Certainty, stability, and predictability. We want these. The fundamental structures of contemporary society are built on them, from the global financial system to our own neighborhoods. The vast majority of people long for certainty, stability, and predictability. Why? Because the alternative is uncertainty, instability, and chaos. And yet, there are times when uncertainty reigns in […]

Everyone experiences the pain of brokenness, whether the source is external or internal. We are wounded by colleagues, friends, family, and institutions — including sometimes the Church. So what do we do with our pain, our woundedness, our brokenness? As pastor Israel teaches, we have a God who dwells with us in our brokenness. He […]

God created day and night, establishing a rhythm for all life. Both are good, but they represent different qualities. Light is when the activity of life is at its peak. We feel alive with the energy of light-filled days. Darkness is when things cease, when we lack the illumination and clarity of the days. We […]

This week Pastor Alex teaches from Isaiah 58:13-14 wherein the prophet Isaiah conveys to the people direct words from the Lord on rest and joy. For generations continuing to today, the curse of labor seeps into our rhythms of life and pulls us away from the promise of joy that comes from rest. Specifically, the […]

God created us to dwell with him. He sent his Son, Jesus the Messiah, to recreate the conditions under which God and his people can dwell together in peace. Jesus said that when we remain in him (John 15) as a branch remains in its vine, the life and vitality of God integrates our being […]

When we are rightly related to God, his power and presence will work in us, through us, and ultimately for the good of those around us. Isaiah puts it this way: “You will be called…Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” The prophet is telling us that when we respond to God as he desires, our homes […]

In contrast to manipulative religious practice designed to earn the practitioner what they desire, God offers us what he desires from his prescribed spiritual disciplines, saying, “This is the fasting I have chosen…” His declaration is meant to be corrective. He is setting the Israelites’ current hollow practices in opposition to what he wants. A […]

Religious practice that is empty of genuine, heartfelt devotion to God always goes wrong. The prophet Isaiah confronts God’s people, who delight in the practices of fasting and sabbath yet are frustrated that God seems distant and unresponsive. They assume that their outward observance is a lever that will move God on their behalf. It’s […]

Jesus taught that those who seek to save their lives will lose them, while those who are willing to lose them, or give them away, for his sake will save them. This is one of the most counter intuitive truths of the historically orthodox Christian faith; The way of sacrifice leads to the most lively, […]

“I get knocked down, but I get up again” is the refrain of a popular song from the late 90s that celebrates resilience. It could also be a summary of the main theme from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, specifically in chapter four. Within this installment of the Follow series, Pastor Bo follows Paul’s […]