ENCANTO is one of the most popular movies in recent memories. It’s packed with spiritual truth – and each character offers us a picture of the possibility of transformation. This summer, we’re diving into Encanto using the Enneagram – an ancient guide to spiritual growth – to help us look more like Jesus and love more like him too!
Continue readingENCANTO is one of the most popular movies in recent memories. It’s packed with spiritual truth – and each character offers us a picture of the possibility of transformation. This summer, we’re diving into Encanto using the Enneagram – an ancient guide to spiritual growth – to help us look more like Jesus and love more like him too!
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There’s a popular notion that all religions are different paths to the same destination. But when we explore different faith systems, we find each understands the nature of god(s) and reality very differently. Christians believe God is Trinity – a paradox that points to a deep truth at the heart of reality: God is love, and love is the most essential, powerful force in the universe!
Continue readingWhen it comes to people who aren’t Christians, the Church doesn’t have a great track record. Far too often we imagine we’re taking Jesus to people who don’t know him. But Paul’s encounter with the Athenians illustrates a powerful truth: God is already present among all the peoples of the world. Because God loves the whole world. How can we join God where the Holy Spirit is already at work?
Continue readingThe Church is more than a social club, more than a collection of vested interests. The Church is Jesus’ visible presence in our world. What makes the difference is the Holy Spirit – God who lives within and among us. Join us as we celebrate what it means that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is living within us, empowering us to be present to our world.
Continue readingNot everyone who claims to be a Christian is following Jesus. That’s scary to admit, but it’s been true since the earliest days of the Church. What should our response be to those who claim Christianity but don’t look like our Christ? We turn to Peter’s words to his contemporaries in Acts 3 for a surprisingly grace-filled and truth-filled message of invitation and hope.
Continue readingWhat makes a good convert to Christianity? Too often the church pursues wealth, fame and power. But as Paul’s experiences in Thessalonica and Berea illustrate that it’s not those markers of cultural success and acclaim we’re used to admiring. Rather, what makes a good disciple is one who is curious and faith-filled. How do we spot that today?
Continue readingWe want a faith that’s respectable, one that attracts CEOs and star athletes and rockstars. But the earliest church wasn’t cool. Even the people who respected their faith didn’t want to be associated with them. Who did? The people on the margins – the overlooked, vulnerable and uncool. What does it look like to embrace an uncool faith today?
Continue readingFeeling a little bit… disconnected? You’re not alone. As we carve out a new reality together, what role does faith play? We follow the early church through the book of Acts as we learn how Jesus’ resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit prepared them for a whole new reality. What does that mean for us? It’s time to get reconnected!
Continue readingFar too often, we view faith as something that separates us from the world. We become judgmental, condescending, celebrating when we prosper and they don’t. But as the book of Acts shows us, God saves us for the sake of the world. What does a faith look like that turns to the world to embrace, rather than condemn?
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