Pastor Dave Peterson explores the radical community described in Acts 2 and challenges us to examine our own barriers to meaningful connection. Drawing from N.T. Wright's concept of "fictive kinship" and personal stories about transforming his neighborhood, Dave reveals how leaning into messy relationships—despite our natural tendencies toward isolation—is essential for spiritual transformation.

CHAPTERS

[00:00] - Introduction and Welcome

[01:02] - Housekeeping and Context

[02:52] - Acts 2: The Early Church Community

[04:44] - Being "Cut to the Heart"

[05:36] - N.T. Wright: Fictive Kinship

[08:42] - "Blessed Are the Misfits"

[10:32] - The Struggle with Community

[12:49] - Seven Reasons We Need Others

[14:51] - The Neighborhood Story

[19:55] - Loving God, Neighbor, and One Another

[21:19] - Conclusion: Embracing the Mess

What does it mean to live as "Easter people" in a broken world? Today Pastor Rachel invites us to explore the practice of resurrection - not just as a historical event, but as a daily spiritual discipline. Drawing from John 20, she unpacks how Jesus met his fearful disciples after the resurrection with three transformative gifts: peace, purpose, and power through the Holy Spirit.

CHAPTERS

[00:00] - Easter Reflections[01:35] - The Season of Easter Tide[03:31] - Practice Resurrection[06:51] - Theme Verse Introduction[08:55] - John 20: From Darkness to Hope[11:01] - Jesus Brings Peace[15:44] - Resurrected with Scars[17:13] - Sent with Purpose[20:00] - The Breath of the Spirit[23:34] - New Life in Christ[27:41] - Communion Invitation

Through the lens of Jesus's journey to the cross and resurrection, Pastor Dave Peterson explores how Christ's radical love transforms our understanding of God's kingdom. Reflecting on the parable of the Great Banquet from Luke 14, Dave challenges us to consider who we are in the story – the host, the invited guests who make excuses, or those from the margins who discover an unexpected welcome.

[00:00] - Introduction: The Love of God

[01:14] - Jesus's Journey to the Cross

[03:44] - A New Perspective: Through Jesus's Eyes

[06:37] - God's Pursuit of Humanity

[09:00] - The Sacredness of Prayer and Community

[10:58] - Jesus as the Master Storyteller

[12:47] - Parable of the Great Banquet

[16:29] - The Inclusivity of Christ's Message

[18:36] - Three Easter Challenges

[20:54] - Building Faith on God's Love

[22:29] - Closing Prayer from Ephesians