The Garden Church – Sunday Teachings

Teacher: Josh Wilson 

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:7–12 

Pastor Josh reflects on 1 Cor. 12 to emphasize how valuable each person’s unique spiritual gifts are in building up the church. He challenges us to avoid both arrogance and insecurity regarding our gifts, reminding us that our abilities come from God and are meant for the common good. He encourages us to step off the sidelines and contribute in our own way, affirming that when each member plays their part, the church flourishes as one unified body.

Teacher: Josh Wilson 

Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17-22 

Pastor Josh reflects on Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthian Church to stop excluding others during communion, and invites us to consider how we might foster radical inclusion in our community today. He emphasizes that true community in Christ is not just about finding friends we “vibe” with but about making space for everyone, especially those who are marginalized.

Teacher: Josh Wilson 

Text: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 

Pastor Josh explores Paul’s exhortations against exploitation in 1 Corinthians 5 and 6, focusing on how selfishness and the pursuit of personal gain can damage relationships. Josh challenges us to reflect on how we might be taking advantage of others in our own lives, and urges us to use our freedom not for self-interest but to honor both God and the community.

Text: 1 Corinthians 1-3 

Teacher: Josh Wilson 

Pastor Josh launches a new series, "Practices of Belonging," exploring how our actions can build or break community. Pointing to the divisions in the Corinthian church, Josh highlights the danger of holding our personal views and values with a pride that threatens community. Instead, Josh invites us to deepen our attachment to Christ and allow Him to be the center around which a diverse and deep community can flourish.

Text: Psalm 37:1-6 

Teacher: Josh Wilson 

Psalm 37 teaches that we can trust in God’s wisdom even when his commands seem counterintuitive or difficult. Pastor Josh explains how our default response to rules is usually negative, viewing them as only restrictive and cumbersome. But God's law is the gift of a good and loving Father who cares for his children and is committed to our flourishing. 

Teacher: Josh Wilson 

Text: Psalm 51 

Like David, we all have moments of failure that we instinctively want to conceal and hide, but Psalm 51 shows us that true healing and forgiveness begin when we bring our sins into the light. In this sermon, Pastor Josh invites us to trust in God's unfailing love and mercy, which are always available when we turn to Him in confession and repentance. A reflective and embodied practice of confession begins at minute 24.

Text: Psalm 91 

Teacher: Mandi Paszek 

In this exploration of Psalm 91, Mandi Paszek delves into the imagery of God as both a nurturing protector and a fierce defender, offering comfort and safety amidst life's storms. Mandi encourages us to see God not just as a distant shelter but as an active, loving presence that can transform our experience of fear and anxiety. When we bring our worries to God, we can experience God's presence as our true refuge and source of hope. 

Teacher: Josh Wilson 

Text: Psalm 94 

Pastor Josh continues our Summer in the Psalms series talking about God’s righteousness and justice as seen in Psalm 94. Josh reminds us that while we may feel powerless against pervasive injustices, we can trust God to be the ultimate judge who brings about justice. Instead of resorting to retaliation or despair, we are invited to channel our anger into advocacy and prayer, knowing that God sees all and will ultimately set all things to right. Following the teaching, there is a guided prayer practice which begins at minute 28:40. 

Teacher: Aly Wilson 

Text: Psalm 13 

Pastor Aly Wilson reflects on Psalm 13, highlighting the reality of unavoidable pain and the human instinct to avoid it. She emphasizes that lament, as demonstrated by David, is a vital spiritual practice allowing us to bring our deepest sorrows before God, who is intimately concerned with our pain. Despite the discomfort of lament, it opens a path to divine comfort and renewal, revealing that God is present and caring, even in our darkest moments. Following the teaching, there is a guided practice of lament which begins at minute 26:00. 

Text: Psalm 89 

Teacher: Josh Wilson 

In this sermon on Psalm 89, Pastor Josh explores the theme of God's faithfulness amidst life's uncertainties. He highlights how the psalmist grapples with God's promises in the face of challenges and disappointments. Drawing on personal and Biblical examples, Josh encourages listeners to trust in God's faithfulness even when circumstances are difficult, emphasizing that God's ways may not always align with our expectations but are ultimately for our good.