Speaker: Lorissa Medrano
In our second week of the Book of Ruth we explored the theme of Loving Kindness. The Hebrew word for this Loving Kindness is Hesed: which is to love as God loves.
Speaker: Walter Lam
In addition to today’s sermon we featured Alliance for African Assistance led by Walter Lam, a refugee, with the aim of addressing the many needs of San Diego’s growing African refugee population. The Alliance assists, by means of generous contributions and grants, new arrivals in adjusting to American culture. The Alliance for African Assistance has remained unceasing in its dedication to provide social, cultural, and educational support and guidance to all refugees in their resettlement process.
Assistance includes preparing host families; securing safe and affordable housing, help with rent and transportation, health screenings, enrolling children in school, English language classes and translation services, and job assistance and training. We have successfully resettled more than 12,700 refugees from Somalia, Sudan, Congo, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Ethiopia, Liberia, Eritrea, Vietnam, Iran, Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, Burma, Afghanistan, Syria, and Russia.
Speaker: Mark Slomka
In our 3rd week in the Book of Ruth we consider the powerful impact a surrendered life can have for generations to come and the grace of God that positions us to participate in extending his redemptive presence towards others. Here we see that God uses both the rich and the poor the advance His Kingdom presence in our world today…
Speaker: Lorissa Medrano
In our second week of the Book of Ruth we looked at God as the God of refuge. What are the implications for followers of Christ in how we care for those seeking refuge?
Today’s Scripture: Ruth 1-2:12
Speaker: Vince Medrano
In our first week of the Book of Ruth we looked at the incredible endurance of Naomi. We also visited the theme of faithfulness, exploring how God shows his faithfulness to unexpected characters in unexpected places to care for His people.
Today’s Scripture: Ruth 1-4
Speaker: Vince Medrano
We set aside the morning to pray for our students and educators as they begin the new school year. We were encouraged to remember Jesus’ words to not be anxious about tomorrow but to consider the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. If He provides and cares for them, then how much more provision and care be lovingly extended to us?
Speaker: Lorissa Medrano
We end our study in the book of Colossians by looking at the names of those who made up the people Paul is writing to. The way God works in the world is through people. It’s not through big name superstars. And Paul highlights a list of names that shows a diverse people, who had every reason to be fractured, walking in great unity.
Today’s Scripture: Colossians 4.7-18
7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
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Speaker: Serene Neddenreip
Because Christ is supreme and our lives redefined, our fundamental orientation to the world around us has also changed. We are a community called to be gracious and attractive so that we might earn the right bless, express, present, and influence lives towards Jesus Christ…
Today’s Scripture: Colossians 4.2-6
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
Col. 4:5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
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Speaker: Mark Slomka
SPEAKER: MARK SLOMKA
Christians believe and confess that Jesus is Lord.But either Jesus is Lord of and over all — or He is not Lord at all. Life is the lie-detector test of a Christian’s faith. This is not about being the perfect saint… it IS about living with a surrendered soul.
Let us not fall prey to the temptation to write off Paul’s teaching on marriage, children, and slaves from our 21st century vantage point. His teaching is as radical for today’s audience as it was for his. All understanding of power and authority must bow before the Lordship of Jesus and reflect His love, compassion, justice, and fairness…
Unfortunately this week’s messages was not recorded due to technical difficulty. While certainly no substitute, the slides from last Sunday can be downloaded here and Mark’s notes can be downloaded here — looking at the notes you will now understand how disorganized and scattered his mind is!
Today’s Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4.1
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
3:5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
3:12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
3:16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. 20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites. 1 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.
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Speaker: Mark Slomka
Christians believe and confess that Jesus is Lord.But either Jesus is Lord of and over all — or He is not Lord at all. Life is the lie-detector test of a Christian’s faith. This is not about being the perfect saint… it IS about living with a surrendered soul.
Today’s Scripture: Colossians 3:17-4.1
17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. 20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites. 1 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.
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Speaker: Vince Medrano
The place the Lord is leading the church is into unity and peace. To travel toward this destination we are invited to be clothed for the occasion.
Today’s Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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Speaker: Church Council
This Sunday the Church Council recalls the Lord's kindness and faithfulness shown to us by hearing stories from members of our community, reviewing last fiscal year's budget and presenting the budget for the year ahead.
Today’s Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
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Speaker: Mark Slomka
What are the essentials for building a community that authentically reflections the grace and truth of Jesus that draws women and men, youth and children? What must this community embrace to be distinct from the surrounding culture yet remain a relevant presence for beauty, compassion, and renewal? This morning we gain a glimpse into three essential hallmarks…
Today’s Scripture: Colossians 3.1-11
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
Col. 3:5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
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Speaker: Serene Neddenriep
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Speaker: Lorissa Medrano
Today’s Scripture: Colossians 2:6-15
6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers[a] of this world, rather than from Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
Learn more about the book of Colossians
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Speaker: Vince Medrano
Today’s Scripture: Colossians 1:24-2:5
24 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. 25 God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you.26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
2 I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. 2 I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. 3 In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. 5 For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.
Learn more about the book of Colossians
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Speaker: Lorissa Medrano
Today’s Scripture: Colossians 1.15-23
15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,[a]
16 for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
17 He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
18 Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.[b]
So he is first in everything.
19 For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
20 and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
23 But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.
Learn more about the book of Colossians
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Speaker: Mark Slomka
Today’s Message
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one year before he was hung by the Nazis, wrote in his journal: What is bothering me incessantly is the question: What Christianity really is? or indeed what Christ really is for us today?
This is the question for the ages and the one that should intrude upon all lives — regardless of one’s faith. The supremacy of Jesus challenges any worldview that seeks to ignore Him or adapt Him as the servant of an agenda not His own. In short, either Jesus is Lord of all and Lord over all or He is not Lord of all
So today we consider an exuberant song celebrating the magnificent rule of Jesus. The fact that this song is composed by a prisoner might cause us all to pause and wonder how an imprisoned soul might sing so freely…
Today’s Scripture: Colossians 1.15-20
Col. 1:15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
16 for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
17 He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
18 Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead.
So he is first in everything.
19 For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
20 and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Learn more about the book of Colossians
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Today’s Message
Today is Family Sunday. We’ll take time to discuss the importance of expressing our thanks to our Family in Christ, then gather in the Fellowship Center to put this into practice
Learn more about the book of Colossians
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Speaker: Vince Medrano
Today’s Message
Today we kick off our series in the book of Colossians. As followers of Jesus we discover that there is no part of our lives that the supremacy of Christ does not reach and influence.
Learn more about the book of Colossians
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