South Hills Church- Santa Clarita Campus

More and more people are deciding church just isn’t for them. Many don’t see the point. Maybe they grew up in it and were so disappointed by what they saw that they couldn’t wait to get out. Walking away from religion isn’t unusual. It’s also not unreasonable. A lot of so-called Christians have hurt a lot of people and done a lot of damage in the name of Christ. 

Ever found yourself thinking: We’d all be better off without religion? Here’s the crazy part: Jesus agrees with you. What God has always wanted is meaningful connections with His Creation. But most of us experience religion as rigid, rule-following devoid of relationship. Jesus’ aim was to help humanity unlearn what they thought they knew and embrace lives fueled by transformational love. Jesus firmly believed abandoning certain religious traditions would free us to live the full lives we’re made for. But which ones and why?

More and more people are deciding church just isn’t for them. Many don’t see the point. Maybe they grew up in it and were so disappointed by what they saw that they couldn’t wait to get out. Walking away from religion isn’t unusual. It’s also not unreasonable. A lot of so-called Christians have hurt a lot of people and done a lot of damage in the name of Christ. 

Ever found yourself thinking: We’d all be better off without religion? Here’s the crazy part: Jesus agrees with you. What God has always wanted is meaningful connections with His Creation. But most of us experience religion as rigid, rule-following devoid of relationship. Jesus’ aim was to help humanity unlearn what they thought they knew and embrace lives fueled by transformational love. Jesus firmly believed abandoning certain religious traditions would free us to live the full lives we’re made for. But which ones and why?

Suffering is inevitable and skepticism is understandable, but we get to choose whether we embrace cynicism or experience salvation through surrender.

In an era with total access to information, a seemingly endless supply of resources and copious amounts of entertainment, we still manage to find ourselves lonelier than ever. It’s not that we aren’t around people, just that we choose to go it alone. But it doesn’t have to be this way, and it’s not the way Jesus intended for us to live. Rather than being a one-man show, we’re invited to be in a band. Rather than an individual sport, we’re invited to be on a team. Rather than a solo commute, we’re invited tojoin the carpool. Join us this March as we explore the life of connection and meaning that we were designed for.

In an era with total access to information, a seemingly endless supply of resources and copious amounts of entertainment, we still manage to find ourselves lonelier than ever. It’s not that we aren’t around people, just that we choose to go it alone. But it doesn’t have to be this way, and it’s not the way Jesus intended for us to live. Rather than being a one-man show, we’re invited to be in a band. Rather than an individual sport, we’re invited to be on a team. Rather than a solo commute, we’re invited tojoin the carpool. Join us this March as we explore the life of connection and meaning that we were designed for.

In an era with total access to information, a seemingly endless supply of resources and copious amounts of entertainment, we still manage to find ourselves lonelier than ever. It’s not that we aren’t around people, just that we choose to go it alone. But it doesn’t have to be this way, and it’s not the way Jesus intended for us to live. Rather than being a one-man show, we’re invited to be in a band. Rather than an individual sport, we’re invited to be on a team. Rather than a solo commute, we’re invited tojoin the carpool. Join us this March as we explore the life of connection and meaning that we were designed for.

In an era with total access to information, a seemingly endless supply of resources and copious amounts of entertainment, we still manage to find ourselves lonelier than ever. It’s not that we aren’t around people, just that we choose to go it alone. But it doesn’t have to be this way, and it’s not the way Jesus intended for us to live. Rather than being a one-man show, we’re invited to be in a band. Rather than an individual sport, we’re invited to be on a team. Rather than a solo commute, we’re invited tojoin the carpool. Join us this March as we explore the life of connection and meaning that we were designed for.

Everybody thinks about money. We all want to have nice things but hate the idea of being materialistic. We hate the thought of raising spoiled brats even more. But how do you avoid it? People say money can’t buy happiness, but that doesn’t stop us from trying. Most Americans are up to their eyeballs in debt, live paycheck-to-paycheck, and are overwhelmed with financial stress. Even those who make a lot aren’t often wise with what they’ve got. Why is that? There are certain key conversations everyone ought to have about money growing up. But most of us didn’t. Because most families don’t talk about money. What if someone could clue you in on the conversations you missed (without any condescension)? What if you could start making money decisions based on what you value instead of what’s advertised to you? And what if you could teach your kids to do the same? We think you can. And we’re going to show you how.

Everybody thinks about money. We all want to have nice things but hate the idea of being materialistic. We hate the thought of raising spoiled brats even more. But how do you avoid it? People say money can’t buy happiness, but that doesn’t stop us from trying. Most Americans are up to their eyeballs in debt, live paycheck-to-paycheck, and are overwhelmed with financial stress. Even those who make a lot aren’t often wise with what they’ve got. Why is that? There are certain key conversations everyone ought to have about money growing up. But most of us didn’t. Because most families don’t talk about money. What if someone could clue you in on the conversations you missed (without any condescension)? What if you could start making money decisions based on what you value instead of what’s advertised to you? And what if you could teach your kids to do the same? We think you can. And we’re going to show you how.

Everybody thinks about money. We all want to have nice things but hate the idea of being materialistic. We hate the thought of raising spoiled brats even more. But how do you avoid it? People say money can’t buy happiness, but that doesn’t stop us from trying. Most Americans are up to their eyeballs in debt, live paycheck-to-paycheck, and are overwhelmed with financial stress. Even those who make a lot aren’t often wise with what they’ve got. Why is that? There are certain key conversations everyone ought to have about money growing up. But most of us didn’t. Because most families don’t talk about money. What if someone could clue you in on the conversations you missed (without any condescension)? What if you could start making money decisions based on what you value instead of what’s advertised to you? And what if you could teach your kids to do the same? We think you can. And we’re going to show you how.

Everybody thinks about money. We all want to have nice things but hate the idea of being materialistic. We hate the thought of raising spoiled brats even more. But how do you avoid it? People say money can’t buy happiness, but that doesn’t stop us from trying. Most Americans are up to their eyeballs in debt, live paycheck-to-paycheck, and are overwhelmed with financial stress. Even those who make a lot aren’t often wise with what they’ve got. Why is that? There are certain key conversations everyone ought to have about money growing up. But most of us didn’t. Because most families don’t talk about money. What if someone could clue you in on the conversations you missed (without any condescension)? What if you could start making money decisions based on what you value instead of what’s advertised to you? And what if you could teach your kids to do the same? We think you can. And we’re going to show you how.

A new year represents a clean slate. We think about where we are, where we want to be, and everything we should probably add to our already overcrowded schedule in order to get there. But...what if the life you want isn’t about adding anything, but learning what & how to subtract? 

Our goal in this series is to help you realize how pointless it is in trying to do everything, to clarify what’s most important to you, give you the tools to say no, and set up a system to sustainably live the life you really want in 2024.

A new year represents a clean slate. We think about where we are, where we want to be, and everything we should probably add to our already overcrowded schedule in order to get there. But...what if the life you want isn’t about adding anything, but learning what & how to subtract? 

Our goal in this series is to help you realize how pointless it is in trying to do everything, to clarify what’s most important to you, give you the tools to say no, and set up a system to sustainably live the life you really want in 2024.

A new year represents a clean slate. We think about where we are, where we want to be, and everything we should probably add to our already overcrowded schedule in order to get there. But...what if the life you want isn’t about adding anything, but learning what & how to subtract? 

Our goal in this series is to help you realize how pointless it is in trying to do everything, to clarify what’s most important to you, give you the tools to say no, and set up a system to sustainably live the life you really want in 2024.

A new year represents a clean slate. We think about where we are, where we want to be, and everything we should probably add to our already overcrowded schedule in order to get there. But...what if the life you want isn’t about adding anything, but learning what & how to subtract? 

Our goal in this series is to help you realize how pointless it is in trying to do everything, to clarify what’s most important to you, give you the tools to say no, and set up a system to sustainably live the life you really want in 2024.

Christmastime is here! It's a season of joy, generosity, and traditions. But just like in our favorite holiday movies, Christmas is not without its threats. This December we’ll be taking a look at the villains of the original Christmas story, and how they might still be working to keep you from experiencing the wonder of Christmas today.

Christmastime is here! It's a season of joy, generosity, and traditions. But just like in our favorite holiday movies, Christmas is not without its threats. This December we’ll be taking a look at the villains of the original Christmas story, and how they might still be working to keep you from experiencing the wonder of Christmas today.

Christmastime is here! It's a season of joy, generosity, and traditions. But just like in our favorite holiday movies, Christmas is not without its threats. This December we’ll be taking a look at the villains of the original Christmas story, and how they might still be working to keep you from experiencing the wonder of Christmas today.

Christmastime is here! It's a season of joy, generosity, and traditions. But just like in our favorite holiday movies, Christmas is not without its threats. This December we’ll be taking a look at the villains of the original Christmas story, and how they might still be working to keep you from experiencing the wonder of Christmas today.

A series about ‘the excuses we use to avoid dealing with our everyday addictions.’ Now, some of you might be thinking, ‘I’m not sure this is going to apply to me.’ But you’re going to be surprised. We all have things we do to make us feel better—that start as occasions, but escalate into compulsions. Maybe it’s social media, online shopping, or a constant cup of caffeine in your hand. But we do stuff that isn’t good for us, and even though we know that, we just keep doing it. Why? How bad is your thing really? And if you wanted to break free from it, how would you? That’s what this series is about. I believe that someone’s breakthrough is on the verge of happening and this series will propel that breakthrough.

A series about ‘the excuses we use to avoid dealing with our everyday addictions.’ Now, some of you might be thinking, ‘I’m not sure this is going to apply to me.’ But you’re going to be surprised. We all have things we do to make us feel better—that start as occasions, but escalate into compulsions. Maybe it’s social media, online shopping, or a constant cup of caffeine in your hand. But we do stuff that isn’t good for us, and even though we know that, we just keep doing it. Why? How bad is your thing really? And if you wanted to break free from it, how would you? That’s what this series is about. I believe that someone’s breakthrough is on the verge of happening and this series will propel that breakthrough.

A series about ‘the excuses we use to avoid dealing with our everyday addictions.’ Now, some of you might be thinking, ‘I’m not sure this is going to apply to me.’ But you’re going to be surprised. We all have things we do to make us feel better—that start as occasions, but escalate into compulsions. Maybe it’s social media, online shopping, or a constant cup of caffeine in your hand. But we do stuff that isn’t good for us, and even though we know that, we just keep doing it. Why? How bad is your thing really? And if you wanted to break free from it, how would you? That’s what this series is about. I believe that someone’s breakthrough is on the verge of happening and this series will propel that breakthrough.

A series about ‘the excuses we use to avoid dealing with our everyday addictions.’ Now, some of you might be thinking, ‘I’m not sure this is going to apply to me.’ But you’re going to be surprised. We all have things we do to make us feel better—that start as occasions, but escalate into compulsions. Maybe it’s social media, online shopping, or a constant cup of caffeine in your hand. But we do stuff that isn’t good for us, and even though we know that, we just keep doing it. Why? How bad is your thing really? And if you wanted to break free from it, how would you? That’s what this series is about. I believe that someone’s breakthrough is on the verge of happening and this series will propel that breakthrough.

We all have certain ideas of what family is and how it’s supposed to work. We pick them up from all sorts of places—the way we grew up, the friends we have, the shows we watch, and the influencers we follow. The trouble is, often the way we think things ought to be isn’t the way they really are. Ever wondered if your family is doing it right or maybe even wrong? 

What if the issue isn’t the individuals in your family, but the expectations you have of your family? Is there such a thing as a healthy family? And if so, how should a healthy family function? 

Now, the New Testament authors talked a lot about family in ways that were revolutionary in their culture and still feel just as revolutionary in ours today. Our hope for this month and series is to help everyone identify and overturn the common lies we tend to believe about family and improve how we feel about and function in ours. Is that something we can all benefit from?

We all have certain ideas of what family is and how it’s supposed to work. We pick them up from all sorts of places—the way we grew up, the friends we have, the shows we watch, and the influencers we follow. The trouble is, often the way we think things ought to be isn’t the way they really are. Ever wondered if your family is doing it right or maybe even wrong? 

What if the issue isn’t the individuals in your family, but the expectations you have of your family? Is there such a thing as a healthy family? And if so, how should a healthy family function? 

Now, the New Testament authors talked a lot about family in ways that were revolutionary in their culture and still feel just as revolutionary in ours today. Our hope for this month and series is to help everyone identify and overturn the common lies we tend to believe about family and improve how we feel about and function in ours. Is that something we can all benefit from?

We all have certain ideas of what family is and how it’s supposed to work. We pick them up from all sorts of places—the way we grew up, the friends we have, the shows we watch, and the influencers we follow. The trouble is, often the way we think things ought to be isn’t the way they really are. Ever wondered if your family is doing it right or maybe even wrong? 

What if the issue isn’t the individuals in your family, but the expectations you have of your family? Is there such a thing as a healthy family? And if so, how should a healthy family function? 

Now, the New Testament authors talked a lot about family in ways that were revolutionary in their culture and still feel just as revolutionary in ours today. Our hope for this month and series is to help everyone identify and overturn the common lies we tend to believe about family and improve how we feel about and function in ours. Is that something we can all benefit from?

We all have certain ideas of what family is and how it’s supposed to work. We pick them up from all sorts of places—the way we grew up, the friends we have, the shows we watch, and the influencers we follow. The trouble is, often the way we think things ought to be isn’t the way they really are. Ever wondered if your family is doing it right or maybe even wrong? 

What if the issue isn’t the individuals in your family, but the expectations you have of your family? Is there such a thing as a healthy family? And if so, how should a healthy family function? 

Now, the New Testament authors talked a lot about family in ways that were revolutionary in their culture and still feel just as revolutionary in ours today. Our hope for this month and series is to help everyone identify and overturn the common lies we tend to believe about family and improve how we feel about and function in ours. Is that something we can all benefit from?

We all have certain things we care about more than others. Everyone’s got their own goals, dreams, interests, and obsessions. But we each tend to value whatever makes us feel valuable. The catch is—most of us have had moments where we finally got our hands on whatever invisible trophy we’d been angling for and realized it just wasn’t worth the journey. The GOOD THING we’d been obsessed with became a BAD THING because it stole focus from a BETTER THING. Which is devastating. So, how do you prevent a lesser pursuit from becoming your top priority? What would it look like to organize your life around the pursuit of a more fulfilling set of trophies? What would those even be? What might it look like to truly adopt God’s priorities? Find out this Sept. at South Hills.

We all have certain ideas of what family is and how it’s supposed to work. We pick them up from all sorts of places—the way we grew up, the friends we have, the shows we watch, and the influencers we follow. The trouble is, often the way we think things ought to be isn’t the way they really are. Ever wondered if your family is doing it right or maybe even wrong? 

What if the issue isn’t the individuals in your family, but the expectations you have of your family? Is there such a thing as a healthy family? And if so, how should a healthy family function? 

Now, the New Testament authors talked a lot about family in ways that were revolutionary in their culture and still feel just as revolutionary in ours today. Our hope for this month and series is to help everyone identify and overturn the common lies we tend to believe about family and improve how we feel about and function in ours. Is that something we can all benefit from?

We all have certain things we care about more than others. Everyone’s got their own goals, dreams, interests, and obsessions. But we each tend to value whatever makes us feel valuable. The catch is—most of us have had moments where we finally got our hands on whatever invisible trophy we’d been angling for and realized it just wasn’t worth the journey. The GOOD THING we’d been obsessed with became a BAD THING because it stole focus from a BETTER THING. Which is devastating. So, how do you prevent a lesser pursuit from becoming your top priority? What would it look like to organize your life around the pursuit of a more fulfilling set of trophies? What would those even be? What might it look like to truly adopt God’s priorities? Find out this Sept. at South Hills.

We all have certain things we care about more than others. Everyone’s got their own goals, dreams, interests, and obsessions. But we each tend to value whatever makes us feel valuable. The catch is—most of us have had moments where we finally got our hands on whatever invisible trophy we’d been angling for and realized it just wasn’t worth the journey. The GOOD THING we’d been obsessed with became a BAD THING because it stole focus from a BETTER THING. Which is devastating. So, how do you prevent a lesser pursuit from becoming your top priority? What would it look like to organize your life around the pursuit of a more fulfilling set of trophies? What would those even be? What might it look like to truly adopt God’s priorities? Find out this Sept. at South Hills.

We all have certain things we care about more than others. Everyone’s got their own goals, dreams, interests, and obsessions. But we each tend to value whatever makes us feel valuable. The catch is—most of us have had moments where we finally got our hands on whatever invisible trophy we’d been angling for and realized it just wasn’t worth the journey. The GOOD THING we’d been obsessed with became a BAD THING because it stole focus from a BETTER THING. Which is devastating. So, how do you prevent a lesser pursuit from becoming your top priority? What would it look like to organize your life around the pursuit of a more fulfilling set of trophies? What would those even be? What might it look like to truly adopt God’s priorities? Find out this Sept. at South Hills.

Most of us don’t start conversations with explosive intent, but the current political landscape often leaves us entangled in a web of surprise encounters, blow-ups and relational disasters. Instead of drawing up elaborate plans to outsmart our perceived opponents, what if we rediscovered the love and unity possible; even in the midst of the most chaotic environments and extreme differences? What if politics didn’t have to cost us relationships? What if we could stop feeling overwhelmed and anxious by the pundits and commentators? Join us this August as we learn how to navigate the Political Powder Keg.

Most of us don’t start conversations with explosive intent, but the current political landscape often leaves us entangled in a web of surprise encounters, blow-ups and relational disasters. Instead of drawing up elaborate plans to outsmart our perceived opponents, what if we rediscovered the love and unity possible; even in the midst of the most chaotic environments and extreme differences? What if politics didn’t have to cost us relationships? What if we could stop feeling overwhelmed and anxious by the pundits and commentators? Join us this August as we learn how to navigate the Political Powder Keg.

Most of us don’t start conversations with explosive intent, but the current political landscape often leaves us entangled in a web of surprise encounters, blow-ups and relational disasters. Instead of drawing up elaborate plans to outsmart our perceived opponents, what if we rediscovered the love and unity possible; even in the midst of the most chaotic environments and extreme differences? What if politics didn’t have to cost us relationships? What if we could stop feeling overwhelmed and anxious by the pundits and commentators? Join us this August as we learn how to navigate the Political Powder Keg.

Most of us don’t start conversations with explosive intent, but the current political landscape often leaves us entangled in a web of surprise encounters, blow-ups and relational disasters. Instead of drawing up elaborate plans to outsmart our perceived opponents, what if we rediscovered the love and unity possible; even in the midst of the most chaotic environments and extreme differences? What if politics didn’t have to cost us relationships? What if we could stop feeling overwhelmed and anxious by the pundits and commentators? Join us this August as we learn how to navigate the Political Powder Keg.

If there really is a thoughtful Creator who designed the world to work a certain way, most of us would want to know what that way is. And some people claim to. They're convinced they've heard from God. They know how God thinks, and what God wants--and not just generally, but from them personally. Some people believe God wanted them to blast someone online, boycott a company, or bomb a building. And other people believe God wanted them to adopt a child, give to charity, or make an apology. All of them did it because *God told them to But did He? Or are some of these people crazy? Does God actually speak to people, and if so, does He sound like Morgan Freeman? Or is "hearing God" a metaphor? And if so, for what? Is it just something people say to give credibility to what they already want to do? How does anyone tell the difference between their wants and God's will? Is it something we can all learn how to do, or just the super spiritual?

If there really is a thoughtful Creator who designed the world to work a certain way, most of us would want to know what that way is. And some people claim to. They're convinced they've heard from God. They know how God thinks, and what God wants--and not just generally, but from them personally. Some people believe God wanted them to blast someone online, boycott a company, or bomb a building. And other people believe God wanted them to adopt a child, give to charity, or make an apology. All of them did it because *God told them to But did He? Or are some of these people crazy? Does God actually speak to people, and if so, does He sound like Morgan Freeman? Or is "hearing God" a metaphor? And if so, for what? Is it just something people say to give credibility to what they already want to do? How does anyone tell the difference between their wants and God's will? Is it something we can all learn how to do, or just the super spiritual?

If there really is a thoughtful Creator who designed the world to work a certain way, most of us would want to know what that way is. And some people claim to. They're convinced they've heard from God. They know how God thinks, and what God wants--and not just generally, but from them personally. Some people believe God wanted them to blast someone online, boycott a company, or bomb a building. And other people believe God wanted them to adopt a child, give to charity, or make an apology. All of them did it because *God told them to But did He? Or are some of these people crazy? Does God actually speak to people, and if so, does He sound like Morgan Freeman? Or is "hearing God" a metaphor? And if so, for what? Is it just something people say to give credibility to what they already want to do? How does anyone tell the difference between their wants and God's will? Is it something we can all learn how to do, or just the super spiritual?

If there really is a thoughtful Creator who designed the world to work a certain way, most of us would want to know what that way is. And some people claim to. They're convinced they've heard from God. They know how God thinks, and what God wants--and not just generally, but from them personally. Some people believe God wanted them to blast someone online, boycott a company, or bomb a building. And other people believe God wanted them to adopt a child, give to charity, or make an apology. All of them did it because *God told them to But did He? Or are some of these people crazy? Does God actually speak to people, and if so, does He sound like Morgan Freeman? Or is "hearing God" a metaphor? And if so, for what? Is it just something people say to give credibility to what they already want to do? How does anyone tell the difference between their wants and God's will? Is it something we can all learn how to do, or just the super spiritual?

If there really is a thoughtful Creator who designed the world to work a certain way, most of us would want to know what that way is. And some people claim to. They're convinced they've heard from God. They know how God thinks, and what God wants--and not just generally, but from them personally. Some people believe God wanted them to blast someone online, boycott a company, or bomb a building. And other people believe God wanted them to adopt a child, give to charity, or make an apology. All of them did it because *God told them to But did He? Or are some of these people crazy? Does God actually speak to people, and if so, does He sound like Morgan Freeman? Or is "hearing God" a metaphor? And if so, for what? Is it just something people say to give credibility to what they already want to do? How does anyone tell the difference between their wants and God's will? Is it something we can all learn how to do, or just the super spiritual?

There’s a sort of reverence and otherness around the Bible; a sense that it’s unlike any other book. I can’t think of any other book that people encase in leather, emboss their name in gold on the front of, display prominently in their home, and pass down to the next generation. 

Nobody is doing that with their copy of Safe Harbor by Danielle Steel or their copy of the Firm by John Grisham or even their copy of Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

I bring up a kid’s book because the Bible obviously isn’t a kid’s book, but there is a massive effort to introduce it to kids. There are coloring pages & figurines & comic book versions. Many of us have a sense that these stories matter; that they’re important for kids to understand and ought to be committed to memory.

And most of us actually do know some of the stories. We just don’t always know what they mean or how they fit together. 

The Bible is less a book than a library of books. It was written by over 40 authors in 3 languages over the course of 1400 years. And it was assembled and bound together for a reason. 

Everything in the Bible is part of a bigger story, even the confusing, disturbing, and boring parts. 

Nothing, not one part of it stands on its own. It’s all deeply interconnected. The question is how? 

The Bible is essentially the story of God and humanity. It contains our origins. It’s not the beginning of God’s story, but it does contain the beginning of ours. And although it’s long and ancient and complex, there’s an arc to it. Like every elaborate story, it can be broken down into movements that bring context to the peculiar details and help us make sense of the whole. And since we’re dealing with the story of God and us, these movements don’t just trace the arc of God’s story, they reveal the arc of our individual stories as well.

And the best part is—all you need to understand both are four short words. That’s what this series is about.

There’s a sort of reverence and otherness around the Bible; a sense that it’s unlike any other book. I can’t think of any other book that people encase in leather, emboss their name in gold on the front of, display prominently in their home, and pass down to the next generation. 

Nobody is doing that with their copy of Safe Harbor by Danielle Steel or their copy of the Firm by John Grisham or even their copy of Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

I bring up a kid’s book because the Bible obviously isn’t a kid’s book, but there is a massive effort to introduce it to kids. There are coloring pages & figurines & comic book versions. Many of us have a sense that these stories matter; that they’re important for kids to understand and ought to be committed to memory.

And most of us actually do know some of the stories. We just don’t always know what they mean or how they fit together. 

The Bible is less a book than a library of books. It was written by over 40 authors in 3 languages over the course of 1400 years. And it was assembled and bound together for a reason. 

Everything in the Bible is part of a bigger story, even the confusing, disturbing, and boring parts. 

Nothing, not one part of it stands on its own. It’s all deeply interconnected. The question is how? 

The Bible is essentially the story of God and humanity. It contains our origins. It’s not the beginning of God’s story, but it does contain the beginning of ours. And although it’s long and ancient and complex, there’s an arc to it. Like every elaborate story, it can be broken down into movements that bring context to the peculiar details and help us make sense of the whole. And since we’re dealing with the story of God and us, these movements don’t just trace the arc of God’s story, they reveal the arc of our individual stories as well.

And the best part is—all you need to understand both are four short words. That’s what this series is about.

There’s a sort of reverence and otherness around the Bible; a sense that it’s unlike any other book. I can’t think of any other book that people encase in leather, emboss their name in gold on the front of, display prominently in their home, and pass down to the next generation. 

Nobody is doing that with their copy of Safe Harbor by Danielle Steel or their copy of the Firm by John Grisham or even their copy of Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

I bring up a kid’s book because the Bible obviously isn’t a kid’s book, but there is a massive effort to introduce it to kids. There are coloring pages & figurines & comic book versions. Many of us have a sense that these stories matter; that they’re important for kids to understand and ought to be committed to memory.

And most of us actually do know some of the stories. We just don’t always know what they mean or how they fit together. 

The Bible is less a book than a library of books. It was written by over 40 authors in 3 languages over the course of 1400 years. And it was assembled and bound together for a reason. 

Everything in the Bible is part of a bigger story, even the confusing, disturbing, and boring parts.

Nothing, not one part of it stands on its own. It’s all deeply interconnected. The question is how? 

The Bible is essentially the story of God and humanity. It contains our origins. It’s not the beginning of God’s story, but it does contain the beginning of ours. And although it’s long and ancient and complex, there’s an arc to it. Like every elaborate story, it can be broken down into movements that bring context to the peculiar details and help us make sense of the whole. And since we’re dealing with the story of God and us, these movements don’t just trace the arc of God’s story, they reveal the arc of our individual stories as well.

And the best part is—all you need to understand both are four short words. That’s what this series is about.

Doesn’t it seem like since COVID, people get set off and sidetracked by almost everything? It feels like we spend more time and energy trying to prevent what we’re afraid of than pursuing what we’re passionate about. We all have hard things we have to go through, and hard things we want to do, but end up caving quicker than we’d like. It’s not like we give up right away. But when it gets painful and we have no support and it’s taking forever, we end up just doing what’s easy, not what’s best. 

Ever wish you were more focused or had more follow through? Is it possible to be more durable and disciplined without becoming more calloused and uncaring? Because that feels like a bad trade. Maybe it is. Jesus overcame impossible odds and opposition, but also genuinely enjoyed His life and the people around Him. What can we learn from Him about how to do the same? Let's learn & apply.

Doesn’t it seem like since COVID, people get set off and sidetracked by almost everything? It feels like we spend more time and energy trying to prevent what we’re afraid of than pursuing what we’re passionate about. We all have hard things we have to go through, and hard things we want to do, but end up caving quicker than we’d like. It’s not like we give up right away. But when it gets painful and we have no support and it’s taking forever, we end up just doing what’s easy, not what’s best. 

Ever wish you were more focused or had more follow through? Is it possible to be more durable and disciplined without becoming more calloused and uncaring? Because that feels like a bad trade. Maybe it is. Jesus overcame impossible odds and opposition, but also genuinely enjoyed His life and the people around Him. What can we learn from Him about how to do the same? Let's learn & apply.

Doesn’t it seem like since COVID, people get set off and sidetracked by almost everything? It feels like we spend more time and energy trying to prevent what we’re afraid of than pursuing what we’re passionate about. We all have hard things we have to go through, and hard things we want to do, but end up caving quicker than we’d like. It’s not like we give up right away. But when it gets painful and we have no support and it’s taking forever, we end up just doing what’s easy, not what’s best. 

Ever wish you were more focused or had more follow through? Is it possible to be more durable and disciplined without becoming more calloused and uncaring? Because that feels like a bad trade. Maybe it is. Jesus overcame impossible odds and opposition, but also genuinely enjoyed His life and the people around Him. What can we learn from Him about how to do the same? Let's learn & apply.

Doesn’t it seem like since COVID, people get set off and sidetracked by almost everything? It feels like we spend more time and energy trying to prevent what we’re afraid of than pursuing what we’re passionate about. We all have hard things we have to go through, and hard things we want to do, but end up caving quicker than we’d like. It’s not like we give up right away. But when it gets painful and we have no support and it’s taking forever, we end up just doing what’s easy, not what’s best. 

Ever wish you were more focused or had more follow through? Is it possible to be more durable and disciplined without becoming more calloused and uncaring? Because that feels like a bad trade. Maybe it is. Jesus overcame impossible odds and opposition, but also genuinely enjoyed His life and the people around Him. What can we learn from Him about how to do the same? Let's learn & apply.

Have you ever not wanted to admit you’re a Christian?

Because I’ll be real with you, I have. Many of times. And it has nothing to do with my belief in or devotion to Jesus. It has to do with my suspicion that different people define that word in very different ways. And some of those descriptions are things I don’t want to be associated with. 

Maybe you’ve been there. Someone saw that you were tagged in a church post or noticed you reading your Bible on your lunch break or were incognito putting Easter invites on windshields after work. And they asked you point blank, “Are you a Christian?” And you said something like, “Well…I’m a Christ follower.” Or “I believe in Jesus, but…” Or “I really like MY church, but…” Or “I guess technically I am, but not the kind you’re thinking” even though you have no idea what they’re thinking. 

Maybe none of this has ever occurred to you, but you’ve tried inviting people to church before and they looked at you like you were crazy to think they’d want anything to do with that. And not all of their reasons are entirely ridiculous. 

In this series we’re going to talk about three of the main ones that actually make a lot of sense.

Have you ever not wanted to admit you’re a Christian?

Because I’ll be real with you, I have. Many of times. And it has nothing to do with my belief in or devotion to Jesus. It has to do with my suspicion that different people define that word in very different ways. And some of those descriptions are things I don’t want to be associated with. 

Maybe you’ve been there. Someone saw that you were tagged in a church post or noticed you reading your Bible on your lunch break or were incognito putting Easter invites on windshields after work. And they asked you point blank, “Are you a Christian?” And you said something like, “Well…I’m a Christ follower.” Or “I believe in Jesus, but…” Or “I really like MY church, but…” Or “I guess technically I am, but not the kind you’re thinking” even though you have no idea what they’re thinking. 

Maybe none of this has ever occurred to you, but you’ve tried inviting people to church before and they looked at you like you were crazy to think they’d want anything to do with that. And not all of their reasons are entirely ridiculous. 

In this series we’re going to talk about three of the main ones that actually make a lot of sense.