Walnut Creek Downtown

God calls us to worship in truth, in Spirit, and with God at the center. Pastor Dan Rude unpacks what that means and the dangers of not including any of these elements.

In John chapter 4, Jesus crosses every conceivable social, political, cultural, and religious barrier to bring the Samaritan woman into His kingdom and help her understand what true and living water is.

Why is Jesus greater? Last week, we recognized John the Baptist's clear deference to Jesus as he says, "He must increase, but I must decrease." This week, Pastor Luke unpacks how Jesus is greater because of where He comes from, what He says, what He has been given, and what He offers us.

"He must increase, and I must decrease" How does John the Baptist say this as his following, his congregation shifts to follow Jesus? John had the proper view of himself, attitude, and conduct.

Nicodemus was considered the elite, he taught others about God, but when meeting with Jesus Christ, he encountered a new idea of being "born again." Pastor Dan Rude dives deeper into what it means to be born again and why it is so important for us to understand this truth.

What we do matters but does God just want us for what we can do? Jesus's cleansing of the temple reveals God's heart and what He truly desires from His followers, pure heart worship. Pastor Dan Rude explains what that is and how Jesus reveals Himself through emptying the temple that had become a marketplace.

In the Gospel of John, there are seven distinct miracles or signs that reveal who Jesus is. One of these signs occurs when Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding, marking his first miracle. But what significance does this miracle hold? Pastor Luke delves into the situation, the solution, and its significance, emphasizing how it should bring joy to our lives.

There are examples of evangelism throughout the New Testament, men and women bringing others face to face with Jesus. In this story, Phillip is called to follow Jesus. Then John immediately records Philip telling his friend, Nathaneal, a skeptic.

Jesus stepped into a Jewish culture that was looking for the Messiah. In this passage, we see a man sending his followers to follow Jesus, an important question being asked, and what happens when people spend time with Jesus.

In the first chapter of John, we encounter the first testimony of who Jesus is. But how did John the Baptist know Jesus was THE Messiah? John 1:31 reveals how John came to know who Jesus was and why he stepped aside for His ministry.

Verses 1-18 are considered the "intro" of John. So, what story would John choose to begin his gospel of Jesus Christ in the next verses? It's a testimony from John the Baptist about who he is and who he says Jesus is. Pastor Luke unpacks who John the Baptist is NOT and more importantly who John the Baptist points to!

What does it mean that Jesus dwelt among men? Pastor Dan Rude unpacks the importance of understanding who Jesus was when He was here on earth and why he "dwelt among us."

John was written by the apostle John to help us understand better who Jesus is through 7 specific signs, statements, and witnesses.

Where are you placing your hope? In Romans 8, Paul wants to build up people's confidence in who God is and what He is doing in their lives if they have accepted Christ.

Suffering. Why is there suffering? What causes it? Pastor Dan Rude explains how Romans 8 gives us perspective on suffering and an understanding that can give us hope.

How do you know if you have the Spirit? Another way to word that question is "How do you know if you're a Christian?" As we discussed last week, you cannot be a Christian without the Spirit. Paul continues to describe evidence of having the Spirit and a clear example of what being led by the Spirit looks like!

It is so important to understand the Holy Spirit and what He does. In this message, Pastor Dan Rude answers 4 questions related to who the Holy Spirit is, why He matters, and what He does in our lives.

What does life in the spirit look like? Pastor Luke Hukee emphasizes three interconnected realities crucial for Christians to understand. As we begin our study of Romans 8, which depicts the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives, we are reminded of the profound truth in Christ: there is no condemnation for sin, we are free from the power of sin, and we are empowered to live a...

There is an enemy within, the Bible calls it the flesh. Pastor Dan Rude explains the importance of being aware of it as Christians and the hope found in Christ.

How should a Christian approach the biblical law? Pastor Luke Hukee sheds light on this question by unpacking the analogy in Romans 7, where Paul discusses being liberated from the law through Christ's death. Paul provides valuable insights into a Christian's relationship with the law and its purpose, guiding believers in their understanding of how to navigate this aspect of their faith.

In Romans 6, Paul describes following Christ by emphasizing the aspects of picture, position, practice, and promise. These perspectives offer a clear insight into what it truly means to be a servant of God in our everyday lives, providing practical guidance on how to consistently surrender ourselves to Him.

What do you think God sees when He looks at you? If you are a Christian, it is a glorious concept that Paul seeks to convey. Our understanding of identity plays a crucial role in influencing our actions and decisions. This is precisely why, in Romans 6:11, Paul gives the first command to the Romans, “count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

If Christ justifies us, why shouldn't we keep on sinning? This is the question Paul begins to tackle in Romans 6:1-4. Pastor Dan Rude highlights the importance of knowing who you are in Christ as the key to overcoming sin.

Paul skillfully unveils the profound connection between Adam and Christ, portraying Adam as a foreshadowing figure of the coming Christ. He delves into their distinct responses to obedience, particularly in the context of the tree. This revelation holds significant implications for you, as the disobedience of the initial Adam brings condemnation, while the obedience of the second Adam holds the pr...

Love is the greatest shaping influence in the universe. In Romans 5:6-11, Paul explains how the love of God for us was proven at the cross.