The acceptance of Christ comes with a rejection by many. Because the ways of Jesus comes in direct conflict with the self-serving, broken nature of fallen humanity, there will be people who refuse us.

This quote that rings true: "We are not fully accepted until we are utterly rejected." In the midst of the grief, we find Jesus walking with us (arm around our shoulders).

Un-alone beloved children. This truth frees us not to turn our back on others... even those who reject us.

It is always so sweet to get away together, especially at the water’s edge.

This is a (hard to hear) message from our Catalina retreat. We are discussing how we demonstrate our authority. There was a message on Identity but alas... that was no recorded.

Apologies! ... Enjoy.

No time to play. No time to connect. Just time to scroll…

Scriptures says “Do not exasperate our children.” It also says, “Love your neighbor.”

Listen to this podcast. Don't listen... Either way, put the phone down and move around, particularly closer to those around you.

Slavery? Sanctity of Life? Gender Identity? Financially helping the Poor? Classism? Sexism? Racism?

How do we have conversations like these without it being socio-politically explosive/ divisive?

We probably cannot. With 2024 upon us, too many people will have too much riding on the "political" bus.

That said, we would be remiss, even foolish, to ignore these different powers and spiritual influences, which are undergirded by collective evil forces in our ancient history, modern history and today (ie. slavery exists in every timeframe).

There is a new power affecting God's church: politicism. This principality is seeking to silence the kingdom conversations in God's church.

Yet, we can talk.

Safely.

Why?

We belong to one another despite our differences.

Let's talk slavery.

Sing. Silence.

Pray. Pause.

Hear. Hold.

Reflect. Respond.

Stay safe. Please continue to pray for our city, particularly those without homes, the elderly, public & service workers and any who are alone.

There is power in prayer. May this be our first move towards seeking God’s kingdom. The rest will come.

First… prayer. Then, the workers will rise up.

As our boy David Wren Bolton says, “AMEN!”

Men. Women. … Oneness.

Complimentarian. Egalitarian. … Christ-like Love.

Following. Leading. … Mutual Submission.

Our theology, whatever it may be (or becoming), must submit to serving one another out of reverence for Jesus (Eph. 5:21). If we think we are “right” yet remain a ‘jerk-for-Jesus’ (and/ or our “rightness” leads us to lead like a jerk-for-Jesus), … we got it wrong.

This roundtable conversation raises the need for different discipleship spaces this fall. Key Take Away: Hearing and Responding to God.

On this atypical beach gathering, we discussed the spiritual offices as detailed in the Ephesians 4: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor & teacher. As you listen, please also see attached handout.

The spiritual offices, all the various gifts and the church itself is the work of the Holy Spirit. The wonder-full news is that we want to see God at work! Thus, the community must rely on God’s work in us and through us… very exciting AND very humbling.

This is about being a Spirit-Filled church not a spirit-less people. If we try to live in our own effort, we will—at our very worst—harm others AND in the very least… be extremely boring.

We all want healthy community. And, we need something outside of ourselves to experience it: a Christ-Empowered Community.

Indeed, Christ defeated both Sin and Death, giving us the spoils of victory (Psalm 68). Even more (and easily missed), the Lord has provided oneness with God so that we could live into the calling we have received.

Be response-able to God's love for us, being completely humble and gentle; being patient, bearing with one another in love. Please make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

We are NOT so much “For God” in the world. Rather, W.E. ARE “In Christ” for the world.

For God so loves the world…

We need God’s love and loving gifts to love one another and the world God loves.