Today, we dive into one of the most famous stories of all time—the showdown between David and Goliath. But this isn’t just a tale of an underdog with a slingshot; it’s a story about identity, power, and the narratives we choose to believe.

In this part one, we dive deep into the story of David—the shepherd boy chosen to be Israel’s greatest king. But before his rise, we must first understand the fall of Saul, the last judge, and the evolving concept of God within the Hebrew Scriptures.

Join us this week as we explore The Art of Attention—the second installment in our series on intimacy and relationships. Building on last week’s focus on intentionality, we’ll dive into what it means to truly listen, notice, and connect with the people in our lives.

What does it take to cultivate meaningful, authentic relationships in a world that thrives on distraction? This week, we explore the challenges and beauty of fostering deeper connections with friends, partners, and even ourselves. It’s about setting boundaries, being intentional, and finding intimacy in ways that truly matter.

We explore the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana and uncover its deeper meaning during the Christmas season. Through themes of anticipation, divine timing, and the power of small moments, this story invites us to recognize the presence of God in the ordinary and embrace the joy of transformation.

In this message, we reflect on the connection between Isaiah’s prophecy and Matthew’s gospel, uncovering how the ancient cry of “God with us” becomes tangible through the birth of Christ. From the threat of war in Isaiah’s time to the vulnerability of a child in a manger, we dive into how God’s presence transcends fear, conflict, and despair to bring peace, justice, and restoration.

What does the parable of the sheep and the goats teach us about judgment, grace, and the nature of God’s kingdom? In this compelling talk, we unpack one of Jesus’ most famous—and often misunderstood—stories, exploring themes of humility, service, and the presence of the divine in everyday acts of love.

We unpack the Parable of the Talents and its counterpart in Luke’s Gospel, reframing traditional interpretations and examining how these stories challenge us to rethink God’s character and our response to grace. Along the way, we explore themes of trust, justice, and the cost of doing the right thing, with a powerful parallel to Zacchaeus’ story.

This week, we explore the powerful lessons of Matthew 25 through Jesus’ parables on readiness, grace, and judgment. We delve into the deeper meaning of Jesus’ teachings and how they challenge our expectations of certainty, faithfulness, and generosity. Discover how these parables invite us to embrace grace, trust the divine timing, and shine our light in the world—even in moments when we might feel unprepared. Perfect for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on spirituality, purpose, and living with compassionate faith in today’s complex world.

In this sermon, we begin our new series on the parables of judgment—one of the most challenging and misunderstood aspects of Jesus’ teachings. Judgment often sounds intimidating, but what if it’s not about condemnation or punishment? What if it’s God’s loving correction, guiding us back when we’ve strayed off the path?

In this week’s sermon, we tackle one of the most challenging aspects of faith: our relationship with wealth. Is generosity an obligation, or can it be a deeper, more fulfilling part of our spiritual journey? We explore how wealth has often corrupted religious spaces, leading to misconceptions like the 10% tithe, and we break down what the Bible really says about giving.

This week, we explore the felt experience of faith and what it means to hold on to faith even when emotions fluctuate. We discuss how faith can be both a deep, personal relationship with God and a set of religious practices that sustain us through life’s ups and downs. From a conversation with my son about bacon to the story of the “beloved disciple” racing to the empty tomb, we dive into how our faith is shaped by unique experiences, rituals, and sometimes even doubts.

This week, we explore how faith can evolve through critical ideas, personal growth, and changing life experiences. Centered on the journey of faith, this series tackles topics like theology, doubt, and resilience. Through the story of Nicodemus, we learn about deconstructing and rebuilding faith, embracing uncertainty, and trusting in a love beyond ourselves. This is an invitation to hold on, grow, and continuously be “born again” into new spiritual depths.

This week, we explore key moments in the life of Saul, the first king of Israel, through the lens of 1 Samuel 13. We'll uncover the complexities of biblical translation, the importance of understanding the true purpose behind scripture, and the dangers of intertwining religion with politics. Through stories of assassination, propaganda, and manipulation, this sermon challenges us to look beyond the details and grasp the deeper lessons that guide our faith journey.

We explore the themes of leadership, authority, and the pursuit of God's will. The story of Samuel and the Israelites' demand for a king serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that true authority lies not in titles or positions, but in the influence earned through demonstrating care and trustworthiness. We are challenged to reflect on our own choices and the ways in which we may bend towards our own desires, potentially steering away from what is just and right. The message emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance directly, rather than relying solely on human leaders.

We're exploring the complex relationship between God and the Israelites during the time of the judges. The story of Samuel's unexpected rise to priesthood despite not being a Levite highlights God's willingness to bend the rules when necessary to move the story forward. We see that God is open to dialogue and consistently imagines a reality unbounded by our limited expectations. Ultimately, we are reminded that God is not interested in ruthless aggression or war, even from his chosen people. God would rather lose and appear foolish than support our endless pursuits of violence.

This sermon explores the stories of two unique judges, Shamgar and Deborah, in the Book of Judges. It highlights how their stories expand the narrative of salvation and leadership, challenging the Israelites' preconceived notions. The sermon suggests that even in the midst of the conquest of Canaan, there are hints that salvation and leadership can come from unexpected sources, such as a Canaanite warrior (Shamgar) and a woman (Deborah). The story of Jael, a foreign woman who defeats Sisera, further emphasizes this point. While the violence in these stories is not celebrated, the sermon points out that they may be part of a larger journey towards peace and a more inclusive understanding of God's plan.

Listen in as we grapple with the challenging depictions of divine violence in the Hebrew scriptures, contrasted with Jesus' message of grace and love. We delve into how these ancient texts can be reinterpreted through the compassionate lens of Jesus' life, steering clear of projecting our biases onto the divine. With insights from Robert Allen Warrior's analysis on the implications of conquest narratives for indigenous peoples, this conversation urges a thoughtful examination of our spiritual evolution and the consequences of our interpretations.