In this powerful exploration of covenant, we dive deep into the heart of God's relationship with His people. The central focus is on Abraham's covenant, a pivotal moment in Genesis that shapes the entire narrative of Scripture. We're challenged to move beyond a contractual mindset with God, where we seek only benefits, to a covenantal relationship of full commitment. Just as Abraham was called to leave everything familiar and trust God completely, we too are invited into a journey of faith that requires our whole lives. The parallels between Abraham's story and our own are striking - God calls us to be blessed so that we can bless others, to be chosen so that we can choose others. This message urges us to embrace the transformative power of covenant, reminding us that in saying 'yes' to God's call, even when we can't see the future, we open ourselves to a destiny far greater than we could imagine. As we reflect on this, we're prompted to examine our own relationship with God - are we living contractually or covenantally? The answer to this question could radically reshape our faith journey.

Pastor Tyler kicks off our new sermon series, Year of Living Biblically, by sharing a personal commitment to read the Bible through in a year, highlighting how unfamiliarity with the Bible can often lead to assumptions that it’s unfruitful. He sets up the idea that our approach to the Bible matters, and the problem may not be the Bible itself, but how we read it.

We invite you to join the Bible reading plan through the ASC app and to engage in prayer, asking for God’s guidance in understanding the Bible not just as a text but as a living word that leads to transformation through Christ.

In this enlightening episode of the "But I Tell You" podcast, we dive into a transformative conversation with Joey Odom during our 28 Day Digital fast. Joey is the co-inventor of Aro—a groundbreaking technology designed to reshape how we engage with our phones and deepen our most important relationships. A One that many of you have been using to be more presence with God and others.

Joey shares his personal journey, including a pivotal moment that shifted his perspective on being present with his family. To discover how individuals and families can reclaim moments that matter most by addressing our compulsive phone habits.

Join us as we explore practical steps to enhance our intimacy with loved ones and our spiritual connection with Christ. Joey's insights offer a fresh perspective on the impact of technology on relationships and how we can regain control over our habits.

Whether you're a parent wanting to be more present for your kids or someone seeking a closer relationship with Jesus, this episode provides valuable encouragement and actionable steps to help you live more intentionally. A perfect way to finish our 28 day digital fast as a church.

Don't miss out on this inspiring discussion! Be sure to subscribe, share, and follow on Social at @ButITellYouPod (www.instagram.com/ButITellYouPod)

Explore the Aro app: Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Check out the Digital Fast 2025 initiative: Visit digitalfast2025.com to learn more.

Your presence matters. Let's reclaim it together.

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of busyness and anxiety. This message challenges us to recognize the spiritual warfare at play in our distracted lives. Drawing from 1 Peter 5:7-9, we're reminded of the powerful truth that we can cast all our anxieties on God because He cares for us. The imagery of Satan as a prowling lion seeking to devour us serves as a wake-up call to be alert and sober-minded. But here's the good news: we're not left defenseless. By remaining in Christ, as beautifully illustrated in John 15's vine and branches metaphor, we find our source of strength and peace. This isn't about adding more to our already busy lives, but about holy subtraction - intentionally creating space to abide in Jesus. As we do this, we not only find personal transformation but become a witness to an anxious world, showing what it truly means to be disciples of Christ.

In our digital age, we're constantly bombarded with information, leading to what can be called 'incoming content overload.' This phenomenon not only affects our daily lives but also impacts our relationship with God. The scripture from Psalm 103:2, 'Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits,' reminds us of the importance of remembering God's goodness. We're prone to forget, constantly consuming new information without taking time to digest the blessings we've already received. This parallels the story of the Israelites in Exodus, who quickly forgot God's miraculous deliverance. By practicing gratitude and intentionally remembering God's benefits, we can shift our perspective and deepen our relationship with Him. It's crucial for us to create space in our busy lives to delight in God, not just consuming more content, but reflecting on what He has already done for us.

Clair dives into the timeless story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to explore sacred boundaries. This narrative reveals a profound truth: we were created for limits, not to restrict us, but to invite us into a deeper relationship with God. The serpent's temptation to 'be like God' mirrors our modern struggle with technology, as we strive to be all-knowing, all-present, and all-powerful through our devices. But what if these limitations are actually divine gifts? By embracing our human limits, we make room for God to move in our lives, freeing us from the exhausting pursuit of godlike status. As we consider a 'digital fast,' we're challenged to reexamine our relationship with technology and rediscover the beauty of being present in the physical world God has placed us in.

In this episode of the "But I Tell You" podcast, join us for a compelling conversation with Jay Kim, lead pastor of Westgate Church in Silicon Valley and acclaimed author of books like "Analog Christian," "Analog Church," and "Listen, Listen, Speak." Recorded live from the Practicing the Way conference in Portland, Jay opens up about his personal journey of faith and formation, challenging the conventional idea that discipleship is merely about getting better and doing more.

Discover how Jay's experiences in therapy, spiritual direction, and authentic friendships have led him to a deeper awareness and a more meaningful life focused on wholeness rather than endless self-improvement. He shares profound insights into living fully present with God, countering the cultural pressures of perfectionism and performance that pervade our lives.

Tune in to explore the transformative power of desiring what is already yours—God's love and presence—and learn how this perspective can free you to live more genuinely and joyfully in the here and now. Don't miss out on this inspiring dialogue that encourages us all to embrace our true selves and find real meaning in life's journey.

If you enjoy the episode, remember to like, subscribe, and share with friends. Follow us on social media at @ButITellYouPod for more content and updates! Likewise via subscribing to Tyler's Newsletter

Finally, This episode is produced with generous care by Sami Mititelu

More about Pastor Jay Kim: Jay serves as lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley of California. He is the author of Listen Listen Speak, Analog Christian, Analog Church, and Colossians: One Jesus, One People. He is also a contributing author to Faithful Exiles, Before You Lose Your Faith, and Red Skies. He has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, Outreach, and Relevant Magazine. He is the host of IVP’s Digital Examen Podcast and Barna’s Making Space Podcast. You can email him at [email protected] about just about anything. You can also connect with him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. He'd love to hear from you!

Pastor Tyler challenges us to confront our relationship with technology and its impact on our spiritual lives. The story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of choosing 'the better part' - sitting at Jesus' feet and truly listening. We're asked to consider: are we more like Martha, distracted and worried by many things, or Mary, focused on what truly matters? The parallel between Martha's distractions and our modern digital distractions is striking. Just as Martha was 'pulled away' and 'dragged in different directions,' so too are we by our devices. This message urges us to become what we behold most - and challenges us to behold Christ more than our screens. It's a call to intentional spiritual formation, to counter the unintentional formation that happens through our digital habits. We're reminded that 'attention is the beginning of devotion,' and invited to redirect our attention from our devices to the transformative presence of Jesus.

Take a look forward with us as we dream on God's faithfulness in Seattle and at A Seattle Church.

Take a look back with us as we reflect on God's goodness and faithfulness in Seattle and at A Seattle Church.