We were honored to have Dr. Jeff Hubing join us for an intimate time of teaching and discussion on the church. We asked Jeff to speak about God's heart for His church and being the family of God in an age when the church is searching for her identity.

The message is split into two parts: the first hour and twenty minutes is a teaching that Jeff shared with us on the kingdom and the church, specifically focused on Matthew 16:13-20, Psalm 2:1-7, and Acts 2:42. The second part is a time of Q and A where Jeff discusses very real practicals that he has learned. Both sections of the recording are rich and worth the listen.

For more information on Jeff and the house church community he helps oversee in Chicago, please visit:
https://crossculturechicago.org/

For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com

This is part two of our core teaching series on building God's house according to His design. We looked at the story in the book of Hagai of God's people returning from exile to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. When the people set their hearts to build God's house, He proclaimed a blessing over them and their land. We have the same mandate, which means we have the same potential for great blessings to flood our community. 

For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com

This week we looked at one of the core teachings for our church family: God's design for His house. Based on Jesus' words in Mark 11:15-17 ("My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations), the message emphasizes three key points: 

• God’s desires to dwell with His people, 
• His specific design for His dwelling place, and 
• His eternal plan to live among His family.

What we build for God in our generation is intended to be the shadow of what He actually is...which is why it is essential to build according to His pattern.

For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com

This week, we examined an encounter the Broere family recently had and the reminder that the Lord spoke through that encounter. It was a reminder to keep prioritizing communion, a reminder that He still "wants His table back." In this message, we take time to look at Paul's language in 1 Corinthians 10 and what it reveals about the mystery of communion. Neil also gives an update at the beginning on why we have not been posting regular podcast messages recently.

For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com

Why did God come to us as a man? His decision to wrap Himself in flesh and experience life just like you and I is rooted in His original decision to give humanity dominion and authority to rule in the earth on His behalf. 

However, through sin, humanity surrendered this authority to Satan. The incarnation of Jesus as fully human was necessary because only a man could reclaim the authority lost by man. Christ, as the "Last Adam," took back this authority through His life, death, and resurrection. Now, there is a Man seated on the throne in heaven.

As the Body of Christ, we now bear the image of the King, who rules and reigns through His church. We enforce His victory, reflect His glory, and expand His kingdom…once again ruling and reigning as ambassadors of God.

For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com

As we go to the waters of baptism today, we first take some time to explore the profound meaning of baptism, highlighting its dual roles as both a declaration of covenant and a consecration into the priesthood. Baptism serves as a public affirmation of the new covenant in Christ, declaring a believer’s union with God through Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, as explained in Romans 6 and Galatians 3. This union marks a shift from sin to life, reflecting the transformative power of God's grace irrespective of one’s past.

Moreover, baptism extends beyond a personal declaration; it binds us to the broader community of believers, the Church. Through baptism, one's inclusion in God's family is affirmed, echoing the welcoming of new believers in Acts 8 and 10, where belief in Christ was the sole prerequisite.

The message further delves into the significance of baptism as a consecration into the priesthood, moving beyond mere symbolism. By drawing parallels with the Old Testament practice of ceremonial washing for priests (Leviticus 8), baptism is portrayed as a spiritual act setting believers apart for ministry to God. This act of consecration aligns with God’s desire for a universal priesthood, spanning all nations, tribes, and tongues, as foreseen by the prophets and solidified in New Testament teachings.

Be encouraged through this message to embrace baptism as a transformative act, consecrating you for service in God's kingdom. Through this sacrament, believers are invited to relinquish previous identities tied to sin and to be clothed in garments of righteousness, joining a royal priesthood designed to proclaim God’s praises.

For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com

In this supplemental discussion from Sunday's message, we explore the far-reaching impact of Abraham's faithful obedience in Genesis 22. Through his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham demonstrates a profound measure of faith in the midst of his trial, which results in a multigenerational blessing: all nations will be blessed through him. This narrative highlights that faithful obedience to God extends beyond personal blessings; it lays a foundation of faith for future generations.

Reflecting on Hebrews 11, we recognize the sacrifices of the saints who endured immense trials without seeing the fulfillment of God's promises. Their unwavering faith amidst adversity laid the groundwork for future believers, showcasing how obedience in one generation empowers and strengthens another. This underlines a central kingdom truth: true faith is multigenerational, influencing history in unseen and eternal ways.

By living with unwavering faith, believers participate in God’s grand narrative, unfolding throughout history and eternity.

To see the video version of this podcast, clicke here:
https://youtu.be/XXa9irDzAsU

For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com

In this message, we dive into Genesis 22, a pivotal chapter that explores the testing of Abraham. Unlike temptation, which is destructive and comes from the enemy, testing from God is meant to build strength and character. This distinction is crucial, as we witness Abraham facing an extraordinary test - sacrificing his son Isaac, which challenges his faith and trust in God's promises.

Abraham's real test goes beyond the physical act of sacrifice, touching on the deeper challenge of surrendering the promise that God had made to him. This foreshadoes the new covenant way of Christ: promise, sacrifice, and resurrection - the core of God's kingdom. 

Abraham's faithfulness during his trial granted him the authority to rename the mountain where God had taken him. This encourages us to endure our own trials with patience, trusting that we, too, will be granted the authority to rename our situations.

We are encouraged to embrace divine tests, let them refine and strengthen our faith, and live with the assurance that God, in His mercy, always provides. This is the way of the kingdom.

For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
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Neil and Lindsey sit down to discuss some of the practical ways that we can keep our eyes fixed on Jesus in the midst of real life situations. This is a follow-up conversation to Sunday's message, "Ceaseless Radiance: No One But Jesus Only."

Watch the video of this discussion here:
https://youtu.be/nGrgjYnVZL0

Watch the video of Sunday's message here:
https://youtu.be/CGAFsy1Uvj8

For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com

In this message we examine how Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, the exact representation of His nature. We look at the Greek term "character," found in Hebrews 1:3, which emphasizes Jesus as the authentic and permanent imprint of God's essence, like a stamp engraved on a coin. Jesus consistently radiates God’s glory, comparable to the constant presence of stars, even when hidden by daylight. This metaphor teaches that despite our distractions, Jesus remains with us, ready to reveal God in our situations.

This message underscores the principle "whatever you look at, you empower," cautioning us against fixating on inferior distractions over Jesus, our true guiding light. Our focus determines whether we empower earthly issues or magnify God's presence in our lives. This is a call to enthrone Jesus by focusing on Him amidst adversities, thus dethroning problems and placing them under God’s dominion.

Peter’s encounter during the Transfiguration (Matthew 17) reveals the folly of equating Jesus with mere historical figures like Moses (the law) or Elijah (the prophets). When overshadowed by divine presence, Jesus stands out as the sole representation of God’s glory and essence. 

In conclusion, focusing on Jesus rather than temporal or troubling circumstances empowers us to experience God’s glory and guidance. Jesus is the unwavering light in the midst of darkness.

For more information on THE TABLE please visit:
www.thetablecalifornia.com