Dive into the rich definition of discipleship, uniting with Jesus and impacting the world. Explore the tragic Quebec Bridge Disaster and its call for engineering accountability. Discover the 'Order of the Ring,' symbolizing purpose in every profession. Learn how to integrate faith into work as an extension of discipleship. Reflect on the power of faithful witnessing, even amid challenges, and understand that our efforts, guided by God's strength, contribute to human flourishing and His mission.

The discussion centers on the nature of true Christian community rooted in sacrificial love and mutual support. It contrasts consumerist relationships with the deeper connections formed through the shared commitment to God’s mission. Highlights include insights from social psychologist Sherry Turkle and an engaging analogy from Toy Story 4. The transformative power of being fully known and loved by God is emphasized as essential for genuine relationships. The speaker encourages listeners to embrace the messiness of authentic connections.

Discover how abiding in Jesus is essential for spiritual growth and community transformation. The podcast highlights the deep connection between Christ and believers, illustrated through powerful metaphors like the bride and bridegroom. Explore the necessity of dependence on Jesus for true meaning, alongside inspiring examples such as Jim Carrey's testimony. The discussion emphasizes the dynamic relationship of union and communion with Christ, revealing how divine love shapes daily decisions and brings peace amidst life's challenges.

The discussion kicks off with essential elements of disciple-making—trustworthiness, teaching, and grit—based on Paul's letters. Imagining a powerful movement sustained across generations, the talk highlights the impact of spiritual parenting and community. Drawing from metaphors of soldiers and athletes, it emphasizes mission over comfort and the joy of mentorship. Personal stories of transformation and the interplay of grit and grace in discipleship showcase how nurturing faith can flourish in communal settings.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt ends our year and Advent series, preaching from Psalm 27:8. He focuses on the importance of both desire and discipline in our journey of seeking God. He contrasts various cultural perspectives on desire, from the postmodern focus on the journey itself to Eastern philosophies that view desire as a source of suffering. Yet, the biblical perspective suggests that our desires point us toward God, highlighting a beautiful paradox: even when we find God, the search continues as we seek to deepen that relationship, much like nurturing love in a romantic partnership.Pastor Ben also draws inspiration from Soren Kierkegaard's "The King and the Poor Maiden," to then reflect on the profound love and sacrifice embodied in the Jesus's incarnation. The journey to seek God's face is a pursuit initiated by God but is also an inherently relational endeavor. Through prayer and spiritual awakening, we are called to set our hearts free from lesser pursuits and focus on the transcendent beauty of Jesus' face. In the end, Pastor Ben encourages us to prioritize our spiritual journey, finding infinite satisfaction and vitality in this Christ-centered pursuit.

Discover the transformative power of hope as inspired by Isaiah 65:17-25. The discussion challenges complacency and triumphalism, urging active engagement with God’s promises. Examples of redemptive entrepreneurship showcase how faith can impact communities positively. Delve into the contrast between fleeting modern hopes and enduring divine promises, emphasizing love and justice. With reflections on pop culture like the Hunger Games, the conversation illustrates hope as a sustaining force, inviting God's presence into all aspects of life.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our Advent series, Seeing Everyone Enjoy the King, preaching from Isaiah 61. He invites us to reflect on the concept of a "false summit" in our understanding of God's promises, particularly regarding the separation between vengeance and favor. How does Jesus' role serve as the pivotal bridge in this divine timeline, and what does that mean for communities seeking renewal?Empowerment takes center stage as Pastor Ben examines the Holy Spirit's role in equipping us to spread the good news to broken people, broken cities, and our broken world. He also explores how the Spirit instills believers with the strength to bring joy and hope to their communities, embodying justice, mercy, and humility in a world that aches for healing.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our Advent series, Seeing Everyone Enjoy the King, preaching from Genesis 4:26. Pastor Ben unravels the cultural mandate seen in Genesis 4:17-25, highlighting humanity's quest for security and civilization despite the fall. Cain’s city-building, alongside the cultural contributions of his descendants, paints a complex picture of human creativity shadowed by rebellion and sin. Yet, in this tapestry, we find a thread of hope through characters like Seth and Enosh, reminding us of the divine promise and our destiny.In this context, he then explores the extraordinary power of prayer, drawing inspiration from the stories of Abraham and Moses. Their stories teach us about the intimacy and authority that comes through a deep connection with God. From calling upon the name of the Lord in times of trial to witnessing the fervent prayers that sparked the Hebrides revival, Pastor Ben offers a heartfelt invitation to embrace prayer as an active expression of faith. This Advent, as we long for spiritual awakening, we are invited to join together in seeking a transformative experience of God’s presence in our communities.

Delve into the themes of Psalm 8 and discover humanity's unique role in reflecting God's glory. The metaphor of a compass illustrates how easily we stray from our divine path amidst modern challenges like workism and consumerism. Explore the transformative power of prayer as a guiding force that realigns our hearts with God's vision. This Advent season encourages a shift from production to gratitude, urging us to reclaim our God-given identity and embrace life's divine gifts.

In this final sermon in our Leviticus Is For Lovers series, Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt preaches from Leviticus 25, exploring the transformative power of rest, economic fairness, and compassion for the poor. He reflects on Tim Keller's insights into early Christian generosity, where personal integrity met radical economic sharing, offering a model that challenges our modern values.Pastor Ben also explains the essence of Jubilee, a time every 50 years when debts were forgiven, lands returned, and lives reset, providing a fresh start for those trapped in poverty. He unpacks how these ancient practices critique modern economic systems, urging a balance between ownership and communal generosity. He encourages us to embrace a spirit of 'Jubilee generosity,' recognizing the debts canceled by Christ's crucifixion and fostering a community rich in trust and gratitude. In doing so, we can reimagine a life where justice, generosity, and grace are woven into the very fabric of our being.