Jesus Culture Sacramento Message of the Week

Worry and anxiety is experienced by every human being on earth, and it is one of the most culturally accepted sins. Pastor Becky Johnson teaches us out of Matthew 6, that our primary pursuit in life needs to be Jesus and His Kingdom. Worry and anxiety divides our focus and distracts us from this. Part of overcoming worry and anxiety in our lives is connected to the understanding that we are incredibly loved and valued by God.

Our obsession with digital devices has numbed us, sedated us, and exhausted us. Most people would admit to feeling lonelier and more disconnected than ever, and life continues to pass us by. Dr. Darren Whitehead, Senior Pastor of Church of the City in Nashville, Tennessee, calls our church family to a 40 day digital fast to self-observe what happens in us, our friendships, and our families and children. What happens when we intentionally reduce the noise, the distractions, the notifications, the constant buzzing in the pocket…what will it feel like for you?

As believers, we can become familiar with the stories of scripture and the teachings of Jesus. The danger with this, is that the Bible can begin to lose its edge. Pastor Banning Liebscher teaches us about the importance of recognizing that in order to follow Jesus and be a true disciple, there is a cost- we are required to give up everything that we have.

Courage is the most important thing that men need to cultivate in their lives. Many of the issues we are facing in culture is less about fatherlessness and more about “brotherlessness.” Danny Silk, co-founder of Loving on Purpose, speaks to the men of our house on the importance of surrounding oneself with great men of God in order to become a better man.

God made us to know the fullness of Him and has not called us to settle with the things we struggle with. Pastor SeaJay Liebscher reminds us that we are called to be men and women that fight for our victory, and pursue all that God has for us. It’s our responsibility to work with God to get our breakthrough.

A praying church points prayer at others, not just themselves. Pastor Banning challenges us to be people that ask for prayer and give prayer constantly.

Human nature is to form pagan beliefs, and we do this often when we base God’s power on our experiences and what makes sense to us. Pastor Becky Johnson confronts us with the reality that when we detach from the truth of God, and begin to form beliefs that oppose Him, we cannot access all that He has for us. This leads to a distorted view of who He is.

You develop strength in seasons of hardship. Lisa Bevere, author, speaker, and Founder of Messenger International, shares a timely word about the importance of being people that pursue God whole heartedly, and don’t shy away from speaking truth in the midst of earthly trials.

God invites us to be cheerful and generous givers. Pastor Banning Liebscher teaches us that regular giving is a discipline that God invites us to develop in our lives, and is a counter cultural practice. Giving is one of the most radical things you can engage in on earth.

There’s something in each of us that wants to take the Bible literally, but often life and circumstances get in the way. Pastor Neil Smith, International Director of Planetshakers, encourages us to be people that pray with power and boldness. Our confidence must come from God!