Narrative Church

In this message, we delve into the parables from the Gospel of Matthew, exploring how Jesus used these stories to teach deeper wisdom. Beginning with an overview of the structure of Matthew's Gospel, the focus shifts from Jesus' life to the preparation of his followers and the church's role. Highlighting the common pitfalls in interpreting parables literally, the message emphasizes how...

Julie shares her personal story about overcoming fears in high school softball and parallels it with profound lessons from the Book of Matthew, focusing on the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. Through the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven, she explores how small, hidden acts of faith grow into powerful, transformative forces. Emphasizing the importance of patience and consistency, Julie...

In this message, we delve into Matthew's Gospel, exploring the joke Jesus played on His disciples and the parables that reveal deep spiritual wisdom. By understanding Jesus as a rabbi who challenges us to see beyond our false selves and superficial understanding, we learn how the foundation of the church is built on the humility of knowing we understand nothing without Jesus. This message high...

In this message, we delve into Jesus' parables, focusing on their complexity and the deeper meanings they hold. The discussion begins with a reflection on Jesus' life, emphasizing His co-suffering with humanity and how it shapes our understanding of suffering. We then transition to the parables, particularly the Parable of the Sower, exploring how different types of soil represent various...

In this continuation from last week's sermon, the speaker dives deeper into the concept of suffering and explores the nature of God as revealed through Jesus. By reflecting on personal struggles and discussing meaningful conversations with others, the sermon emphasizes that Jesus exemplifies a co-suffering God who shares in human pain and suffering. This perspective challenges the modern churc...

In this message titled 'What Does God Look Like?', Pastor Jason explores the relationship between faith and theology, stressing the importance of recognizing God in everyday suffering. Through the lens of Jesus' life and teachings, the message delves into the significance of God co-suffering with humanity and the value of experiencing God's presence in the ordinary and often unnoti...

In this message, we dive deep into the intricate literary patterns of the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on the concept of 'The Unforgivable Sin.' The significance of Hebrew bookends and chiasms in Matthew's writing is explored, revealing the profound teachings and themes centered around Jesus' actions, miracles, and authority. Journey through the contrasting perceptions of Jesus by t...

Continuing from last week, this message examines how Jesus broke the Mosaic Law, particularly on the Sabbath, and why this positioned Him as the sinless sacrifice. We explore Jesus' alignment with other biblical lawbreakers, His purpose in promoting mercy over sacrifice, and the profound implications of His actions on our understanding of divine mercy and human conscience. Delving into the pha...

In this message, we dive into the profound depths of God's love as depicted in Matthew chapters 11 and 12. Pastor Jason reflects on the misconception of a formulaic religion and illustrates how Jesus challenged the established laws, emphasizing God's mercy over legalism. By examining Jesus' actions, such as breaking the Sabbath and associating with societal outcasts, we explore the tra...

In this message, we explore the concluding points of Jesus' comparison between John the Baptist and Himself. We dive into Jesus' teachings on how He reveals the Father through deeds of love and charity, emphasizing that wisdom is known through actions, not just intellect. Reflecting on Matthew 11:25-30, the message highlights Jesus’ invitation to all burdened individuals to find rest in Hi...

In this message, we explore the transition from 'Mission Impossible' to 'Mission Complete' by examining John the Baptist's journey and his doubts while in prison. This leads to a deeper understanding of Jesus' ministry, his unexpected approach, and his profound mission of love and charity. We delve into the authority of Jesus' voice over the First Testament and the cont...

This message dives into the final instructions Jesus gives to his 12 disciples, now apostles, as he sends them out with a mission of personal and respectful evangelism. We explore Jesus' teachings on depending on community, dealing with rejection, and understanding the true nature of God's love. We also examines the metaphorical 'sword' of Jesus as his message, the importance of ch...

This message explores how Jesus instructed his apostles to carry the new message of the Kingdom of God with humility and community dependence. Through travel, trouble, and trust instructions, Jesus emphasizes the importance of leaving behind old ways, seeking stability through community, and maintaining peace even in rejection. The discussion delves into the true meaning of fearing God, debunking...

In today's message we explore the Apostles' first mission, their journey beyond Good Friday and Easter, and Jesus's 'hear, see, do' teaching method. As we delve into the Gospel of Matthew, we uncover Jesus's approach to missions and evangelism – a slow, respectful, and compassionate model moving at 'the speed of love.' Jesus emphasizes quality over quantity and meet...

Mary - Apostle to the Apostles

We take an extended time to consider the foot of the cross and sit together.

In this message, we explore the profound spiritual truths behind the 10 miracles recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Presented are the stories of two blind men, Bart and Brad, who, despite their physical blindness, possess deep spiritual insight and faith. We dive into the metaphors these miracles represent, highlighting the inclusivity of Jesus's message for both Jews and Gentiles. The message...

In this message, Pastor Jason reflects on a heavy week marked by the 20th anniversary of a pivotal, tragic moment in his military career. He reveals how this led to a deeper reflection on God's role in his life and the message he prepared for the week. Delving into the miracles of Jesus as recounted by Matthew, he explains the deeper spiritual truths portrayed through physical events. The mess...

In this message, titled 'Holy Metaphors, Batman,' we delve into the deeper meanings behind the miracles in Matthew's gospel. Using examples from daily life, the speaker illustrates how Matthew's gospel is structured to convey profound truths beyond the literal events. The message explores metaphors within Jesus' miracles, emphasizing His outreach to marginalized groups and His...

In this week's message, we delve into the profound and often misunderstood significance of water baptism. Reflecting on the life of Jesus and His baptism, we explore how baptism is not just a symbolic act of obedience, but a mystical spiritual experience. Unpacking the connection between baptism and the supernatural, we invite you to consider baptism as a transformative encounter with Jesus, r...

Join Julie as she shares her personal journey, both on a mission update and an adventurous road trip that culminated in an unexpected bungee jumping experience. Dive into the message from the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on Jesus's teachings and the significance of new wine in new wineskins. Discover the invitation to leave behind old practices and fully embrace a life centered around Jesus. Re...

In this message, we recap the significant teachings and miracles from the last part of Matthew chapter 8 and delve into the first part of chapter 9. Witness how Jesus breaks down societal barriers, performs miracles, and challenges religious norms. From healing the outcasts like lepers, Gentiles, and women, to facing the religious elite, the narrative shows Jesus' inclusive love and his revolu...

In this message, we delve into the 'chaos miracles' where Jesus demonstrates his divine power by calming a storm and freeing a demon-possessed man. These events are analyzed in the context of discipleship and the cost associated with following Jesus. The message explores the inclusivity of Jesus’s message, breaking the boundaries of exclusion, and highlights how crises can deepen faith. Ma...

In this message, we delve into the third miracle of Jesus as recounted in Matthew's Gospel. We explore the theological significance of Jesus' actions following the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on His miracles as demonstrations of radical inclusivity and faith. This journey through miracles includes the healing of those marginalized by society — from lepers to Gentiles to women — showcasin...

In this message, we move from Jesus's teachings on the mountain to His works in the 'Valley of Ten Miracles.' The message dives into the significance of Jesus's first two miracles—healing a leper and a centurion’s son—and how these acts showcase His willingness to cross societal and religious boundaries. Both miracles serve as a demonstration of Jesus's radical inclusivity and...