Teaching
We gather around the scriptures to learn the unfolding story of God.
Love — Matthew 1:18-25
In a world marked by overwhelming suffering and compassion fatigue, it is easy to respond to pain with apathy and distance. In Matthew 1, Advent reveals a different way as God’s agape love draws near through Joseph’s obedient protection, Mary’s faithful surrender, and Jesus’ vulnerable presence as Immanuel. Rather than remaining distant, God enters human suffering fully, inviting us to resist indifference and embody a love that protects, trusts, and stays close to those within our reach.
Joy – Luke 2:8-20
In an age marked by constant anxiety and fear, Scripture invites us to consider a different response: joy. In Luke’s account of the shepherds, God enters a fearful, politically unstable world not from a distance, but from within it, announcing good news to the marginalized and afraid. This joy is not fragile happiness, but a deep, enduring gift anchored in God’s presence that casts out fear and sustains us through hardship. As those created in God’s image, we are invited to embody this joy through worship and creative participation, bearing witness to Immanuel, God with us, in a weary world.
Peace – Matthew 3:1-12
In a season often reduced to cozy nostalgia and sentimental visions of peace, we can forget that the peace of Christ is far deeper and far more disruptive. John the Baptist’s unsettling witness reminds us that Christ’s peace exposes what is broken in us, confronts what is unjust in the world, and calls us into real, costly repentance. True peace is not a mood but a transformation—God reshaping our minds, desires, and loyalties so that we might participate in His coming kingdom.
Hope – Isaiah 9:2-9
What do we do when the world feels increasingly heavy, anxious, and bleak? In this Advent message, we explore our deep human longing for hope amid fear, doom-scrolling, and the relentless stream of bad news. Drawing from Isaiah’s prophecies, we trace Israel’s history of failed leaders and unmet expectations, revealing how the ache for rescue has always been part of the human story. Ultimately, we look to the surprising and upside-down hope of Jesus—the promised King who comes not with political power, but in humility, vulnerability, and sacrificial love.
The Jesus Community – Colossians 3:11–15
Oftentimes we treat the modern church like a product to be consumed rather than a community to belong to. In Colossians 3, Paul calls the church to remember who it is: God’s unified family, chosen and dearly loved. This identity invites us to set aside the divisions we carry in from the world, to clothe ourselves in compassion, humility, and forgiveness, and to practice a love that binds us together in perfect unity. The invitation is not mere attendance, but shared commitment—a community formed by Christ’s grace and devoted to one another’s good.
Defiant Generosity – Philippians 4:14–23
What do we do when the needs around us feel too overwhelming to make a difference? In this final message from our Defiant Joy series in Philippians, we explore how cynicism, fear, and scarcity can shrink our capacity to live generously. Drawing from Paul’s gratitude to the Philippian church, we consider how generosity is not only about meeting practical needs but about the inner transformation that happens as we loosen our grip on time, money, and comfort. Through Scripture, cultural reflection, and honest confession, we’re invited to rediscover the freedom that comes from trusting in God’s abundance.
Learning Contentment – Philippians 4:10–13
Contentment is one of the most misunderstood yet deeply desired qualities in life. We often hear Paul’s words in Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—and mistake them for a motivational slogan or spiritual pep talk. But Paul’s understanding of contentment and strength is far richer. Writing from prison, he expresses gratitude not for what he has received, but for what generosity is producing in others. His contentment is not rooted in self-sufficiency or independence, but in a radical dependence on Christ.
Honest Confessions — Philippians 4:1–9
Hypocrisy is a universal part of the human condition—a gap between who we are and who we aspire to be. Rather than denying or being discouraged by our inconsistencies, we are invited to face them with honesty and humility, striving to close the gap through growth and grace. In Philippians, Paul offers practical guidance for how this can take shape, particularly in areas where hypocrisy often appears: conflict, anxiety, and virtue.
The Politics of Jesus – Philippians 3:17–21
In a world that demands our loyalty in many directions—nation, party, ideology—Paul insists that Christ alone is Lord. Every other identity or allegiance is secondary, and our unity as followers of Jesus must transcend political divides. This challenges us to examine where our true loyalty lies and to resist the temptation to elevate any earthly power to the place of Christ.
We Press On – Philippians 3:12–16
Spiritual complacency often creeps in unnoticed, disguising itself as contentment or routine. It can cause us to settle for a stagnant faith, where we go through the motions without truly engaging with God. True growth requires us to recognize and resist this inertia, choosing instead to pursue Christ with renewed intentionality and passion. The journey of faith is ongoing, not a destination we reach once and for all.
Is Jesus Worth it? – Philippians 3:7–11
In a world overflowing with options for meaning and identity, the question naturally arises: is Jesus worth it? Paul’s answer is an unqualified yes. He has lost much—status, friends, perhaps even family—but he insists that nothing compares to the joy and significance of knowing Christ. This “knowing” is not mere intellectual assent, but a deep, relational friendship with Jesus, an invitation into the very love of the Trinity. To know Christ is to be loved as you are, to find your true significance as God’s beloved.
The Mindset of Christ – Philippians 2:19–30
The desire for legacy is universal; we all want our lives to matter, to leave a mark that outlasts us. But our culture often pushes us toward building our own brand, maximizing comfort, and seeking recognition. Epaphroditus’ story challenges this narrative. He didn’t live to be known—he lived to be faithful. His legacy is not in fame or achievement, but in his Christ-like posture of humility, obedience, and self-giving love. Paul urges us to see in Epaphroditus a concrete example of what it means to adopt the mindset of Christ: to risk more, to reflect more, and to do more things that will live on beyond us.
Becoming Blameless – Philippians 2:14–18
In a world where negativity dominates headlines, it’s easy to think things are only getting worse. Yet broader trends—declining poverty, rising productivity, and a greener planet show reasons for hope. Still, our hearts often default to grumbling in the face of suffering, much like the Israelites in the wilderness who, despite God’s miracles, chose doubt and complaint over trust. Paul’s letter to the Philippians contrasts this response with living blamelessly as children of God, reminding us that bitterness is not just a reaction but a choice to overlook God’s goodness and provision.
Becoming like Jesus – Philippians 2:12–13
Spiritual formation is not about mastering our own fate or striving for perfection, but about surrendering control and allowing God to do His slow, patient work in us. Sometimes change is dramatic, but more often it is gradual, as God gently heals, corrects, and cultivates Christlike character in us over a lifetime. Our practices create openings for God’s grace, but it is He who transforms us from the inside out.
A Greater Narrative – Philippians 2:5–11
Modern culture celebrates self-centeredness, encouraging us to see ourselves as the protagonists of our own stories. This mindset, while seemingly empowering, actually leads to delayed maturity, isolation, and impoverished relationships. True community and deep friendships are not built on self-promotion but on mutual service and humility, as modeled by Jesus.
Embracing Humility – Philippians 2:1-4
The church, both past and present, has often failed to be on the side of justice, especially in its treatment of indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups. If Jesus is truly King, then the powers and principalities of this world are not, and our joy becomes a subversive declaration of that truth. Paul’s challenge in Philippians 2 is to embrace humility, to make room for one another, and to seek unity that is not mere agreement, but a shared participation in the life and love of Christ.
In Kansas City – Jeremiah 29:4-14
In a restless and rootless culture, the call to stability is a radical act of faith. Rather than constantly seeking greener pastures, we are invited to invest deeply where we are, trusting that God’s best work often happens through long-term presence and commitment. This stability is not stagnation, but a fertile ground for transformation and flourishing.
Together – Acts 2:42-47
Revealing the kingdom of Jesus requires more than private faith; it demands a public, holistic surrender that impacts every sphere of life. The fruit of this surrender is seen in the transformation of others, the questions of the curious, and the renewal of lives around us. It is not enough to admire the early church’s vision—we are called to embody it in our own context.
Revealing the Kingdom of Jesus – Mark 1:14-15
At the heart of the good news is not a set of principles, a checklist of religious duties, or a mere ticket to heaven, but the announcement that God is reclaiming his world and inviting us to participate in his reign. Many of us have inherited versions of the gospel that are too small: prosperity, church attendance, social justice, or a transactional ticket to heaven. Each contains a kernel of truth, but all fall short of the sweeping vision Jesus proclaimed—the kingdom of God at hand.
Citizens of the Kingdom – Philippians 1:27-30
Followers of Jesus are called to give their deepest loyalty and hope not to any nation, political party, or leader, but to Christ alone. In a world where political identities often demand our devotion, Christians are invited to remember that their true citizenship is in heaven and that their lives should reflect the reign of Jesus above all else. This allegiance may create tension with the surrounding culture, but it is the foundation of a gospel-shaped life.