WestGate Church Teaching

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

In one of His most famous teachings, when asked what the most important concept of the entire Old Testament is, Jesus says, that it's to “love God” and then adds “and love your neighbor.” In this one teaching, Jesus forever links loving God with loving your neighbor. Later, in the Book of James, the author says that “faith without works is dead.” Loving God means using one's life to serve and help other people who are in our circle of relationship. And doing so not only changes things around us, but also changes us. SPEAKERS: Finny Abraham (Saratoga), Keivan Tehrani (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): James 2:14-17

In one of His most famous teachings, when asked what the most important concept of the entire Old Testament is, Jesus says, that it's to “love God” and then adds “and love your neighbor.” In this one teaching, Jesus forever links loving God with loving your neighbor. Later, in the Book of James, the author says that “faith without works is dead.” Loving God means using one's life to serve and help other people who are in our circle of relationship. And doing so not only changes things around us, but also changes us. SPEAKERS: Finny Abraham (Saratoga), Keivan Tehrani (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): James 2:14-17

In one of His most famous teachings, when asked what the most important concept of the entire Old Testament is, Jesus says, that it's to “love God” and then adds “and love your neighbor.” In this one teaching, Jesus forever links loving God with loving your neighbor. Later, in the Book of James, the author says that “faith without works is dead.” Loving God means using one's life to serve and help other people who are in our circle of relationship. And doing so not only changes things around us, but also changes us. SPEAKERS: Finny Abraham (Saratoga), Keivan Tehrani (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): James 2:14-17

In 1535, William Tyndale was burned at the stake at the order of the King of England for the grievous crime of translating the Bible into English, and then printing it and disseminating it. King Henry 8th was so furious, he burned 6,000 copies of the Bible. But today, we don't burn the Bible. We just ignore it. In 2 Timothy 4, the Apostle Paul says what King Henry knew - that the Bible is dangerous because the Bible is no mere book. It's the Word of God and it has the power to utterly transform us, in the process forging us into the likeness of Jesus in a world that desperately need it. The Bible really can do that. That is, if we let it. SPEAKERS: David Tieche (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): 2 Timothy 5

What does it mean to change? And more importantly how does a human change? Is it even possible? Join John Ortberg as he shows that  the 12 steps of AA are actually not only a powerful spiritual tool for us to truly examine our actual lives as they are in all of their brokenness, but to encounter the life transforming power of God - who is in the business of fixing broken humans when they come to Him in need.

Perhaps nothing peaks our anxiety levels more than the “fog of uncertainty” around the future. What is coming down the road? Is it bad? Will I be okay? And that's on a normal day. When actual bad news or events happen, it just exacerbates the worry. Now there's *really* something to worry about. But we are not the first humans to worry about an uncertain future. Writing during a tense time of turmoil and persecution, the Apostle Peter wrote to a group of churches, advising them on some ways they could approach the uncertainty of life with both steady and enduring hope. And his advice back then is just as valid today - cast your cares on the LORD, for He won't leave you like an orphan, but will take care of you. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): 1 Peter 5:5-10

As we begin the New Year, whether we're the “resolution-making” type or not, we'd all like to experience some sort of positive change in our lives. The story of God offers us a path toward not just “positive” change but the deep transformation we long for. But this requires a good deal of work on our part. Our lives are like icebergs. On average, only 10 percent of an iceberg's volume is visible above the surface while 90 percent is submerged beneath the water. So we have to begin by asking the question, “What's beneath the waterline, out of sight, in my life?” Which gets us into the difficult topic of mental and emotional health. Fortunately, Jesus himself embodies mental and emotional struggle—things like depression, anxiety, and anguish. And with Jesus as our guide, we too must become aware of and honest about our mental and emotional struggles, and begin there when necessary, so that God might guide us through. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Psalm 22:1-11

The prophet Isaiah, more than 800 years before the birth of Jesus, wrote that a Messiah would come, that the “government would be on His shoulders” and that His kingdom of justice of righteousness would last forever. This promise, of a King who will love what's right and set things right, not only resonated then, but in our chaotic and broken world, resonates with us today. But. sometimes, we modern people, in our thirst for justice, skip over the “righteousness” part, and accidentally do harm. Or, we skip over the “justice” part, leaving empty non-sacrificial religion. But the kingdom of God is both justice AND righteousness. And together, these words show something not only about who God is, but what He's up to and what kind of people He wants his image bearers to be. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Isaiah 9:2,6-7 SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Isaiah 9:2,5

When we think of Christmas, we might think of twinkling lights, or the words of Silent Night that say “all is bright, all is calm.” But that first Christmas was anything but quiet. The birth of Jesus was actually a conflict, as we see in the response of people in power, like Herod. And yet, into this world of conflict we hear the words of the Prophet Isaiah, who wrote, hundreds of years before Jesus was born, that someday, God will stop all conflict. The promise in Isaiah that God will burn (read: entirely destroy) the bloody boots and garments of conflict. And in this world, no matter what conflict we find around us (or even inside of us), the promise of Jesus is the promise of Peace. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Isaiah 9:2,5

More than 2400 years ago, a prophet named Isaiah wrote words of hope to his people, the Israelites, that someday God might send help - someone to “shatter the yoke of oppression.” Using extreme language, the prophet yearns for a time when God sends someone to “shatter the yoke of oppression” - removing for good suffering endured and suffering inflicted. And not just removing - but shattering. This is complete victory. There's no shortage of suffering in our world today, from large-scale conflicts to interpersonal struggles which seem unlikely to change, if not intractable or impossible. And it's into this kind of bleak world that God promises to enter. Freedom from deep suffering is actually the fruit of being near and connected to God and knowing that He is with us and for us. SPEAKERS: Christina Papoulias (Saratoga), Jay Kim (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Isaiah 9:2-7

The weeks leading up to Christmas are traditionally called “advent” - a word which means “arrival” - in which we take time to pause and reflect on the arrival of Jesus, and what that means and meant for the world and for us. The first week's focus is on joy - especially in the midst of a dark world. But we have such a shallow understanding of joy; we make it synonymous with “pleasure.” But joy in the Bible - both in the New and Old Testaments - is not something manufactured or concocted or even based on “good” circumstances. It comes from God Himself - and is a fruit of being near and connected to Him and knowing that He is with us and for us. And SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Isaiah 9:2-7

As we approach Thanksgiving, we're reminded of our culture's annual rhythm. But if we're honest, most of modern Thanksgiving is more about making food and travel and watching the Detroit Lions than it is taking time to really let gratitude flow out of us. But gratitude isn't just something we do to be polite - it's a deeply formative practice. But it's also one that's fleeting in our fast-paced culture. But it's more than simply taking time to slow down. The Scriptures tell us that gratitude isn't merely thanking God for the good things we have in our lives, but a deep, settled peace that we can trust and accept from God's hands anything and everything that comes our way - even very bad stuff - because in God's hands, even very bad things can be turned into very good things. SPEAKERS: David Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Luke 17:11-19 NIV

The phrase “whatever happens” doesn't conjure up visions of stability. When people say that - “whatever happens” - it's usually because something bad is going to happen. For the church at Philippi, this was the case. In his letter to the early church in that city, Paul understood that the political climate was going to get heated. The earliest Christians in Philippi were in all likelihood facing serious persecution for political reasons. Incredibly, within this context, the Apostle Paul (who himself was a Roman Citizen) tells this group of Christians that no matter what happens politically, that they were to remember that their citizenship is in Heaven and their King is not Caesar, but Jesus. This would have real implications for the way they lived their lives - but Paul's advice still rings true for believers down through the ages. SPEAKERS: Steve Clifford (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Philippians 1:27-28 NIV

Our political climate is marked by many things: outrage, fear, anxiety, concern. If there's one word that folks would NOT use it would be “peace.” It seems that settled peace is not often present. So how do we get that? Well, if the story of Jesus is any indication, Jesus not only is the Prince of Peace, not only brings peace, but invites His followers to be agents of peace in a world full of conflict. But this will not just *happen* - it's a work of grace that requires much of us, from listening well, to actively working for the good of those who consider us their enemies. But the words of Jesus say that peacemakers will be called sons and daughters of God, so his invitation to be peacemakers is an invitation to join the “family business” of God. SPEAKERS: Mark Averill (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Matthew 5:43-48 NIV

Paradigm for Politics, Pt I - Worship, Love Neighbor, Image of God, Wisdom, Justice, Speech It's pretty common, in our charged political environment, to see people using strong, harsh and even demeaning language toward those they disagree with politically. But what gets lost in the vitriol and name-calling is that the very things we fear at a broad, societal level - collapse, violence, destruction - is actually rooted in the posture we choose to take toward one another (and toward those on the other side of the political aisle) in the person, intimate level. It begins with the choice between dishonoring or dignifying those with whom we disagree, between loathing our enemies or loving our enemies. And the Bible is clear - if you claim to love God, and hate your brother or your sister, you're lying and kidding yourself. Enter, the invitation of Jesus, to extend undeserved love to others just as you have been extended undeserved love by God Himself. And in doing so, we bring about a very different sort of Kingdom: the Kingdom of God Himself. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): 1 John 4:19-21 NIV

Description: It's a pretty contentious political environment out there, often times with people shouting past each other. Sometimes, it seems that politics has become like a new religion. Jay and David dive into the ideas of Joshua Ryan Butler's book The Party Crasher. They explore the the four distinct political ideologies at play in our culture, and how understanding them can help us not only understand our own political leanings, but empathize and connect with others in different sectors. Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

PARTY CRASHER: How Jesus Disrupts Politics as Usual and Redeems our Partisan Divides | Pledge Allegiance to the King | October 27, 2024 In our current cultural moment, with a national election looming, the political divide feels as wide as it's ever been. Various political tribes present various visions of what will ultimately lead to society-wide flourishing. But Jesus is the ultimate Party Crasher, both affirming and confronting the various visions and inviting us to embrace a bold new vision of His Kingdom. In this series, we learn to live well in our polarized political world, in a way that can bring peace for the exhausted, courage for the anxious, comfort for the weary, and hope for all of us. For followers of Jesus, the fulfillment of hope and the path to true flourishing is found always and only when we pledge our allegiance to Christ alone. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills)

Oftentimes, in the church, there is a weird divide between folks who are contemplative and folks who are more activist. Join host David Tieche as he chats with Finny Abraham and Lily Weirich from our local compassion team about the role that prayer has in activism. Finny and Lily share stories and insights from what they're learned leading Beautiful Day, and warning signs that pop up when someone is moving into activism without prayer. Finny and Lily also talk candidly about compassion fatigue and cynicism that can creep in, and what they have found as the antidote. Speakers: David Tieche + Finny Abraham + Lily Weirich

We live in a world where people strive to be "influencers" - but (perhaps) that word doesn't mean what we think it means. David sits down with Ruth Beteivaz and Natalia Dahlgren to talk about two "influencers" - two people who made a giant, formative impact on their lives but who aren't famous at all. We talk about what real influence is, what it does in us, and some practical ways that you and I can help make a big kingdom impact with our lives. Speakers: David Tieche + Ruth Beteivaz + Natalia Dahlgren

In one of the most provocative (and difficult) sayings of Jesus, He invites people to “deny themselves, pick up their cross and follow me.” One of the least appealing recruitment statements ever. And yet, despite what our culture or our world screams, the way to life is not to affirm myself, assert my wants and serve my own interests - it's to do the exact opposite (which is what Jesus says to do). And in doing so, we find that though this path will cost us, it is always, always worth it. SPEAKERS: David Tieche (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Matthew 16:21-27 NIV

Hey kids! Today, we're going to talk about the intersection of religion and money! What could possibly go wrong! Jay and Dave talk about ways that Christian leaders have talked about money that's destructive, and some better ways to discuss this sensitive but important topic. We also dive into some of the research that seems to demonstrate that Jesus was right when he said that “it's more blessed to give than to receive.” We also examine some of Jesus' words about generosity and how His (counterintuitive) teachings help us reexamine our lives. Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

THE GREAT GIVEAWAY | Generosity Inside My DNA | September 29, 2024 The story many of us believe is that the good life is found in getting *as much* as you can as *quickly* as possible. But this story is wrong. Jesus famously said the opposite - "it is more blessed to *give* than to *receive*" (Acts 20:35). In fact, Jesus claims that we're made with a latent generosity within us because we are made in the Image of a generous God. We'll look at how we're actually hard-wired to give our lives away, and how that's the (not so) secret way to a truly meaningful life. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Matthew 6:19-23 NIV

Most people fall into one of two categories. When conflict - or just difficult interpersonal things - inevitably happen, they either “cut people off” or they “care too, too much.” South Hills congregation pastor Archie Jackson stops by to talk about how Jesus challenges both sets of people when it comes to dealing with people who are difficult to love. We chat about Jesus' command to love one another, why the Church is more like the Muppets than we'd like to admit, and why it's so draining to try to connect to some people. Speakers: David Tieche + Archie Jackson

In Luke 13, Jesus prays for His disciples, that they would love one another well. Jesus even says that people will know they are Jesus' disciples by the way they live one another. But wow - this is not always easy. There are some people in our lives who are a real challenge to love. We dive into ways to love difficult people, realizing that often, it's not even about them, but about how we respond. Because being patient, kind and forgiving is the way that Jesus treated us, and extending that love that God gave to us to other people is the way of Jesus. SPEAKERS: Archie Jackson (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Colossians 3:12-14

How much do you worry? Are you pretty unfazed by life, or do you trend toward anxiety? Is worry a sometimes annoyance, or a constant companion? Jesus talks about worry plainly in the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus' message is pretty simple: knowing and experiencing the love of God drives out fear. In this way, fear is like a dashboard warning light, driving us to God to deal with the underlying concerns and worries we have about being left out, not having enough, or not being enough. And by bringing our fears to God, and being honest about them before Him, we find that God is inviting us to trust in His provision and presence. And like a candle drives out darkness, God's presence can drive out fear and we can experience…peace. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Matthew 6:25-30 NIV, 1 John 4:13-19 NIV

We all want (or want to want) renewal from God in our life. And we know it's something only God can do in us. But that this work is not passive, and that we have a role to be intentional. This past weekend, our staff outlined seven (7!) spiritual practices forming a “wheel of formation” or a communal rule of life that act like a trellis helps a vine grow. Dave and his three (3!) guests talk through each of the seven spiritual practices and their location in the life of the early church. And then in a candid discussion, we explain how the seven (Commit, Gather, Grow, Connect, Serve, Give, Invite) have shaped us personally and helped us become more like Jesus. Speakers: David Tieche + Archie Jackson + Ruth Beteivaz + David Kim

In the Book of Acts, as the early Church is being launched and birthed, two things are clear. One, it's the work of the Spirit of God that's creating and formed and shaping this group of early Christians. And two - this group is doing everything they can to participate with God's Spirit in this work. Renewal and transformation is a work done by God alone, but it's not a passive thing and it requires intentionality. In this panel discussion, WestGate's pastors discuss some core things the early Church teaches us that mark committed effort toward collective formation into Christlikeness. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): John 15:4-5, Acts 2:41-47

AFTERWORD DESCRIPTION: This Fall, we're talking about renewal, which simply means being realigned with God's presence. Jay stops by to talk about why this message is so personal for him. How is renewal different/distinct from revival? Are there aspects of it that we can control? And I ask Jay how does the vision from an ancient prophet named Ezekiel of a dry valley filled with dead bones relate to Silicon Valley? Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

In the Book of Ezekiel, God takes the prophet Ezekiel into a valley filled with dry, dusty bones of things that have been dead for a long time, and then asks Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” Ezekiel stammers back, “Only you know, Sovereign Lord.” Which is the correct answer. Sure, God *can* do anything He wants, but will He? Will He bring bones back to life? Only God knows. This story rings true, even for us today in our own valley. Everyone knows that the Bay Area is one of the most irreligious and unchurched areas not only in the United States, but the world. And it can seem rather hopeless at times. And in a valley filled with wealth, but in short supply of hope, filled with innovation, but in such short supply of wisdom and righteousness, can God bring even this valley back to life? Only God knows. And although we have no control over what He does or does not do - but we can take small steps to prepare our own hearts for God's presence in hopes our renewal might spark something - not just in us, but in those around us.

AFTERWORD DESCRIPTION This past weekend, our church had the joy of learning from pastor/author/professor/theologian Dr. A.J. Swoboda, who not only spoke at our 2024 Formation Conference but also over the weekend at all our of campuses. David invites two of his friends (Ruth + David) by to share their insights and highlights from the weekend. They chat about: 1. Asking for permission before offering spiritual advice 2. Why Doubting Thomas shouldn't be called that 3. The practical implications of tongues of fire descending on people's heads on the Day of Pentecost and 4. Why Jesus's most important question to us might very well be, "What do you want?" Speakers: David Tieche + David Kim + Ruth Beteivaz

Today's follower of Jesus exists at a moment in history when our desires, longings, and wants are being weaponized against us by cultural, spiritual, and relational forces. "Follow your heart" and "You do you" has become our moment's mantras. The result, for too many, is feeling torn asunder by the raging desires within. What do we do with our desire? What about our unwanted desires? And how do we cultivate desires which bring life and freedom and lead to Christ? Dr. A. J. Swoboda stops by to talk about what to do with our desires, and we find the wisdom of Scripture is not that we shuttle all desire, calling it bad, nor do we follow all our desires (no matter what). In short, what makes a follower of Christ is not whether or not we have desires. Rather, it is what we do with the desires we have.

Most stories are linear. Beginning. Middle. End. The opening pages of the Bible tell us a linear story - humans were meant to live with God, they rebelled and sinned - and then Death entered and humans lost everything. And if it weren't for God, this is where the human story would end. Humanity's biggest need is a solution to the problem of sin, destruction, and death, which leads us back to the end of the Apostle's Creed, which says “I believe in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.” The end of the Creed goes back to the beginning of the human story, and offers us a new beginning—forgiveness and resurrection life. Which means – in each of our lives – a new beginning is available. Resurrection life is available. And the path to this new beginning, this resurrection life, is repentance and forgiveness, which is available to everyone.

Well. Guys. We're at the end. No, I'm not talking about the end of our Apostle's Creed sermon series, but also the end of the 2024 Summer Olympics and summer itself. Jay and I chat about all of it, including Tom Cruise. We also get more serious and talk about the phrase “forgiveness of sins” and how unpopular of an idea it is that we even *need* forgiveness. Even for Christians, as we swim in our cultural waters, our tendency can be to “minimize” sin and “maximize” (or focus almost exclusively on) grace. But sin is dangerously destructive. We also talk frankly about how unconfessed sin blocks God's work - but repentance brings real life and connection to God and others. And, at the end, Dave shares a final parting gift to help us carry the Apostle's Creed with us. Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

AFTERWORD DESCRIPTION  Miley Cyrus, in her song “Flowers” - the biggest hit of 2023 - told us that she didn't need *anyone* else in her life to make her happy. Andy Gridley stops by to go back in time to traipse through all the “I am better off without you” empowerment songs from 1978 until today. Also, “I am better off alone!” might make for fun song lyrics, but it's terrible life advice. We talk about the modern dynamic of individualism, and how it works against Christian formation. Finally, we talk through the “messier” aspects of Christian friendship – and why hard convos about difficult things actually can lead to life. Speakers: David Tieche + Andy Gridley

In a world where a lot of people have doubts and suspicions (some quite fair and founded) about the Church, the Apostle's Creed offers up a fascinating invitation “I believe in the holy Church and the Communion of Saints.” The invitation to deep, sacrificial, Jesus-centered friendship might not always be natural, or easy, but it's central to our spiritual lives. And it brings life in ways we can't even imagine. SPEAKERS: Andy Gridley (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills)