Practices of the Way
Community
March 24, 2024 • Bill Brown • John 13:34–35, Philippians 2:2–4, Luke 6:35–36
Being part of a community is a basic human need. Unfortunately, most people do not belong to a positive community. Even Christians who attend church regularly most often do not feel as though they are part of a close-knit community. They are missing the most valuable spiritual resource God provides for us. God intended for us to join our hearts to love one another and serve those who need the love of Jesus Christ in their lives. Once we find the beautiful acceptance and encouragement of a Christ-centered community, we can never return, and we create a community that is welcome to all who are seeking our Lord and a place where they are loved unconditionally.
Generosity
March 17, 2024 • Neil Montgomery • Luke 11:33–42
We've been told in our culture that, "MORE MONEY MEANS MORE HAPPINESS!" Most of us are waking up to the reality that we were fed a lie. But there is great news. Jesus gives us a vision of where true, rich and deep happiness comes from. One of the things that Jesus is famous for is turning our vision of the “good life” on its head. He said things like, "The last will be first and the first will be last. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. If you do not forgive others their sins, your heavenly father will not forgive your sins." But nowhere is this upside down reality of the “good life” more self-evident than in Jesus’s teaching about MONEY. Come join us as we explore how the practice of Generosity is a game-changer when it comes to our impact and contentment in life.
Witness
March 10, 2024 • Bill Brown • 1 Peter 3:15, Acts 1:8, Colossians 4:3–6
What does it mean to be a witness? The definition says, "An individual who, being present, personally sees or perceives a thing; a person who gives evidence." But what does it mean to be a witness for Jesus? How do we do it, what does it look like and where should we do it? We'll explore these questions and more as we look at the Practice of Witness!
Solitude
March 3, 2024 • Neil Montgomery • Luke 5:15–16
In an increasingly distracted and noisy world, we need solitude more than ever. The practice of solitude mimics Jesus’ rhythm of retreat and return. Retreat from people and distractions to be with God, in order to return to community in love and service. I have no doubt that most of us crave a little time in the quiet places. Come join us Sunday as we continue exploring the Practices of Jesus.
Fasting
February 25, 2024 • Neil Montgomery • Matthew 6:16–18, Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Ephesians 2:8–10, 2 Peter 3:8–10
I'm embarrassed to admit this, but the only "hunger pains" I have ever really felt have come from overeating. The thought of "not eating" can stress me out. In fact, I often think about what's for lunch while I'm eating breakfast! I'm all for feasting. But fasting? Fasting is one of the most essential and powerful of all the practices of Jesus and, arguably, the single most neglected one in the modern, Western church. Fasting was a core practice of Jesus and the early church. As apprentices, this practice brings our whole self into intimacy with Jesus. Come look with us at what the Word says about it all.
Sabbath Part Four: Worship
February 18, 2024 • Neil Montgomery • Genesis 2:2–3, Matthew 7:13–14, Exodus 16:23–30
We've spent much time exploring how to take a deep dive into the fulness of being a follower of Jesus--a disciple--an apprentice. Of late, we have unpacked the things that Jesus did like pray, spend time alone and practice the sabbath. In sabbath we stop--rest--delight. It is a good day. The best day of the week. But there is one more critical part of a sabbath day. It's a day of WORSHIP. As you continue to dive into this practice you will begin to experience God's presence and purpose come to life in your soul. I hope you'll join us as we learn about "Worship in the Sabbath".
Sabbath Part Three: Delight
February 11, 2024 • Neil Montgomery • John 15:11, Genesis 1:31—2:3, Isaiah 58:13–14
Dan Allender in his book on Sabbath said, "The Sabbath is an invitation to enter delight. The Sabbath, when experienced as God intended, is the best day of our lives." Whoa! Who doesn’t desire that? As you look around your world, do you notice how tired, fearful angry people tend to be? The Bible teaches us that life was never meant to be this way. The practice of sabbath brings back the joy of delight in a God who is the source of our joy. I hope you’ll join us this Sunday as we enjoy rich fellowship and get a taste of the delight that God has for us when we stop and rest.
Sabbath Part Two: Rest
February 4, 2024 • Neil Montgomery • Ecclesiastes 1:1–11, Genesis 2:2–3, Deuteronomy 5:12–15
Have you ever thought about your deepest longings? What does your soul ache for the most? If you're like me, you'd love to have a little peace, slower pace and rest as you navigate the up and down cycle of this fallen world. Theologians would tell us that getting in touch with those longings is the beginning of the spiritual journey...because, at the core, what we most long for can only be satisfied in Jesus.
Sabbath Part One: Stop
January 28, 2024 • Neil Montgomery • Exodus 20:8–11, Matthew 11:28–30, Genesis 2:1–3
Sabbath is a twenty-four hour time period set aside to stop, rest, delight, and worship. It is the best day of the week! In our era of chronic exhaustion, emotional unhealth and spiritual stagnation, few things are more necessary than the recovery of this ancient practice. We hope you'll join us as we explore the treasure we have in Sabbath!
Prayer
January 21, 2024 • Bill Brown • 1 John 3:1–2, Matthew 6:9–13, Ephesians 3:11–12, Hebrews 4:15–16, Hebrews 10:21–22
Most Christians take their relationship with God for granted; after all, "We are saved by grace, and there is nothing left to do, right? I am A OK with God. Or am I?" Your conversations with God are the most authentic measure of your relationship with Him. Those conversations are what we commonly call prayer. But prayer is anything but common. Join us as we dive into the Practice of Prayer.
Trusting God
January 14, 2024 • Shane Sullivan • Psalm 37:3–7, Psalm 37:23–24, Matthew 11:28–30, Matthew 16:24–25, Isaiah 43:18–19
"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you." - Psalm 37:5 God invites us to trust Him not with part of our life, but with EVERYTHING. How does that statement resonate with you? Does it evoke fear and uncertainty or does that invitation draw you in toward God and give you a sense of peace? This week, we will unpack the invitation to Trust God with our EVERYTHING. Join us this Sunday as we dive into Solitude as we move into the Practices of the Way.
An Introductin to the Practices
January 7, 2024 • Neil Montgomery • Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 7:13–29
Following Jesus is an entire life’s pursuit. It is not just an event on a Sunday, but a way of life in community around the teachings of Jesus. To practice the way of Jesus is to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus, and put his teachings into practice in all aspects of your life. As we live this way, we are transformed from the inside out. We believe this kind of deep, authentic, and radical change of character is possible even in the chaos of the modern, digital, urban world. Through teaching, practice, community, and the Holy Spirit, we can recover our humanity in discipleship to Jesus. Join us as we unpack and explore the Practices of the Way.