Citizens Weekly

Waiting is active, not passive. John Ortberg said that “Waiting is not just something we do until we get what we want. Waiting is a part of the process of becoming who God wants us to be.” Luke 1:5-25

The Gospel is more than just a way to get to heaven. It’s about heaven invading every space on earth. It starts before the fall, at creation itself, and encompasses the restoration of all created things. 

Lament is an important part of worship that is largely neglected today. We can feel both deep sadness, anger, and grief; and a hope that God will bring justice and healing. As the Apostle Paul said, we grieve, but not as those who have no hope. Psalm 13

In response to the murder of George Floyd, Ben confronts the church’s complicity with the sin of systemic racism, and describes what our response should and will be as citizens of heaven. 

Jesus pursued us even when we were broken and lost. In the same way, we are called to look for and love the broken world around us. James 1:27

We are both hurt in relationship and healed in relationship. Jesus lived in community and his call to follow him is synonymously a call to live in community with other students of Jesus. John 15:1-17

Jesus offers to be our good shepherd who calls us by name, leads us out, and goes ahead of us. As students of Jesus, we are learning to recognize His voice. John 10:1-11