“The good life” according to Jesus, doesn’t consist of fame and the approval of others, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at our world today. We are so good at presenting an image of the type of person we want to be. Only posting the best pictures. Only sharing the moments where we are winning. We like to make sure people know when we’re being awesome.

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18

Song: AM by Ikson™

Video showed during the sermon: Swag Seminary

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The cultural understanding of “The Good Life” is usually understood to be about upward mobility and the “American Dream”: financial freedom, material abundance, success, and social status. We think happiness is determined by the next best thing. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus turns the definition of “the good life” upside down.

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Song: エスケープ by Ikson™

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As we do from time to time, we put the usual preaching schedule on hold while we explore public theology together. We will again field questions from the congregation around the theme of things that cause us to doubt or to question.

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Song: Take Off by Ikson

Both of the readings today are about expectations and education. Paul is setting his church in Galatia up for what is to come, some final words as he helps them navigate what it means to live and work and worship together. Jesus sends his disciples out into the world that doesn’t always want them there. The same is true with us - what do we need to know before we are sent?

Scripture: Galatians 6:7-16; Luke 10:1-11

Song: Golden Hour by Vlad Gluschenko

The disciples have had enough. They want Jesus to destroy his adversaries. Doesn’t sound very Christian, does it?  Well, what does sound Christian? Let’s ask some tough questions about following Jesus today.

Scripture: Psalm 16, Luke 9:51-62

Song: Summer Moon by Kabbalistic Village

What a story, of demons going into pigs and jumping off a cliff. It’s so odd! But there are some details of this story that matter so much and tell us a lot about what God is about and who God is for that we miss in all the wild moments in this story.

Scripture: Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39

Song: "Here We Are" written by Nate Bergengren; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

During Pentecost, we hear of the Spirit coming with a rush of violent wind and tongues of fire. In John’s Gospel this week we get a perhaps calmer Spirit, but equally as powerful in this calmness - to accompany us in the moments we cannot bear, and to witness God’s truth to us.

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5; John 16: 12-15

Song: "The Stand" written by Joel Houston; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

Today, we hear from Pastors Glenn and Edith about what God is doing in their midst. And we are again reminded of the rich blessing we have been given through God's Spirit...

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21

It's a powerful thing when young people stand up and share the good news in such an honest and vulnerable way. We shouldn't be too surprised because this is what God does again and again. And here again, God's message of love and grace finds its way to us... 

Scripture: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:15-23

Song: "We Are Called (let us not forget)" written by Nate Bergengren; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band

Jesus is setting up his disciples with a lesson in how to live in this world. Turns out, it’s a lesson we could all use again and again.

Scripture: Psalm 67; John 14:23-29

Song: "Christ Is Risen" written by B. Johnson, et al.; performed by the Prince of Peace worship band