’t drunkenness; this is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. 17 Hear what God says!  In the last days,  I will offer My Spirit to humanity as a libation.  Your children will boldly speak the word of the Lord.  Young warriors will see visions,  and your elders will dream dreams.  18  Yes, in those days I shall offer My Spirit to all servants,  both male and female, and they will boldly speak My word.19  And in the heaven above and on the earth below,  I shall give signs of impending judgment: blood, fire, and clouds of smoke.  20 The sun will become a void of darkness,  and the moon will become blood.  Then the great and dreadful day of the Lord will arrive,  21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord         will be liberated into God’s freedom and peace.

Pentecost

How do you spend your time? As we consider our relationship to time, we have to reflect on how we spend time. This week Pastor Sean guides us through a way to think about time &amp; faith.  Live Teaching Podcast Scriptures &amp; References Psalm 901 Lord, you have been our dwelling place  in all generations.2 Before the mountains were brought forth  or ever you had formed the earth and the world,  from everlasting to everlasting you are God.——3 You turn us[b] back to dust  and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”---4 For a thousand years in your sight  are like yesterday when it is past  or like a watch in the night.—5 You sweep them away; they are like a dream,  like grass that is renewed in the morning;6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;  in the evening it fades and withers.---10 The days of our life are seventy years  or perhaps eighty, if we are strong;even then their span[d] is only toil and trouble;  they are soon gone, and we fly away.---11 Who considers the power of your anger?  Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.—12 So teach us to count our days  that we may gain a wise heart.

How do you spend your time? As we consider our relationship to time, we have to reflect on how we spend time. This week Pastor Sean guides us through a way to think about time &amp; faith. <h2>Live Teaching Podcast</h2> <h2>Scriptures &amp; References</h2> Psalm 90 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place   in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth   or ever you had formed the earth and the world,   from everlasting to everlasting you are God. —— 3 You turn us[b] back to dust   and say, “Turn back, you mortals.” --- 4 For a thousand years in your sight   are like yesterday when it is past   or like a watch in the night. — 5 You sweep them away; they are like a dream,   like grass that is renewed in the morning; 6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;   in the evening it fades and withers. --- 10 The days of our life are seventy years   or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span[d] is only toil and trouble;   they are soon gone, and we fly away. --- 11 Who considers the power of your anger?   Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. — 12 So teach us to count our days   that we may gain a wise heart.

Remembering Time

Welcome to the Ecclesia podcast, a place where we share stories and conversations about what it means to live in a holistic, Christian, missional community. In this episode, our teaching pastors Chris Seay and Sean Palmer sit down to wrap up the series we just finished about remembering. Remembering is an important part of worship. We remember when we read scripture, share stories, sing, gather, and more. And in this practice we remind each other and ourselves of the ways we have experienced God in our lives which serves as a reminder of the ways God will continue to show up as we go about our lives.At Ecclesia, our mission is to be a community that seeks to follow Jesus in all areas of life, and that includes our worship. We believe that there are many ways to worship God beyond just music and Sunday gatherings. If you're interested in learning more about our church community in Houston, Texas, please visit our website at www.ecclesiahouston.org. There you can learn more about ways to connect in small groups that enjoy moving their bodies, including a running group! Thank you for listening to The Ecclesia Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more thought-provoking conversations about living a Christian life.

Welcome to the Ecclesia podcast, a place where we share stories and conversations about what it means to live in a holistic, Christian, missional community. In this episode, our teaching pastors Chris Seay and Sean Palmer sit down to wrap up the series we just finished about remembering. Remembering is an important part of worship. We remember when we read scripture, share stories, sing, gather, and more. And in this practice we remind each other and ourselves of the ways we have experienced God in our lives which serves as a reminder of the ways God will continue to show up as we go about our lives.At Ecclesia, our mission is to be a community that seeks to follow Jesus in all areas of life, and that includes our worship. We believe that there are many ways to worship God beyond just music and Sunday gatherings. If you're interested in learning more about our church community in Houston, Texas, please visit our website at <a href="http://www.ecclesiahouston.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ecclesiahouston.org</a>. There you can learn more about ways to connect in small groups that enjoy moving their bodies, including a running group! Thank you for listening to The Ecclesia Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more thought-provoking conversations about living a Christian life.

Remembering Recap

Guest speaker, Rochelle Palmer, shares three stories from Scripture that shaped her story as she navigates grief, joy &amp; friendship. Live Teaching Podcast Scriptures &amp; References Gen. 32:22-30  22 The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. 24 Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” 27 So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, yet my life is preserved.”Dan. 3:1-23King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do:   5 As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”7 Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.8 At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever!   10 Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.   17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace.  22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.Luke 15:11-3211 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the wealth that will belong to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant region, and there he squandered his wealth in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that region, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that region, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you;   19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’   22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.25 “Now his elder son was in the field, and as he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.   26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him.   29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command, yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’   31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”

Guest speaker, Rochelle Palmer, shares three stories from Scripture that shaped her story as she navigates grief, joy &amp; friendship. <h2>Live Teaching Podcast</h2> <h2>Scriptures &amp; References</h2> Gen. 32:22-30  22 The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. 24 Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” 27 So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, yet my life is preserved.”Dan. 3:1-23King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do:   5 As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”7 Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.8 At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever!   10 Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.   17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace.  22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.Luke 15:11-3211 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the wealth that will belong to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant region, and there he squandered his wealth in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that region, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that region, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you;   19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’   22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.25 “Now his elder son was in the field, and as he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.   26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him.   29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command, yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’   31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”

Remembering Stories

When Wayne was in charge of the movement portion of Kid's Camp in 2020, he used a very simple phrase that resonated deeply with not only the kids, but adults as well, "God made your body, and your body is good." While on the surface this is a simple concept, it unlocked a number of good conversations around Ecclesia regarding what does it mean to have a body, and what does it look like to worship God with our bodies. In this episode of the podcast Wayne sits down with Eric to have a conversation around the topic of worship through the act of moving your body. They covered things such as body positivity, what it means to embrace discomfort, and Wayne also shares about his own journey with exploring his own relationship with his body over the course of his life.At Ecclesia, our mission is to be a community that seeks to follow Jesus in all areas of life, and that includes our worship. We believe that there are many ways to worship God beyond just music and Sunday gatherings. If you're interested in learning more about our church community in Houston, Texas, please visit our website at www.ecclesiahouston.org. There you can learn more about ways to connect in small groups that enjoy moving their bodies, including a running group! Thank you for listening to The Ecclesia Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more thought-provoking conversations about living a Christian life.

When Wayne was in charge of the movement portion of Kid's Camp in 2020, he used a very simple phrase that resonated deeply with not only the kids, but adults as well, "God made your body, and your body is good." While on the surface this is a simple concept, it unlocked a number of good conversations around Ecclesia regarding what does it mean to have a body, and what does it look like to worship God with our bodies. In this episode of the podcast Wayne sits down with Eric to have a conversation around the topic of worship through the act of moving your body. They covered things such as body positivity, what it means to embrace discomfort, and Wayne also shares about his own journey with exploring his own relationship with his body over the course of his life.At Ecclesia, our mission is to be a community that seeks to follow Jesus in all areas of life, and that includes our worship. We believe that there are many ways to worship God beyond just music and Sunday gatherings. If you're interested in learning more about our church community in Houston, Texas, please visit our website at <a href="http://www.ecclesiahouston.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ecclesiahouston.org</a>. There you can learn more about ways to connect in small groups that enjoy moving their bodies, including a running group! Thank you for listening to The Ecclesia Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more thought-provoking conversations about living a Christian life.

Worship Through Movement

When most people hear the word worship they either think of a type of music, or about gathering together at a church for a service, but really worship means so much more than that. As we jump into a new season of The Ecclesia Podcast we wanted to begin with an examination of what it looks like to worship holistically, with our mind, body, and spirit, and to worship with every part of our lives. In this episode, our guests Alexandra and Misty join us to explore the topic of contemplative spiritual practices as a form of worship.In today's fast-paced and hectic world, there is very little silence and stillness. However, through contemplative practices such as meditation, centering prayer, and lectio divina, we can connect with God in a deeper, more intimate way. Our guests share their own experiences with these practices and how they have helped them grow closer to God.Whether you are in the Houston area or part of the larger Christian community, we invite you to join us as we dive into the beauty of contemplative practices and how they can help us connect with God, as well as the world around us. You'll learn practical tips for incorporating these practices into your daily life, as well as insights on how they can enhance your spiritual journey. At Ecclesia, our mission is to be a community that seeks to follow Jesus in all areas of life, and that includes our worship. We believe that there are many ways to worship God beyond just music and Sunday gatherings. If you're interested in learning more about our church community in Houston, Texas, please visit our website at www.ecclesiahouston.org. There you can learn more about our guided spiritual contemplative practice called Be Still, where we explore ways to connect with God through silence and stillness.Thank you for listening to The Ecclesia Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more thought-provoking conversations about living a Christian life. And if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others who might benefit from these insights on contemplative practices as a form of worship.

When most people hear the word worship they either think of a type of music, or about gathering together at a church for a service, but really worship means so much more than that. As we jump into a new season of The Ecclesia Podcast we wanted to begin with an examination of what it looks like to worship holistically, with our mind, body, and spirit, and to worship with every part of our lives. In this episode, our guests Alexandra and Misty join us to explore the topic of contemplative spiritual practices as a form of worship.In today's fast-paced and hectic world, there is very little silence and stillness. However, through contemplative practices such as meditation, centering prayer, and lectio divina, we can connect with God in a deeper, more intimate way. Our guests share their own experiences with these practices and how they have helped them grow closer to God.Whether you are in the Houston area or part of the larger Christian community, we invite you to join us as we dive into the beauty of contemplative practices and how they can help us connect with God, as well as the world around us. You'll learn practical tips for incorporating these practices into your daily life, as well as insights on how they can enhance your spiritual journey. At Ecclesia, our mission is to be a community that seeks to follow Jesus in all areas of life, and that includes our worship. We believe that there are many ways to worship God beyond just music and Sunday gatherings. If you're interested in learning more about our church community in Houston, Texas, please visit our website at <a href="http://www.ecclesiahouston.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ecclesiahouston.org</a>. There you can learn more about our guided spiritual contemplative practice called Be Still, where we explore ways to connect with God through silence and stillness.Thank you for listening to The Ecclesia Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more thought-provoking conversations about living a Christian life. And if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others who might benefit from these insights on contemplative practices as a form of worship.

Worship through Contemplative Practice

One of the reasons we listen and engage with teaching and preaching each week is to re-engage with the stories &amp; messages of the Scriptures. Pastor Sean invites us to consider why we need this continual act of engagement with the Scriptures through teaching and preaching. Live Teaching Podcast Scriptures &amp; References “What makes the difference to our behaviour is less what we believe than the phenomenon of being reminded, even subconsciously, of what we believe.”  — Ara NozorayanWhen everyone had settled, they re-gathered in Jerusalem. Everyone met in the square that is in front of the water gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the book of the law, the word the Eternal sent through Moses to Israel. 2 Ezra the priest did as they asked, bringing God’s law to Israel. The community included both men and women—anyone who was able to understand was welcomed. This gathering took place on the first day of the seventh month. 3 Facing the people in the square, next to the water gate, he began to read excerpts. The document was massive, and just reading parts took him six or seven hours, from daybreak until noon. Everyone who was there heard him: men, women—anyone with the ability to understand. As he read, they were focused and listened carefully to the book of the law.4 And as he read, Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform made for this very occasion.Nehemiah 8:1-4Ezra opened the book of the law. As he opened the book, everyone stood. 6 Then Ezra called out and blessed the Eternal, worshiping God’s greatness. With their hands raised to the heavens, the people called out loudly in response, crying, “Amen! So may it be!” Then they fell to their knees and bowed. With their faces to the ground, they worshiped the Eternal. 7-8 Ezra read the law, the people listened, and the Levites explained it to them….Now, as God’s law was read, the people began to weep. But Nehemiah (the Persians’ appointed governor), Ezra the priest and scribe, and all the ministering Levites said to the people,Leaders: This day is sacred to the Eternal One, your God. It is not a day for mourning and weeping.Ezra: 10 Go back to your homes, and prepare a feast. Bring out the best food and drink you have, and welcome all to your table, especially those who have nothing. This day is special. It is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve over your past mistakes. Let the Eternal’s own joy be your protection!Nehemiah 8:5b-10“The destructive quality of spiritual amnesia is that we forget the promise in light of the problem, and we also forget the times when the provision was made for us and we found ourselves standing safe and secure on the other side.” ― Casey Tygrett, As I Recall: Discovering the Place of Memories in Our Spiritual Life“We live at a time when we believe we should have no story, except the story we chose when we had no story. We call this freedom.”  -- Walter BrueggemenNehemiah 5:19Nehemiah: 19 Remember me for the good I have done, my True God, for how I have served Your people.Nehemiah 13:14Nehemiah: 14 O God—my God—remember this good thing I have done. Do not forget the way I have served Your temple and its servants.Nehemiah 13:22bNehemiah: O God—my God—remember my actions. Because of Your great love, show me mercy.Nehemiah 13:31Nehemiah: O God—my God—remember me with favor.Also (in Neh. 6:14 and 13:29) he asks God to remember those who were against him and against Israel, for he knew that only God would deal justly with His enemies.Nehemiah 6:14My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat, according to these their works, and the prophetess who would have made me afraid.Nehemiah 13:29Nehemiah: 29 O God—my God—remember how these men polluted the priesthood and the sacred vows of the priests and Levites.

One of the reasons we listen and engage with teaching and preaching each week is to re-engage with the stories &amp; messages of the Scriptures. Pastor Sean invites us to consider why we need this continual act of engagement with the Scriptures through teaching and preaching. <h1>Live Teaching Podcast</h1> <h1>Scriptures &amp; References</h1> “What makes the difference to our behaviour is less what we believe than the phenomenon of being reminded, even subconsciously, of what we believe.” — Ara Nozorayan When everyone had settled, they re-gathered in Jerusalem. Everyone met in the square that is in front of the water gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the book of the law, the word the Eternal sent through Moses to Israel. 2 Ezra the priest did as they asked, bringing God’s law to Israel. The community included both men and women—anyone who was able to understand was welcomed. This gathering took place on the first day of the seventh month. 3 Facing the people in the square, next to the water gate, he began to read excerpts. The document was massive, and just reading parts took him six or seven hours, from daybreak until noon. Everyone who was there heard him: men, women—anyone with the ability to understand. As he read, they were focused and listened carefully to the book of the law.4 And as he read, Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform made for this very occasion.Nehemiah 8:1-4Ezra opened the book of the law. As he opened the book, everyone stood. 6 Then Ezra called out and blessed the Eternal, worshiping God’s greatness. With their hands raised to the heavens, the people called out loudly in response, crying, “Amen! So may it be!” Then they fell to their knees and bowed. With their faces to the ground, they worshiped the Eternal. 7-8 Ezra read the law, the people listened, and the Levites explained it to them….Now, as God’s law was read, the people began to weep. But Nehemiah (the Persians’ appointed governor), Ezra the priest and scribe, and all the ministering Levites said to the people,Leaders: This day is sacred to the Eternal One, your God. It is not a day for mourning and weeping.Ezra: 10 Go back to your homes, and prepare a feast. Bring out the best food and drink you have, and welcome all to your table, especially those who have nothing. This day is special. It is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve over your past mistakes. Let the Eternal’s own joy be your protection!Nehemiah 8:5b-10“The destructive quality of spiritual amnesia is that we forget the promise in light of the problem, and we also forget the times when the provision was made for us and we found ourselves standing safe and secure on the other side.” ― Casey Tygrett, As I Recall: Discovering the Place of Memories in Our Spiritual Life“We live at a time when we believe we should have no story, except the story we chose when we had no story. We call this freedom.” -- Walter BrueggemenNehemiah 5:19Nehemiah: 19 Remember me for the good I have done, my True God, for how I have served Your people.Nehemiah 13:14Nehemiah: 14 O God—my God—remember this good thing I have done. Do not forget the way I have served Your temple and its servants.Nehemiah 13:22bNehemiah: O God—my God—remember my actions. Because of Your great love, show me mercy.Nehemiah 13:31Nehemiah: O God—my God—remember me with favor.Also (in Neh. 6:14 and 13:29) he asks God to remember those who were against him and against Israel, for he knew that only God would deal justly with His enemies.Nehemiah 6:14My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat, according to these their works, and the prophetess who would have made me afraid.Nehemiah 13:29Nehemiah: 29 O God—my God—remember how these men polluted the priesthood and the sacred vows of the priests and Levites.

Re-membering Purpose - Teaching & Proclamation

We all walk through challenges, but we are better equipped for them when facing them together with friends and family. This week Pastor Chris continues our series on remembering by talking about the value of living life in community. Live Teaching Podcast Scriptures &amp; references “I often found myself preferring the company of people outside my congregation, men and women who did not follow Jesus. Or worse, preferring the company of my sovereign self. But soon I found that my preferences were honored by neither Scripture nor Jesus. I didn't come to the conviction easily, but finally there was no getting around it: there can be no maturity in the spiritual life, no obedience in following Jesus, no wholeness in the Christian life apart from immersion and embrace of community. I am not myself by myself. Community, not the highly vaunted individualism of our culture, is the setting in which Christ is at play.”— Eugene Peterson “The opposite of addiction Isn’t sobriety - its connection!”   — Johan Hare“Movie sets are so weird now, as actors no longer get drunk and fall in love with each other because of mobile phones. It's so sad.”— Hugh GrantEcclesiastes 4:7-12Again I observed another example of how fleeting life is under the sun: 8 a person who is all alone—with no child, no sibling—yet he works hard his entire life. Still he is never satisfied with the wealth he gains. Does he stop to ask, “Why am I working so hard?” or “Why am I depriving myself of life’s simple pleasures?” This, too, is fleeting, like trying to catch hold of a breath; it’s a miserable situation.9 Two are better than one because a good return comes when two work together. 10 If one of them falls, the other can help him up. But who will help the pitiful person who falls down alone? 11 In the same way, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm. But how will the one who sleeps alone stay warm against the night? 12 And if one person is vulnerable to attack, two can drive the attacker away. As the saying goes, “A rope made of three strands is not quickly broken.”To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves Love one another (John 13:34) Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10) Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10)Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)Build up one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)Be likeminded towards one another (Romans 15:5)Accept one another (Romans 15:7)Admonish one another (Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16)Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:2, 32; Colossians 3:13)Be patient with one another (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13)Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15, 25)Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32)Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songsSubmit to one another (Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5)Consider others better than yourselves Philippians 2:3)Look to the interests of one another (Philippians 2:4)Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13)Teach one another (Colossians 3:16)Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)Exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13)Stir up [provoke, stimulate] one another to love and good worksShow hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)Employ the gifts that God has given us for the benefit of one and Clothe yourselves with humility towards one another (1 Peter 5:5)Pray for one another (James 5:16)Confess your faults to one another (James 5:16)

We all walk through challenges, but we are better equipped for them when facing them together with friends and family. This week Pastor Chris continues our series on remembering by talking about the value of living life in community. <h1>Live Teaching Podcast</h1> <h1>Scriptures &amp; references</h1> “I often found myself preferring the company of people outside my congregation, men and women who did not follow Jesus. Or worse, preferring the company of my sovereign self. But soon I found that my preferences were honored by neither Scripture nor Jesus. I didn't come to the conviction easily, but finally there was no getting around it: there can be no maturity in the spiritual life, no obedience in following Jesus, no wholeness in the Christian life apart from immersion and embrace of community. I am not myself by myself. Community, not the highly vaunted individualism of our culture, is the setting in which Christ is at play.”— Eugene Peterson “The opposite of addiction Isn’t sobriety - its connection!”   — Johan Hare“Movie sets are so weird now, as actors no longer get drunk and fall in love with each other because of mobile phones. It's so sad.”— Hugh GrantEcclesiastes 4:7-12Again I observed another example of how fleeting life is under the sun: 8 a person who is all alone—with no child, no sibling—yet he works hard his entire life. Still he is never satisfied with the wealth he gains. Does he stop to ask, “Why am I working so hard?” or “Why am I depriving myself of life’s simple pleasures?” This, too, is fleeting, like trying to catch hold of a breath; it’s a miserable situation.9 Two are better than one because a good return comes when two work together. 10 If one of them falls, the other can help him up. But who will help the pitiful person who falls down alone? 11 In the same way, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm. But how will the one who sleeps alone stay warm against the night? 12 And if one person is vulnerable to attack, two can drive the attacker away. As the saying goes, “A rope made of three strands is not quickly broken.”To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves Love one another (John 13:34) Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10) Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10)Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)Build up one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)Be likeminded towards one another (Romans 15:5)Accept one another (Romans 15:7)Admonish one another (Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16)Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:2, 32; Colossians 3:13)Be patient with one another (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13)Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15, 25)Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32)Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songsSubmit to one another (Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5)Consider others better than yourselves Philippians 2:3)Look to the interests of one another (Philippians 2:4)Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13)Teach one another (Colossians 3:16)Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)Exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13)Stir up [provoke, stimulate] one another to love and good worksShow hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)Employ the gifts that God has given us for the benefit of one and Clothe yourselves with humility towards one another (1 Peter 5:5)Pray for one another (James 5:16)Confess your faults to one another (James 5:16)

Re-membering Community

We live in a world that dis-members us from who we are. Worship re-members us, so that we can re-member the world. So, when we worship, we are reminding ourselves what God has done and not only that, but what God is doing and going to do. Scripture &amp; References “That is part of what makes religion a force for honest and altruistic behaviour: the belief that God sees what we do…Less obvious is the experimental finding that what makes the difference to the way we behave is not simply what we believe, but rather the fact of being reminded of it.” - Jonathan Sacks“Eternal One: 2 I am the Eternal your God. I led you out of Egypt and liberated you from lives of slavery and oppression.” - Exodus 20:2“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” - Isaiah 46:9 “Then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Deuteronomy 6:12“what makes the difference to our behaviour is less what we believe than the phenomenon of being reminded, even subconsciously, of what we believe.” - Ara NozorayaJesus: 15 It has been My deep desire to eat this Passover meal with you before My suffering begins. 16 Know this: I will not eat another Passover meal until its meaning is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.17 He took a cup of wine and gave thanks for it.Jesus: Take this; share it among yourselves. 18 Know this: I will not drink another sip of wine until the kingdom of God has arrived in fullness.19 Then He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and shared it with them.Jesus: This is My body, My body given for you. Do this to remember Me.Luke 22:15-19“Worship is humble and glad; worship forgets itself in remembering God; worship celebrates the truth as God's truth, not its own.” - For All God’s Worth - NT WRIGHT No, what I want in a fast is this:         to liberate those tied down and held back by injustice,         to lighten the load of those heavily burdened,         to free the oppressed and shatter every type of oppression.7 A fast for Me involves sharing your food with people who have none,         giving those who are homeless a space in your home,     Giving clothes to those who need them, and not neglecting your own family.8 Then, oh then, your light will break out like the warm, golden rays of a rising sun;     in an instant, you will be healed. Your rightness will precede and protect you;     the glory of the Eternal will follow and defend you.9 Then when you do call out, “My God, Where are You?”     The Eternal One will answer, “I am here, I am here.” If you remove the yoke of oppression from the downtrodden among you,     stop accusing others, and do away with mean and inflammatory speech,10 If you make sure that the hungry and oppressed have all that they need,     then your light will shine in the darkness, And even your bleakest moments will be bright as a clear day.11 The Eternal One will never leave you;     He will lead you in the way that you should go. When you feel dried up and worthless,     God will nourish you and give you strength. And you will grow like a garden lovingly tended;     you will be like a spring whose water never runs out.Isaiah 58:6-11

We live in a world that dis-members us from who we are. Worship re-members us, so that we can re-member the world. So, when we worship, we are reminding ourselves what God has done and not only that, but what God is doing and going to do. <h2>Scripture &amp; References</h2> “That is part of what makes religion a force for honest and altruistic behaviour: the belief that God sees what we do…Less obvious is the experimental finding that what makes the difference to the way we behave is not simply what we believe, but rather the fact of being reminded of it.” - Jonathan Sacks“Eternal One: 2 I am the Eternal your God. I led you out of Egypt and liberated you from lives of slavery and oppression.” - Exodus 20:2“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” - Isaiah 46:9 “Then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Deuteronomy 6:12“what makes the difference to our behaviour is less what we believe than the phenomenon of being reminded, even subconsciously, of what we believe.” - Ara NozorayaJesus: 15 It has been My deep desire to eat this Passover meal with you before My suffering begins. 16 Know this: I will not eat another Passover meal until its meaning is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.17 He took a cup of wine and gave thanks for it.Jesus: Take this; share it among yourselves. 18 Know this: I will not drink another sip of wine until the kingdom of God has arrived in fullness.19 Then He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and shared it with them.Jesus: This is My body, My body given for you. Do this to remember Me.Luke 22:15-19“Worship is humble and glad; worship forgets itself in remembering God; worship celebrates the truth as God's truth, not its own.” - For All God’s Worth - NT WRIGHT No, what I want in a fast is this:         to liberate those tied down and held back by injustice,         to lighten the load of those heavily burdened,         to free the oppressed and shatter every type of oppression.7 A fast for Me involves sharing your food with people who have none,         giving those who are homeless a space in your home,     Giving clothes to those who need them, and not neglecting your own family.8 Then, oh then, your light will break out like the warm, golden rays of a rising sun;     in an instant, you will be healed. Your rightness will precede and protect you;     the glory of the Eternal will follow and defend you.9 Then when you do call out, “My God, Where are You?”     The Eternal One will answer, “I am here, I am here.” If you remove the yoke of oppression from the downtrodden among you,     stop accusing others, and do away with mean and inflammatory speech,10 If you make sure that the hungry and oppressed have all that they need,     then your light will shine in the darkness, And even your bleakest moments will be bright as a clear day.11 The Eternal One will never leave you;     He will lead you in the way that you should go. When you feel dried up and worthless,     God will nourish you and give you strength. And you will grow like a garden lovingly tended;     you will be like a spring whose water never runs out.Isaiah 58:6-11

Remember - Worship

Pastor Chris and our story team visited Turkey during Holy Week where they met with our friend Diego who is there working alongside local churches doing earthquake relief. This week Pastor Chris brings us a message from Turkey about what it looks like to join together as a global church and lean in when disaster strikes. You will also hear some of Diego's story as well as some of the story of Pastor Chenc, a pastor from Istanbul who is now running a tent city in Turkey. Live Teaching Podcast

Pastor Chris and our story team visited Turkey during Holy Week where they met with our friend Diego who is there working alongside local churches doing earthquake relief. This week Pastor Chris brings us a message from Turkey about what it looks like to join together as a global church and lean in when disaster strikes. You will also hear some of Diego's story as well as some of the story of Pastor Chenc, a pastor from Istanbul who is now running a tent city in Turkey. <h2>Live Teaching Podcast</h2>

Stories From The Turkey Earthquakes

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Ecclesia Houston

A collection of media, reflections, and resources from our weekend gatherings. For additional information on Ecclesia Houston visit us online at <a href="http://ecclesiahouston.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ecclesiahouston.org</a>

Ecclesia Houston | Weekend Podcast and Liturgy

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