Reality Boston

From Revelation 12:1-6, Al Abdulla explores the cosmic battle that surrounds the first Christmas. The same cosmic battle continues for Christians today. It’s a timely message for John’s early audience who face death for their faith. From this text we learn why we can trust Jesus to take us through anything.

Pain and suffering are not in the final chapter, there is a restoration and healing of all things coming in the person of Jesus. It's a promise from God that we can anchor our hearts in, while we are in the in-between. Advent understands and addresses the longing from humanity for things to be made right and the desire for the defeat of evil.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of a future where light will drive out darkness, hope will drive out hate, and peace will conquer war. He describes it as a day of joy and rejoicing. What is Joy, and how can we experience it? From Isaiah 9:1-7, Al Abdulla talks about the Joy we can encounter as we live IN-BETWEEN war and peace.

Can you remember a time as a child you were comforted in sorrow? Who or what made you feel better? For thirty-nine chapters the prophet Isaiah declares condemnation against God’s chosen people. Between chapters 39 and 40, decades pass, as God’s people live in Babylonian exile— a Divine judgment for their idolatry. But in Isaiah 40, the curse is broken! God emphatically commands the prophet to comfort His people with the promise of a coming king. Advent is a season where we also await comfort from the coming King. From Isaiah 40:1-11, Al Abdulla explores why we can bring comfort others as we await our coming King.

In our present-day experiences, we see power and authority greatly misused, and often feel as if things are falling a part. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Colossae to encourage them that Christ is indeed is all powerful, and holding all things together.

Research shows gratitude is essential to your emotional and physical health. Sociologists tell us it’s the glue that holds the social fabric together. Long before sociological studies were produced, Jesus demonstrates through the eucharist why giving thanks is especially important in our sorrow and our spiritual development. From Luke 22:14-24, Al Abdulla explores the central role that thanksgiving plays in practicing the presence of God.

True transformation happens in community. From Romans 12:1-8, Al Abdulla explores what it means to cultivate a transformative community—one that is learning to minister from a mindset of mercy.

Is there good news in God’s commandment to model his rhythm of work and rest? Justin Ruddy explores the practice of Sabbath as a means to experience and enjoy the freedom we’ve been given by God. In Him, we can put work and rest in their proper, joy-filled place.

Confession and repentance may be good for the soul, but it’s very hard to do. In fact, there’s a way to confess that isn’t actually restorative. From Psalm 32, Al Abdulla explores the necessary ingredient for

restorative repentance.

From Genesis 28, Chris Lazo explains how God is active in our everyday lives, and how we can use the ancient practice of examen to actively learn how to discern God’s movement throughout the day.