What if the biggest barrier to experiencing God’s fullness isn’t our circumstances—but our unwillingness to reconcile what feels impossible? In Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul writes to a divided church in Ephesus—a bustling, diverse city not unlike Seattle—and reminds them that Jesus has already torn down every wall of hostility.
This message invites us to take an honest look at the walls we’ve rebuilt between “us” and “them”—over race, politics, theology, or past wounds—and consider what it means to live as one new humanity in Christ. Reconciliation isn’t just being nice; it’s choosing to make peace. It’s stepping into the hard, beautiful work of building a spiritual home where strangers become family and difference becomes strength.
The question is simple: what walls might Jesus be inviting you to cross today?
What if the freedom we've been chasing our whole lives isn't really freedom at all? Clair takes us on a journey through the entire biblical narrative and Galatians 5 to discover what true freedom actually means. We trace freedom from its origins in Eden's garden, where God's first command was 'You are free to eat from any tree,' through the Exodus, the prophets, and ultimately to Jesus Christ who fulfills the entire story. The message challenges our culture's obsession with personal autonomy and reveals that genuine freedom isn't found in the absence of boundaries, but within them. Like children who thrive under authoritative parenting with both high warmth and high boundaries, we discover that safety creates the space where freedom flourishes. Paul's passionate letter to the Galatians warns against two dangerous ditches: legalism, where we try to earn God's love through performance, and license, where we use grace as a hall pass for selfishness. Instead, we're invited into something far more beautiful: freedom from the slavery of sin and fear, freedom for loving and serving others, and freedom to be filled by the Holy Spirit Himself. This isn't about rowing harder with our own strength; it's about raising our sails and letting God's wind move us forward. When we understand that we're freed from saving ourselves, we're finally free to become who we were created to be.
Richard Taylor Jr. challenges us to dive deeper into the transformative power of grace. We explore how grace isn't just about salvation, but about ongoing transformation and growth. The key scripture, Romans 3:23-24, reminds us that we're all justified freely by God's grace. But the message doesn't stop there - it pushes us to see grace as more than a 'free pass.' Instead, we're encouraged to view it as a fresh start, a catalyst for change. The parallel between Paul's journey from religious zealot to apostle of grace serves as a poignant reminder that God's grace can radically change even the most unlikely hearts. This message is deeply relevant to our daily lives, urging us to not just receive grace, but to allow it to shape us, renew our minds, and empower us to overcome sin. It's a call to move beyond simply being 'saved by grace' to being transformed by it, growing in our faith journey, and extending that same grace to others.
As we return to the Year of Living Biblically, Pastor Tyler challenges us to examine our hearts and consider what we're truly waiting for in our faith journey. The story of Pentecost in Acts 1-2 serves as a pivotal moment, showing how the disciples transformed from fearful hiding to bold proclamation. We're reminded that closed doors often lead to closed hearts, but faithful waiting can open us to God's power. The parallel between the disciples' experience and our own lives is striking – how often do we let fear paralyze us instead of trusting in God's promises? This message encourages us to stop 'bracing for impact' from evil and instead anticipate God's transformative work in and through us. It's a call to move beyond mere belief to living out the story of God's power in our daily lives, impacting our communities and the world around us.
In the final part of the mini-series, Gifted, Pastor Tyler challenges us to reframe our understanding of strength and weakness through the lens of faith. The central scripture, 2 Corinthians 12:5-10, reveals Paul's profound insight: true strength comes from embracing our weaknesses and depending on God's grace. We're urged to resist the worldly temptations of boasting in control, condemnation, or comfort. Instead, we're called to boast in our dependence on Christ, our humility, and our surrender to God's will. This counter-cultural approach reminds us that our limitations and struggles – our 'thorns' – are actually gifts that keep us reliant on God's power. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to consider: How might acknowledging our weaknesses open us up to experiencing God's strength in new ways? This message invites us to find freedom in vulnerability and to trust that God's grace is truly sufficient in all circumstances.
We are joined by Jethro Lehane from our ASC Courses team, who reminds us of the beautiful gift of community within the body of Christ. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12, we explore how the church is like a body - unique, interconnected, and designed to work together. Just as our physical bodies have many parts with different functions, so too does the church body consist of diverse individuals with various spiritual gifts. This diversity isn't a weakness, but a strength that allows us to support and complement one another. We're challenged to embrace our uniqueness while recognizing our interdependence, understanding that every member is indispensable. The message encourages us to move beyond our comfort zones, to connect deeply with fellow believers, and to use our God-given gifts to build up the church. It's a call to vulnerability, to shared experiences, and to loving one another as Christ loved us. By doing so, we not only strengthen our faith community but also become a powerful witness to the world around us.
Pastor Tyler kicks off a new sermon series: GIFTED
In this first of three parts, we're challenged to rethink our understanding of God's gifts and the Holy Spirit. The central theme revolves around 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul discusses spiritual gifts. We're reminded that God is a generous giver who delights in blessing His children. The greatest gift we've received is the Holy Spirit Himself, empowering us to live out our faith in extraordinary ways. This teaching encourages us to move from ignorance to revelation, from being easily influenced to discernment, and from impotence to impact. We're called to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, not for our own benefit, but for the common good of the body of Christ. This message invites us to open our hands and hearts, asking God to fill us afresh with His Spirit and to use the gifts He's given us for His glory and the benefit of others.
Guest Pastor Meiko Seymour (Uncommon City Church) challenges us to examine our hearts and confront the 'stones' we carry - those judgments, accusations, and condemnations we're quick to throw at others. The story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-12) serves as a profound reminder of God's mercy and grace. We're invited to see ourselves in both the accusers and the accused, recognizing our own need for forgiveness. The speaker beautifully illustrates how Jesus combines justice and compassion, offering mercy first, then calling for transformation. This order - 'mercy first, then formation' - is crucial for our spiritual growth and how we interact with others. We're reminded that God's grace is not a cover-up for sin, but the power that makes us new. As we navigate our complex world, we're called to be 'people of hope,' addressing injustice while fixing our eyes on Jesus. This message encourages us to drop our rocks, stand on Christ as our firm foundation, and walk in the light of life He offers.
As we continue through the Gospels in the Year of Living Biblically, we're challenged to examine our hearts and our approach to those who don't yet know Jesus in Luke 7:33-50. The story of the sinful woman anointing Jesus' feet serves as a stark contrast between self-righteous religiosity and genuine, transformative faith. We're reminded that Jesus came not for the righteous, but for sinners - and that includes all of us. The parable of the two debtors emphasizes that those who recognize the depth of their forgiveness will love more deeply. This message urges us to see others as Jesus sees them - with compassion and love, rather than judgment. It's a call to become true 'friends of sinners,' just as Jesus was, risking our reputations to reach those who are lost. We're encouraged to pray for the lost, to truly see them with love, and to be bold in offering to pray for others. This teaching invites us to move beyond our comfort zones and self-concern, reminding us that the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world.
As we continue to celebrate and bring the best (Luke 15:22), take a look back as Pastor Tyler shares stories of visible transformation this year.
Thanks for joining us this morning, we’re so glad you’re here!
New here?
We want to pray for you, and get you connected to our community!
Connection Card: https://aseattlechurch.com/connect
Are you in the Seattle area?
We’d love to meet you in person at one of our gatherings at 9 or 11AM each Sunday.
Visit https://aseattlechurch.com for more information on how to join us
Want to partner with us financially?
We are so thankful for all of our giving partners’ generosity. Your financial generosity allows us to meet real needs inside our walls, in our city, and around the world.
In our continued exploration of the Gospels, we're challenged to confront the most crucial question of our faith: 'Who do you say Jesus is?' This isn't just about theological knowledge, but about how we live our lives in response to Christ's identity. The passage reveals the paradox at the heart of following Jesus - to save our life, we must lose it. We're called to embrace 'cruciformity,' shaping our lives according to Christ's self-emptying love. This radical call to discipleship isn't about comfort or self-improvement, but about dying to ourselves so that we might truly live. As we grapple with this teaching, we're invited to examine our own lives: Are we truly following Jesus, or merely agreeing with Him to a point? The message urges us to find our true identity, calling, and assignment in Christ, reminding us that our greatest life is found in serving others, just as Jesus came to serve.
As we head into the New Testament in our Year of Living Biblically series, we're challenged to build our lives on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. The central scripture, Matthew 7:24-27, paints a vivid picture of two builders - one wise and one foolish. We're called to be like the wise builder who hears Jesus' words and puts them into practice. This isn't just about belief, but about active, lived-out faith. The sermon emphasizes three key practices: raising a firm foundation by choosing the wisdom of Jesus, relying on that foundation especially in life's storms, and reinforcing it through consistent spiritual disciplines. We're reminded that Christianity isn't meant to be a comfortable, cultural experience, but a counterculture that's both offensive and attractive to the world. This message urges us to move beyond mere cultural Christianity and into a life of desperation for Jesus, where we're constantly stepping out in faith and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our everyday interactions.
Rich Villodas—pastor, author, and one of today’s clearest voices on spiritual formation—joins Pastor Tyler for a powerful conversation on how the Sermon on the Mount shaped his life.
From his early discipleship under the guidance of his grandfather to his current role as lead pastor at New Life Fellowship in Queens, Rich shares how he came to embrace Jesus’ words not as ideals, but as a way of life.
This conversation marks the one-year anniversary of his book The Narrow Path and offers deep insights into prayer, formation, and authentic discipleship.
You’ll hear reflections on success, power, presence, and what it means to follow Jesus with both depth and integrity—alongside practical insights for living out the Sermon on the Mount in everyday life.
Whether you're a spiritual leader or simply longing to follow Jesus more deeply, this episode offers a richer, more beautiful view of the Kingdom.
This week, Pastor Tyler challenges us to confront our disappointments and doubts head-on, using the book of Malachi as a guide. The central theme revolves around preparing the way for Christ's return, mirroring John the Baptist's role before Jesus' ministry. We're reminded that God welcomes our honest doubts but also lovingly corrects our perspectives. The message emphasizes four key ways to prepare: proclaiming, enduring, repenting, and offering. Through these, we're invited to move beyond mere disappointment to become a remnant committed to wholehearted worship. The imagery of refiner's fire and launderer's soap beautifully illustrates God's purifying work in our lives. This message encourages us to embrace a holy discontentment that propels us towards personal renewal and ultimately, revival in our communities. It's a call to action - to give our whole selves to God, not just our leftovers, and to believe in the possibility of thriving, not just surviving, in our faith journey.
Pastor Tyler delves into the profound book of Hosea. This Old Testament prophet's story serves as a striking metaphor for God's unwavering love for His people, even in the face of our unfaithfulness. We're challenged to consider how often we, like Gomer, chase after 'lovers' that aren't God - be it success, relationships, or worldly pleasures. Yet, the beautiful message of Hosea is that God's love pursues us relentlessly. He doesn't just judge our waywardness; He actively seeks to allure us back, offering mercy and renewal. This message invites us to examine our own lives: Where are we placing our priorities? Are we truly making God our singular focus, or are we distracted by the many options our culture offers? As we reflect on God's faithfulness, we're called to respond with our own faithfulness, allowing His transformative love to heal our waywardness and bear fruit in our lives.
Guest Speaker, Pastor Prentice Park, explores the book of Jonah and challenges us to confront our own prejudices and expand our understanding of God's mercy. The story of Jonah isn't just about a man and a big fish - it's a mirror reflecting our own struggles with extending grace to those we deem unworthy. We're reminded that God's love is scandalously inclusive, breaking down barriers and defying cultural norms. Just as Jonah was called to show mercy to his enemies in Nineveh, we're urged to view others through the lens of 'Imago Dei' - recognizing the image of God in everyone, even those who differ from or have hurt us. This perspective shift has the power to transform our relationships and heal divisions in our world. As recipients of God's boundless mercy, we're called to be 'first movers' in extending that same grace to others, no matter how uncomfortable or challenging it may be.
Clair challenges us to examine the true nature of our worship. The prophet Amos delivers a shocking message: God despises empty religious rituals when they're disconnected from genuine care for others. We're reminded that true worship isn't just about what happens inside church walls, but how it transforms our hearts and actions in the world. The imagery of justice rolling down like a river invites us to consider: Are our lives bringing nourishment and flourishing to those around us? Or are we like a dry riverbed, full of religious activity but lacking in true compassion? This message urges us to align our hearts with God's, moving beyond performance to a faith that actively seeks justice and righteousness in our communities.
Guest Pastor, Jess Gracewski, delves into the central themes of transformation and renewal as illustrated in Ezekiel 37, a profound biblical narrative that teaches us about God's power to breathe life into even the driest of bones. The vision of the valley of dry bones serves as a metaphor for the nations of Israel’s despair during the Babylonian exile, where spiritual and physical desolation were deeply intertwined. Yet, we're reminded that God meets us in these valleys and invites us to see beyond the immediate desolation. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s promise that He can restore and resurrect what seems lost. It speaks of His unwavering commitment to breathe hope, renewal, and life into our circumstances, asking us to wait faithfully for His spirit to move. This message is a poignant reminder that our dry seasons are not endpoints but are places from where God will lift us. We are urged to open our hearts to see what God sees and to allow Him to guide our restoration journey, living a life of faith and expectancy in His promises.
In this powerful exploration of grief, lament, and hope, we're invited to confront the raw emotions that often accompany our faith journey. The book of Lamentations serves as our guide, showing us that even in the depths of despair, God's faithfulness endures. We're reminded that lament isn't a lack of faith, but an act of profound trust - bringing our pain directly to God. The message challenges us to embrace the paradox of hope: it's both something we have and something we're waiting for. This tension mirrors our Christian walk, where we're saved yet still longing for full redemption. As we navigate our own valleys of grief, we're encouraged to remember that God's mercies are new every morning, and that true hope often emerges from our deepest sorrows. This message invites us to be honest with God, to protest against darkness, and to find hope as an act of spiritual rebellion against despair.
We're invited to rediscover the passionate, intimate love that God desires to have with us in the Song of Songs. This often overlooked book of the Bible uses rich poetry to depict a love that's not just romantic, but deeply spiritual. We're challenged to see how God's love for us is as intense and unquenchable as the love between spouses. The message reminds us that our relationship with God shouldn't be passive or distant, but active and fervent. Just as the lovers in the Song of Songs pursue each other with abandon, we're called to pursue God with that same passion. This isn't just about emotion, though - it's about a love that seals us to God, that's stronger than death itself. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to examine our own spiritual lives. Have we lost our first love? Are we longing for a deeper connection with God? The Song of Songs challenges us to rekindle that fire, to let God's love burn away our shallow pursuits and ignite a deeper, more meaningful faith.