Stay up to date with the weekly teachings from Trinity United Presbyterian Church located in Santa Ana, CA.
Trinity United Presbyterian Church
We'll explore one of life's most important questions: What does a changed life actually look like for someone following Jesus? In 1 Peter 4, we'll discover how Christ transforms our mindset, priorities, relationships, and purpose—and why that transformation often becomes visible to the people around us. Join us as we learn how to live in such a way that people are pointed to Jesus.
The truth is this: a beautiful life, lived by a woman OR a man, single or married, can speak powerfully of the love and reality and transforming power of Jesus.
"Living Well in the World" -- Consulting Pastor Scott Palmbush
As we continue to celebrate the resurrection in these post-Easter days, we are studying Peter's words to the church and learning how to live in the world. This week, Peter reminds us that we are loved by God and that our true home is with Him. Then he challenges us to live “good” lives deeply rooted in that love and confidence. When our behavior matches our beliefs, God will use our lives to change hearts. The most powerful example comes from the way we respond to unjust suffering. Not easy, but we rely on the Spirit, and we look to Jesus, who modeled it for us as he went to the cross. This Sunday, we'll dive into how our lives can reflect the truth of the Gospel and how our example can really make a difference in those around us.
"Living Well in the World" -- Consulting Pastor Scott Palmbush
We live in a world that rewards winning — winning arguments, winning debates, winning people over to our side. But what if the life we're really meant to live looks completely different? This week in our 1 Peter series, we explore what it means to love one another deeply, from the heart — not just on the surface, but the risky, real, vulnerable kind. Drawing from 1 Peter 1:22–25, we'll ask some honest questions: Why is it so hard to let people in? What does it actually cost us to choose relationship over being right?
How do we follow Jesus faithfully, in a culture that holds different values?
Have you ever experienced something so unexpectedly good that it felt too good to be true? In this message, we'll explore how the resurrection of Jesus first sounded like nonsense—even to His closest followers—yet became the event that changed history, created the Church, and still echoes into our lives today. Through the empty tomb and Jesus' invitation to the unlikely and undeserving, we'll discover that what seems too good to be true is actually the greatest hope ever offered—an open invitation into the family of God.
The Jerusalem Council seeks God together amid disagreement, listening carefully to Scripture, testimony, and one another. Their conclusion—“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us”—reveals that discerning God's will is often a patient, communal process shaped by God's Word rather than individual certainty.This week, practice discerning God's direction by slowing down, engaging Scripture, and inviting trusted believers into the process rather than rushing to conclusions alone.
Jesus teaches that seeking God through prayer means coming to Him with bold persistence and deep trust in His goodness. Perseverance in prayer is not about wearing God down, but about growing in reliance on our good Father. Application: This week, practice seeking God by praying consistently and expectantly, trusting that God uses persistent prayer to shape our hearts and deepen our dependence on Him.
Written from the wilderness, Psalm 63 captures David's deep longing for God, where physical hunger and thirst become metaphors for a soul desperate for His presence. Within the Seek series, this psalm reveals how deprivation—whether chosen or imposed—can train our hearts to desire God above comfort, success, or relief.
"Confidence & Humility", James 3:13-1813 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness
Pressure can be as recent as your last thought, but pressure is nothing new. Centuries ago, James (the half-brother of Jesus) gave encouragement and guidance to Christians who faced intense challenges. Dispersed by persecution and hardship, James' words invite them – and us – to let life's pressure points guide them toward a deeper journey with Jesus. Learn how faith in Christ can transform life's most difficult choices into opportunities for wisdom and joy.
To find Christ, the Magi followed a star. Since they were seeking a king, they naturally assumed it would guide them to an elegant palace. The home of such a king would certainly be a center of commerce! And (of course!) it would be a deeply religious place, where people go to find God. To their surprise (and ours) the star led them to none of these. Christmas reminds us of the surprising justice of God –how much God identifies with the poor, the unimportant and the unnoticed – and the command to share God's justice with others.
“Jesus.” As for all of us, this baby's name describes him – but the name also defines his purpose. This baby would be “Jesus – The Lord's Rescue” – because he would save people from their sins. Within the angel's message is the deep surprise that God's forgiveness always includes sacrifice; so this baby was born to die. Jesus' life is all about forgiveness – and how we can share it with others.
Poor Zechariah! Suffering for his doubt, he's made speechless by an angel. He waits nine months to tell others the news he's been told and the miracles he's witnessed. Zechariah is punished for his doubt and lack of wonder. What about us? The amazement of our childhood is quickly replaced by boredom, skepticism, and inattention. But Christmas is all about Wonder – and how we can share it with others.
For us, Christmas arrives at the same time every year; but for centuries, people waited and waited for God's rescue – for “the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4). As we wait in the season of Advent – the four weeks until Christmas – we learn once more about the sheer patience and perfect timing of God. Contentment is trust in God, even when we don't yet have what we'd truly love to have now.
- Feet that Go - People who gather together as Living Proof don't just stay together -- they move out. Are you ready to hit the road??
- Knees for Prayer -Prayer is, first and foremost, a relationship. When we are willing to draw near to God, it transforms our prayers - and everything about us.
- Hands that Serve -In Ephesians 2:8–10, Paul reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works, but for a life of good works prepared by God. Our salvation is a gift, and our service is the evidence of that gift at work in us. As God's workmanship, our hands become instruments of His love, reflecting His character to the world.
Arms of LoveThe story of the Good Samaritan shows us that we must move beyond excuses and be actively loving in this life. True religion means taking care of others.
- A Voice to Speak the Good News -Christ is the "image of the invisible God", and we each are called to describe Christ with the story of our lives.
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