Inspire Church

In this episode, we feature The Narrow Road of Discipleship, where Jesus sits with His disciples and teaches from what He sees—the true postures of the heart. Discover what it means to be “blessed” in the Kingdom of God and how traits like poor in spirit, mourning, meekness, and spiritual hunger mark those on whom God's favor rests. This is the way of the Kingdom. This is the narrow road Jesus calls us to follow.

In the kingdom of God the broad path that seems so spacious actually leads to suffocation and death. And the narrow path that seems so restrictive and compressed, actually leads to an incredibly vast, wonderfully spacious, and freeing life.

Every day, God invites us to join Him in His mission to redeem and renew all things. And every day, we're faced with a choice: will we live for His name or our own? Chasing our own fame will leave us forgotten. But when we live for the name of Jesus, our names will live forever.

In this final episode of the Creating Culture Podcast, hosts Philip Muela and Nick Parsons delve into the rhythm of generosity within the context of discipleship at Inspire Church. They explore the theological foundations of generosity, its countercultural nature, and how it reflects the grace of God. The conversation emphasizes the dual aspects of generosity as both an obligation and a joy, highlighting its transformative power in the lives of individuals and the church community. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural references, they illustrate how generosity shapes character and fosters a deeper connection to God and others. In this conversation, Nick Parsons shares his personal journey towards financial stability and generosity, emphasizing the importance of budgeting and tithing. He discusses how individuals can reorder their finances to enable generosity and highlights the role of the local church in fostering a culture of giving. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Parsons illustrates how the church can be a powerful force for good in the community, transforming lives through acts of generosity.

Redeemed // The Story You Didn't Know You Needed // Pastor Roger Pethybridge by Inspire Churches

In this episode of the Creating Culture podcast, hosts Pastor Philip Muela and Pastor Brian Hui explore the rhythm of mercy and justice within the context of Christian discipleship. They discuss the theological framework of justice as both retributive and restorative, emphasizing its significance in scripture and the character of God. The conversation delves into the dichotomy of justice in modern society, the role of the church in embodying justice, and personal applications of mercy and justice in everyday life. The hosts highlight the importance of understanding justice as central to the gospel narrative, from creation to the renewal of all things. In this conversation, Brian Hui and Philip discuss the importance of mercy and justice in the Christian faith, emphasizing the need for relational approaches to service, dignity in interactions, and the necessity of social advocacy. They share personal stories and church initiatives that embody these principles, highlighting the role of families in teaching children about justice and mercy. The conversation culminates in a call to action for churches to integrate these values into their missions and community engagement.

Redeemed// Pastor Roger Pethybridge by Inspire Churches

In this episode of Inspire Church's Creating Culture podcast, Pastor Roger Pethybridge discusses the rhythm of serving with guests Sarah and Froilan. They explore the theological foundations of service, its personal applications, and the challenges faced in embodying this rhythm in daily life. The conversation emphasizes that serving is not just a task but a way of being that shapes our souls and reflects the love of God. The discussion also highlights the importance of serving others, particularly in our homes, and addresses the false selves that can hinder our ability to serve authentically. In this conversation, the speakers explore the themes of service, humility, and the challenges of balancing personal ambition with the act of serving others. They discuss the competitive nature of the workplace and how serving can help strip away the false self. The conversation also delves into the importance of relational serving over mere task completion, and how the church plays a vital role in fostering a culture of service. Personal experiences in serving highlight the impact of hospitality and outreach efforts in the community.

Redeemed // Lessons from A Worthy Woman and An Honorable Man // Pastor Philip Muela by Inspire Churches

You thought it was a coincidence. A detour. A set back. A forgotten chapter. But what if God's greatest redemptive moves are disguised as your most unremarkable days? This is a message about seeing God's hand when it looks like He's nowhere to be found.

In this episode, Roger Pethybridge and Philip Muela discuss the importance of practicing presence with God and with others. They explore the theological foundations of this concept, drawing from Brother Lawrence's teachings and the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and renewal. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality in cultivating spiritual disciplines and the significance of community in reconnecting with the source of life. The hosts also address the challenges of practicing presence in a busy world and offer practical insights for personal application. In this conversation, Jeffrey and Roger explore the importance of developing a rule of life through the inventory of daily habits and rhythms. They discuss the significance of replacing deforming habits with those that foster spiritual growth and connection with God. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of community and the church in nurturing these spiritual practices, highlighting the vertical connection with God and the horizontal connection with others. They also address the challenges of forming genuine friendships within the church and the importance of engaging in community life.

Redeemed// Mother's Day by Inspire Churches

Rhythms of Faith and Work by Inspire Churches

Jesus said, “the harvest is ready, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest that he would send laborers.” Notice that Jesus does not tell us to pray for the harvest–it's ready–he tells us to pray for the church which seems to be too apathetic, ill equipped, or insecure to go out and proclaim the gospel. Because Christ died for the lost, Inspire Church should passionately pursue them and proclaim the good news. This is the primary mission of the church. In this episode we want to paint a picture of what it looks like to “tell the story and to live it out” in our own lives as we seek to become a church that lives in rhythms of witness. Panelists Name: Philip Muela & Roger Pethybridge Pastor Phillip Lee (Senior Pastor of Hope Community Church)

The book of Ruth has been called one of the most beautiful short stories ever told. It's a human story about tragedy, loyalty, and love. But it's also a divine story about how the invisible hand of God is redeeming and renewing the world through the personal lives of ordinary people. Join us as we explore the both the tragedy and hope of the opening lines of the story.

The motivation behind everything that we do at Inspire Church is the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is why our mission statement begins with the phrase, "We exist for the gospel to inspire" rhythms of life and movements of renewal. Everything that we do is in response to the goodness of God in Christ Jesus. In this episode, we want to paint a picture of what it looks like to "enjoy grace" in our own lives and the lives of our churches.

Signs of Glory // Easter 2025 by Inspire Churches

Throughout human history many men have made wild claims. But only one man claimed to the source of all life and then proceeded to validate that claim by showing up to a funeral and raising up a dead body. Join us as we look at Jesus' final public miracle, resurrection life.

The work that God most desires to display is the Gospel: Jesus made it all, but we lost it all, so Jesus gave it all, and now we get it all.

Jesus the one who walks on water and calms the sea is more than a miracle worker. He is God revealed, God in flesh and God who has come to bring peace and order. Listen as Katherine Castrence takes a deeper dive on the fifth sign in the gospel of John.

Signs of Glory // The Bread by Inspire Churches

We are delving into the seven miracles in the Gospel of John, which he described as "signs." These signs serve not as ultimate ends but as guideposts leading us to the ultimate destination: the glory of Jesus Christ. While the first and second miracles prompted belief among those who witnessed them, affirming that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God, the reactions to the third miracle were divided between two groups. Even so, the glory of Jesus was revealed—despite the healed man's lack of awareness of who healed him, despite Jesus' goodness being unacknowledged, and even when awe was absent. God's glory shines through Jesus' acts of goodness, mercy, and compassion. Join us as we explore the profound story of the healing at the pool.

Signs of Glory by Inspire Churches

Signs of Glory// by Inspire Churches

What if your career was never meant to define you? This sermon explores the crushing weight of self-centered ambition and offers a powerful alternative: finding fulfillment in your calling from God. Learn how to bridge the sacred and secular, making every moment of work an act of worship.

Subversive Saints//Going Public// Pastor Roger Pethybridge by Inspire Churches

Why does the church have to talk about money? Why did Jesus spend 25% of his teaching addressing money, generosity, and financial stewardship? Because in spotlighting our spending, he can expose our hearts.

All of us are born into a nuclear family, but those who have put their faith in Jesus are born again into a new family. Join us as we discuss one of Jesus' most subversive statements yet, “For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

We're too busy to gather. We must work, raise kids, travel, and participate in youth sports. We have birthdays, baby showers, and weddings to attend. And yet we are confronted by a sacred text that reminds us that in order to be stirred up, we have to prioritize being with one another.

In a noisy, busy, overstimulated world, Jesus invites us to be deeply formed in the quiet and lonely places of prayer.

Subversive Saints//Reading the Word// Pastor Roger Pethybridge by Inspire Churches

Subversive Saints // A Call to Holiness // Pastor Philip Muela by Inspire Churches

Producing the kind of fruit that glorifies God can see overwhelming and like a lot of work. But the key to spiritual growth is not simply to try harder, but to stay connected to the vine. Join us as look ahead to 2025 and answer the question, how can we bear much fruit?

Christmas promises 'peace on earth,' but why does peace still seem so elusive? What if the peace we long for isn't the peace we truly need? In this message, we look at the one Isaiah called “The Prince of Peace” and uncover a truth that is far deeper, more uncomfortable, and more life-changing than you might expect.

The prophet Isaiah says this child to be born, the Messiah, will be named the Everlasting Father. In this message, we will reflect on how Jesus perfectly reveals the character and qualities of our Heavenly Father.

The prophet Isaiah makes this daring claim about a human baby boy to be born is Mighty God. This idea that Mighty God would ever stoop so low, and be human, is not only unthinkable but offensive! This is why the religions who do not believe that Jesus is God reject Him. And yet all this time on earth, Jesus did things that only Mighty God could do – control the forces of nature, command evil spirits, forgive sins, and raise the dead. In this message, we will reflect on how this truth could change your perspective about Christmas and the missional implications of the advent.

Main Character // From Gloom to Glory // Pastor Philip Muela by Inspire Churches

Main Character //Wonderful Counselor// Pastor Roger Pethybridge by Inspire Churches

The devil took Jesus to a high mountain and tempted him with the kingdoms of this world. That same temptation exists for the church today. Join us as Pastor Philip gives a post-election exhortation to the church living in light of Babylon.

This sermon exposes how fear often drives our political loyalties, asking if we're willing to let Christ, not fear, lead our lives. Jesus' response to political traps reveals a different kind of kingdom—one where sacrificial love and faith replace anxiety and division. In a world gripped by fear, we're invited to find true peace and courage under the eternal rule of our King.

Join us in our second installment of "Beyond the Ballot" with our guest speaker from Living Stones church!

In Galatia, the church was bewitched by the powers of legalism. In Colossae, the church was in danger of being taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit. In America, the church faces similar dangers, including being seduced by political powers and ideological principalities. Join us as we seek to warn the church, expose the powers, and live our lives loyal to Christ and His kingdom.

Rethinking the great commission. In a culture promising self-renewal and endless autonomy, and supposed happiness. the Great Commission of Matthew 28 cuts through the noise with a disruptive call: “Go.” Are we willing to move beyond cultural illusions and join God in His mission to renew all things, and give the world a better narrative we all desperately need?

In Acts 17, Paul models what it looks like to contextualize the culture and engage the city in mission thoughtfully and persuasively. Join us as we look to Paul's missionary approach in the Pagan city of Athens to equip us on our missionary approach in the post-modern, post-Christian Bay Area.

Have you ever asked someone, “Where do you go to church” or “Will you be at church tomorrow?” Though we've all done it before, this grammar reveals a misconception regarding the nature of the church. Join us as we learn to see the church as a people sent and not “a place where.”

In a culture obsessed with self-optimization and comfort, the Holy Spirit calls us to something radically different—sacrificial mission. The Spirit's work isn't about making you feel good; it's about empowering you to live a life that looks more like Jesus, full of risk, discomfort, and love for the outsider, and brings radical renewal! Are you ready for that kind of life?

Paraphrasing John 1:14, Eugene Peterson said, “The Word became flesh and moved into our neighborhood.” Like Christ, God is calling his church to be a missionary presence in their cities, at their jobs, among their family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. This only happens when believers are committed to going, staying, and being present in the world like Jesus.

When we fail to see the Bible as one grand story about a loving God moving to reconcile creation back to himself, we fail to be a missional people. Join us as we stop wondering how to get to heaven and start learning how to partner with God to bring heaven to earth.

Are you constantly striving but never truly satisfied? This message dives into the wisdom of the 10th commandment, revealing how it holds the secret to finding true contentment in a world that always wants more. Discover how ancient truths can transform your modern life.

Why does the truth matter? It matters because the 9th Commandment calls us to live beyond just telling the truth. The truth will reveal, invite and ultimately point us to the embodiment of truth.

The 8th commandment is not just about illegally taking something from someone. When we steal from other people, we're not just sinning against them, we're sinning against God. This is because it is God who created them in His image, it is God who gave them what they have, and it is God who gave them value. When we wrongfully take what is rightfully theirs, we devalue people, we harm them, and we tear the image of God. Let's diving deep into the command, “You shall not steal”, and let's discover together how liberating it is to start doing the opposite, to start giving generously, as Christ gave generously of Himself.