Collective Church Podcast

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, 8:2-17 As we continue in the book of Ecclesiastes, the Deconstructor shifts his attention to our relationship to God. Over our series so far, we've looked at the foolishness in believing humans can control time and tame nature. Pastor Ryan Smith unpacks the similar foolishness in believing we can control God and the proper posture for those who come before him as their Creator and King. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 6:10-8:1 As we move into the back half of the book of Ecclesiastes, we begin to examine how we should live in a world and city where "all is vanity." Pastor Ryan Smith looks at the Deconstructor's offering of wisdom as the better way of life before ultimately finding that wisdom too is vanity, smoke and mirrors. The world is too chaotic, wisdom is too elusive, and the human heart too foolish. What are humans to do when the best we can find might be better, but still broken? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:9 Pastor Ryan Smith continues in our Spring series, "Smoke & Mirrors: Deconstructing Los Angeles with the Book of Ecclesiastes." At the middle of the book we find the Deconstructor's darkest and sharpest words in relationship to wealth, money, and possessions. In a city shaped by consumerism and materialism, we must come to terms with their vanity if we are to find the "good and fitting" life which lives in response to the generosity of God. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:16 Pastor Ryan Smith continues our series, "Smoke & Mirrors: Deconstructing Los Angeles with the Book of Ecclesiastes" looking at the brutality and loneliness of the jungle that is Los Angeles. Where do these things come from and where is the better life found? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 The Deconstructor examines how time is not a resource we possess to spend, save, or waste. Time is a current and we have no control over its turns. In light of this, we need to humble ourselves and receive each season as it comes and trust that the end of time is moving toward resurrection. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26 Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Pastor Ryan Smith begins our next series, Smoke & Mirrors: Deconstructing Los Angeles with the Book of Ecclesiastes. Los Angeles is a city where nothing is lasting, significant or satisfying. Rather, it's all "smoke and mirrors." How can we find a life of substance in our lives "under the sun?" Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Blessed". Numbers 6:22-27; Ephesians 2:11-22 Pastor Isaac Brickner closes out "Blessed" our series in the Priestly Blessing of Numbers 6:22-27, looking at the final pillar of the blessed life: receiving and making peace. When you think of peace, what sort of images come to mind? Most likely it's the absence or acceptance of conflict and chaos. In the Bible, peace is a larger idea the includes the presence of something greater, something God has made for us and now makes through us.

From the series "Blessed". Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 4 As we continue in our "Blessed" series in the Priestly Blessing of Numbers 6:22-27, Pastor Ryan Smith teaches on the blessing of God "lifting up his countenance upon you." What in the world does that even mean?! And in our age of digital distraction, could undivided attention be one of the greatest gifts we could receive from God and give to others? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Blessed". Numbers 6:22-27; Ephesians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 1:7; Exodus 34:6-7 Pastor & Professor Dr. Gerry Breshears from Grace Community Church & Western Seminary in Portland joins us for a look at the grace of God as we continue in our "Blessed" series.