VISIT US:
36 East Victoria St.
Santa Barbara
FOLLOW US:

God’s Lineage

Bible Text: Matthew 1:1–17 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Christmas in Matthew

The gifts have been opened, the egg nog has been drunk, the cookies have been eaten, and the families have been visited—or at least Zoomed. But in the midst of all the festivities, did you catch the beauty and mystery of Christmas? Did you consider who that baby in the manger would be and what he would do? God’s power in the world often comes in surprising and hidden ways, but it always comes to flawed and broken people. Join us this Sunday as we worship the King who came to be with his people.

The Empathy We Need Most

Bible Text: Jonah 4 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Jonah

When we are in the wrong, we long for grace. But when someone has wronged us, we often want the offender to get what they deserve. We want grace for ourselves, but karma for others. How can we go from hating our enemies to loving them and even rejoicing when they receive grace? Join us this week as we conclude our series on the Old Testament prophet Jonah.

Repentance

Bible Text: Jonah 1:17–2:2–9; 3:1–10 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Jonah

Sometimes we have a complicated relationship to change. We hear people say, “You are perfect just the way you are.” Yet there are countless voices telling us that the way we are isn’t that great after all and if we just tried a little harder, we could and should be better—often with a hefty price tag. Rarely do we step back and ask the crucial questions: Is change possible? How can we get there? Join us this Sunday as we continue our series on a prophet named Jonah who experienced and offered a radical change.

Unrelenting Grace

Bible Text: Jonah 1:4–16 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Jonah

As kids we love to play hide and seek. For most of us, it isn’t the hiding that is the fun part but the joy of finding and being found. Eventually, though, we grow up and become experts at hiding. We may even feel like we can hide from God. What does it mean that God is an unrelenting seeker who doesn’t give up on us? What does it mean to be found by God? Join us this Sunday as we continue our sermon series on the Biblical story of Jonah.

God’s Mission and Ours

Bible Text: Jonah 1:1–6 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Jonah

Why am I here? This is the existential question. And it is not just a question for those who don’t know God. Christians often ask why God has chosen to leave them on this earth. Why are we here as a church? Archbishop William Temple is often remembered as saying that ῾῾The Church is the only institution that exists primarily for the benefit of those who are not its members.” And it is true, from the beginning God’s people have been called for the sake of the world. But throughout history God’s people have often lost sight of this. This week we are starting a new series on the book of Jonah, a book that reminds God’s people that they exist for the life of the world. If you are a Christian, come rediscover why we exist. If you are not a Christian, I hope you will find that we are here for you.

Snatch Others from the Fire

Bible Text: Jude 23, Luke 15:1–10 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Jude: Exhortations for Tenuous Times

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not good advice; it is good news. It is the news that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ accomplished salvation for all who depend on him in faith. Good advice tells us what to do. Good news tell us what has been done. Yet in a world of suspicion, how do we convince others that the gospel of Jesus Christ is really good news for them?

Waiting for Mercy

Bible Text: Jude 21; Hebrews 11:1–2; 13–16 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Jude: Exhortations for Tenuous Times

Mercy is a rare commodity in our day and age. We sometimes suppose that we live in a meritocracy, where everyone gets exactly what they deserve. On our best days, we prefer it this way and gloat in the places where our hard work has paid off. Perhaps we even look down at those who suffer and blame them for bad decisions. When we fail, however, we desire mercy—someone or something to cover for our mistakes. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series on the Book of Jude.

Build Yourselves Up in Faith

Bible Text: Jude 20; Hebrews 5:12-6:3 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Jude: Exhortations for Tenuous Times

“I believe; help my unbelief!” It was a cry for help uttered by a father who wanted Jesus to heal his son, but in a way, his request is the prayer of every Christian. We know that salvation comes by grace through faith, but what do we do when our faith is weak? Join us this Sunday as we continue our sermon series from The Book of Jude.

A Gracious Greeting

Bible Text: Jude 1-2 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Jude: Exhortations for Tenuous Times

Full gyms on January 2 are vacated by the end of February. Whether it is cleaning out your closet, starting a new exercise routine, or reading through Leviticus, it is hard to keep going, especially in the face of adversity. How can we persevere? It is an important question, especially when we are talking about following Jesus. This week we are starting a new series on the book of Jude, who reminds us that it is the love of Jesus that keeps us going. We hope you will join us.

Absolum’s Story

Bible Text: 2 Samuel 15:1-12 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: The Stories We Live By

Betrayal always hurts, but the pain of betrayal is directly related to the measure of love. The greater the love, the greater the pain of betrayal. How can we love those who have betrayed us? Can trust ever be restored? What about when we are the betrayers? How can we be at peace? Join us this Sunday as we conclude our series on the stories of First and Second Samuel.