Merry Christmas! Pastor Eugene preaches from Luke 2 on Christmas Sunday and shares three main reasons why we celebrate and rejoice in the birth of Christ: 1) God became flesh; 2) The incarnation reflects God's love for humanity and His desire to communicate that love; 3) This is truly 'good news' if we reflect on the 'bad news' of death and condemnation. Rather, Jesus has come to us to give us life and life abundant.
Pastor Eugene continues the teaching on the vision and mission of Quest Church. He teaches why Quest has, is, and never will be an "island unto itself. Quest is part of larger story authored and sustained by the Holy Trinity: God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is why every church's vision is to Love God and Love People. With that in mind, he teaches on the value and importance of "The Human Soul" - that ultimately, Jesus came not only to minister to our physical needs but more importantly, to speak truth into our human souls. A great example is this woman described in Luke 7:36-39 who was simply known as "a sinner" but Jesus helps her to rediscover her true identity in God.
Pastor Gail begins our Worship Series with the text from Luke 5 –Jesus healing the paralytic man. How is worship understood within the context of Pursuing, Transforming, and Engaging? pGail narrates from the perspective of the 4 men who brought their friend to Jesus in desperate pursuit of his restoration. Worship as an active pressing in...an offering that is costly and extravagant.
As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ during our Quest's Easter celebration, Pastor Eugene preaches from Luke 24 and the two believers traveling on the road to Emmaus. While there are some amazing stories in the Scriptures of people who witness dramatic encounters with the risen Christ, this story is important for many - then, today, and tomorrow - who experience the risen Christ through the journey of walking together, with others, and ultimately, with Christ.
Guest preacher, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Mdimi Mhogolo, Presiding Anglican Bishop of the Central Diocese of Tanganyika, Tanzania, challenges us to consider that eternal life isn't a matter of doing something but of receiving the free gift of God's grace. And having received that free gift through faith in Christ we now go and do the good works God has created us to do. Our wealth is given to serve Christ in others (Eph. 2:8-10, Mat 25:37-40).
Pastor Gail narrates the coming of Christ inside the story of Mary –the Annunciation- and specifically through Mary’s question of “How will this be? Since I am a virgin?” So many of us can identify personally with this question as we ponder and strive to understand and grasp the call of God on our lives. That God chose a poor, young and unknown woman to bring forth the Son of God gives each of us hope –a hope of impossible things becoming possible.
Quest takes a break form its teaching series on Philippians to hear from guest speaker, Adam Phillips who talks about the way of Jesus - a way between, a way that includes both sides of normally polarized groups of people. In addition, Luke 4 speaks of the work of Christ and Christians as the work that happens between God's glory and the good of our neighbors.
Pastor Eugene goes on to give more tips and suggestions on dating and courtship in this fourth part of his Theology of Singlehood series. Among other things, he touches on the importance of identity, the proper context for physical/emotional intimacy, and how passion, vision, and mission are three essential aspects to examine as one gets to know a potential future spouse.
In this Christmas Homily, Pastor DeAnza talks about the birth story as a story of hope - a hope that seems to be swallowed up by current crises (war and the economy) - but nevertheless, a hope that continues to speak to us today.
Pastor Leah talks about living in the tension between today the time when justice will come rain down. Living in community (eating and sharing stories) is one way to live in anticipation of the life to come.
