PODCASTS

Philip's encounter with an Ethiopian eunuch reveals the radical inclusion that the Spirit was moving the early church towards.

Stephen was filled with and empowered by the Holy Spirit. His character and faith stands as an example of giving ourselves wholly to God.

Having been charged with blasphemy, Stephen, a first century deacon and evangelist, tells the story of Israel's history. He highlights God's character and Israel's failures and then turns the narrative on them as those who betrayed and killed the Messiah.

The growing church had processes in place to care for the needs of widows; however, some were being overlooked. Today we explore the apostle's solution: a distribution of power and leadership that enabled a proper distribution of food.

As the church began to grow and attract the attention of Israel, the Sadducees and religious leaders became defensive and confrontational. Having been arrested, Peter and the apostles continued to joyfully share the good news.

The early church was a community marked by generosity, a people living as the covenant community of God. However, in the case of Ananias and Sapphira the motivations of their heart and lack of reverence for God stood is stark contrast to God's intent for his people.

After a miraculous healing, thousands of people committing to following Jesus, and threats from those in power, the believers pray. We too are invited to pray in the midst of all the good and bad in our world today.

After healing a man, Peter and John are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. They boldly proclaim Jesus as the risen savior who is the power behind this miracle.

The act of healing a man who could not walk served a greater purpose than simply walking. It also represented an invitation to restored community. Today, we speak with Tracey about her perspective based upon her lifelong journey with a degenerative disease. (Note: Due to recording difficulties, this is a re-recording of the live message on Sunday. )

As word of resurrection spread, the Church began. This growing community met regularly, broke bread together, cared for each other needs and celebrated this new hope.

Pausing our series in Acts, we consider the question, “Who is God the Holy Spirit?” The Holy Spirit empowers and equips Jesus followers. Will we listen and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading? **Note: The video of the speaker will appear around minute 2.

At Pentecost, following the coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter and the Apostles stand before a great crowd of people and explain what is taking place. Beginning with the Psalms and Prophets, they preach that Jesus is the risen savior and has sent the Spirit of God.

During a Jewish festival in Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles. This fulfills Jesus' promise that the Spirit would come in power to enable them to be his witnesses.

Jesus has ascended and the 11 remaining disciples are faced with their first major decision, who with replace Judas. Today, we explore their discernment process involving prayer, community and Holy Spirit.

Having risen, Jesus appears to his disciples for a period of 40 days teaching about the Kingdom of God and promising the coming of the Holy Spirit.

As Jesus sends out 72, he invited them to participate in the good news he intends to share in the world around him. Their task is to seek people of peace, heal and share his message, "The Kingdom of God has come near".

Today, in narrative form, we consider the implications of an egalitarian theology and the practical ways it plays out and produces health on our homes, workplaces and church.

Looking at the biblical narrative from creation to Jesus to the early church, we explore the invitation to mutuality and an egalitarian posture.

The Psalms of Ascent, sung on the pilgrimages up to Jerusalem, remind us of God's profound presence in our lives and our communities. Our invitation is to know the Creator and be known.

John tells the story of Jesus engaging with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. What could have been a volatile or contentious meeting opens a doorway to further understanding God's plan and a posture of worship.

In Matthew, 6 Jesus teaches about prayer. Today, we learn about and experience Jesus' prayer by Faye Serene.

God is love. We are invited to receive God's love and reciprocate it in this world. Loving God and loving people are inseparable.

Having concluded our series in the Prophets, we continue to explore how the story played out. Today, we explore Jesus' life and teachings as they relate to the continued narrative of God's work in this world.

In response to the Pharisees grumbling about Jesus spending time with sinners, He tells 3 parables. The third describes God's forgiveness and loving embrace of those that have strayed (prodigal son) as well as His invitation to those too caught up in their own righteousness to celebrate with Him.

The Law calls to attention humanity's need for a savior. Jesus is our savior, the fulfillment of the Law, who invites us to know the heart behind it all...LOVE.

Ezra returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the people around God's Law. Nehemiah engages in rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem. These efforts involve opposition and mourning, but also an invitation to celebrate in God's presence.

Ezra 1-6 tells the story of a remnant of Israel returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple.

Exile in Babylon was a season of suffering, though it also produced a few opportunities and developments. Today, we explore how we might understand God and his work in the context of exile and suffering.

The prophet Joel invites us to realize that even in seasons of pain and loss, there is hope. God is at work confronting evil, bringing about new creation and filling people with God's Spirit.

Ezekiel speaks a message of hope to Israel and to all the nations. The Spirit of God gives life!

Unique to the prophets, Habakkuk levels his accusations at God instead of Israel. Why, God, do you allow violence and injustice to reign? God assures that he is engaged, and Habakkuk pivots to praise.

The God who created, continues to create and give life. Jesus has risen, and all humanity is invited to new life in Him.

In preparation for Easter, we explore the last day of Jesus' life from the Garden of Gethsemane to his death on a cross.

Jeremiah encourages the Israelites in exile to become a part of the community and seek the peace and prosperity of Babylon. How will we live in the messy middle - between the reality of the challenges we are facing and God’s promised restoration?

The later part of the book of Isaiah describes a suffering servant. A king (Jesus) that operates differently than others, who brings peace and hope.

Isaiah prophesied to the southern kingdom regarding Israel's idolatry, greed and mistreatment of the poor. He warned that Babylon would conquer Israel, but there was hope regarding a remnant and a new king.

Hosea was called to expose and prophecy against Israel's unfaithfulness. Though there were consequences, God demonstrates his character in promising restoration for his people.

Amos urges Israel to repent from idolatry and social injustices. He reminds Israel of their covenant with God inviting them to live out justice and righteousness.

The book of Jonah, unique among the prophets, is a narrative. It is the story of God's prophet at odds with God's intent to show mercy to Assyria.

The prophets were called by God to speak judgement and hope to an Israelite nation in breach of covenant. Context and literary genre are important to understanding the prophets.

Though pride and arrogance are often celebrated, the way of the Kingdom of God is walking in humility.

A merciful and compassionate God invites us to be people of mercy and compassion.

Micah 6:8 describes God's expectation of humanity: act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Today, we explore restorative justice.

As we close out 2023 and usher in 2024, we are asking the question, “How do we continue well?”

Love is the DNA of the biblical narrative. We are invited to receive and reciprocate the love of God.

Through simple actions, we find joy in a God who loves hospitality and presence. He brings His kingdom through the unexpected.

Jesus brings peace. In a world desperate for His peace, we are invited to participate as people of peace.

Advent is a season of waiting and preparation. This first Sunday of Advent, we look at how Mary waited with hope for the first coming of Jesus.

Humanity is created in the image of God. What does is the significance of being God's image-bearers? How does seeing the image of God in others impact how we treat people?

In the beginning, God spoke light into a chaotic world. Jesus, the light of the world, came to bring further order. We are invited to shine God's light in this world, bringing further healing and order.

Anxiety is a challenge we all face. We are invited to bring our concerns to God in prayer and receive peace.

Today we interview Jared and Laura King, church planters in Seattle, WA. The conversation invites us to consider what participation in God's mission look like in each of our lives.

As we conclude our series in John, we consider his words, 'I have written so that you might believe, and have life in Jesus' name. What does it mean to believe in Jesus?

Even after Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus re-invites Peter to follow him and feed his sheep. What does it look like for us all to continually respond to this invitation and point people to Jesus?

Following Jesus' crucifixion, Jesus' apostles turn back to what they knew, fishing. Jesus appears to them, inviting them to share a meal in his presence.

Having risen, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, the apostles, and Thomas. Jesus speaks peace to their fear.

Days after his burial, a few of Jesus followers visit the tomb and find it empty! Having risen from the dead, Jesus invites us to resurrection life.

Why did Jesus die on the cross? Today, we explore the scope of the Biblical narrative leading up to the cross. Further, we delve into the implications of the cross (atonement theory).

The Jewish leaders were intent upon manipulating the Roman courts in order to have Jesus crucified. Though Pilot sees no grounds for a charge, he agrees to Jesus' execution.

Having been betrayed by one of his closest followers, Jesus is arrested. While Peter steps up to fight, Jesus chooses to peacefully accept God's plan.

Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus prays for himself and those that will follow him. His prayers challenge us to consider Church unity and the mission we have received.

Shortly before his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus warns his followers of the struggle to come. He also promises the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will be their peace.

While comforting his disciples about his impending death, Jesus speaks of a remarkable season to come. Soon, the Father will send the Holy Spirit.

Shortly before His death, Jesus was betrayed, abandoned and denied by his closest followers. His response: Love one another as I have loved you.

Knowing that his death and that he held all power, Jesus kneels down to wash his disciples' feet. In taking the posture of a servant, Jesus calls us to lives of service.

Jesus enter's Jerusalem for Passover week hailed as king. What sort of king is Jesus? What does it look like to be citizens of Jesus' unique, beautiful Kingdom?

Having raised a man from the dead, the Jewish leaders determine plot to kill Jesus to prevent his rise to power and Rome's response. Facing impending death, Jesus reacts with calm and intentional action.

In raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus demonstrates his power over death. He is the resurrection and life. We are all invited to experience new life in Jesus.

Having given sight to a blind man on the Sabbath, questions of Jesus' identity arose. Further, Jesus took the opportunity shed light on the spiritual blindness.

Jesus, while making bold claims about his identity, is met with mixed reactions. Some believe, while others do not. Who is Jesus?

In John 8, the Pharisees use a woman caught in adultery to attempt to trap Jesus into breaking Mosaic Law. Jesus turns the conversation of guilt back on them while demonstrating grace and inviting the woman to new life.

Jesus, while attending a Jewish festival, stands before the crowds and offers living water. The promise of the Holy Spirit was for those present and extends to us today.

On Youth Sunday 2023, four young people from our church highlight the story of Jesus and its significance in their lives.

Today, we explore the entirety of John 6. Jesus feeds thousands of people and explains that he is the bread come down from heaven. (The recording picks up just after the scripture reading.)

After having healed a man on the Sabbath, Jesus interacts with the religious teachers concerning two matters: his breaking of Sabbath law and his equality with God. His conversation draws us toward understanding of his new covenant.

When Jesus meets a man who could not walk, he asks him, "Do you want to get well?" In healing the man, Jesus ignites the rage of the Pharisees concerning Sabbath law. Jesus demonstrates a posture of seeing and engaging people in need.

A man with a sick child pleads with Jesus, come and heal my child. Though Jesus refuses the invitation, he assures the man that his child is being healed. At times in our faith journey we witness miracles, at other times we are left with the invitation to believe.

After raising from the dead, Jesus began appearing to his followers. We today are invited to recognize God's presence amongst us.

In opposition to cultural and religious norms, Jesus engages intentionally in conversation with a Samaritan woman. He invites her to know living water and true worship. We have much to learn about extending invitation and love in lives of marginalized peoples in our world!

In considering his ministry in relation to Jesus, John the Baptist concludes, “He must become greater; I must become less.”

In his conversation with a Pharisee named Nicodemus, Jesus describes himself as the source of eternal life. In summary John pens John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son…”

As Jesus arrives at the temple, he finds the courtyards turned into a market place. In driving out the animals and money changers, Jesus defines himself as the new temple and demonstrates his commitment to people's access to God.

John begins to build a case for who Jesus is with a sign: Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding celebration. Jesus turns what would have been an experience of shame for the groom into an opportunity for celebration in the lives of many.

Early in Jesus' ministry he began calling disciples, people who dedicated their lives to following him. Still today, we are invited to follow Jesus.

John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Messiah and witness to Jesus' identity.

John, in describing who Jesus is, calls our attention to creation. In the beginning, the Word, Jesus, was creating. In the same way the word spoke light into darkness, Jesus' presence in this world shines light into darkness.

John, an apostle and eye witness, writes a detailed account of Jesus' life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. Unique from the other gospel accounts, John shines a spotlight on Jesus' divinity and him as the means of salvation.

Jesus is the solid foundation upon which we get to build our lives. In good and bad times, we are invited to keep returning to Jesus.

After the high of proving God is the one true God, Elijah receives another death threat. Elijah flees to Mt. Horeb, where he is invited into God's presence.

After 3 years of hiding, Elijah confronts Ahab and the Prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel. God reveals himself as the true God.

God continues to work his unconventional plan through a widow's daily act of faith and obedience. What intentional rhythms of faith and obedience might God be calling us to in 2023?

In the fourth week of advent, we explore love - God, who is love, and our call to reciprocate His love in this world.

The coming of Jesus the Savior is good news and cause for great joy for all people. What does this joy look like?

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, invites us to know and reciprocate his peace.

Today, on the first day of Advent, we explore hope in the most unlikely place, the genealogy found in Matthew 1.

Today we explore the biblical and historical roots of Communion.

How does the retelling of Moses' story differ with Moses at the center and with God at the center? We are invited to perceive and tell our stories with God at the center.

As Moses life comes to an end, he final words urge Israel to choose life. We too are invited to choose the abundant life found in Jesus.

After surveying the promised land, the Israelites fearfully decline from taking the land God is giving to them. As a result, they will will wander in the desert for 40 years.

How quickly the Israelite people turn from God and make for themselves an idol to worship! We too have a tendency towards idolatry. We are invited to choose God over all else.

God gives instructions to the Israelites on how to lay out the tabernacle. This description will serve as a blueprint for when Jesus comes to Earth, becoming the center of our lives.

Moses and the Israelites are invited into covenant relationship with God. This covenant began with Abraham, was fulfilled in Jesus, and remains an invitation for the church today!

At Mount Sinai, God lays out His laws for the nation of Israel. We the church are invited to covenant relationship in God's continued work in the world.

Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, has a lot to teach Moses about healthy leadership. Today, we look at Exodus 18 and also begin to rollout a new leadership structure at The Vine Church.

When faced with hard circumstances, Israel continues to doubt God's faithfulness and provisions. How will we choose to respond when life is hard?

Shortly into their time in the desert, Israel began to grumble about their lack of food and lack of God's provision. God provides quail and bread for his people. God continues to provide through Jesus, the Bread of Life.

As Pharaoh drives the Israelites out of Egypt, their journey towards the promised land begins. Soon they find them selves hemmed in between the sea and the Egyptian army. God moves powerfully.

In Exodus 7-11, God demonstrates his power over the gods of Egypt. Pharaoh continues to defy God, and Moses continues to listen to God's instruction.

As God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses voices multiple concerns. God responds with provisions. How will we respond to God's call?

After 40 years tending sheep in Midian, God appears to Moses. God has heard the cry of his people, and intends to send Moses to free them from slavery.

Moses, in defense of a Hebrew slave, kills an Egyptian. How can and will we engage in the face of injustice?

As we begin a new message series on the life of Moses, let’s consider the time, place, and situation Moses was born into. God worked powerfully through courageous women.

What does growth look like in our faith and in the church?

The church is invited to be a community centered around Jesus and shaped by the Holy Spirit.

On Pentecost Sunday, we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit and beginning of the church.

Today, we explore baptism as a rich ceremony in which people publicly declare their faith in Jesus.

The conclusion of 1 John reminds us that we are invited to know God and experience eternal life.

We are invited to live out love and experience new life in Jesus.

John describes God as Love. We, as followers of Jesus, are invited to both receive and reciprocate God's love.

On Easter, we celebrate resurrection! As Jesus returned to his disciples, he invited them to belief, to the table and to new life in the Kingdom of God.

For years, Israel was waiting for a king, but Jesus was not what they expected. What kind of King is Jesus? This surprising, unexpected King is the hope for this world.

John reminds us that that Jesus came in human form - God with us to make God known and bring hope.

John continues to urge believers to live out their faith by believing in Jesus and genuinely practicing love.

As loved children of God, we are invited to live out of this identity.

John urges hearers to remain true to the Gospel that they have heard and known.

What does it look like to live like Jesus? Loving one another is central to the way of Jesus.

In Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins and free to walk in the light. We invited into fellowship with God and each other.

At the beginning of his letter, John proclaims Jesus to be the Word of life. As Jesus followers, we are invited to community centered around Jesus.

Today, we begin our series in 1 John. Join us as we listen to the letter in it's entirety.

In John 13, Jesus knelt and washed his disciples' feet. As with the disciples, Jesus is inviting us to participate in what God is doing.

In the interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, we see how Jesus knows our story and responds with invitation.

In anticipation of a series on 1 John, we explore John's life and specifically his interactions with Jesus.

On this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, let's reflect on and pray together for justice.

The story of Joseph's life tells a remarkable tale of God's faithfulness and intent to save lives.

Early in Jesus' childhood, he and his family were forced to flee their country. The humble nature of Jesus' birth and upbringing challenges us to choose a humble and caring posture in this world.

Sometime after Jesus' birth, he was visited by Magi bearing gifts. Today, we consider the greatest gift of all: Jesus.

God is love. Created in God's image, we are meant to both receive and give love.

This third week of Advent, we focus on joy. We look at how Mary heard, believed and rejoiced that she would give birth to Jesus, the Son of God.

God, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, has brought peace to the world. Peace with God, self and others. Today we explore the biblical idea of peace.

Advent is a season in which we anticipate the coming of Jesus. This first week of Advent, we explore hope, an expectant posture based upon the character of God.

Today, we are giving thanks and enjoying Friendsgiving.

Israel, and the biblical narrative, identify 3 primary reasons to be thankful: God's character, God's provision and God's deliverance.

As we conclude our series, The Way of Jesus, we explore His identity as King. King of a subversive, counter cultural kingdom that we are invited to be citizens of.

Jesus promised his joy to those who remain in him. What does it look like to be full of this joy?

As we look at the what Jesus taught and lived out, we see that God is trustworthy even in the storms of life.

The Way of Jesus involves loving…even our enemies. Today, Mark and Micah explore what it means to love, even in the midst of difference or conflict.

Jesus both taught and demonstrated forgiveness. What would it look like for us to lean into forgiveness as a way of life?

Prayer was central to Jesus' life and ministry. We are invited to open ourselves up to God in prayer.

The way of Jesus is that of mercy and compassion. Jesus teaches on the subject and also demonstrates it. In Matthew 20, two blind beggars call out asking for mercy. As we have been shown mercy, we are called to demonstrate it.

As Jesus followers, we seek to live out the way of Jesus. In both, his teachings and actions Jesus taught humility.

As we conclude our series in Ephesians, we zoom out to look at the major themes. God, in his great love has freely offered grace. In Jesus, we have been reconciled to God and each other. We are invited to experience and intentionally live into love and unity.

With a spiritual battle waging, Paul describes the armor of God that protects and equips us.

Paul continues to address power structures in the 1st century households with children/parents and slaves/masters. In the context of mutual submission in Christ, households that followed Jesus were to look quite different than the surrounding culture.

Paul talks about marriage in the context of mutual submission. How does this mutuality and Jesus' self-giving love help us understand God vision for marriage?

As Paul directs the Ephesian churches in the way of Jesus, he calls them to imitate God. Jesus demonstrates God's love in laying down his life. Paul continues to challenge followers of Jesus to put behind them their old ways and live like Jesus.

In Christ, we are made new. By contrasting an old way of life, Paul describes walking in the way of Jesus.

Through God's grace, we are each given gifts to build up the body of Christ. God's intent for the church is unity and maturity.

Through Jesus, God has made us one. In Ephesians, Paul urges believers to make every effort toward the unity.

Paul prays that people would know how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus. Will you pray this prayer with us?

In Ephesians 3, Paul continues to explain God's plan. From our campground in Mt. Rainer National Forest, here are the highlights of this week's message.

Jesus is our peace. Through him, we are reconciled to God and to each other.

As we continue in Ephesians, Paul paints a drastic before and after picture of life in Jesus.

While Paul celebrates those that have accepted Jesus as their Lord, he indicates that there is more. He prays that the followers of Jesus would come to know God more fully!

The letter to the Ephesians begins praising God for all the spiritual blessings found in Christ.

Today we begin a new series in the book of Ephesians. Join us as we explore the author, audience and background information of this letter.

As we conclude the ‘Mission of God’ series, we focus on locating ourselves (the church) in the grand story of God’s work in this world.

On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled and empowered the disciples to preach the message of Jesus in different languages. Let's look together at the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible story.

The mission of God shapes our understanding of the church's vocation. The people of God are messengers of Good News.

In worship, we orient our whole lives to serve and praise God.

As the church, we are to participate in God's mission to redeem, reconcile and restore. So where do we start? We are called to abide in Jesus and surrender to the Holy Spirit.

How are we to define and understand the Church? Our study of the mission of God has led us to this: The Church is the people of God invited to participate in his continued mission in this world.

As we continue our study of the Mission of God, it's helpful to have an overview of church history. Thank you Craig Bakker for joining us today!

The first century church was a diverse community of believers who struggled. However, God was faithful and called them to be agents of reconciliation and healing.

This Easter, we celebrate Jesus's resurrection. We are invited to approach the Risen Savior and find new life!

On Palm Sunday we explore the events of Holy Week in pursuit of understanding what sort of King Jesus is.

Today, we continue our biblical overview of The Mission of God. In Jesus, a new chapter begins in the story. God steps in to fulfill all aspects of his covenant with Israel. Jesus ushers in the reign of the Kingdom of God on earth. Through his sacrifice, he brings forgiveness and restores nearness to God.

*Sorry about the background noise! We'll correct that in future weeks.

Many of us are familiar with the story of Jesus and the beginning of the church. However, the Old Testament is integral to our understanding of both Jesus and the Church. Today we begin the subject of the Mission of God with an Old Testament overview.

Today, we celebrate the move into our new facility. We look to the past, exploring God’s faithfulness. We look to the future, committed to seeking the Spirit’s guidance and walking in step with God.