Since many of us started living in quarantine in March 2020, the line between workspace and homespace has become very blurry. We work from our phones in bed, we take our laptops to the dinner table, and we even do work from the toilet. This is caused us to neglect caring for our souls. Binging on Netflix and mindlessly scrolling on Instagram may be a way of ceasing from work, but it most certainly is not sabbath. So what is required for sabbath and why is it so important for our souls?
"Spiritual Abuse In the Church" Webinar
Why and how does spiritual abuse happen in the church? Recently, more and more spiritual leaders in the church have been exposed for their spiritual abuse over church members and others under their influence. Unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon; these leaders are being more readily revealed because we live in the 21st century and access to information, ability to document, and greater need to speak up against abusers.
Perch.Church pastor and church planter Al Han sits down with two friends Roy and Nick to discuss this difficult and taboo question.
Roy Kim is a licensed marriage and family therapist serving at New Legacy Counseling Services in Los Angeles County, www.newlegacycounseling.com. Roy has a unique perspective because many of his clients are pastors and he was also an ordained minister in his previous career.
Nick Warnes is the Founder and CEO of Cyclical Inc., which provides support, coaching, and other services for new churches and non-profit organizations. Nick has helped start dozens of churches, businesses, and non-profit organizations across the United States. You can learn more about his organization at www.cyclicalchurches.com
Slow to Speak
James 1:19, 3:1-12
Everyone has an opinion these days. Am I right? Dad jokes aside, we do live in a time when most people seem to be slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to anger. Yet, God challenges His people to do the exact opposite... be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Since the dawn of the internet and social media, everyone has a platform where they can voice their opinions. While this has had many benefits, we can also recognize that most of the opinions out there are not constructive and do not make this world a better place. But why is it important to be quick to listen and slow to speak? This is what we attempt to address.
Slow to Grow
1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Spiritual Growth happens slowly, which means it cannot be forced, faked, or manipulated. But what are the steps toward spiritual growth? The American Church has been preaching the gospel of celebration and triumphalism for decades, which has led to destructive results. This was on display for the entire world to see on January 6 at the insurrection in the nation's capital. When we don't go through the proper steps towards spiritual growth, Christians run the risk of having a faith that is immature, one-dimensional or shallow.
Slow Faith
Matthew 11:28-30
God is giving us an important word for 2021 that we all need to hear... SLOW THE F DOWN. Even though it's a new year, it will take several months to go back to "normal," and we don't know what that new normal will really look like. But if there's one gift that 2020 has given us in its great year of disruption, it is to SLOW THE F DOWN.
I hope this word can serve and benefit you as we start this new year together.
Advent: Prince of Peace
Luke 2:1-12
The Roman Empire in the 1st century was pursuing the same thing that God pursued when He sent Jesus Christ into the world: peace on earth. However, the Roman Empire's idea of peace was very different from Jesus' idea of peace. Likewise, the 21st century American idea of peace is very different from Jesus' idea of peace. Jesus came to bring true peace to the world, but he was not born into a modest family instead of a royal family; he was surrounded by animals at his birth rather than a doctor or extended family; and he was placed in a manger instead of a crib. The world brings about "peace" through fear, power, and control while Jesus brings about peace through love, humility, and selflessness.
Advent: Mary's Joy
Luke 1:46-55
Contrary to popular belief, joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is an emotion while joy is a state of being. Even if circumstances are bleak, as 2020 certainly has been for many people, we can still live in a state of joy. In fact, a life of happiness without joy is a life of emptiness. Today we look at the example of Mary and the joy she possessed despite numerous struggles.
Advent: Jesus' Love
John 3:16-21
If there's anything 2020 has taught us, it's that we need loving relationships, human connection, and authentic community now more than ever. Love was not a value was highly esteemed in the ancient world. When Jesus was born, He brought light and love into a world full of hate and darkness. While times may have changed, light and love are still heavily lacking. We all are in desperate need of Jesus' love.