Preference. Partiality. Prejudice. We have it. We do it.

How do we rise above our bias?

The primary purpose of the God's extended family (the Church) is to hear from and respond to God together (Luke 8:19-21). Meaning, we gather to help one another be attentive to the Living God and live accordingly.

But there are barriers... around us. In us. Studying briefly Jesus' parable of the Sower (aka the parable of the soils), we are asking, "What do we need to unearth in our hearts in order to hear from God?"

Looking for your people? Church is a great place to find friends! And to become friends with Jesus. Yet, Jesus calls you and I to deeper relationships. This process all begins with finding people of peace. This is the focus.

When we focus on people of peace, we will discover some amazing friendships along The Way.

Who are people of peace?

How do we discover them?

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.