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Hey kids! Today, we’re going to talk about the intersection of religion and money! What could possibly go wrong! Jay and Dave talk about ways that Christian leaders have talked about money that’s destructive, and some better ways to discuss this sensitive but important topic. We also dive into some of the research that seems to demonstrate that Jesus was right when he said that “it’s more blessed to give than to receive.” We also examine some of Jesus’ words about generosity and how His (counterintuitive) teachings help us reexamine our lives. Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

THE GREAT GIVEAWAY | Generosity Inside My DNA | September 29, 2024 The story many of us believe is that the good life is found in getting *as much* as you can as *quickly* as possible. But this story is wrong. Jesus famously said the opposite - "it is more blessed to *give* than to *receive*" (Acts 20:35). In fact, Jesus claims that we’re made with a latent generosity within us because we are made in the Image of a generous God. We’ll look at how we’re actually hard-wired to give our lives away, and how that's the (not so) secret way to a truly meaningful life. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Matthew 6:19-23 NIV

Most people fall into one of two categories. When conflict - or just difficult interpersonal things - inevitably happen, they either “cut people off” or they “care too, too much.” South Hills congregation pastor Archie Jackson stops by to talk about how Jesus challenges both sets of people when it comes to dealing with people who are difficult to love. We chat about Jesus’ command to love one another, why the Church is more like the Muppets than we’d like to admit, and why it’s so draining to try to connect to some people. Speakers: David Tieche + Archie Jackson

In Luke 13, Jesus prays for His disciples, that they would love one another well. Jesus even says that people will know they are Jesus’ disciples by the way they live one another. But wow - this is not always easy. There are some people in our lives who are a real challenge to love. We dive into ways to love difficult people, realizing that often, it’s not even about them, but about how we respond. Because being patient, kind and forgiving is the way that Jesus treated us, and extending that love that God gave to us to other people is the way of Jesus. SPEAKERS: Archie Jackson (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Colossians 3:12-14

How much do you worry? Are you pretty unfazed by life, or do you trend toward anxiety? Is worry a sometimes annoyance, or a constant companion? Jesus talks about worry plainly in the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus’ message is pretty simple: knowing and experiencing the love of God drives out fear. In this way, fear is like a dashboard warning light, driving us to God to deal with the underlying concerns and worries we have about being left out, not having enough, or not being enough. And by bringing our fears to God, and being honest about them before Him, we find that God is inviting us to trust in His provision and presence. And like a candle drives out darkness, God’s presence can drive out fear and we can experience…peace. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Matthew 6:25-30 NIV, 1 John 4:13-19 NIV

We all want (or want to want) renewal from God in our life. And we know it’s something only God can do in us. But that this work is not passive, and that we have a role to be intentional. This past weekend, our staff outlined seven (7!) spiritual practices forming a “wheel of formation” or a communal rule of life that act like a trellis helps a vine grow. Dave and his three (3!) guests talk through each of the seven spiritual practices and their location in the life of the early church. And then in a candid discussion, we explain how the seven (Commit, Gather, Grow, Connect, Serve, Give, Invite) have shaped us personally and helped us become more like Jesus. Speakers: David Tieche + Archie Jackson + Ruth Beteivaz + David Kim

In the Book of Acts, as the early Church is being launched and birthed, two things are clear. One, it’s the work of the Spirit of God that’s creating and formed and shaping this group of early Christians. And two - this group is doing everything they can to participate with God’s Spirit in this work. Renewal and transformation is a work done by God alone, but it’s not a passive thing and it requires intentionality. In this panel discussion, WestGate’s pastors discuss some core things the early Church teaches us that mark committed effort toward collective formation into Christlikeness. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): John 15:4-5, Acts 2:41-47

AFTERWORD DESCRIPTION: This Fall, we're talking about renewal, which simply means being realigned with God's presence. Jay stops by to talk about why this message is so personal for him. How is renewal different/distinct from revival? Are there aspects of it that we can control? And I ask Jay how does the vision from an ancient prophet named Ezekiel of a dry valley filled with dead bones relate to Silicon Valley? Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

In the Book of Ezekiel, God takes the prophet Ezekiel into a valley filled with dry, dusty bones of things that have been dead for a long time, and then asks Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” Ezekiel stammers back, “Only you know, Sovereign Lord.” Which is the correct answer. Sure, God *can* do anything He wants, but will He? Will He bring bones back to life? Only God knows. This story rings true, even for us today in our own valley. Everyone knows that the Bay Area is one of the most irreligious and unchurched areas not only in the United States, but the world. And it can seem rather hopeless at times. And in a valley filled with wealth, but in short supply of hope, filled with innovation, but in such short supply of wisdom and righteousness, can God bring even this valley back to life? Only God knows. And although we have no control over what He does or does not do - but we can take small steps to prepare our own hearts for God’s presence in hopes our renewal might spark something - not just in us, but in those around us.

AFTERWORD DESCRIPTION This past weekend, our church had the joy of learning from pastor/author/professor/theologian Dr. A.J. Swoboda, who not only spoke at our 2024 Formation Conference but also over the weekend at all our of campuses. David invites two of his friends (Ruth + David) by to share their insights and highlights from the weekend. They chat about: 1. Asking for permission before offering spiritual advice 2. Why Doubting Thomas shouldn't be called that 3. The practical implications of tongues of fire descending on people's heads on the Day of Pentecost and 4. Why Jesus's most important question to us might very well be, "What do you want?" Speakers: David Tieche + David Kim + Ruth Beteivaz

Today's follower of Jesus exists at a moment in history when our desires, longings, and wants are being weaponized against us by cultural, spiritual, and relational forces. "Follow your heart" and "You do you" has become our moment's mantras. The result, for too many, is feeling torn asunder by the raging desires within. What do we do with our desire? What about our unwanted desires? And how do we cultivate desires which bring life and freedom and lead to Christ? Dr. A. J. Swoboda stops by to talk about what to do with our desires, and we find the wisdom of Scripture is not that we shuttle all desire, calling it bad, nor do we follow all our desires (no matter what). In short, what makes a follower of Christ is not whether or not we have desires. Rather, it is what we do with the desires we have.

Most stories are linear. Beginning. Middle. End. The opening pages of the Bible tell us a linear story - humans were meant to live with God, they rebelled and sinned - and then Death entered and humans lost everything. And if it weren’t for God, this is where the human story would end. Humanity’s biggest need is a solution to the problem of sin, destruction, and death, which leads us back to the end of the Apostle’s Creed, which says “I believe in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.” The end of the Creed goes back to the beginning of the human story, and offers us a new beginning—forgiveness and resurrection life. Which means – in each of our lives – a new beginning is available. Resurrection life is available. And the path to this new beginning, this resurrection life, is repentance and forgiveness, which is available to everyone.

Well. Guys. We’re at the end. No, I’m not talking about the end of our Apostle’s Creed sermon series, but also the end of the 2024 Summer Olympics and summer itself. Jay and I chat about all of it, including Tom Cruise. We also get more serious and talk about the phrase “forgiveness of sins” and how unpopular of an idea it is that we even *need* forgiveness. Even for Christians, as we swim in our cultural waters, our tendency can be to “minimize” sin and “maximize” (or focus almost exclusively on) grace. But sin is dangerously destructive. We also talk frankly about how unconfessed sin blocks God’s work - but repentance brings real life and connection to God and others. And, at the end, Dave shares a final parting gift to help us carry the Apostle’s Creed with us. Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

AFTERWORD DESCRIPTION  Miley Cyrus, in her song “Flowers” - the biggest hit of 2023 - told us that she didn’t need *anyone* else in her life to make her happy. Andy Gridley stops by to go back in time to traipse through all the “I am better off without you” empowerment songs from 1978 until today. Also, “I am better off alone!” might make for fun song lyrics, but it’s terrible life advice. We talk about the modern dynamic of individualism, and how it works against Christian formation. Finally, we talk through the “messier” aspects of Christian friendship – and why hard convos about difficult things actually can lead to life. Speakers: David Tieche + Andy Gridley

In a world where a lot of people have doubts and suspicions (some quite fair and founded) about the Church, the Apostle’s Creed offers up a fascinating invitation “I believe in the holy Church and the Communion of Saints.” The invitation to deep, sacrificial, Jesus-centered friendship might not always be natural, or easy, but it’s central to our spiritual lives. And it brings life in ways we can’t even imagine. SPEAKERS: Andy Gridley (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills)

After the Apostle’s Creed talks about God the Father and Jesus, it turns to the third member of the Trinity – the Holy Spirit. But this can be confusing. Is the Holy Spirit an impersonal “force”? Is it a feeling? In this message, we examine the often-misunderstood Holy Spirit - how this member of the Trinity is talked about in Scripture, the role He plays in our daily lives to empower us – and how we can participate with the Spirit of Go to produce fruit and life, not only in us, but in all around us. SPEAKERS: Glenn Packiam (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Colossians 3:16

AFTERWORD DESCRIPTION  Hey kids!  Let’s talk about hell and judgment! Archie Jackson and David Kim stop by to talk about why they each lost sleep trying to tackle the two most confusing clauses in the Apostle’s Creed - that Jesus “descended into hell” and that He will come back to “judge the living and the dead.” What does that mean? We talk about the difference between the words the Bible uses to describe the afterlife, including sheol, gehenna, hades, paradise and Abraham’s bosom - and how the ideas about the afterlife shift and change a bit from the Old Testament to the New.  We also talk about judgment - and Jesus as judge.   We talk about why this concept makes people uneasy (even scared) - probably because of the caricatures that many of us carry about the idea of God’s judgment (and David Kim shares about how his VBS teachers locked him in a closet and dressed up like demons to get him to accept Jesus). Sheesh. Religious trauma much? And finally, we discuss how Jesus returning as judge is actually a very *good* thing, and a strong source of ultimate hope for Christians.   Speakers: David Tieche + Archie Jackson + David Kim

Two of the most puzzling lines in the otherwise fairly straightforward text of the Apostle’s Creed is that Jesus died and then “descended into Hell” and that He will “judge the living and the dead.” These phrases are not only confusing, but also require some unpacking. What does it mean that Jesus went to hell? And what does it mean that he’ll judge everyone? Is that something to be frightened of? Does Jesus grade on a curve? Thankfully, the Biblical teaching on judgment is more robust than our caricatures, and is actually something that can infuse incredible hope in our lives. SPEAKERS: David Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) SPEAKERS: Christina Papoulias (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills)

AFTERWORD DESCRIPTION  No one likes being bossed around.  Even little kids will buck against it, saying things like, “You’re not the boss of me” or “You’re not my mom.”  But the second line of the Apostle’s Creed says that Jesus is not only God, but the Apostles call him “Lord.”  In a real way, they’re saying, “Jesus IS the boss of me.”  David Kim stops by to talk about the implication of the phrase “our Lord” means obedience to Master.  We discuss the idea that what you want the most is actually your identity, and how everyone has a Master (whether they want one or not).  We also talk about the toughest parts of following Jesus, and practical steps to trying to obey Jesus - what it looks like, and what it doesn’t look like.  Also, DK talks about eating a live octopus, which super grosses out David, who is from Ohio, and wasn’t around a lot of live octopuses growing up. Speakers: David Tieche + David Kim

The largest section of the Apostle’s Creed is about Jesus. In fact, roughly 65 percent of the words are about Jesus. It’s clear this creed is not about doctrine, but a person. And the second line of the creed has the Apostles saying that Jesus is their “Lord.” This means not only deep personal attachment to Jesus, but allegiance to Him and only Him, above all others. But why? Why does Jesus demand to be Lord? We dive into what obedience is - what it isn’t - and why Jesus says that choosing Him as Master is - rather ironically - the *only* way to not be enslaved. SPEAKERS: David Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills) SPEAKERS: Christina Papoulias (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills)

AFTERWORD DESCRIPTION The second line of the Apostle’s Creed states (beautifully) that God is both powerful and a father. But what if your experience with both “father” has been anything but good? And what you’ve seen power abused, in tragic ways that have brought real suffering? Christina Papoulias stops by to talk about how toxic environments can warp our view of God Himself, and that can impact our ability to connect with God. We also talk about how the words of the second member of the Trinity - Jesus, the Son - as He describes what His father is actually like, can heal us. Speakers: David Tieche + Christina Papoulias

In the second line of the Apostle’s Creed, it says “I believe in God the Father Almighty.”  In the Scriptures, it’s clear that God not only has a deep, loving, tender Father’s heart, but *wants* to be known to us as Father.  But for many people, bad examples from our earthly Fathers can distort our view of God Himself, forming an emotional blockade to the kind of relational connectedness we’re invited into.  But the Biblical story gives us example after example after example showing us that God is, indeed, a faithful and loving Father.  And remembering that, and focusing on God’s faithfulness, not just historically but personally, can heal us.   SPEAKERS: Christina Papoulias (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills)

The world - if anything - is pretty unstable. Not just geopolitically, or economically, but even personally. Our own lives are pretty unstable. And yet, in an unstable world, followers of Jesus stand on the sound and secure foundation of a story that has been unchanging since Christ’s resurrection and ascension. In a culture saturated by pundits, personalities, influencers, followers of Jesus can live with peace and freedom grounded in this story, the truest story ever told. The Apostles’ Creed - a statement of belief that’s centuries old and dates back to the early Church - has been said by followers of Jesus across time, across cultures, across continents, across the centuries. And its words offer us stability, security, strength, truth amid the forgetful and frenzied weariness and exhaustion of our manic world. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills)

AFTERWORD DESCRIPTION If someone were to ask you, “What do you believe?” you probably wouldn’t be able to answer. “What do I believe about what?” you might say. Or more often than that, we are busy with life, and don’t really even give that question much thought. But sometimes, life forces us to answer that important question. When the world falls apart, and the sky seems to come crashing down, we have to answer, as a matter of deep importance, for ourselves, “What do I actually believe?” What is foundational? What is square one? And for Christians, across the centuries, the answer to that has been, among other things, the Apostle’s Creed. Jay stops by to chat about the Apostle’s Creed, why creeds matter and how a few paragraphs from 2000 years ago can actually shape us. We also talk about the word “believe” which sounds a lot like “wishful thinking” but isn’t. We also complain about the heat wave. Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

There’s a lot of talk in our world about the “power of positive thinking” - and even secular scholars talk about the importance of spending time in gratitude each day. In Philippians 4, Paul talks about the power of what we think about - and how what we choose to focus on actually has an impact on how we experience life. Lisa Averill stops by to talk about Paul’s advice, how it can lead to the dissolution of worry and to the presence of peace. Also, Lisa shares about how she almost killed her grandmother-in-law.

Lisa Averill

In Philippians 3, Paul uses a phrase that at first blush seems quite inflammatory. He says that many people “live as enemies of the Cross of Christ” - a phrase which seems to create an “us” vs. “them” mentality. But this is reductionistic. The truth is, all of us have the choice to live like that. We do this when we lean on worldly wisdom over Godly wisdom, religious tradition over the way of Jesus, display hostility instead of kindness/generosity, work against peace, fail to live humbly, obediently, in surrender. So this can be something “religious” people or “non-religious” people do. But, as Paul points out, God’s primary motivation is to save us from destruction— yes, the eternal destruction apart from God, but also the daily destruction we ourselves bear in our lives. This journey begins for all of us by reckoning with the fact that all is not well—in our world and in our lives, and admitting that WE. NEED. HELP. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), Jay Kim (video) (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Philippians 3:15-21

It’s a pretty common rhetorical tactic these days - you can win an argument if you say that the other person is either 1. Just like Hitler or 2. Just like the anti-Christ. But in Philippians 3, Paul actually says that it’s possible to live as an enemy of the Cross of Christ. This is a serious charge. But what does it mean? Does it mean you don’t believe the right things? Or say the right things? Or is it deeper (and less simple) than that? Jay Kim stops by to chat about this vexing phrase - and in end we find out that the decision to live as an enemy of the Cross isn’t just something that’s a choice for some people, but ALL of us.

In the book of Philippians, Paul uses a *very* strong word to make a dramatic theological point. In fact, many scholars think it was a vulgar word that meant “poop” or “filth.” Does that mean that we should act like immature junior high boys? Absolutely! Mark Averill stops by to talk with Dave about Paul’s dramatic language, why he chooses that word, and the broader point Paul is trying to make. We also talk about how to know if you’ve made achievement an idol, what the warning signs are, and why friends are so important (especially for guys).

Author David Foster Wallace once spoke about the gnawing sense that we live in a rat race searching for something that will give us meaning. And in the Bay Area, the answer to the question, “What do I need to feel okay about myself and life” is frequently answered with “achievement.” Although this might have looked different 2000 years ago, the Apostle Paul also understood this drive to “be” and “become” and “do more.” And in Philippians 3, Paul warns us that this “drive to achieve” can derail our lives. Paul urges us to not seek after ultimate fulfillment in anything other than deep, personal connection with God Himself. Paul states that God is so good, and knowing Him personally is more valuable than anything. And we don’t have to try to impress God or earn our way to Him - we just need to humbly come to Him.

Janet Jackson once famously asked “what have you done for me lately?”  And although the sentiment behind this sentence is vastly different, the Apostle Paul also employs this line of questioning to the Church of Philippi, encouraging them to truly examine - really meditate on - all that God has done for them.  But, Paul says, that activity shouldn’t be a mere mental exercise.  It should change us.  Or at least, make us want to change. South Hills Campus Pastor Archie Jackson stops by to talk about Paul’s famous exhortation to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”  We dive into what it means, what it most definitely DOES NOT mean, and why the stakes are too high for Christians to refuse to partner with God to be transformed.  

Midway through his letter, Paul encourages the young church family of believers at Philippi to “work out their salvation with fear and trembling.” This term “work out” can make us nervous. Is our salvation dependent upon how good of “work” we do? Because if so, uh oh! But Paul makes it clear that it’s God who does the work in us, through us and for us. Paul isn’t talking about working for or earning individual salvation. Paul is talking about how our already-saved-lives ought to work out in the real world, in our relationships with one another, so that an unbelieving world might see our otherworldly relationships of humility and sacrifice like light illuminating the darkness and be captivated. This isn’t easy - and does absolutely require passion, effort and focus on our parts, but it means that we get to participate with God to bring light to a dark world.

You don’t have to be a sociologist to see that selfishness and self-centeredness seem to be the default setting for us humans. Left to ourselves, people (often) use other people for their own gain. Ruth Nazanin BetEivaz stops by to talk about Philippians 2 and Paul’s incredible passage about the staggering humility of Jesus. We chat about how humility shows up in our world, why it’s so attractive to us and why it’s so difficult for us to live out. Ruth also shares how an act of humility by her sister changed her whole life. And as hip-hop heads, Ruth and David are the *only* theologians in the US talking about how Philippians 2 could solve the ongoing battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Also, David shares a particularly humiliating story about that involves him, a skunk and Safeway.

The Silicon Valley is a place of chasing. Chasing success. Chasing more. Chasing upward movement. But this relentless pace can be utterly exhausting. In contrast to this, Paul says that Jesus provides a different model of what it means to be human and find life. And counterintuitively - Jesus shows us that true life is found not by climbing the ladder for your own gain, but by descending in humility to serve other people. And if we follow suit, and live a life of humility, serving God and serving others, we will find not only joy, not only life, but God Himself.

As children of the 80s, things have changed *quite a bit* in the realm of civic politics for David and Jay. We chat about how changes in technology have shifted the way that people engage with politics - and how that’s not always for the better. We talk about what it means to follow Paul’s instructions in Philippians 1 to “live as citizens of the gospel of King Jesus.” And finally, we discuss author Kaitlyn Schiess’s book “A Liturgy of Politics” which says that the modern political/news machine sends a number of messages to us including: * The Prosperity Gospel (money is what’s really most important) * The Patriotic Gospel (requires uncritical allegiance to one party - or one country) * The Security Gospel (candidate so-and-so will keep you safe from harm) And then we talk about how the Gospel of Jesus confronts each of these and often, upends them. Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

When Paul was writing the letter to the church at Philippi, a man named Nero was Caesar. Nero’s favorite titles were “Lord” and “Savior” and his demands of allegiance were total. To declare any other emperor (or king) as lord or savior was dangerous. But that’s exactly what Paul goes all around the empire doing. And Paul’s message to the Philippians is clear: living as citizens of God’s kingdom means declaring an alternative Gospel. This is a message with real edges. It means that in the midst of a false empire, Christians are called to declare the true kingdom. And in the midst of a false emperor, Christians are called to follow a true King. And as citizens of a different kingdom in the midst of this world’s kingdoms, Christians are called to live differently.

Hey! It’s a gift from God that no one in their right mind wants! Suffering! Join David Tieche and David Kim as they dive into the Biblical theme of suffering, both in the life of Jesus and in perhaps the most famous Biblical story of suffering: Job. The “Davids” talk about why we run from suffering (and the common ways we do so) and why suffering is such a powerful tool for spiritual development in the hands of God. They also basically just quote author and pastor Tim Keller (and his book Walking with God through Pain and Suffering) for 30 minutes because he’s SO GOOD on this topic. Speakers: David Tieche + David Kim

If there’s one certainty in life, it’s that disease, death and disappointment will visit you. And yet, nobody wants to hear that. Let alone deal with that reality. Our secular world - whose consumerist culture screams messages that the goal of life is comfort and pleasure - is simply *terrible* at helping us cope with pain and suffering. In the middle of this, the ancient words of the Apostle Paul help us see how suffering is the Way of Jesus. And that not only does Paul say that suffering can have a deeply redemptive role in the story of our lives (and of those around us) - but he shows us the unlikely key to getting through these times of suffering.

Joy isn’t just the main character in Pixar’s 2015 animated classic INSIDE OUT. It’s also what we long for, and often, something we feel is deeply missing in our day-to-day life. Can our lives really be infused with joy no matter what our circumstances? How can we get joy? Does it require conditions to be perfect? And why is it so elusive? Jay Kim stops by to talk about Paul’s letter to the Philippians where he uses the word “joy” or “rejoice” 17 times in this short letter. It’s a main theme of the letter, and Paul’s advice on how to “get” joy is shocking and counterintuitive. We also chat about some specific challenges of modern life that fight against joy - and how the 1999 film “Fight Club” diagnosed the modern sense of joyless malaise and hopelessness (and even sorta predicted 9/11). Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

Life is not easy. Especially not in the Bay Area. And if we’re honest, the stresses of daily life - especially here in Silicon Valley - can not just overwhelm us, but trap us in the doldrums of malaise. So we increase the amount of entertainment or stimulation in an attempt to feel something - but this can have the reverse effect on us: making us numb to life. So...how can we live with joy? Real, true flourishing where we embrace the incredible wonders of life? Astonishingly, more than two centuries ago, a man named Paul tackled that exact question. And his answer was as perplexing back then as it is today. Paul says that true joy is possible, even in the worst of circumstances. He says that the path to JOY is not found by leading yourself, but following Jesus. Paul says that surrender leads to freedom, that decrease leads to increase and that death leads to life. We’ll dive into this short letter from Paul to his friends, and find that it’s as relevant today as it was back then. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): John 4:5-18

In our modern world that elevates individualism, a truth that often goes entirely missing is just how much our lives can impact other people. We affect one another far more than we’d like to admit. And the modern mantra of “privatism” which says “mind your own business and don’t interfere with other people and the way they choose to live their lives” sounds good, but it doesn’t work in real life. And often it’s cowardice, or worse, relational abdication. But how do we proceed to become people, like Jesus, who are full of both “grace” and “truth”? Jay Kim stops by to talk about that, and give some helpful advice for when situations arise when it’s difficult to do both. Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

Truly complex problems require us to be people committed to both patient love (grace) but also making sure that we arrive at the correct answer (truth). This is difficult, but the alternative is not good. As author Randy Alcorn once wrote, “Truth without grace breeds self-righteous legalism…grace without truth breeds moral indifference.” But in the Scriptures, we see that Jesus isn’t full of grace OR truth; He is full of grace AND truth. This is the vision set before us—not arbitrary or circumstantial decision-making between grace OR truth but a commitment to live at the intersection of grace AND truth. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): John 4:5-18

Naseem Khalili joins David Tieche for a fun and lively discussion about singleness, desire and what to do when life doesn’t work out like you’d dreamed. We talk about how unfulfilled longings can lead to deep disappointment with life - and even with God. We talk about how the Psalms of Lament can help pave the way for healing. And Naseem shares some practical things that married folks can do to prevent singles from feeling “less than” or like “second-class citizens.” Speakers: David Tieche + Naseem Khalili

Being single in a world that idolizes romantic love - and often sends messages that life really only begins once you’ve met your soulmate - can often make navigating this season of life challenging. And the fact is, whether you’re single or not - having unmet or unrealizead dreams and desires is painful. And the longer you’re in longing, the more difficult it gets. Naseem Khalili shares about her journey in singleness, and shares some helpful lessons from Scripture that teach us not let disappointment dictate our belief in the Lord, but how to let our belief in the Lord determine how we process disappointment. SPEAKERS: Naseem Khalili (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Genesis 1

Our guest, Joshua Ryan Butler, joins David Tieche for a frank and pointed discussion about sex and gender featuring questions from our congregation. If the Creation story shows how the pairing of male and female (marriage) reflects the intended whole of Creation, then what do single people reflect? Are they incomplete? A sun without a moon? If everyone is “fearfully and wonderfully” made - then explain people with same-sex attraction? Did God make them “wrong?” Wouldn’t that make God cruel for giving SSA people a sexual attraction they can’t fulfill according to God’s law? Are churches that are not affirming more hostile (in some way) to the LBGTQ+ community? Also how should Christians approach people who identify as transexual, intersexual or asexual? We dig into these topics and more. Speakers: David Tieche + Joshua Ryan Butler

In recent years, the question of gender and biological sex - not someone’s sexuality or sexual attraction but a person’s internal sense of self and the social expression of that - has become a cultural flashpoint. What does it mean to be “male” or “female”? Is it fixed, or chosen by an individual? Does a person’s biological sex even matter? And what does God think about all this? In this talk, author and pastor Joshua Ryan Butler delves into the theology of maleness and femaleness found in the Creation story in Genesis to bring clarity to this confusing and layered topic. SPEAKERS: Joshua Ryan Butler (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Genesis 1 SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Genesis 1

The Christian sexual ethic has historically been one of the more contentious and contested ideas in our cultural moment. What does the Bible actually say about sex? How is it the same as what our culture says, and how is it different? Is sex really reserved only for straight, married couples? If so, what does this mean for those folks who are teens and young adults, who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, or who are part of the singles community? Does that mean those folks have to deny their sexuality? As we examine this together, we see the Genesis creation account taken with the model of Jesus can provide us a way to see what sexuality is really about, and how, properly understood and defined, can lead to everyone accessing their sexuality in ways that bring life, and not pain or confusion. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Genesis 1

There’s no topic more confusing or contested in our culture than the topic of sexuality. This week, Jay Kim joins David Tieche to dive in. Sexuality is obviously a part of what it means to be human, but how big a part of our identity should it be? What are some ways that Christians talk about sex and sexuality that are reductionist, or incomplete or even harmful? Is a church merely having a non-affirming stance fundamentally unloving to folks who are gay? And what can we learn from the life of Jesus Himself about what it means to be sexual beings? Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

This week starts the beginning of our five-week series called Wonderfully Made, which WestGate Church is doing in coordination with several other Bay Area churches. In this week’s episode of The AfterWord, Jay Kim (lead pastor of WestGate Church), Filipe Santos (lead pastor of Echo Church) and Phil Eubank (lead pastor of Menlo Church) talk about the genesis of the Wonderfully Made Sermon Series, why it’s important right now, and what each of them is hoping the series will do in each of their congregations.

There is a common misunderstanding today, even among Christians, that human beings are primarily souls who happen to have bodies. Or, go to any gym and you’ll see contradictory messages of both idolizing the body AND simultaneous hatred of the body. Sometimes in the same person! But the Biblical story makes clear that from the beginning, to be human is to be a body. And this is a good thing. Being humans means having a body. And - as the Bible shows - what we do with that body is our choice and really matters.