Everyone has an opinion these days. Am I right? Dad jokes aside, we do live in a time when most people seem to be slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to anger. Yet, God challenges His people to do the exact opposite... be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Since the dawn of the internet and social media, everyone has a platform where they can voice their opinions. While this has had many benefits, we can also recognize that most of the opinions out there are not constructive and do not make this world a better place. But why is it important to be quick to listen and slow to speak? This is what we attempt to address.

James 1:19, 3:1-12

Spiritual Growth happens slowly, which means it cannot be forced, faked, or manipulated. But what are the steps toward spiritual growth? The American Church has been preaching the gospel of celebration and triumphalism for decades, which has led to destructive results. This was on display for the entire world to see on January 6 at the insurrection in the nation's capital. When we don't go through the proper steps towards spiritual growth, Christians run the risk of having a faith that is immature, one-dimensional or shallow.

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

God is giving us an important word for 2021 that we all need to hear... SLOW THE F DOWN. Even though it's a new year, it will take several months to go back to "normal," and we don't know what that new normal will really look like. But if there's one gift that 2020 has given us in its great year of disruption, it is to SLOW THE F DOWN.

We hope this word can serve and benefit you as we start this new year together.

Matthew 11:28-30

The Roman Empire in the 1st century was pursuing the same thing that God pursued when He sent Jesus Christ into the world: peace on earth. However, the Roman Empire's idea of peace was very different from Jesus' idea of peace. Likewise, the 21st century American idea of peace is very different from Jesus' idea of peace. Jesus came to bring true peace to the world, but he was not born into a modest family instead of a royal family; he was surrounded by animals at his birth rather than a doctor or extended family; and he was placed in a manger instead of a crib. The world brings about "peace" through fear, power, and control while Jesus brings about peace through love, humility, and selflessness.

Luke 2:1-12

Contrary to popular belief, joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is an emotion while joy is a state of being. Even if circumstances are bleak, as 2020 certainly has been for many people, we can still live in a state of joy. In fact, a life of happiness without joy is a life of emptiness. Today we look at the example of Mary and the joy she possessed despite numerous struggles.

Luke 1:46-55

If there's anything 2020 has taught us, it's that we need loving relationships, human connection, and authentic community now more than ever. Love was not a value was highly esteemed in the ancient world. When Jesus was born, He brought light and love into a world full of hate and darkness. While times may have changed, light and love are still heavily lacking. We all are in desperate need of Jesus' love.

John 3:16-21

Advent is about waiting for the arrival of Jesus to a dark and weary world. "Waiting" has taken on an entirely new meaning in 2020. Most people fall into three camps with regard to waiting in 2020: struggling, surviving, or thriving. While waiting is a normal part of life, God implores His people to wait with hope. Waiting with hope is not a passive form of waiting because hope is the prerequisite to peace, hope sustains God's people through suffering, and hope does not disappoint.

Romans 5:1-5

The 21st century Church needs a New Reformation, one that moves away from Whitewashed theology and more towards a colorful faith that is led by BIPOC, women of faith, and the marginalized. "God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right."

Acts 10

Do you ever wonder, "I don't belong here"? Most of us have a nagging sense that we don't ultimately belong here on earth. Human beings are meant to find our permanent home somewhere else. Philippians 3 affirms that we are citizens of heaven before being citizens of any earthly nation. What does it mean to be a citizen of heaven? While we may wish to depart this earth and be fully united with God in spirit, we must remain as residents for the time being. But why? In light of this post Elections Week, we need a sober reminder of where our loyalty first lies... in heaven or on earth.

Philippians 3:15-21

How should people of faith engage in politics? While some may completely disengage and others might obsess over politics, finding the right balance of political engagement can be tricky. The goal has been and always will be loving God and loving our neighbors. Politics matter because people matter, and politics influence the policies that have an effect on people. Rev. Eugene Cho of "Bread for the World" and "One Day's Wages" gives a message at Perch.Church on the taboo topic of "Faith & Politics" that is powerful, provocative, and prophetic.

Matthew 5:1-10