Knowing God With Heart and Mind

Echo 7 - Christian Leaders Follow Jesus

Adrienne and Pastor D discuss last weekend's sermon, and much more as they flesh out matters of heaven and hell. 

The Apostolic Tradition: James Z.

We continue to gain insight from the Apostolic tradition as we focus on James, drawing parallels between his discipleship with his brother, John and the well-known partnership of brothers, Peter and Andrew. James was a natural leader who played a significant role in the early Christian community in Jerusalem, particularly in decision-making during the Jerusalem Council. James experienced the full cost of leadership as his crucial contributions and ultimate sacrifice under the persecution of Herod Agrippa I revealed. James' lasting impact as leader of the Jerusalem Council's brought unity in the early Christian community that still impacts current Christian Believers. As always, the Bible offers broader leadership principles, encouraging self-reflection and relating James' qualities to the potential impact you may have when called into leadership, even within the context of your personality and culture. 

Echo-6 Relationship vs. Religion

Adrienne and Pastor Dan discuss real people, like the apostle Andrew, who have a living relationship with the living Jesus. Do you have a relationship or a religion? 

The Apostolic Tradition: Andrew

In this message, we will learn about the Apostle Andrew by applying some family dynamic psychology. You'll gain insight into Andrew's discipleship style, and it's going to help you with your discipleship and your own family dynamics.

Echo-5 You’re Enough for Jesus

Adrienne and Pastor Dan discuss his recent sermon about Peter and the grace Jesus showed Peter when he let him know he was enough. Understanding Peter as a role model gives us all so much hope, even as evil lies to us about the needs of our flesh. 

The Apostolic Tradition: Peter

Like Paul, Peter was devout Jew who was deeply rooted in Jewish traditions. Paul's education and mission targeted the Gentiles. Paul initially vehemently denied Him before a dramatic conversion while Peter quickly accepted Jesus as the Messiah. Their personalities differed as well, with Peter being impulsive and relational, while Paul was determined and intellectually engaged. However, both experienced transformative moments that led to humility and dependence on God's grace. This weekend we will see, once again, that humility is the key to success in the Kingdom of Christ. 

Echo-4 How to Fearlessly Share Your Faith

Adrienne and Pastor D talk about sharing your faith and how to love people who've had negative experiences with church folks. 

The Apostolic Tradition: Paul (part 2)

This week we will revisit the Apostle Paul. His experience with intolerance and grace is worthy of reexamination, as it is utterly relevant to our times. From Paul we learn that exposure to diverse communities can be transformative as it chips away our prejudices, filling voids one may have experienced in previous circles. Paul continued to maintain essential boundaries of doctrine but his truth cam with God's love. His discipleship ministry came with a wide front door and a narrow back door. Love accepts all comers in grace and sharpens holiness with truth. 

Echo-3 Witnessing to Extremists and other Polarized People

Adrienne and Pastor Dan talk about the transformation of the Apostle Paul and the human conflicts that surrounded him and still surround us, today. 

The Apostolic Tradition: Paul

“Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” Those words should raise gooseflesh across your body as they ring loudly from our televisions, digital devices, radios, podiums, streets, and even some pulpits. Outraged and offended people bent upon the destruction of their enemies protesting in the streets and before public buildings. Religious authorities exacting punishing retribution upon congregations and clergy who oppose their ideologies. While their rhetoric does not explicitly say so, their rage and violent speech cries out, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” (Acts 22)

Sound scary? Wish we could fix this fractured society? The Apostle Paul was part of the problem until he changed and became part of the solution.