Sermons
Straddling the Abyss
Guest teacher Darren Sloniger spoke about our tendency to follow Jesus half-heartedly, desiring to keep a foothold in this world, and encouraged us to consider what it might look like to truly take up our crosses daily to follow Him in love and faithfulness.
Hymns: Just As I Am
Pastor Chris returned to our series exploring the backgrounds of classic hymns, offering the story behind "Just As I Am" by Charlotte Elliott. As we humbly submit the fullness of our lives before God, just as we are, we're reminded that God's heart is for all people, that no one is left out, and that He has made us to carry out the work of Christ in the midst of our brokenness.
Supersize
Our guest teacher, Paul Unsworth from Kahaila in London, invited us to consider our preparation to enter the promised land as a people consecrated before God. As we ask God in faith for the extraordinary that only he can orchestrate, and as we learn to reach out in humility to invite the help of unbelievers, we begin to see the greater fullness of his story at work in his people, and all around us.
Two Are Better Than One
Pastor Chris taught from Lusaka, Zambia; calling our community to consider how we gather together resources and offer our unique giftedness to engage the work of the Gospel, impacting families and communities in ways that are far beyond what any one of us can do alone. He also offered an important update on an exciting new development for the future of our Ecclesia family.
Shaming Shame
Dr. Dan Allender joined us to further engage the discussion of shame that Pastor Chris Seay began last week. Considering our experiences of shame, and our tendency toward hiding, blame, and contempt, Dan offered a beautiful and vital reminder of Christ's victory over any curse or accusation that would attempt to claim power over us.
Free: "I'm Shameless"
Pastor Chris finished our series on sin, judgement, and forgiveness, and the lasting freedom and peace found only in Christ. As we are honest about our brokenness, we begin to see ourselves as God sees us, as his beloved. Freed from shame, our identities are no longer defined by our failures, but by the eternal love of the Savior that paid our debt, inviting us to new life.
Free: "The Good News About God's Wrath"
Pastor Chris continues an important series, teaching on the difficult subject of divine wrath. God is actively working to eradicate sin and evil in the world. His "clean anger", his wrath, are evidence of his love; a love so perfect that he took the weight of eternal judgement upon himself.
Free: "Misdiagnosis"
Pastor Chris began an important series that will unfold over the next three weeks, addressing the problem of sin as a matter of the heart, not merely the breaking of "rules", and considering our response as those whose debts have been paid by God's grace.
While It’s Still Today
Jack Wisdom opens the scripture in Hebrews, inviting us to consider the state of our hearts, and God’s call that we would live with gratitude and joyful urgency, saying “yes” as he speaks to us through Jesus, creation, and one another. Today is a precious gift, and is always the day to rededicate our hearts to our Lord and Savior.
Dig Deeper
Pastor Chris Seay offers an update on the work that God is doing in Nicaragua, and throughout Latin America; how we’ve been called to be involved through our partnership with Living Water International, the fruit that is already being borne, and our invitation to other communities of faith to join us in this vital mission.
The Anointed Ones
Pastor Josh Hilburn opens the scripture in Acts to explore Jesus' "sending" of his followers; a people chosen and called to continue his ministry. The Resurrection means that we as the Church, the ecclesia, the "called out ones", are no longer spectators or guests, but instead hosts of the continuing celebration, performing signs and wonders in community, pointing toward Heaven, and orienting our whole lives toward participation with God's renewing work in our world.
Easter Sunday: Because He Lives
As we gathered in the heart of downtown Houston to celebrate Jesus’ glorious Resurrection, Pastor Chris taught through the disciples’ story in John 20. Because the tomb is empty, because we are witnesses to His glory, because He lives, we are invited into new life in Christ, led no longer by fear, but by faith. We thank you all for being a part of this great celebration!
Palm Sunday: The Unexpected King
As we celebrated Palm Sunday, and our entry into Holy Week, Pastor Chris Seay walked through the Gospel of Matthew; considering the Jewish people’s expectation of their coming Messiah, and the ways in which Jesus revealed himself as a new and different kind of King.
Lenten Mid-Week Series: Breaking Good - Week 4
Jack Wisdom offers the closing message on our Lenten teaching series, "Breaking Good; Repentance as a Way of Life"; an exploration of the historical and practical meaning of repentance based on his upcoming book. We pray the series has been a blessing to you throughout this sacred season.
The Ends and the Means
Pastor Chris Seay explores Jesus' the parable in Luke 16, and our call to offer our whole selves; our talents, our resources, time, and presence toward God's work. Embracing our unique part in the restoration and renewal of His Kingdom on Earth.
Lenten Mid-Week Series: Breaking Good - Week 3
Elizabeth Korver-Glenn continues our Lenten teaching series on the historical and practical meaning of repentance, offering a message on the Prodigal Son and Baptism. Join us for the remainder of the series, Wednesdays at 7pm through March 16th.
The Party Platform of God’s Kingdom
Pastor Chris Seay invites us, in the midst of an election cycle marked by division and insult, to remember the allegiance we pledge in Christ to a different course of action; a Kingdom response to the issues of this nation and world, shaped by the Word as revealed in Jesus the Anointed.
Lenten Mid-Week Series: Breaking Good - Week Two
Mike Yager continues our Lenten teaching series on the historical and practical meaning of repentance, offering a message on conversion and forgiveness. Join us for the remainder of the series, Wednesdays at 7pm through March 16th.
Hymns: Horatio Spafford, Finding God's Mission Through Suffering and Pain
Pastor Chris Seay teaches from the American Colony in Jerusalem, founded by Horatio Spafford, writer of the Hymn, It Is Well With My Soul.
Lenten Mid-Week Series: Breaking Good - Week One
Dr. David Capes leads the first week of our Lenten teaching series on the historical and practical meaning of repentance, offering a message on sin and freedom. Join us for the next three weeks of the series, Wednesdays at 7pm through March 16th.