Renewed in Embodiment: Embodied Life with God
Mark Brandon Alred Mark Brandon Alred

Renewed in Embodiment: Embodied Life with God

Matthew 21:1–11

Many of us have come to believe our bodies are bad, or at least neutral containers of the real us. But Jesus shows us something radically different, inviting us into a far richer and more holistic understanding of our selves as bodies.

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Renewed in Listening: Scripture & Prayer
Mark Brandon Alred Mark Brandon Alred

Renewed in Listening: Scripture & Prayer

Matthew 4:1–11

The Scriptures played a key role in the life of Jesus and in the life of God's people for centuries. Is there a way for us to move beyond some of the abusive, simplistic, and cynical ways we relate to the Scriptures in order to recover something redemptive? I think so.

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Renewed in Life Together
Mark Brandon Alred Mark Brandon Alred

Renewed in Life Together

Matthew 12:46-50

If we are made for love then our relationships are vital to our spiritual life. But what does redemptive, Jesus centered community look like?

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Renewed in Fasting…and Feasting
Mark Guest User Mark Guest User

Renewed in Fasting…and Feasting

Luke 11:13-19

Spiritual disciplines help us navigate the strong currents of the world. Feasting and fasting give us tools to stand within but in protest of the evil world, in an embodied way, a way that longs for and celebrates the Kingdom of God here and now.

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Renewed by Grace: A Life of Prayer
Mark Brandon Alred Mark Brandon Alred

Renewed by Grace: A Life of Prayer

Luke 18:35-43

Jesus invites us to come and follow Him. But what does that look like in the chaos and busyness of our everyday lives? The answer could revolutionize your life.

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Living in a World of Pain
Mark Brandon Alred Mark Brandon Alred

Living in a World of Pain

Romans 8:18-25

What do we make of a world filled with suffering and pain? Why do we suffer? What does our suffering say about God and us? The answer is not one that allows us to escape our present suffering, but does offer us substantial hope as we endure it.

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Sons of God
Mark Brandon Alred Mark Brandon Alred

Sons of God

Romans 8:14-17

Familial language about God can be hard. We import all sorts of baggage and the waters of God's intentions towards us get cloudy. But maybe this can offer a bit of clarity.

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Coming Back to Life
Mark Brandon Alred Mark Brandon Alred

Coming Back to Life

Romans 8:9-13

We want to follow Jesus but often feel stuck between religious performance and apathy. Is there another way? Have you tried coming back to life?

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A Brave New World
Mark Brandon Alred Mark Brandon Alred

A Brave New World

Romans 8:5–8

God's invitation into a brave new world means seeing the world through the lens of God's subversive action at work in it and in you and this changes everything.

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No Condemnation
Mark Brandon Alred Mark Brandon Alred

No Condemnation

Romans 8:1-4

The most hopeful idea you'll ever hear is not about an escape, away into God's future, but about how God's future breaks into your present. And this good news changes everything.

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The Gift of Anticipation | Advent II: Faith
Mark Guest User Mark Guest User

The Gift of Anticipation | Advent II: Faith

Advent is a season of preparation. One that teaches us to anticipate the ultimate advent of Christ. Our hearts and spirits primed, we wait with expectation during this holiday season. As we do, we remind ourselves of God's coming kingdom, assured of God's faithfulness, and reflecting the fullness of Christ Himself.

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A quiet life: Justice
Mark Brandon Alred Mark Brandon Alred

A quiet life: Justice

The stories we hear and believe shape the types of lives we live. So how does the story of Jesus' death, resurrection, and promised return give us daily vocation and mission?

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A quiet life: Rhythms
Mark Brandon Alred Mark Brandon Alred

A quiet life: Rhythms

The stories we hear and believe shape the types of lives we live. So how does the story of Jesus' death, resurrection, and promised return give us daily vocation and mission?

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A quiet life: Gathering (Copy)
Mark Brandon Alred Mark Brandon Alred

A quiet life: Gathering (Copy)

The stories we hear and believe shape the types of lives we live. So how does the story of Jesus' death, resurrection, and promised return give us daily vocation and mission?

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A quiet life: Gathering
Mark Guest User Mark Guest User

A quiet life: Gathering

Hebrews 10:19-25

Busy, stressed, tired, and just plain worn out. How we can begin to pursue a quiet life that will transform us and maybe even the cosmos by gathering together week after week?

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The spiritual practice of wonder
Mark Guest User Mark Guest User

The spiritual practice of wonder

Mark 10:13-16

We know the good news, but it is sometimes hard to fully receive and live in it. Scripture tells us that children are experts at receiving the kingdom of God. How then could we model our spiritual life after the kids among us? The spiritual practice of wonder helps us answer that question.

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