God has given us the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us, but many of us haven’t been taught how that works. Elbert Paul leads a training on the fundamentals of discerning God’s voice in our lives. In Part 2/2 of this training, Elbert discusses the biblical foundation for Spirit-Led Mission & Ministry, and sets up a time of practice listening to God. Note: sequences have been shortened from their original length.

God has given us the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us, but many of us haven’t been taught how that works. Elbert Paul leads a training on the fundamentals of discerning God’s voice in our lives. In Part 1/2 of this training, Elbert discusses how we interact with God.

Ben McBride teaches on the topic of race and justice from Luke 3:2-14. He is the former director of Cityteam Oakland, and is involved in work that is on the front lines of seeking justice. His message is important as we seek God’s heart for the world.

God has a plan for the injustice of intractable poverty and we have a part to play. When this plan was applied to a poor community of former slaves they became one of the wealthiest and most powerful countries in the world. Imagine what could happen in the East Bay?

Duke Revard trains on the essentials of what it means to be the church in the everyday stuff of life at Soma SRV. Topics covered include the gospel, community, mission, our aim, and our vision at Soma. Notes from this training can be downloaded here.

This week we consider some of the most vulnerable people in society and God’s commands to seek justice through protection, provision, and inclusion.

Justice is grounded in the very character of God and God’s passion for justice shapes his plan for the world and our lives.

Jesus experiences our Darkness, our Judgement, and our God-Forsakenness. In exchange, we receive access into the very Presence of Holy God. All are invited in.

The Christian claim that God suffered for us is unique among all the religions and philosophies of the world. But it is this claim that gives followers of Jesus unique resources for suffering with courage and hope, rather than bitterness and despair.

Substitution is at the heart of both sin and salvation. Sin is choosing to substitute ourselves for God. Salvation is God choosing to substitute himself for us.