Guest teacher Gideon Tsang continued his conversation from last weekend on resurrection as a pattern lived out in imitation and participation. Especially following a dark week; a week of loss, fear and anger, how are we called in Christ not simply to receive, but to participate in God's work of resurrection and renewal? 

Our guest teacher Gideon Tsang considered the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, and the imitation to which we've been called. As we surrender to God's image within us, we can begin to see and embrace our beauty, and live as mirrors to reflect the light of Christ into the world. 

Pastor Josh Hilburn made a call for us to reconsider the ways we attempt to be saviors and problem solvers, and instead, to simply embrace our role as servants of all. As we serve in humility, as we continue to show up in presence, reminding the hurting and marginalized that we won't abandon them, we're reminded of the God who tells us without fail; "I'm here."

Pastor Chris invites us to consider the whole of God's creation, singing out in praise; that in all that we eat and drink, and as we experience the wonders of the world and creatures he made, we would be ever reminded of his divine and majestic artistry and continually submit to him in awe and gratitude, caring well for the gifts with which he's entrusted us. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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!

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. 

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.

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.

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.