This week pastor C.J. opened our series on the life of Joseph in The Old Testament. Favoritism is a generational sin that runs rampant in Joseph's family tree. It is all too common in our own families. These week we explore the implications of this sin and recognize that Jesus bears the burden of being God's favorite so that none of us have to. He also leverages His status to serve, rather than oppress us.
Read MoreThe word "compassion" means to suffer with. The word "remarkable" means worth speaking of. Phillip Pattison, founder and head of Foster the Bay, asks us to consider how the church is responding to the great need for families to open their homes to the orphan. Do we recognize the reality of our adoption into God's family and are we moved to extend that to others?
Read MoreAll of Abraham's life climaxes in Genesis 22 when God asks him to sacrifice Isaac. What are we supposed to do with such a terrible test? Dave wrestles with three problems with God's request, and suggests the one reasonable explanation for Abraham's faith.
Read MoreIn Genesis 15, we learned that God was putting everything on the line for Abraham--including God's own life. Does this mean that God's love is unconditional? Genesis 17 and the sign of circumcision reminds us that humanity does have a part to play in God's redemptive plan, and this is good news.
Read MoreAfter years of mostly faithful living, Abram is beginning to doubt whether God will do what he promised. In Genesis 15, God assures Abram by making a covenant with him -- a covenant which sets in motion Jesus' future death.
Read MoreThe New Testament calls Abraham the "father of all who believe." All Christians are indebted to him, not only as the source of faith. Abraham is also a model for how to believe and follow God. Listen as Dave opens the series, considering the surprising and encouraging backstory of Father Abraham.
Read MoreWhen we engage in good, godly work--like the Israelites were doing when they rebuilt the temple--we're tempted to believe that such work either proves we're holy or makes us holy. But Haggai 2 reminds us that our works don't make us holy. Only God's grace can do that. Listen as C.J. encourages us with the promise of grace.
Read MoreIn Haggai 1, the prophet pointed out how the people of Israel had no good reason to hold off building the temple. In Haggai 2, the prophet probes deeper. What was their reasoning? Listen as C.J. explains how we, like Israel, delay faithfulness for fear of comparison and to avoid grief.
Read MoreOn Sunday, we began a two-month series through the Book of Haggai. When Haggai begins, it had been twenty years since God's people had returned from exile. Why, then, was the temple still in ruins? Haggai challenges us to look at our own priorities. Are we putting off what God has sent us to do? Are we putting off that which would make us truly satisfied? Is not life with God what God rescued us for?
Read MoreEvery Easter, Christians celebrate the reality and significance of Jesus' death and resurrection. Paul tells us these twin truths are "of first importance," but what does that mean and how do we know when they've fallen behind? Dave looks to two descriptions of the disciples in Luke to help us understand: when they “doubted for joy” and “slept for sorrow.”
Read MoreHoly Week is the most important time of the year for Christians and it begins with Palm Sunday. This is Jesus’ coronation day. Pastor James Westbrook of Realm Church Oakland reminds us that Jesus is a king like no other. What the culture expects and what he offers is not the same, but faith teaches us to accept his kingship as best.
Read MoreOne of Jesus’ most famous parables is the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and it’s famous for good reason. In an unforgiving world, listening to Jesus’ story about an abundantly forgiving Father is water for the soul. With the help of Henri Nouwen and Tim Keller, C.J. slowly walks us through this story and asks us to identify ourselves with each character.
Read MoreAs Jesus approaches Jerusalem, he becomes more and more distressed. He knows what’s coming. As a result, his teaching becomes more distressed and he talks a great deal about death and divine judgment. In this sermon, Dave encourages us to hear Jesus’ love for us in his distressing words.
Read MoreAs we look forward to a year as uncertain as 2020, what should we be our vision? What is available to us? What do we need? On Sunday, Dave encouraged us with Jesus' hope for us in John 4, that we would "know the gift of God and who Jesus is" leading us to ask him for living water and turn us into the "true worshippers" that God is seeking.
Read MoreAs we begin our 2021 Vision series, C.J. reminds us why our church is called Citizens. In John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples very specifically -- "I ask not that they be removed from the world." And here we are, in the world, but not of the world. What does this mean for us?
Read MoreEvery January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays are shifted to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. This is our fifth and final week of the series, where we will hear about Jesus' death and resurrection and all that Christ's work accomplished.
Read MoreEvery January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays are shifted to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. In Week Four, we look closely at the message and miracles of Jesus, and also his enemies.
Read MoreEvery January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays are shifted to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. In Week Three, we finish the Old Testament and finally meet the person of Jesus.
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