Hospitality can mean different things to different people. For some it is opening their home, for others it is providing meals to those in need, and still for others it could mean something completely different. This week Lisa Trevino shares stories from her own life in connection with the woman that washed the feet of Jesus with her hair and tears to talk about the ways The Bible calls us to approach hospitality as we engage others in the world around us.

Hospitality can mean different things to different people. For some it is opening their home, for others it is providing meals to those in need, and still for others it could mean something completely different. This week Lisa Trevino shares stories from her own life in connection with the woman that washed the feet of Jesus with her hair and tears to talk about the ways The Bible calls us to approach hospitality as we engage others in the world around us.

Hospitality - Tell Her Story

The story of Ruth &amp; Naomi teaches about what it means to depend on one another and offer presence to each other. Ericka Graham continues in our series titled Tell Her Story, by inviting us into the story of Ruth &amp; Naomi. Scripture &amp; References Ruth 1A long time ago, when judges still ruled over Israel and the land was dried up with famine, a man from Bethlehem, which ironically means “place of bread,” left his home in Judah to live as a foreigner in the land of Moab. He traveled with his wife and their two sons. His name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi; their two sons were called Mahlon and Chilion. They were descendants of Ephraim’s tribe from Bethlehem in Judah. They had settled and made lives for themselves in Moab, but soon after, Elimelech died leaving Naomi in the care of her sons. Each son married a woman from Moab—one was named Orpah, the other Ruth—and they lived together for 10 years before Mahlon and Chilion died also. Naomi was left alone, without her husband and two sons.Word had reached Moab that the Eternal One had once again brought life back to the land of Israel and blessed His people with food. Naomi prepared to return with her daughters-in-law. With Orpah and Ruth at her side, she began her journey back to Judah, leaving the place where she had lived.Naomi (to Orpah and Ruth): You have accompanied me far enough; you must both return to Moab. Go home to your mothers’ care and your people. May the Eternal show His loyal love to you just as you demonstrated it to my dead sons and me. I hope He will bring you new husbands and that you will find the rest you deserve in their homes.She drew close, kissed them, and turned to go on her way, alone. But Orpah and Ruth wailed and sobbed, crying out to her.Orpah and Ruth: Do not leave us! We insist you take us with you to live with you and your people.Naomi: Go back to your homes, my daughters. What possible reason would you have for returning with me? Do you think there are more sons inside of me? Will you marry these unborn sons? Listen to me, daughters, and go back. I am too old; I will not marry again because I cannot conceive. But even if I could—if I still believed there was hope for me, or if I had a husband and conceived sons tonight— would you waste a lifetime waiting for them to grow up? Would you let this hope for the future keep you from remarrying now? Of course not, my dear daughters. It is obvious that the Eternal has acted against me. My life is much too bitter for you to share with me.At this Orpah and Ruth wailed and wept again. Then Orpah kissed Naomi, said goodbye, and returned the way she had come. Yet Ruth refused to let go of Naomi.Naomi: Look at your sister-in-law. She has returned to live with her people and to worship her gods; go and follow her.Ruth: Stop pushing me away,        insisting that I stop following you!    Wherever you go, I will go.        Wherever you live, I will live.    Your people will be my people.        Your God will be my God.    Wherever you die, I will also die        and be buried there near you.    May the Eternal One punish me—        and even more so—        if anything besides death comes between us.When Naomi heard this and saw Ruth’s resolve, she stopped trying to talk her out of returning to Judah. The two women went on together to Bethlehem.News of their arrival spread throughout Bethlehem. In fact, the whole community was humming with the report, with the women exclaiming, “Could it really be the same Naomi who left us so long ago?”Naomi: Do not call me Naomi ever again, for I am no longer pleasant.        Call me Mara instead, for I am filled with bitterness        because the Highest One has treated me bitterly.There is a Hebrew wordplay here from Naomi, “pleasant,” to Mara, “bitterness.” Even Orpah (“neck”) turns her back on Naomi.    I left this place full, in spite of the famine,        but the Eternal has brought me back empty from a plentiful land.    Why would you call me “Pleasant”        when the Eternal has testified against me,        and the Highest One has brought disaster upon me?Naomi’s story is similar to the story of Job. God tests them, as Job and Naomi have full lives. Then they go from emptiness to vindication, and finally to redemption.This was how Naomi came into Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law, Ruth, from Moab. It was at the beginning of the barley harvest when they returned to the land.

The story of Ruth &amp; Naomi teaches about what it means to depend on one another and offer presence to each other. Ericka Graham continues in our series titled Tell Her Story, by inviting us into the story of Ruth &amp; Naomi. <h2>Scripture &amp; References </h2>Ruth 1A long time ago, when judges still ruled over Israel and the land was dried up with famine, a man from Bethlehem, which ironically means “place of bread,” left his home in Judah to live as a foreigner in the land of Moab. He traveled with his wife and their two sons. His name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi; their two sons were called Mahlon and Chilion. They were descendants of Ephraim’s tribe from Bethlehem in Judah. They had settled and made lives for themselves in Moab, but soon after, Elimelech died leaving Naomi in the care of her sons. Each son married a woman from Moab—one was named Orpah, the other Ruth—and they lived together for 10 years before Mahlon and Chilion died also. Naomi was left alone, without her husband and two sons.Word had reached Moab that the Eternal One had once again brought life back to the land of Israel and blessed His people with food. Naomi prepared to return with her daughters-in-law. With Orpah and Ruth at her side, she began her journey back to Judah, leaving the place where she had lived.Naomi (to Orpah and Ruth): You have accompanied me far enough; you must both return to Moab. Go home to your mothers’ care and your people. May the Eternal show His loyal love to you just as you demonstrated it to my dead sons and me. I hope He will bring you new husbands and that you will find the rest you deserve in their homes.She drew close, kissed them, and turned to go on her way, alone. But Orpah and Ruth wailed and sobbed, crying out to her.Orpah and Ruth: Do not leave us! We insist you take us with you to live with you and your people.Naomi: Go back to your homes, my daughters. What possible reason would you have for returning with me? Do you think there are more sons inside of me? Will you marry these unborn sons? Listen to me, daughters, and go back. I am too old; I will not marry again because I cannot conceive. But even if I could—if I still believed there was hope for me, or if I had a husband and conceived sons tonight— would you waste a lifetime waiting for them to grow up? Would you let this hope for the future keep you from remarrying now? Of course not, my dear daughters. It is obvious that the Eternal has acted against me. My life is much too bitter for you to share with me.At this Orpah and Ruth wailed and wept again. Then Orpah kissed Naomi, said goodbye, and returned the way she had come. Yet Ruth refused to let go of Naomi.Naomi: Look at your sister-in-law. She has returned to live with her people and to worship her gods; go and follow her.Ruth: Stop pushing me away,         insisting that I stop following you!     Wherever you go, I will go.         Wherever you live, I will live.     Your people will be my people.         Your God will be my God.     Wherever you die, I will also die         and be buried there near you.     May the Eternal One punish me—         and even more so—         if anything besides death comes between us.When Naomi heard this and saw Ruth’s resolve, she stopped trying to talk her out of returning to Judah. The two women went on together to Bethlehem.News of their arrival spread throughout Bethlehem. In fact, the whole community was humming with the report, with the women exclaiming, “Could it really be the same Naomi who left us so long ago?”Naomi: Do not call me Naomi ever again, for I am no longer pleasant.         Call me Mara instead, for I am filled with bitterness         because the Highest One has treated me bitterly.There is a Hebrew wordplay here from Naomi, “pleasant,” to Mara, “bitterness.” Even Orpah (“neck”) turns her back on Naomi.    I left this place full, in spite of the famine,         but the Eternal has brought me back empty from a plentiful land.     Why would you call me “Pleasant”         when the Eternal has testified against me,         and the Highest One has brought disaster upon me?Naomi’s story is similar to the story of Job. God tests them, as Job and Naomi have full lives. Then they go from emptiness to vindication, and finally to redemption.This was how Naomi came into Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law, Ruth, from Moab. It was at the beginning of the barley harvest when they returned to the land.

The Story of Ruth & Naomi - Tell Her Story

Ericka Graham shares the story of Deborah and Jael and invites us to reimagine how we view leadership and authority. These powerful women in Scripture teach us a lot about collaboration, humility &amp; strength. Scripture &amp; References Judges 4:3-10The people of Israel cried out to the Eternal again for help. Since Sisera had 900 iron chariots, he prevailed against and oppressed the Israelites for 20 years.These iron chariots are an especially potent assault vehicle against the Israelites on the plains, but not as much in mountainous regions.4 At that time, Deborah the prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, served as judge over Israel. 5 She used to sit beneath the palm tree of Deborah, situated in the hill country of Ephraim between Ramah and Bethel, and the people would go up to her there to settle disputes. 6 She urgently sent for Barak, the son of Abinoam, out of Kedesh-naphtali.Deborah: The Eternal God of Israel commands you: “Go and get into position near Mount Tabor. Take 10,000 soldiers from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun. 7 I will draw out Sisera, Jabin’s general, to meet you at the wadi Kishon with his chariots and his army, and I will deliver him to you.”Barak (to Deborah): 8 I will do this if you will go with me; but if you won’t, then I won’t go either.Deborah: 9 I will certainly go with you, but you should know from the beginning that this battle will not lead to your personal glory. The Eternal has decreed that the mighty Sisera will be defeated by a woman.Then Deborah got up and accompanied Barak to Kedesh. 10 Barak summoned the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun, and they sent 10,000 men to follow him. With Deborah, they went to Kedesh.Judges 4:18-24Jael went out to meet Sisera.Jael: Come in, my lord, come in with me. There is nothing to be afraid of here.So he came inside the tent with her, and she covered him with a rug just in case some of Barak’s soldiers came looking for him.Sisera: 19 May I have a little water to drink?He was very thirsty, so she opened a skin filled with milk and gave him a little, then covered him again.Sisera: 20 Stand and wait at the opening to the tent. If anybody comes and asks you, “Is anyone inside?” tell them “No.”21 Sisera fell into a deep sleep, for he was weary. Jael, the wife of Heber, took a tent peg in one hand and a hammer in the other. She crept softly to his side. Then she drove the peg into his temple, down into the ground, and killed him.22 When Barak came looking for Sisera, Jael went out to meet him.Jael: Come inside, and I will show you the man you seek.So he went into the tent with her, and there lay Sisera dead, with a tent peg driven through his head.23 On that day, God vanquished Jabin, king of Canaan, before the people of Israel; 24 and the Israelites bore down harder and harder on him until at last Jabin, king of Canaan, was destroyed.

Ericka Graham shares the story of Deborah and Jael and invites us to reimagine how we view leadership and authority. These powerful women in Scripture teach us a lot about collaboration, humility &amp; strength. <h2>Scripture &amp; References</h2> Judges 4:3-10The people of Israel cried out to the Eternal again for help. Since Sisera had 900 iron chariots, he prevailed against and oppressed the Israelites for 20 years.These iron chariots are an especially potent assault vehicle against the Israelites on the plains, but not as much in mountainous regions.4 At that time, Deborah the prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, served as judge over Israel. 5 She used to sit beneath the palm tree of Deborah, situated in the hill country of Ephraim between Ramah and Bethel, and the people would go up to her there to settle disputes. 6 She urgently sent for Barak, the son of Abinoam, out of Kedesh-naphtali.Deborah: The Eternal God of Israel commands you: “Go and get into position near Mount Tabor. Take 10,000 soldiers from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun. 7 I will draw out Sisera, Jabin’s general, to meet you at the wadi Kishon with his chariots and his army, and I will deliver him to you.”Barak (to Deborah): 8 I will do this if you will go with me; but if you won’t, then I won’t go either.Deborah: 9 I will certainly go with you, but you should know from the beginning that this battle will not lead to your personal glory. The Eternal has decreed that the mighty Sisera will be defeated by a woman.Then Deborah got up and accompanied Barak to Kedesh. 10 Barak summoned the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun, and they sent 10,000 men to follow him. With Deborah, they went to Kedesh.Judges 4:18-24Jael went out to meet Sisera.Jael: Come in, my lord, come in with me. There is nothing to be afraid of here.So he came inside the tent with her, and she covered him with a rug just in case some of Barak’s soldiers came looking for him.Sisera: 19 May I have a little water to drink?He was very thirsty, so she opened a skin filled with milk and gave him a little, then covered him again.Sisera: 20 Stand and wait at the opening to the tent. If anybody comes and asks you, “Is anyone inside?” tell them “No.”21 Sisera fell into a deep sleep, for he was weary. Jael, the wife of Heber, took a tent peg in one hand and a hammer in the other. She crept softly to his side. Then she drove the peg into his temple, down into the ground, and killed him.22 When Barak came looking for Sisera, Jael went out to meet him.Jael: Come inside, and I will show you the man you seek.So he went into the tent with her, and there lay Sisera dead, with a tent peg driven through his head.23 On that day, God vanquished Jabin, king of Canaan, before the people of Israel; 24 and the Israelites bore down harder and harder on him until at last Jabin, king of Canaan, was destroyed.

What Makes A Good Leader? - Tell Her Story

Pastor Chris kicks off a new series called "Tell Her Story." Over the next several weeks we will be focusing on women in the Bible and their stories of faith and leadership. Today, Pastor Chris recounts the story of Hagar, Sarah &amp; Abraham and invites us to reimagine how we balance the humanity of these figures of our faith. Scripture &amp; References Genesis 16:1-81 Despite God's promise, years went by. Still Abram wife Sarai remained childless. But she did have an Egyptian servant girl whose name was Hagar. Sarai had an idea so she approached her husband.Sarai (to Abram): 2 You can see that the Eternal One has still not allowed me to have any children. Why don't you sleep with my servant girl? Maybe I could use her as a surrogate and have a child through her! Abram listened to Sarai and agreed to follow her plan.3 After they had lived 10 years in Canaan, Abram's wife Sarai took her servant girl Hagar, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram as a wife. 4 So Abram slept with Hagar. It was not long before she conceived. But as soon as she knew she was pregnant with Abram's child, Hagar's attitude changed and she became haughty toward Sarai. 5 Sarai would not tolerate her servant looking down on her, so she approached Abram again.Sarai (to Abram): This is all your fault. I allowed my servant girl to be intimate with you, and as soon as she saw she was pregnant with your child, she started behaving arrogantly and disrespectfully toward me! I have done nothing to deserve this. Let the Eternal One judge who is in the wrong here-you or me!Abram (to Sarai): 6 Sarai -look, she's still your servant girl. Do whatever you want with her. She's under vour control. So Sarai clamped down on Hagar severely, and Hagar ran away. 7 The Special Messenger of the Eternal One found Hagar alone by a spring of water out in the desert. It was the spring of water along the road that went to Shur.Special Messenger: 8 Hagar, Sarai's servant girl? Where have you come from, and where are you planning to go?Hagar: I am running away from my mistress, Sarai!Genesis 16:12And he shall be as a wild ass among men; his hand shall be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his brethren.

Pastor Chris kicks off a new series called "Tell Her Story." Over the next several weeks we will be focusing on women in the Bible and their stories of faith and leadership. Today, Pastor Chris recounts the story of Hagar, Sarah &amp; Abraham and invites us to reimagine how we balance the humanity of these figures of our faith. <h2>Scripture &amp; References</h2> Genesis 16:1-81 Despite God's promise, years went by. Still Abram wife Sarai remained childless. But she did have an Egyptian servant girl whose name was Hagar. Sarai had an idea so she approached her husband.Sarai (to Abram): 2 You can see that the Eternal One has still not allowed me to have any children. Why don't you sleep with my servant girl? Maybe I could use her as a surrogate and have a child through her! Abram listened to Sarai and agreed to follow her plan.3 After they had lived 10 years in Canaan, Abram's wife Sarai took her servant girl Hagar, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram as a wife. 4 So Abram slept with Hagar. It was not long before she conceived. But as soon as she knew she was pregnant with Abram's child, Hagar's attitude changed and she became haughty toward Sarai. 5 Sarai would not tolerate her servant looking down on her, so she approached Abram again.Sarai (to Abram): This is all your fault. I allowed my servant girl to be intimate with you, and as soon as she saw she was pregnant with your child, she started behaving arrogantly and disrespectfully toward me! I have done nothing to deserve this. Let the Eternal One judge who is in the wrong here-you or me!Abram (to Sarai): 6 Sarai -look, she's still your servant girl. Do whatever you want with her. She's under vour control. So Sarai clamped down on Hagar severely, and Hagar ran away. 7 The Special Messenger of the Eternal One found Hagar alone by a spring of water out in the desert. It was the spring of water along the road that went to Shur.Special Messenger: 8 Hagar, Sarai's servant girl? Where have you come from, and where are you planning to go?Hagar: I am running away from my mistress, Sarai!Genesis 16:12And he shall be as a wild ass among men; his hand shall be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his brethren.

Tell Her Story - Hagar

Guest Speaker, Carlos Rodriguez, invites us to be open to change. Through his story of ministry, Carlos invites us to be open to God's movement in our life. AUDIO VERSION SCRIPTURE  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.John 3:8

Guest Speaker, Carlos Rodriguez, invites us to be open to change. Through his story of ministry, Carlos invites us to be open to God's movement in our life. <h2>AUDIO VERSION</h2> <h2>SCRIPTURE </h2> The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.John 3:8

Changing with God's Wind

Our friend Marcelo Robles joins Pastor Chris in sharing a message about hope and friendship and invites us to act in supporting our friends in Argentina. LIVE TEACHING PODCAST SCRIPTURES  &amp; REFERENCES "What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it."- C. S. Lewis"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create). It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival."-C. S. Lewis How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in peace! 2 It is like the finest oils poured on the head, sweet-smelling oils flowing down to cover the beard, flowing down the beard of Aaron, flowing down the collar of his robe. a It is like the gentle rain of Mount Hermon that falls on the hills of Zion. Yes, from this place, the Eternal spoke the command, from there He gave His blessing -life forever.Psalm 133When the crowd gathered again, the people brought their children to see Jesus, hoping that He might grantthem His blessing through His touch. His disciples turned them all away; 14 but when Jesus saw this, He was incensed. Jesus (to the disciples): Let the children come to Me, and don't ever stand in their way, for this is what the kingdom of God is all about.Truly anyone who doesn't accept the kingdom of God as a little child does can never enter it. 16 Jesus gathered the children in His arms, and He laid His hands on them to bless them.Mark 10:13-16

Our friend Marcelo Robles joins Pastor Chris in sharing a message about hope and friendship and invites us to act in supporting our friends in Argentina. <h2>LIVE TEACHING PODCAST</h2> <h2>SCRIPTURES &amp; REFERENCES</h2> "What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it."- C. S. Lewis"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create). It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival."-C. S. Lewis How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in peace! 2 It is like the finest oils poured on the head, sweet-smelling oils flowing down to cover the beard, flowing down the beard of Aaron, flowing down the collar of his robe. a It is like the gentle rain of Mount Hermon that falls on the hills of Zion. Yes, from this place, the Eternal spoke the command, from there He gave His blessing -life forever.Psalm 133When the crowd gathered again, the people brought their children to see Jesus, hoping that He might grantthem His blessing through His touch. His disciples turned them all away; 14 but when Jesus saw this, He was incensed. Jesus (to the disciples): Let the children come to Me, and don't ever stand in their way, for this is what the kingdom of God is all about.Truly anyone who doesn't accept the kingdom of God as a little child does can never enter it. 16 Jesus gathered the children in His arms, and He laid His hands on them to bless them.Mark 10:13-16

Our Friends in Argentina

Happy Father's Day! This Sunday we are excited to have Ed Seay, Pastor Chris's dad, join us to share a message for fathers. He shares stories of highs and lows of fatherhood and some things he has learned along the way. Live Teaching Podcast Scriptures &amp; References John 3:16-1816 For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. 17 Here’s the point. God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it; instead, He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction.18 No one who believes in Him has to fear condemnation, yet condemnation is already the reality for everyone who refuses to believe because they reject the name of the only Son of God.2 Timothy 3:14-1714-15 So surely you ought to stick to what you know is certain. All you have learned comes from people you know and trust because since childhood you have known the holy Scriptures, which enable you to be wise and lead to salvation through faith in Jesus the Anointed. 16-17 All of Scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right so that God’s people may be up to the task ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work.Ephesians 6:1-41 Now to you, children, obey your parents in the Lord because this is right in God’s eyes. 2-3 This is the first commandment onto which He added a promise: “Honor your father and your mother, and if you do, you will live long and well in this land.”4 And, fathers, do not drive your children mad, but nurture them in the discipline and teaching that come from the Lord.Luke 6:27-28, 31-33a, 35a27 If you’re listening, here’s My message: Keep loving your enemies no matter what they do. Keep doing good to those who hate you. 28 Keep speaking blessings on those who curse you. Keep praying for those who mistreat you. 31 Think of the kindness you wish others would show you; do the same for them.32 Listen, what’s the big deal if you love people who already love you? Even scoundrels do that much! 33a So what if you do good to those who do good to you? Even scoundrels do that much! 35a If you want to be extraordinary—love your enemies! Do good without restraint!Jesus: 14 This is how it will be. It will be like a landowner who is going on a trip. He instructed his slaves about caring for his property. 15 He gave five talents to one slave, two to the next, and then one talent to the last slave—each according to his ability. Then the man left.16 Promptly the man who had been given five talents went out and bartered and sold and turned his five talents into ten. 17 And the one who had received two talents went to the market and turned his two into four. 18 And the slave who had received just one talent? He dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money there.19 Eventually the master came back from his travels, found his slaves, and settled up with them. 20 The slave who had been given five talents came forward and told his master how he’d turned five into ten; then he handed the whole lot over to his master.Master: 21 Excellent. You’ve proved yourself not only clever but loyal. You’ve executed a rather small task masterfully, so now I am going to put you in charge of something larger. But before you go back to work, come join my great feast and celebration.

Happy Father's Day! This Sunday we are excited to have Ed Seay, Pastor Chris's dad, join us to share a message for fathers. He shares stories of highs and lows of fatherhood and some things he has learned along the way. <h2>Live Teaching Podcast</h2> <h2>Scriptures &amp; References</h2> John 3:16-1816 For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. 17 Here’s the point. God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it; instead, He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction.18 No one who believes in Him has to fear condemnation, yet condemnation is already the reality for everyone who refuses to believe because they reject the name of the only Son of God.2 Timothy 3:14-1714-15 So surely you ought to stick to what you know is certain. All you have learned comes from people you know and trust because since childhood you have known the holy Scriptures, which enable you to be wise and lead to salvation through faith in Jesus the Anointed. 16-17 All of Scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right so that God’s people may be up to the task ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work.Ephesians 6:1-41 Now to you, children, obey your parents in the Lord because this is right in God’s eyes. 2-3 This is the first commandment onto which He added a promise: “Honor your father and your mother, and if you do, you will live long and well in this land.”4 And, fathers, do not drive your children mad, but nurture them in the discipline and teaching that come from the Lord.Luke 6:27-28, 31-33a, 35a27 If you’re listening, here’s My message: Keep loving your enemies no matter what they do. Keep doing good to those who hate you. 28 Keep speaking blessings on those who curse you. Keep praying for those who mistreat you. 31 Think of the kindness you wish others would show you; do the same for them.32 Listen, what’s the big deal if you love people who already love you? Even scoundrels do that much! 33a So what if you do good to those who do good to you? Even scoundrels do that much! 35a If you want to be extraordinary—love your enemies! Do good without restraint!Jesus: 14 This is how it will be. It will be like a landowner who is going on a trip. He instructed his slaves about caring for his property. 15 He gave five talents to one slave, two to the next, and then one talent to the last slave—each according to his ability. Then the man left.16 Promptly the man who had been given five talents went out and bartered and sold and turned his five talents into ten. 17 And the one who had received two talents went to the market and turned his two into four. 18 And the slave who had received just one talent? He dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money there.19 Eventually the master came back from his travels, found his slaves, and settled up with them. 20 The slave who had been given five talents came forward and told his master how he’d turned five into ten; then he handed the whole lot over to his master.Master: 21 Excellent. You’ve proved yourself not only clever but loyal. You’ve executed a rather small task masterfully, so now I am going to put you in charge of something larger. But before you go back to work, come join my great feast and celebration.

Father's Day

Pastor Chris invites us into a rhythm of rest through the Psalms. Live Teaching Podcast Scriptures &amp; References Psalm 32:1-61 How happy is the one whose wrongs are forgiven, whose sin is hidden from sight.2 How happy is the person whose sin the Eternal will not take into account.How happy are those who no longer lie, to themselves or others. 3 When I refused to admit my wrongs, I was miserable, moaning and complaining all day long so that even my bones felt brittle. 4 Day and night, Your hand kept pressing on me. My strength dried up like water in the summer heat; You wore me down.[Pause]5 When I finally saw my own lies, I owned up to my sins before You, and I did not try to hide my evil deeds from You. I said to myself, “I’ll admit all my sins to the Eternal,” and You lifted and carried away the guilt of my sin.[Pause]6 So let all who are devoted to You speak honestly to You now, while You are still listening. For then when the floods come, surely the rushing water will not even reach them. Ephesians 4:29-3229 Don’t let even one rotten word seep out of your mouths. Instead, offer only fresh words that build others up when they need it most. That way your good words will communicate grace to those who hear them. 30 It’s time to stop bringing grief to God’s Holy Spirit; you have been sealed with the Spirit, marked as His own for the day of rescue. 31 Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all malicious thoughts—these are poison. 32 Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King. Acts 8:26-2926 Messenger of the Lord: Leave Samaria. Go south to the Jerusalem-Gaza road.The message was especially unusual because this road runs through the middle of uninhabited desert. 27 But Philip got up, left the excitement of Samaria, and did as he was told to do. Along this road, Philip saw a chariot in the distance. In the chariot was a dignitary from Ethiopia (the treasurer for Queen Candace), an African man who had been castrated.He had gone north to Jerusalem to worship at the Jewish temple, 28 and he was now heading southwest on his way home. He was seated in the chariot and was reading aloud from a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. 29 Philip received another prompting from the Holy Spirit:Holy Spirit: Go over to the chariot and climb on board.

Pastor Chris invites us into a rhythm of rest through the Psalms. <h2>Live Teaching Podcast</h2> <h2>Scriptures &amp; References</h2> Psalm 32:1-61 How happy is the one whose wrongs are forgiven, whose sin is hidden from sight.2 How happy is the person whose sin the Eternal will not take into account.How happy are those who no longer lie, to themselves or others. 3 When I refused to admit my wrongs, I was miserable, moaning and complaining all day long so that even my bones felt brittle. 4 Day and night, Your hand kept pressing on me. My strength dried up like water in the summer heat; You wore me down.[Pause]5 When I finally saw my own lies, I owned up to my sins before You, and I did not try to hide my evil deeds from You. I said to myself, “I’ll admit all my sins to the Eternal,” and You lifted and carried away the guilt of my sin.[Pause]6 So let all who are devoted to You speak honestly to You now, while You are still listening. For then when the floods come, surely the rushing water will not even reach them. Ephesians 4:29-3229 Don’t let even one rotten word seep out of your mouths. Instead, offer only fresh words that build others up when they need it most. That way your good words will communicate grace to those who hear them. 30 It’s time to stop bringing grief to God’s Holy Spirit; you have been sealed with the Spirit, marked as His own for the day of rescue. 31 Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all malicious thoughts—these are poison. 32 Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King. Acts 8:26-2926 Messenger of the Lord: Leave Samaria. Go south to the Jerusalem-Gaza road.The message was especially unusual because this road runs through the middle of uninhabited desert. 27 But Philip got up, left the excitement of Samaria, and did as he was told to do. Along this road, Philip saw a chariot in the distance. In the chariot was a dignitary from Ethiopia (the treasurer for Queen Candace), an African man who had been castrated.He had gone north to Jerusalem to worship at the Jewish temple, 28 and he was now heading southwest on his way home. He was seated in the chariot and was reading aloud from a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. 29 Philip received another prompting from the Holy Spirit:Holy Spirit: Go over to the chariot and climb on board.

Summer Selah

Pastor Mike shares that benediction is reminder that we are a beloved people whom God gathers, that then become a chosen people whom God sends. LIVE TEACHING PODCAST

Pastor Mike shares that benediction is reminder that we are a beloved people whom God gathers, that then become a chosen people whom God sends. <h2>LIVE TEACHING PODCAST</h2>

Magic Kingdom

Welcome to The Ecclesia Podcast, a place where we share stories and conversations about what it means to live in a holistic, Christian, missional community. In this episode, Pastor Chris sits down with Pastor Mike to discuss his time at Ecclesia as he prepares to move on to a new season planting his own church in SW Houston.At Ecclesia, our mission is to be a community that seeks to follow Jesus in all areas of life, and that includes our worship. We believe that there are many ways to worship God beyond just music and Sunday gatherings. If you're interested in learning more about our church community in Houston, Texas, please visit our website at www.ecclesiahouston.org. There you can learn more about ways to connect in small groups where you can share stories and remember together.Thank you for listening to The Ecclesia Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more thought-provoking conversations about what it means to live in holistic, Christian community.

Welcome to The Ecclesia Podcast, a place where we share stories and conversations about what it means to live in a holistic, Christian, missional community. In this episode, Pastor Chris sits down with Pastor Mike to discuss his time at Ecclesia as he prepares to move on to a new season planting his own church in SW Houston.At Ecclesia, our mission is to be a community that seeks to follow Jesus in all areas of life, and that includes our worship. We believe that there are many ways to worship God beyond just music and Sunday gatherings. If you're interested in learning more about our church community in Houston, Texas, please visit our website at <a href="http://www.ecclesiahouston.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ecclesiahouston.org</a>. There you can learn more about ways to connect in small groups where you can share stories and remember together.Thank you for listening to The Ecclesia Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more thought-provoking conversations about what it means to live in holistic, Christian community.

A Conversation With Mike Yager

A collection of media, reflections, and resources from our weekend gatherings. For additional information on Ecclesia Houston visit us online at http://ecclesiahouston.org

Attend when I can- the podcasts fill my soul. Thank you

Amazing church, great people. Highlight of my week, every week.

Ecclesia Houston

A collection of media, reflections, and resources from our weekend gatherings. For additional information on Ecclesia Houston visit us online at <a href="http://ecclesiahouston.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ecclesiahouston.org</a>

Ecclesia Houston | Weekend Podcast and Liturgy

The best podcasts on investing. For anyone interested in the stories in the investing industry, whether it's an interview with Ray Dalio or Ed Thorp to the writer of The Big Short. This topic includes the most fascinating stories from all the best investors. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Investing Podcasts

The best podcast episodes on parenting. Interviewing experts and talking through common issues surrounding parenting. This topic is filled with important lessons and insights for anyone listening. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!