Reality Boston

What stories are controlling your life today? In Nehemiah 8, we explore the theme of listening through scripture, focusing specifically on how the story of scripture transforms us. Erik Lundeen addresses just how powerful stories are, and how to navigate what stories are false or true.

People have done a lot of silly—even harmful things because God supposedly told them. Does God still speak? If so, who does he speak to, and how does one hear? Al Abdulla addresses these questions and others on listening to God taken from 1 Samuel 3.

To follow Jesus faithfully requires an incredible amount of courage. Al Abdulla talks from Mark 10:46-52 about the King who listens, the question he asks, and how it leads to courage.

In this talk, Al Abdulla talks from Mark 4 about what it looks like to listen during Lent. Why do some people flourish as followers of Jesus while others fall away? In this parable on the Kingdom of God, Jesus tells His listeners that flourishing is formed through listening.

In the modern age, we live with the allure of instant success, and satisfaction. Yet, true contentment is rarely found. From Philippians 4:10-20, Al Abdulla talks about learning the secret of contentment.

We are all plagued by anxiety, conflict and fear. Everyone longs for inner peace to face the rough waters of life. Taken from Philippians 4:1-9, Al Abdulla talks about the peace of God that is more powerful than our fear.

Paul again tells the Philippians to rejoice in Jesus. But rejoicing in Jesus can only come about as we know him, which means having our lives conformed to his. In the inverse logic of the gospel, this knowing comes about, not through hard work, but through joyful abandonment and surrendered faith. To use the words of Jesus, we must lose our life in order to find it.

If we are to see joy advance in our lives it requires seeing God at work in everything. This understanding will allow us to work out what God is working in us and to do that with a right attitude, not with bitter complaining but with joyful surrender. This is typified by the cruciform shape of Jesus dying on the cross, open handed towards the world.

When the people of God stand in solidarity its a sign of the Kingdom of God. But let’s face it, unity is super hard—especially in the church! From Philippians 2:1-11, Al Abdulla talks about what it takes for the church to stand in solidarity, and how it can bring wholeness into our lives and our community.

Paul is writing an intimate letter to the church in Philippi from a most undesirable place—from prison. He’s in ‘chains’ for following Jesus. In this section of his letter, Paul shows us that it’s possible to find satisfaction despite our circumstances.