Collective Church Podcast

From the series "Peculiar". 1 John 3:16-18; 2 Corinthians 8:9 Pastor Ryan Smith continues in "Peculiar: The People of God & the Ethics of Easter" by looking at the radical charity and generosity of the early church, its basis in the heart of the Gospel, and practical steps for recapturing this distinctive. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Peculiar". Ephesians 2:11-22; Galatians 3:26-28 Pastor Ryan Smith continues in our latest series, "Peculiar: The People of God & the Ethics of Easter" by examining the diversity of the early Church. In a world which categorized and divided people into varying layers of value and privilege, the diversity and unity of Christians shook the world so much so that they were described as "anti-social atheists". Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Peculiar". 1 Peter 2:9-12; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 28:16-20 Pastor Ryan Smith begins our new series, "Peculiar: The People of God and the Ethics of Easter." How can Christians not just survive, but thrive in a world that views them as stupid, irrelevant, and dangerous all at the same time? Is the Church and our church destined to a sort of subsistence-spirituality at best or is it possible there is a way forward? To find our way forward, we need to look back. The early church thrived and embarked in a communal mission shaped by the empty tomb of Easter. Sermon Notes Here

Reflecting on John 20:1-18, Pastor Ryan Smith investigates what it means to begin to realize the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14 Pastor Ryan Smith closes out our spring series, "Smoke & Mirrors: Deconstructing Los Angeles with the Book of Ecclesiastes." What is the good life in the land of smoke and mirrors? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 9:1-11:6 Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, 8:2-17 As we continue in the book of Ecclesiastes, the Deconstructor shifts his attention to our relationship to God. Over our series so far, we've looked at the foolishness in believing humans can control time and tame nature. Pastor Ryan Smith unpacks the similar foolishness in believing we can control God and the proper posture for those who come before him as their Creator and King. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 6:10-8:1 As we move into the back half of the book of Ecclesiastes, we begin to examine how we should live in a world and city where "all is vanity." Pastor Ryan Smith looks at the Deconstructor's offering of wisdom as the better way of life before ultimately finding that wisdom too is vanity, smoke and mirrors. The world is too chaotic, wisdom is too elusive, and the human heart too foolish. What are humans to do when the best we can find might be better, but still broken? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:9 Pastor Ryan Smith continues in our Spring series, "Smoke & Mirrors: Deconstructing Los Angeles with the Book of Ecclesiastes." At the middle of the book we find the Deconstructor's darkest and sharpest words in relationship to wealth, money, and possessions. In a city shaped by consumerism and materialism, we must come to terms with their vanity if we are to find the "good and fitting" life which lives in response to the generosity of God. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:16 Pastor Ryan Smith continues our series, "Smoke & Mirrors: Deconstructing Los Angeles with the Book of Ecclesiastes" looking at the brutality and loneliness of the jungle that is Los Angeles. Where do these things come from and where is the better life found? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 The Deconstructor examines how time is not a resource we possess to spend, save, or waste. Time is a current and we have no control over its turns. In light of this, we need to humble ourselves and receive each season as it comes and trust that the end of time is moving toward resurrection. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26 Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Smoke & Mirrors". Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Pastor Ryan Smith begins our next series, Smoke & Mirrors: Deconstructing Los Angeles with the Book of Ecclesiastes. Los Angeles is a city where nothing is lasting, significant or satisfying. Rather, it's all "smoke and mirrors." How can we find a life of substance in our lives "under the sun?" Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Blessed". Numbers 6:22-27; Ephesians 2:11-22 Pastor Isaac Brickner closes out "Blessed" our series in the Priestly Blessing of Numbers 6:22-27, looking at the final pillar of the blessed life: receiving and making peace. When you think of peace, what sort of images come to mind? Most likely it's the absence or acceptance of conflict and chaos. In the Bible, peace is a larger idea the includes the presence of something greater, something God has made for us and now makes through us.

From the series "Blessed". Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 4 As we continue in our "Blessed" series in the Priestly Blessing of Numbers 6:22-27, Pastor Ryan Smith teaches on the blessing of God "lifting up his countenance upon you." What in the world does that even mean?! And in our age of digital distraction, could undivided attention be one of the greatest gifts we could receive from God and give to others? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Blessed". Numbers 6:22-27; Ephesians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 1:7; Exodus 34:6-7 Pastor & Professor Dr. Gerry Breshears from Grace Community Church & Western Seminary in Portland joins us for a look at the grace of God as we continue in our "Blessed" series.

From the series "Blessed". Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 80; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, 4:6 Pastor Ryan Smith continues our series, "Blessed" in the Priestly Blessing of Numbers 6:22-27. If you were to picture Jesus looking at you, what face would he be making? Disappointment? Anger? Apathy? In the third pillar of the blessed life, we are invited to contemplate the shining or smiling face of God. What would it mean for us live out of God's acceptance and delight? And how do we get the assurance that he feels that way about it?

From the series "Blessed". Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 121 Pastor Ryan Smith looks at what it means for God to "keep us" in the Priestly Blessing of Numbers 6:22-27. As we enter into the uncertainty of a new year, what confidence does God's keeping bring? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Blessed". Numbers 6:22-27 Pastor Isaac opens our new series on the Priestly blessing looking at what it means to be blessed and to be a blessing to others.

From the series "The Songs of Christmas". Luke 2:21-38 Most Christmas nativities and pictures include all the major players: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, and the wise men, but not a whole lot about Simeon and Anna. Pastor Ryan walks us through their part of the story here in the final talk in our Christmas series. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "The Songs of Christmas". Luke 2:1-29 Pastor Ryan Smith continues in our "Songs of Christmas" series as we consider the Angels' song in Luke 2:1-29. What is this peace proclaimed by the heavenly host, who is it for, and how do we find it? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "The Songs of Christmas". Luke 1:57-80 Pastor Isaac Brickner continues our "Songs of Christmas" series by looking at the song of John the Baptist's father in Luke 1:57-80. In the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, we're able to see ourselves and our struggle with hopelessness, and in Zechariah's song: the source of hope for our lives and the difference hope makes.

From the series "The Songs of Christmas". Luke 1:26-56 This week we kick off our next series, Songs of Christmas as we look to opening chapters of Luke's Gospel. Pastor Ryan Smith looks at Mary's Song in Luke 1:26-56 and the joy found in God's Gracious Reversal of our present world order through the birth of Jesus. This song challenges our assumptions of who Mary was and what what Christmas is all about. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 13:20, 18:21, 16:24, 27:5–6, 9, 17 As we close out our fall series in the book of Proverbs, Pastor Ryan Smith looks at Proverbs 13:20, 18:21, 16:24, 27:5–6, 9, 17 as both a continuation of the previous week's teaching on Wisdom's Way with Words, but also as a fitting conclusion for those of us wondering, "How do we continue on Wisdom's Way?" Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Wisdom's Way" with Pastor Isaac Brickner. Proverbs 12:13-23, 18:2-21; James 3:1-12

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 11:24-28, 30:7-9 Few things in our lives seemingly have as much impact and get as much of our attention as our wealth, but what is Wisdom's Way with our money? As we continue in our series in Proverbs, Pastor Ryan Smith shows us how our wealth gives away our way as we look at Proverbs 11:24-28; 30:7-9. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 18:9, 21:25-26, 23:4, 24:30-34 How does our work matter to God and how does God matter to our work? Pastor Lorenzo looks at three foolish ways we relate to our work and redirects us to wisdom’s better way.

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 23:29-35, 31:4-9 What is Wisdom's Way with Wine? As we continue in our series in Proverbs, Pastor Ryan Smith looks at foolishness and wisdom in relation to wine (and alcohol) by looking at Proverbs 23:29–35, 31:4–9 Sermon Notes Here

We mark our 6th birthday with Pastors Lorenzo Smith, Ryan Smith, and Isaac Brickner reflecting on where we’re at six years in and using our current series in Proverbs to call our church family to live out the four core identities of a disciple as responsible followers of Jesus, responsible family members, responsible stewards, and responsible disciple-makers.

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 16:32, 25:28, 14:29, 17:27, 4:8 Pastor Ryan Smith opens the back-half of our series in Proverbs: Wisdom's Way by looking at wisdom's chief virtue: self-control. Apart from self-control, our attempts toward the good life depicted in Proverbs will rarely amount to more than the cul-de-sac of desire, aspiration, failure, and shame. In examining Proverbs 16:32, 25:28, 14:29, 17:27, 14:8 and other Proverbs, we begin to see a practical invitation into a life of Wisdom's Way with willpower. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 9:1-18 Over the first eight chapters of Proverbs, the book has depicted us as a young bachelor and Wisdom and Folly as two beautiful women. In chapter 9, Pastor Ryan Smith takes us through the story's dramatic conclusion which weaves together the entire Bible's story of "The Test" placing you at the door of decision. Who will you give your life to? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 8:1-36 Pastor Ryan Smith takes us further in our Wisdom's Way series as we look at Proverbs 8. After the warning of Lady Folly and the call to delight in Lady Wisdom last week, we receive a category-bursting, vivid portrayal of just how wonderful Wisdom is in this passage. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 5:1-7:27 Pastor Ryan Smith continues our series, "Wisdom's Way: Finding the Good Life in Proverbs" as we look over the speech of Proverbs 5-7, where a warning of "the forbidden woman" is expansively and vividly detailed. How does this speech connect to last week's invitation to "marry Lady Wisdom" as the way to life? And what instruction can we find in this speech not just for our sexuality but for all of our lives? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 3:13-4:27 Sometimes it takes a metaphor for us to truly understand the truth of something. In Proverbs 3:13-4:27, Pastor Ryan Smith details the book's personification of wisdom as both the Tree of Life and a potential spouse we are to embrace, love, and cherish. What do these metaphors mean in our understanding of wisdom in the book of Proverbs and in the larger story the Bible is telling? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 3:1-12 Pastor Ryan Smith continues our series in the book of Proverbs as we look at the Good Life or Wisdom's Way, as practically described in 3:1-12. This passage helps us in our journey by acting as both an invitation and an audit. What are the characteristics we ought to pursue and are those present within our lives?

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 2:1-22 Pastor Ryan Smith continues our series, "Wisdom's Way" as we look at Proverbs 2:1-22. After the previous chapter's warning of the way of folly and wickedness, how do we ensure we find and stay on the path of wisdom? And once we find it, what should we expect out of life on Wisdom's Way? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 1:8-33 Guest Pastor Lucas Parks teaches on Proverbs 1:8-33 and the opening chapter's warning of the way of wickedness and foolishness. Unlike we so often believe, we are not all that autonomous. Our lives are lived listening to one of two guiding voices. Proverbs 1 turns up the volume on the voices of folly and wisdom, inviting us to question who's voice is truly guiding the way of our lives.

From the series "Wisdom's Way". Proverbs 1:1-7, 3:19-20, 24:3-4, 30:1-6 Pastor Ryan Smith opens our new series in the book of Proverbs, Wisdom's Way, looking at Proverbs 1:1-7 and the big questions of the purpose and intent of the book. What is the Book of Proverbs? Why was the Book of Proverbs compiled? Who is this book for? And How should it be received? Far more than a compilation of folksy aphorisms, the book of Proverbs brings together the driving themes of the Bible in surprising new ways. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Kaleidoscopic Gospel". Acts 16:25-34 Pastor Ryan Smith closes out our Kaleidoscopic Gospel series as we look at Acts 16:25-34 and the Hope of the Gospel as it transforms the life of the Philippian jailer. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Kaleidoscopic Gospel". Acts 16:16-24 As we continue in our Kaleidoscopic Gospel series, Pastor Ryan Smith teaches on Acts 16:16-24 and the conversion of a slave girl. In following her story, we see how the "power" of the Gospel brings the justice of God to the oppressed and overturns spiritual and human oppression. We're invited to ask how words, works, and wonders are part of our framework for reaching our community with the Gospel. Sermon Notes Here

Pastor Lorenzo gives a ministry update for the quarter. He shares about the current state of the ministry, along with some of the challenges we’re facing and the opportunities we have before us as a family following Jesus together on mission.

From the series "Kaleidoscopic Gospel". Acts 16:11-15 Pastor Ryan Smith continues our Kaleidoscopic Gospel series, looking at Acts 16:11-15 and the conversion of Lydia. In examining her story, we're invited to reflect on the "truth" of the Gospel and how it is the answer to every person's searching, regardless of how "spiritual" or "religious" they may or may not be. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Kaleidoscopic Gospel". Acts 16:1-5 Guest Pastor, Heath Hardesty, continues in our series on evangelism, Kaleidoscopic Gospel, looking at Acts 16:1-5 and the conversion of Timothy. In his story, we find the impact of beauty as revealed in the context of his relationship with his mother and grandmother.

From the series "Kaleidoscopic Gospel". Acts 16:6-10 Pastor Ryan Smith opens our new series on evangelism, Kaleidoscopic Gospel, looking at Acts 16:6-10 and the necessity of determining our calling. With Paul's missionary journey as a roadmap, we see the challenges in searching for our calling, the need our calling is rooted in, and ultimately the calling that is built on the work of our missionary God. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Collective Again". Ephesians 6:10-24 Pastor Ryan Smith closes out our series of Ephesians with a look at the way we succeed as the New Humanity. Paul hinges our victory on the proper identification of the cosmic conflict before us, our dressing for battle in the character of the Messiah, and the priority of perseverant prayer. Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Collective Again". Ephesians 5:21-6:9 Pastor Ryan Smith teaches on the implications of the Gospel on the social order of Ephesus 2000 years ago and Los Angeles today. If Christ is the head of his body, the Church, and he acts as the head through service and self-giving love, what does this mean for those on top or on the bottom of society? Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Collective Again" with Pastor Ryan Smith. Ephesians 4:17-5:2 Continuing from last week's invitation to Collective Transformation, Paul continues to detail this journey as walking in the light (as it pertains to our sexuality) and walking in wisdom (in relation to our influences). Sermon Notes Here

From the series "Collective Again" with Pastor Ryan Smith. Ephesians 4:17-5:2

From the series "Collective Again" with Pastor Lorenzo Smith. Ephesians 4:1-16

From the series "Collective Again" with Pastor Ryan Smith. Ephesians 3:14-21