We’ve mixed up cause and effect. This week, Pastor Mia examines the missionary Paul’s letter to the church in Rome. In that letter, Paul makes the point that Abraham’s obedience was an effect of God‘s promise—not the cause. Paul teaches us that God’s promise is not limited to Abraham‘s biological family. It’s for his spiritual family too. Therefore, we don’t have to be noticed first for God to save us.

The message in Ephesians 4:1–16, a letter attributed to Paul, is Unity in the Body of Christ. We are created for connection with each other and connection with God, but loyalties to families or nations that don't always agree can lead to resistance. This week, Pastor Mia reminds us that Christian unity comes from common love of God instead of likemindedness. In a world permeated by lonliness and isolation, the need for connection is at an all-time high. To get there, we need to be patient with each other and persistent in being together.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12–20 Paul gives us the metaphor of the body of Christ. In this Scripture, Paul explains how the church is like a human body. That is, like a body, the church has unique and diverse parts that function best when they work together. Each of us possess distinct talents, and sometimes that diversity leads to disagreements and different goals. This week, guest speaker, Patrick Meisen reminds us to appreciate the gifts of others. Because when love is the driving force and and we pool our various gifts, we can accomplish amazing things.

Luke 14 includes the story of a party host who wanted his house to be filled. The Parable of the Great Banquet is about our invitation to the Kingdom of God. This invitation is not limited to those considered the "right" people—it's for everyone. This week, Pastor Mia challenges us to think about being invited to this feast. Some will refuse. Others will think they aren't good enough to be there. And some will come freely. How will you respond?

Like the Samaritan who showed kindness for a severly beaten man on the road to Jericho (Luke 10:29-37), we get close to Christ when we help a stranger or someone in need. But many, many people both close to home and around the world are living in dire situations. And hearing about it all can lead to compassion fatigue. This week, Pastor Mia shares some guidance for becoming a good neighbor. Find out why it's not the burden of one person alone.

Jesus encourages us to go to uncomfortable places. In Luke 6:32-38, he tells us there is no credit in loving those who love us. Instead, Jesus calls us to love our enemies and to serve those who cannot repay us. This week, Pastor Mia explains the concept of going where Jesus would be. When we seek out people who are different and love them, our service becomes relational. Find out why.

Light and darkness are central in the gospel of John. The light is the presence of God and faith, and darkness is unbelief and the rejection of God. This week, Pastor Mia examines why people love darkness intead of the light. In a world where we want to avoid condemnation for our failings, the dark enables us to hide bad actions, shame, and guilt. So what does it take to move to the light? Simply put, the courage to be honest with God.

St. Paul was intense, strong in his convictions, and he seemed to love confrontation. Because of those charactaristics, he might not seem like the best person to spread the good news. However, Paul knew how to meet people where they were. During a visit to Athens, he named the goodness and holiness he saw in the Greek Gentiles who didn't follow the law. This week, Pastor Mia shows how Paul's approach of listening and understanding helped the Athenians realize that Jesus was already among them.

This week Pastor Mia guides us through Acts 10, a turning point in sharing the good news with people who are different. In this story, God brings together the disciple Peter and the military leader Cornelius. Until this meeting, Peter closely followed Jewish law and avoided people like Cornelius because they were gentiles. Listen and learn as Peter changes the way he thinks about going out and making disciples of all nations.

The Great Commission is Jesus's last coaching session. In that final gathering after the resurrection, he told the eleven remaining disciples to go and make more disciples, baptize, and teach. Some of those disciples, like us, had doubts about sharing their faith. This week, Pastor Mia looks at ways to handle our uncertainty and grow to realize that sharing matters.