Narrative Church

In this message, the focus shifts from Rabbi Jesus's extensive teachings to His life's journey. Covering Matthew chapters 7 through 9, key points include warnings against false prophets, the poignant distinction between genuine faith and self-deception, and the importance of embodying Jesus's teachings in real life. The narrative highlights Jesus's revolutionary approach, touching...

In this message, we continue our sermon series on the life of Jesus, focusing on key teachings from the Gospel of Matthew. We explore how Matthew's Gospel mirrors the Old Testament and highlights the new creation story. We delve into John the Baptist's role and Jesus' journey, from his baptism to the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes are presented as the core principles of Christiani...

We reflect on our first full calendar year as a church and consider what is ahead.

We wrap up Advent by looking at Love, and we look toward Christmas

This third week of Advent, we look to the Christian Joy

We take Advent to reorient our minds to the matters of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

We take Advent to reorient our minds to the matters of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

In this message, we delve into the teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the Beatitudes and our role as Christians to enhance the goodness in the world. Jesus challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, urging us to go beyond mere appearances and embrace true righteousness. We explore Jesus' authority over the law, His corrections and clarifications, and the imp...

In this message, we explore the teachings of Rabbi Jesus, specifically focusing on being 'salt and light' in the world, and how living out the Beatitudes shapes our hearts to become more like God. We delve into Jesus's interpretations and fulfillment of the Law and Prophets and learn how true discipleship involves a transformation of the heart rather than merely following a checklist o...

In this message, we delve into the Gospel of Matthew and explore the profound wisdom of the Beatitudes. Pastor Jason compares the journey through these teachings to climbing a ladder or riding an escalator from darkness into the kingdom of light, where Jesus reigns as the king. We learn about the nuances of being 'poor in spirit,' mourning, meekness, and other key principles, and how these qualiti...

In this message, we delve into 'The Place of Darkness and the Ladder to Light,' discussing Jesus' transition from being anointed and tempted in the wilderness to the beginning of his ministry in Galilee. We explore how Jesus resisted temptations, the theological significance of his actions, and the introduction of a place of darkness and light in the Gospel of Matthew. The discussion a...

In this message, we dive into Matthew chapter 4, exploring the testing of Jesus in the wilderness. We examines the significance of Jesus' dedication and preparation, the nature of his tests by the devil, and the profound lessons we learn about dependency on God, the rejection of self-interest, and the authentic nature of God's love. Reflecting on the relevance to modern Christianity, the m...

In this message, we revisit the key themes from last week and delve into the significance of Jesus's baptism by John the Baptist. We discuss the meaning of 'malakos' and its interpretation, the slow but patient move of God through history, and the symbolic wrestling with Jacob. We explore the implications of Jesus's humble beginnings, Joseph's crucial choices, and John the Bapt...

In week five of the life of Jesus, we dive into the battle between divine light and demonic darkness, as exposed by Jesus. We explore Herod's fear and violent response to the birth of Jesus, contrasted with the wise men's recognition of his kingship. Pastor Jason discusses the rise of John the Baptist, highlighting his strong moral character and pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus....

In this message, we dive into the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, exploring the genealogy of Jesus and the profound character of Joseph. We uncover Joseph's integrity, his mercy towards Mary, and his pivotal role in God's plan. The narrative also brings to light the revolutionary nature of Jesus' mission to save humanity from their sins, contrasting it with the Jewish expectati...

In this message, we recap our journey through the book of Ruth and dive into the Gospel of Matthew, understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The speaker emphasizes how Matthew's Gospel structure mirrors the Torah and explores the unique genealogy that points to Jesus at the center of God's promises. We also humanize Joseph and learn about his background as a stonemason....

In this message, we explore the deep connections between the Old and New Testaments through Matthew's Gospel. It recaps last week's discussion on how Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises exemplified in Matthew's genealogy. The focus then shifts to Joseph, challenging common perceptions of him as a mere carpenter, suggesting he was likely a stonemason. The message delves into...

In this message, we explore key themes and structures in the Gospel of Matthew to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus. The message highlights the importance of knowing Jesus by examining His life through the lens of the most Jewish gospel, Matthew. We learn about three crucial keys for understanding Matthew, including the different order of Hebrew Scriptures, the foundational nature of the Torah,...

This message concludes the study of the Book of Ruth, highlighting its themes of redemption, generous theology, and divine love. It explores how Ruth the Moabite's story contrasts with the exclusionary practices of Ezra and Nehemiah and points to the inclusive nature of God's love as demonstrated through Boaz. See how the narrative connects to the genealogy of Jesus, showing that true fait...

In this message, we dive into the final chapter of Ruth, set amid a historical backdrop of 450 BC characterized by violent holiness and militant nationalism. The narrative counters the harsh laws against the Moabites with a love story that transcends legal limitations. This chapter focuses on Ruth’s journey from being an overlooked Moabite widow to a confident woman who proposes to Boaz, risking s...

The story of Ruth heats up with a midnight, erotic encounter as Ruth takes charge of her destiny and declares who she is.

Explore the compelling narrative of Ruth, a Moabite woman, written as a protest against the stringent policies of Ezra and Nehemiah. This message delves into how Ruth's story challenges societal norms by equating her faith and loyalty to that of Abraham, highlighting friendship, love, and resilience amidst adversity. Witness Ruth's journey from despair to hope as she meets Boaz, a symbol o...

In this message, we delve into the complexities of faith, exploring it as a wrestling match rather than a state of psychological certainty. Through the story of Jacob wrestling with God, we understand that faith is often challenged and shaken through life's experiences. This episode further examines how Old Testament scriptures, and particularly the Book of Ruth, contribute to our understandin...

In today's message, we explore the challenging and often contrasting depictions of God between the Old and New Testaments. The speaker addresses how modern evangelical circles may present a conflicted image of God and discusses the importance of understanding scripture through a progressive reading. Referencing key scholars and theological works, the talk navigates through difficult biblical p...

In this message, we delve into the concept of 'Cruciformed Glasses,' emphasizing that Jesus's crucifixion is the clearest revelation of God's character—unchanging and rooted in love and forgiveness. Contrasting modern notions of faith as psychological certainty, we explore the ancient, scriptural faith exemplified by Jacob's wrestling with God. Through examining biblical texts...