Branches OC

Where are you feeling weak, vulnerable and unlikely today? Could this be the very space where "God wants to meet and transform you? God's method of divine revelation, from the beginning, seems to most often come from unlikely people in unlikely places. The outsider, marginalized, foreigner, second born, poor, oppressed and broken are the ones highlighted in the biblical narrative to be primary agents of God's plan on earth.

The unique revelation of Jesus is both radically inclusive, and radically unique. Jesus expands the visible boundaries of God's grace, and brings us to see our heavenly father as Abba.

When God first called Abraham to start a nation, He was always going to bless, protect, and provide for them as there King in heaven. Soon, his people wanted and earthly king like the other nations so God granted them Saul, then David, and Israel had their earthy kings though not perfect. Isaiah promises (Isaiah 9:6-7) His people that once again the King of heaven will be born on Christmas morning to lead them and all the nations with justice and righteousness. Jesus is our wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of peace ruling all those who make Him their king.

By God's Grace and direction, Carlos Montoya began his ministry in 1998 by penetrating, befriending, and meeting the needs of the drug gang members. He would then invite them to his church and present the message of Jesus Christ to them. Slowly, the men saw the need to change their lifestyle and a desire to be free from their addiction (drugs or alcohol). This need grew into the Rehab Ranch in the year 2000. From there, other aspects of the La Roca Ministries grew: the Orphanage, Men's Shelter, and the Dump Ministry. Today, La Roca has over eight ministry areas, all growing from within and meeting the needs of the local people of Tijuana and San Diego.

God's heart is deeply invested in caring for the poor. As followers of Jesus, we embody this priority by standing with those in need and building a new kind of family together.

This Sunday morning, Steph Rose continues our series: "Be Salt & Light".

When Jesus said there is more joy in giving than receiving, he turned our vision of living the good life on its head. The paradox of generosity is that money and happiness are related, but not the way we typically think. Not surprisingly, it seems that history has proven Jesus to be absolutely right!

To be a follower of Jesus Christ means that we are also "sent" out declaring the good news. Luke 10 gives us a comprehensive look at how we fit into God's mission. We see that the very nature of God is on mission and we are invited to join Him.

We are called to be salt, light and instruments of peace but "Being Missional" is not what we do... it's who we are in Christ!

What does contentment look like when everything falls apart? What is the promise of God regarding our circumstances? What is the secret of contentment that Paul had to learn?