(MULTILINE) Jesus didn’t rise to show off His power—He rose to launch God’s future into our present. “The God of Peace” (MULTILINE) “Shalom exists when all our relationships are flourishing: our relationship with God, with each other, with creation, and even with ourselves.” —Jason Porterfield (MULT …

Hebrews 10:11–14 NLT Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in …

(MULTILINE) Hebrews 10:1 NLT The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. (MULTILINE) How to enter into worship: With anticipation that God’s light will cover us and lead us. (MULTILINE) With confidence that God is …

(MULTILINE) Christianity has never been about what you know—it’s about who you know. (MULTILINE) Hebrews 4:14 NLT So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe (MULTILINE) Mark 15:38 NLT And the curtain in the sanctuary …

(MULTILINE) I. Moses: Servant and Law Bringer. Hebrews 3:2 NLT Moses… was entrusted with God’s entire house. Hebrews 3:5 NLT Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later.  Servants uphold the structure and do the work. Lu …

1 Samuel 1:1-2 NKJV Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peni …

The Letter of Hebrews— a. Written between 50 and 70 AD. (MULTILINE) b. To Jewish Converts under intense persecution. (MULTILINE) c. From an Unknown Authority (MULTILINE) d. A Call to the Drifting (MULTILINE) Hebrews 2:1 NLT So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift …

Oil in Scripture— A Source of Provision (MULTILINE) Promotes Health and Healing (MULTILINE) 3. Fuel for Fire (MULTILINE) 4. Anointing of God’s Calling and Power (MULTILINE) 1 John 2:20 NIV But you have an anointing from the Holy One. Ephesians 1:13 NIV And you also were included in Christ when you h …

 God starts the fire, we must steward it. (MULTILINE) “You never have to advertise a fire. Everyone comes running when there’s a fire. Likewise, if your church is on fire, you will not have to advertise it. Everyone will know.” —Leonard Ravenhill (MULTILINE) Exodus 3:2 NIV There the angel of the Lor …

Acts 2:1-4 NIV When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All …

(MULTILINE) Holy Spirit as a Spring of Living Water John 4:7-15 NIV When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you …

The Holy Spirit is a Person. (MULTILINE) Matthew 3:16-17 ESV Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting …

“When you read the Bible, God speaks to you; when you pray, you speak to God. Meditate, then, on His Word and make it your prayer.” –Augustine of Hippo Psalm 1:1-4 NIV Blessed is the one   who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take     or sit in the company of mo …

(MULTILINE) 1 Thessalonians 1:5a NLT For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. 1.  Scripture gives us direction that we ought to follow. Mark 11:17 NLT “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Te …

Luke 4:15-22 NIV Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was …

The Purpose of Spiritual Rhythms/Practices: To position ourselves to be formed by the Spirit. (MULTILINE) Jesus Taught… “The Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). “David speaking by the Holy Spirit” (Mark 12:36). “As it is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone…” (Matthew 4:4) “Ultimately, …

“The essence of the Christian religion consists in this, that the creation of the Father, devastated by sin, is restored in the death of the Son of God, and recreated by the Holy Spirit into a kingdom of God.” –Herman Bavinck Prince = Chief סָרַר (sā·rǎr) Lit. Chief, superintendent, overseer, author …

Jesus is “boss.” (MULTILINE) Everlasting Father = אֲבִי עַ֖ד “Avi Ad” Lit.: “Possessor of Eternity” (MULTILINE) Jesus is the King who treats His people more like children than subjects. John 14:18 NIV I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (MULTILINE) How Jesus is an Everlasting Father …

Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s thron …

 Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness… on those living in the land of deep darkness… 1. Advent starts with darkness. “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” – …

Philippians 4:14-20 NIV Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when …

Philippians 1:27 NLT Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.  (MULTILINE) Philippians 2:1-5 NIV Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing i …

(MULTILINE) Philippians 1:27 NIV Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. πολιτεύεσθε (polituesthe) “live as good citizens” or “actively live out your political loyalty.” (MULTILINE) Philippians 1:27 (pp.) Live as citizens of the gospel of the King. (MULTILINE …

Err On the Side of Generosity Generous people make the world better; greedy people make it worse. This means extending mercy, stepping into gaps of injustice, and giving more than what is needed—trusting God as our generous provider. John 3:16 NLT For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one …

Luke 12:13-15 NIV Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abunda …

Embrace Wonder We value the mysteries of faith and life, welcoming differing perspectives and life experiences. We accept our finite ability to resolve all uncertainty. Romans 11:33 CEV Who can measure the wealth and wisdom and knowledge of God? Who can understand his decisions or explain what he do …

Do the Hard Work We will show up even when community becomes difficult and messy. We will not run from conflict but address it in a healthy and life-giving way. (MULTILINE) Matthew 5:21-24 NIV “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will …

Human beings not Human Doings. We are more than the sum of our knowledge, effort, and accomplishments. We will seek first to “be with” God before endeavoring to “do for” Him. (MULTILINE) John 15:1-11 NIV “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no …

Slow is Fast. We move faithfully in the pace of the Spirit, trusting that we can accomplish more by maintaining healthy rhythms and relationships than in anxiety and hurry. (MULTILINE) Psalm 27:14 NLT Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. (MULTILINE) …

 The values of a community shape its culture. The values of Jesus’ Kingdom are counter-cultural. (MULTILINE) John 4:1-10 NLT Jesus… left Judea and returned to Galilee. He had to go through Samaria on the way. Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to …

(MULTILINE) Lead with Love. We aim to be patient, kind, humble, flexible, difficult to offend, merciful, celebrators of good, faithful, hopeful (giving others the benefit of the doubt, assuming the best of others), and resilient. (MULTILINE) We lead with love by… 1. Believing the Best in Others “We …

Luke 24:32 NIV Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? What this tells us is..  1. We are called to do life together. “It is no accident that Jesus is revealed as he sits having table fellowship with the two disciples. The table was …

God’s revelation invites us to live as accepted and caringly guided people. (MULTILINE) 1. The universe reveals the craft of a creator. Psalm 19:1-2 ESV  The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowled …

 “Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone—we find it with another.” —Thomas Merton (MULTILINE) We are created for companionship The aim of God in history is the creation of an all-inclusive community of loving persons with God himself at the center of this com …

Jesus was willing to get dirty. (MULTILINE) “Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.” –Thomas Merton (MULTILINE) Jesus didn’t just talk about problems; He reached down and touched them! (MULTILINE) Christ’s compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to ent …

Romans 12:9-10 NLT Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. (MULTILINE) Mark 9:33-37 NIV After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus aske …

John 13:1 NLT Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he showed them the full extent of his love. (MULTILINE) John 13:3 NLT Jesus knew that the Father had given h …

2 Samuel 4:4 NLT Saul’s son Jonathan had a son who was crippled as a child. He was five years old when the report came from Jezreel that Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle. When the child’s nurse heard the news, she picked him up and fled. But as she hurried away, she dropped him, and he be …

Peter’s past was one of a liar and backstabber. (MULTILINE) Jesus saw what Peter was going to be, not what he was going to do. (MULTILINE) Peter’s sermon shows that God’s Spirit is for all. (MULTILINE) Peter’s sermon shows that miracles happen when you step out. (MULTILINE) Answer Key: liar, backsta …

We live in victory — 1. When we declare and believe in Jesus as the son of God. John 1:32-34 ESV And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the S …

“Humans need to belong. We crave bonds and attachments, which is why we love clubs, teams, fraternities, family. Almost no one is a hermit. Even monks and friars belong to orders. But the tribal instinct is not just an instinct to belong. It is also an instinct to exclude.” —Amy Chua (MULTILINE) Lov …

(MULTILINE) 1. We have to choose to accept the title: Child of God. (MULTILINE) Romans 10:8-10 NLT The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God …

John’s writing style: Amplification (MULTILINE) 1 John 2:3-11 NIV We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made c …

 The letters of John are believed to be the final Epistles in the New Testament. (MULTILINE) Beliefs John was confronting— Docetism  An early Christian heresy which denied that Christ truly lived in the flesh. (MULTILINE) Dualism The belief that physical matter and the spirit are two opposing realms …

Contemplative. We practice a slow-down spirituality in a hyper-connected, over-busy, and exhausted world. Recovering ancient practices like silence and solitude, while living with intentional rhythms. סֶ֫לָה sěʹ·lāh “Stop (or pause) to listen and reflect” (MULTILINE)  “All the unhappiness of men ari …

Co-laboring. We encourage, develop, and equip every person to serve their faith family in their unique gifting and grace, affirming the call of God for both men and women of all ages and backgrounds. (MULTILINE) Koine Greek to “know” Oida —to be aware of; to be informed; to become acquainted with. G …

Joel 2:28-29 ESV Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. Ezekiel 36:24-28 E …

Cross-Generational. We treasure the added value that each generation contributes to one another. We willingly set aside personal preference to make room for all ages to engage in faith in diverse expression and accept our responsibility to carry our faith forward. (MULTILINE) Given our generational …

Compassionate: We will live among and serve the less fortunate, overlooked and marginalized in a way that embodies the way of Jesus and seeks to find God in the face of those on the fringes. (MULTILINE) Matthew 9: 35-38 CSB Jesus continued going around to all the towns and villages, teaching in thei …

Q: “How should I interact with God?” Background on Psalms: Biggest book in the Bible. Most quoted book in New Testament. At the “center” of the Bible. Generally categorized into five main groups: Psalms of Lament: These express grief, pain, or a sense of abandonment. Psalms of Thanksgiving: These fo …

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson (MULTILINE) Vision Statement— Society Church exists to be a living expression of our loving God for Sacramento. (MULTILINE) Two Core Distinctives— Communal: We choose …

Vision— Society Church exists to be a living expression of our loving God for Sacramento. The “Seven C’s” Communal. We choose to cultivate deep, loyal, and emotionally mature friendships across the boundaries of race, class, politics and culture. We actively resist the temptation to polarize and div …

“It is resurrection (not progress, not evolution, not enlightenment), a call from heaven to us: “Rise up! You are dead, but I will give you life.” —Karl Barth Society Church exists to be a living expression of our loving God for Sacramento. Luke 10:25-26 NIV On one occasion an expert in the law stoo …

“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” —Batman (MULTILINE) On Easter Sunday, we are reminded of who Jesus really is. (MULTILINE) “Who is Jesus? He is the hinge of history. He is the hope for the oppressed. He is the inspiration of the dying. He is the King of kings, the Lord …

“Violence is what we do when we do not know what else to do with our suffering.” —Parker Palmer (MULTILINE) Matthew 21:1-11 NIV As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will f …

Temptation: “A strong desire to have or do something even though you know you should not.” (MULTILINE) Matthew 4:1-3 NIV Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If yo …

“The liminal person takes up symbolic and transitional status that includes a kind of stripping away of the self… Within the liminal passage there are multiple thresholds of consciousness to traverse, truths to face, and sublime beauty to receive… We may travel voluntarily or have that nether-ne …

Exodus 2:11-15 NLT Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching; Mose …

Joel 2:12 NIV “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” “Without great solitude no serious work is possible.” — Pablo Picasso (MULTILINE) “Be alone — that is the secret of invention: be alone, that is when ideas are born.” —Nikola Tesla …

(MULTILINE) Matthew 11:28-30 NLT Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the bur …

Matthew 5:1-12 NIV Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed a …

1. Thrive While I Cry Nora Návarro 1 Samuel 30:4 NIV So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. (MULTILINE) 1 Samuel 30:6 NIV David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But D …

 1 John 4:7-21 NIV 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we …

“A person is a ‘spiritual person’ to the degree that his or her life is correctly integrated into and ruled by God’s Spirit.” —Dallas Willard Romans 12:1 NIV Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this …

Psalm 86:11 CSB Teach me your way, Lord, and I will live by your truth. Give me an undivided mind to fear your name. Romans 12:1-2 NIV Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and prope …

The Beautiful Soul Review Luke 10:27 NIV Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. Soul Care is not Selfishness, it’s Stewardship “You don’t have a soul. You are a soul.” —George Mcdonald …

Lectio Divina is an ancient practice of prayerfully reading scripture. We will follow the rhythm of Read, Reflect, Respond, and Rest. Opening Prayer Father of love, hear our prayers. Help us to know Your will and to do it with courage and faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, w …

3 John 1:2 NIV Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2 NET Dear friend, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul. (MULTILINE) Spiritual …

“The Advent mystery is the beginning of the end of all in us that is not yet Christ.” — Thomas Merton (MULTILINE) Question to Explore: What’s the Big Deal About Christmas? Luke 2:25-26 NIV Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolatio …

(MULTILINE) 1. Do not be afraid  (MULTILINE) 2. Joy to all people (MULTILINE) 3. Proclaimed who was born (MULTILINE) 4. Salvation will be through Him (MULTILINE) 5. Promised a sign (MULTILINE) 6. We are to praise Him (MULTILINE) 7. Peace comes to us through Him (MULTILINE) 8. Call to Action (MULTILI …

Luke 1:5-7, 13, 18 NRSV In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was descended from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all th …

(MULTILINE) Luke 1:46-50 NIV My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those …

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (MULTILINE) 1. I am Free, so I Praise.  2 Corinthians 5:16-21 NLT So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. …

Luke 4:18 NKJV The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. What is a Spiritual Heart Blocka …

(MULTILINE) The greatest things in life are on the other side of fear. Fear is a spirit 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Genesis 3:9-10 NLT Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He replied, “I heard you walking …

The Perspective of Jesus—  1. There is a devil gk. διάβολος — “To slander or accuse” (MULTILINE) What if Jesus knows better than me about the true nature of reality? 2. His end goal is murder John 8:44a NIV He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. …

Question worth Exploring— How do I truly live a godly life? (MULTILINE) Three Characteristics of the Two Trees 1. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil says: Striving is the way to God.     The Tree of Life says: Rest in God’s finished work. John 5:39-40 NIV You study the Scriptures diligently beca …

How you view someone informs how you interact with them. (MULTILINE) The Bible was written for us, but it was not written to us. Freedom Foundations— 1) All life flows from its Creator If God is your source, everything else is a resource. Psalm 36:9 NLT “For you are the fountain of life, the light b …

Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Question …

“Sin (which is missing the mark) is a condition with both vertical & horizontal consequences. Sin has vertical consequences between me and God, symbolized in Adam and Eve hiding from God in the brush. But sin also has horizontal consequences, between me & you, symbolized by Adam & Eve hi …

Matthew 6:5-9 NLT; 10-13 NKJV When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, …

What is prayer? Prayer is a sacred and cherished practice that allows us to connect with the divine presence of God. It is a moment of tranquility where we can lay our burdens, hopes, and gratitude before the creator. With bowed heads and open hearts, we seek solace, guidance, and strength in his di …

“It is of the very nature of the Bible to affront, perplex and astonish the human mind. Hence the reader who opens the Bible must be prepared for disorientation, confusion, incomprehension, perhaps outrage.” —Thomas Merton There is no substitute, supplement, or shortcut for a genuine encounter with …

“It is of the very nature of the Bible to affront, perplex and astonish the human mind. Hence the reader who opens the Bible must be prepared for disorientation, confusion, incomprehension, perhaps outrage.” —Thomas Merton, Opening the Bible Comfort Conundrum— Comfort is Killing Us Comfort opposes o …

Renewal refuses to be contained. Attempted to Contain the Spirit— A. The Apostles & Primitive Church Set up camp in Jerusalem for six years.  B. The Religious Leaders Set out to stifle the movement. C. Simon the Sorcerer Set his mind on using the Holy Spirit for his own purposes. God’s Spirit wi …