Reality Boston

Teacher: Josh Wilson Text: Revelation 22:1-5 In the final sermon of this series, Josh traces the biblical story from Eden to Revelation, showing how the theme of exile and return culminates in a restored garden-city where God dwells with His people. Through Jesus, the exile ends and we become living temples—portals of heaven on earth—called to embody the beauty and healing of the coming Kingdom in our daily lives. We are called to not give up hope, but live as gardeners of God's renewal, cultivating spaces of intimacy, peace, and flourishing wherever we are.

Teacher: Josh Wilson Text: 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 Paul calls the church a garden—God's field—where every person plays a vital role, and only God gives the growth. In contrast to the consumer-driven church model that centers on charisma and control, we're invited to build a community rooted in participation, diversity, and everyday faithfulness. God is calling us to join him in cultivating a church where everyone flourishes and bears fruit that reflects the love and mission of Jesus.

Teacher: Josh Wilson Text: John 15:1-8 Jesus invites us into a life of lasting fruitfulness—not through striving, but by staying connected to Him. In John 15, we see that real impact in the Kingdom flows from abiding, not self-reliance. Pastor Josh helps us explore what it means to live Spirit-powered lives in the Garden of God.

Teacher: Mandi Paszek Text: Genesis 1:26-28 and 2:4-8, 15 In the garden is where it all began. We were made to co-create with God, cultivating beauty, goodness, and life in the world. Mandi Paszek kicks off our new series on The Garden with a compelling invitation to return to our God-given design and partner with Him to bring healing and flourishing wherever we go. What were you made for?

Text: Matthew 27:62–28:6 NIV Teacher: Josh Wilson Summary: Even in the most locked-up, lifeless places, God brings resurrection. Easter reminds us that hope is never truly gone—Jesus is risen, and life finds a way. Looking at the greatest story ever told, Pastor Josh invites us to consider the evidence for Jesus' resurrection and ask what dead places in our own lives need to be entrusted to the God who still rolls stones away. 

Teacher: Josh WilsonText: Luke 24:28-35Summary: In this week's sermon, Pastor Josh walks us through the road to Emmaus, where Jesus meets two heartbroken disciples in their confusion and pain. Rather than offering quick answers, Jesus listens, walks with them, and gently helps them see their story through the lens of Scripture. We're invited to slow down, pay attention, and practice this same kind of gospel hospitality—creating space for others to encounter Jesus, even when they don't recognize Him at first.

Teacher: Josh WilsonText: Luke 7:36-50Summary: In this week's sermon, Pastor Josh explores how Jesus models grace-filled hospitality, especially in the messiest of situations, like at dinner with Simon the Pharisee. While Simon judges vulnerability, Jesus welcomes it—demonstrating that embracing our own mess, and that of others, is a key part of true connection and healing. We're invited to practice this same kind of hospitality in our relationships, creating spaces where grace and love can transform us and others.

Teacher: Josh WilsonText: Luke 10:25-37Summary: In this week's reflection on hospitality, Pastor Josh calls us to a hospitality that costs us something—like the Good Samaritan, who didn't just feel compassion but took action, giving his time, resources, and ongoing care. Jesus shows us that true hospitality is messy and sacrificial. This kind of love isn't passive, but moves toward need. The question is: Will we? 

Teacher: Mandi Paszek Text: Luke 18:18-22Summary: In this week's sermon, Mandi explores how Jesus shows the Rich Young Ruler soul hospitality—not by affirming his self-sufficiency, but by lovingly inviting him into real transformation. We practice soul hospitality when we create space for others to grow, not by fixing or performing, but by listening with curiosity, love, and attention. As we follow Jesus's example, may we be people who don't rush to solve, but instead trust God to lead the conversation toward deeper connection and healing. 

Teacher: Josh Wilson Text: Luke 19:1-10Summary: Pastor Josh reflects on Jesus' model of hospitality in His encounter with Zacchaeus in Luke 19. Despite His pressing plans, Jesus stops to engage with Zacchaeus, demonstrating the powerful gift of presence. Pastor Josh challenges us to consider how anxiety and hurry prevent us from being present, and invites us to slow down and make space to be fully present with ourselves and others as a transformative act of hospitality.

Teacher: Josh Wilson Text: Luke 14:1-6; 12-14Summary: Pastor Josh kicks off our new series, You Are Welcome Here, by reminding us that true hospitality begins with grace. In Luke 14, Jesus heals on the Sabbath and challenges the Pharisees' ideas of status, showing that God's own hospitality isn't about worthiness but about grace. We are called in the same way to welcome others freely, not expecting anything in return, and to receive grace with humility—letting go of self-reliance and embracing real, mutual relationships.

Teacher: Josh Wilson Text: Acts 4:1-13Summary: In today's sermon, Pastor Josh reflects on the story of Peter and John in Acts 4, noting their remarkable shift from fearful and self-preserving men to bold witnesses to the good news of Jesus, even in the face of persecution. What fueled their courage? Two things: the power of the Holy Spirit and the overwhelming love of Jesus. Today, we are invited to step into that same boldness, not out of obligation, but because we have experienced Jesus' love in a way that is too good to keep to ourselves.

Teacher: Josh Wilson Text: Mark 14:27–31Summary: Peter's story is one of paradox—he is both a man of bold faith and one who fails spectacularly. In this sermon, Pastor Josh focuses on Peter's lowest moment of denial and the way Jesus offers him a second chance. Through a powerful reenactment by the fire, Jesus invites Peter to rewrite his story, reminding us all that our failures don't disqualify us from God's love and calling. 

Text: Matthew 9:9-13Teacher: Mandi PaszekSummary: In this sermon, Mandi explores Jesus' surprising and merciful call to Matthew, a tax collector who was generally despised by his community. Jesus' invitation challenged the Pharisees' rigid, exclusionary mindset and challenges our own today. This story reveals three key themes of discipleship: admitting our own spiritual sickness, embracing God's way of mercy, and making room at the table for miracles—because ultimately it is Jesus who transforms our hearts and invites us by grace to welcome all.

Text: Mark 10:35-45 Teacher: Josh Wilson  Summary: In this sermon, Pastor Josh teaches from Mark 10 where James and John ask Jesus for prestigious positions in His Kingdom, seeking power and status, but Jesus warns them that true greatness comes through serving and suffering, not through authority or prestige. He teaches that His followers must embrace humility, put aside ego-driven desires, and serve others, as true greatness in His Kingdom is found through selflessness and sacrifice.

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: Matthew 9:35-10:8 Summary: In this sermon, Pastor Josh reflects on the true nature of discipleship, emphasizing that following Jesus is not just about acquiring knowledge but about actively imitating Jesus through observation and practice. Ultimately, discipleship is about transformation through action—living out the principles Jesus modeled as we become people who are marked by forgiveness, humility, dependence on God, and loving others. We do this by following Jesus himself, and by modeling our lives after those we know who are following Jesus and are a bit ahead of us on the journey. 

Teacher: Josh Wilson Text: John 1:35-42 Summary: Pastor Josh reflects on the story of Andrew, one of Jesus' first followers, and his quiet but impactful role in bringing others to Christ. Despite not being as prominent as other apostles, Andrew's greatest contribution was introducing people to Jesus, teaching us that ministry isn't about expertise or personal achievements, but about connecting others to Christ. Josh encourages us to focus on building relationships and sharing Jesus with those around us, as Andrew did, rather than striving for worldly success or recognition.

Teacher: Josh Wilson Text: Matthew 4:18-22 In this sermon, Pastor Josh reflects on the radical and life-altering invitation Jesus gives to his first disciples, asking them to follow him and leave behind their livelihoods. It's an invitation to embrace risk and uncertainty for the sake of transformation, new purpose, and true life. The story challenges us to consider how we might respond to a similar invitation today—what might we need to "leave behind" in order to respond to Jesus' ongoing invitation to follow after him? 

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: Isaiah 43:16-21 In this New Year's reflection on Isaiah 43:16-21, Pastor Josh highlights how our pain from the past can hinder us from receiving the new things God has for us now. Josh urges us to remain present and open to God's work---whether we enter the new year feeling weary or energized. Since God is the faithful initiator of new things, our role is to stay attentive so we don't miss out on the good things God is preparing for us. 

Teacher: Yucan Chiu  Text: Luke 2:22-40  On this last Sunday of Advent, guest preacher Yucan Chiu looks at the story of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2. Yucan reminds us that through the work of the Holy Spirit change is available and is in fact already happening, because of God's coming to earth in Jesus. In Simeon's song we find that Jesus is our comfort, our salvation, and our revelation. 

Teacher: Mandi Paszek Text: Luke 2:8-14 The angelic proclamation to the shepherds is a declaration of joy, both personal and universal. Jesus' birth is good news for all people, breaking through the darkness with the light of salvation. Advent teaches us that joy is not circumstantial but rooted in the reality of God's presence and work in our lives. This joy compels us to worship and share the good news.

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: Luke 1:46-55 NIV  In this sermon, Pastor Josh reflects on Mary's Song (the Magnificat), highlighting how God's choice to reveal Himself through a humble, young woman like Mary challenges our expectations of power and privilege. He reminds us that God's kingdom often upends worldly norms, invites us to see God's work in unexpected places, and ultimately challenges us to respond as Mary did – with faith, humility, and a willingness to participate in God's revolutionary mission.

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: Luke 1:67-79 NIV  We begin the season of Advent reflecting on the beauty and challenge of hope through the poetic words of Zechariah in Luke 1:67-79. Despite Zechariah's doubt, God was faithful to fulfill His promises, reminding us that even in our darkest seasons of uncertainty, God is there. Pastor Josh invites us to return to hope even (or especially) when it feels vulnerable and scary, putting our trust in the God who is always working for our good.

Teacher: Mandi Paszek  Text: Genesis 32:22-32 NIV  In the final sermon of our series on the life of Jacob, Mandi Paszek explores how Jacob's life of striving and manipulation finally reaches a turning point when he wrestles with God in Genesis 32. Through this unexpected encounter, Jacob's struggle becomes a path to redemption; God redefines his identity, gives him a new name, and leaves him marked by the transformation. It's a profound reminder that wrestling with God–bringing our raw emotions and deep desires to Him–can lead to healing, new life, and a deeper trust in God's promises.

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: Genesis 27:41-44; 28:10-15  Pastor Josh continues our reflections on the story of Jacob, showcasing how God allowed Jacob to face the consequences of his actions, not as punishment, but as a means of growth and transformation. Through Jacob's journey, we see God as the loving parent who shows his care for us through both grace and discipline.

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: Genesis 27:19–33 NIV  What if we took each moment of anxiety as a prompt for prayer? Pastor Josh reflects on the story of Jacob in Genesis 27 to explore our own human temptation to act out of manipulation or deceit when under stress. Like Jacob, we too often try to rely on ourselves rather than putting our trust in God; we tend to “power up” or “shut down” in the face of anxiety. Instead, Josh invites us to follow Jesus' example and entrust our worries to God.

Teacher: Josh Wilson Text: 1 Corinthians 16:1-10 Pastor Josh wraps up our series in 1 Corinthians with a reflection on mutuality and interdependence in Christian community. He highlights how self-sufficiency can undermine true community and invites us instead to practice solidarity, care, and generosity as tangible ways to live out the values of God's kingdom. 

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: 1 Corinthians 14:26-33  The church at Corinth created chaos in worship by focusing on the self-expression of their spiritual gifts over building up the body of Christ. In this sermon, Pastor Josh invites us to reflect on how we use our own gifts—to seek personal validation or to contribute to the common good of our community? He calls for a balance between under-functioning and over-functioning, urging us to humbly steward our gifts to foster peace and unity. 

Teacher: Mandi Paszek  Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a  Mandi Paszek explores the biblical definition of love and its central role in Christian community as written by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. She contrasts our culture's many varying definitions of love with Paul's timeless teaching that true love is patient, kind, and rooted in God's character. She invites us to embody this active, self-giving love in our relationships while acknowledging the resilience it takes to keep learning to love as Christ loves us.

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: 1 Corinthians 12:7–12  Pastor Josh reflects on 1 Cor. 12 to emphasize how valuable each person's unique spiritual gifts are in building up the church. He challenges us to avoid both arrogance and insecurity regarding our gifts, reminding us that our abilities come from God and are meant for the common good. He encourages us to step off the sidelines and contribute in our own way, affirming that when each member plays their part, the church flourishes as one unified body.

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17-22  Pastor Josh reflects on Paul's exhortation to the Corinthian Church to stop excluding others during communion, and invites us to consider how we might foster radical inclusion in our community today. He emphasizes that true community in Christ is not just about finding friends we “vibe” with but about making space for everyone, especially those who are marginalized.

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8  Pastor Josh explores Paul's exhortations against exploitation in 1 Corinthians 5 and 6, focusing on how selfishness and the pursuit of personal gain can damage relationships. Josh challenges us to reflect on how we might be taking advantage of others in our own lives, and urges us to use our freedom not for self-interest but to honor both God and the community.

Text: 1 Corinthians 1-3  Teacher: Josh Wilson  Pastor Josh launches a new series, "Practices of Belonging," exploring how our actions can build or break community. Pointing to the divisions in the Corinthian church, Josh highlights the danger of holding our personal views and values with a pride that threatens community. Instead, Josh invites us to deepen our attachment to Christ and allow Him to be the center around which a diverse and deep community can flourish.

Text: Psalm 37:1-6  Teacher: Josh Wilson  Psalm 37 teaches that we can trust in God's wisdom even when his commands seem counterintuitive or difficult. Pastor Josh explains how our default response to rules is usually negative, viewing them as only restrictive and cumbersome. But God's law is the gift of a good and loving Father who cares for his children and is committed to our flourishing. 

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: Psalm 51  Like David, we all have moments of failure that we instinctively want to conceal and hide, but Psalm 51 shows us that true healing and forgiveness begin when we bring our sins into the light. In this sermon, Pastor Josh invites us to trust in God's unfailing love and mercy, which are always available when we turn to Him in confession and repentance. A reflective and embodied practice of confession begins at minute 24.

Text: Psalm 91  Teacher: Mandi Paszek  In this exploration of Psalm 91, Mandi Paszek delves into the imagery of God as both a nurturing protector and a fierce defender, offering comfort and safety amidst life's storms. Mandi encourages us to see God not just as a distant shelter but as an active, loving presence that can transform our experience of fear and anxiety. When we bring our worries to God, we can experience God's presence as our true refuge and source of hope. 

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: Psalm 94  Pastor Josh continues our Summer in the Psalms series talking about God's righteousness and justice as seen in Psalm 94. Josh reminds us that while we may feel powerless against pervasive injustices, we can trust God to be the ultimate judge who brings about justice. Instead of resorting to retaliation or despair, we are invited to channel our anger into advocacy and prayer, knowing that God sees all and will ultimately set all things to right. Following the teaching, there is a guided prayer practice which begins at minute 28:40. 

Teacher: Aly Wilson  Text: Psalm 13  Pastor Aly Wilson reflects on Psalm 13, highlighting the reality of unavoidable pain and the human instinct to avoid it. She emphasizes that lament, as demonstrated by David, is a vital spiritual practice allowing us to bring our deepest sorrows before God, who is intimately concerned with our pain. Despite the discomfort of lament, it opens a path to divine comfort and renewal, revealing that God is present and caring, even in our darkest moments. Following the teaching, there is a guided practice of lament which begins at minute 26:00. 

Text: Psalm 89  Teacher: Josh Wilson  In this sermon on Psalm 89, Pastor Josh explores the theme of God's faithfulness amidst life's uncertainties. He highlights how the psalmist grapples with God's promises in the face of challenges and disappointments. Drawing on personal and Biblical examples, Josh encourages listeners to trust in God's faithfulness even when circumstances are difficult, emphasizing that God's ways may not always align with our expectations but are ultimately for our good.

Text: Psalm 29  Teacher: Josh Wilson  Psalm 29 unveils the glory and majesty of God as depicted through a thunderstorm. Pastor Josh encourages us to recognize and ascribe to God the glory that is due. Josh underscores the importance of recovering a sense of wonder in God's presence, which brings transformation and peace amid life's challenges. Following the teaching, there is a guided imaginative prayer practice which begins at minute 24:00.

Teacher: Mandi Paszek Text: Matthew 18:21-35 Mandi Paszek concludes our sermon series on the parables with a teaching on the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, which issues a challenging call to both recognize that we need forgiveness and to extend forgiveness to others. Mandi invites us to reflect on the obstacles we face when it comes to forgiveness and the reality that forgiveness is at the center of God's plan for healing our world. 

Teacher: Josh Wilson Text: Matthew 25:14-30 NIV In this sermon, Pastor Josh delves into the Parable of the Bags of Gold from Matthew 25, emphasizing the importance of leveraging all that God has given us for His Kingdom. Drawing a parallel to Kodak's downfall due to playing it safe, Josh highlights three caution flags that can hinder our stewardship: forgetting our role as trustees, comparing ourselves to others, and believing false narratives about God. Pastor Josh challenges us to step boldly into our God-given potential and faithfully invest our gifts for God's glory.

Teacher: Rashad Clemons Text: Luke 18:9-14 Jesus' Parable of The Pharisee and The Tax Collector teaches us about the posture of heart that gets God's attention: humility. In this sermon, Rashad talks about the allure and danger of self-righteousness in the spiritual life, and God's invitation to come before him as we are, in need of His mercy and grace. 

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: Luke 10:25–37 Who is my neighbor? Pastor Josh unpacks the story of the Good Samaritan, explaining why this is actually the wrong question to be asking. Instead, Jesus calls us to a total devotion to God which expresses itself in love for neighbor and asks the question: “Who can I neighbor?”

Text: Luke 16:1-15   Teacher: Josh Wilson Pastor Josh unpacks the Parable of the Shrewd Manager, explaining that we should steward our money shrewdly in light of eternity, just like the manager who strategically plans for his future after being fired. Josh emphasizes Jesus' warning that we cannot serve two masters and challenges us to invest now for later. 

Teacher: Josh Wilson  Text: Matthew 25:1-13 Jesus' Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25 challenges us to be prepared for Jesus' return. In this teaching, Pastor Josh unpacks the cultural context of Ancient Near Eastern weddings to highlight the gravity of the bridesmaids' lack of preparation, drawing parallels to how we should ready ourselves for Christ's return. Ultimately, the sermon challenges us to live intentionally and righteously in light of eternity.

Text: Luke 18:1-8 (NRSV) Teacher: Mandi Paszek Jesus tells the Parable of the Persistent Widow so that his disciples would “pray always and not… lose heart.” Mandi Paszek explores how our ability to persist in prayer is connected to how we view the character of God—and our willingness to let ourselves be reshaped by the experience of prayer.

Text: Matthew 22:1-14  Teacher: Josh Wilson 

Text: Matthew 13:1-23 Teacher: Josh Wilson Jesus' Parable of the Soils invites us to consider the receptivity of our hearts. Pastor Josh explores how these soil types show up in our souls and exhorts us to cultivate hearts that are fertile places for the Kingdom of God to grow.

Text: Matthew 13:44-46  Teacher: Christine McEvoy, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship  Guest teacher Christine McEvoy uses Jesus' parables of The Hidden Treasure and The Pearl of Great Price to describe not only what the Kingdom of God is like—costly, precious, and deeply worthwhile—but also what kind of people are found in the Kingdom—those who have been captured by its goodness and respond with great joy. How will you prioritize the Kingdom of God today?

Text: Matthew 13:31-33 Teacher: Josh Wilson The Kingdom of God is like… a mustard seed? Pastor Josh shows us that God uses unassuming things to generate unprecedented results and challenges us to grapple with the tendency to abandon our integrity in the effort to achieve our goals.