City Church Tulsa

BOOK OF JUDGES Part 2: The Weak Made Strong Judges 6:1-10 (ESV) 1 The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. 2 And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel, and because of Midian the people of Israel made for themselves the dens that are in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds. 3 For whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them… 6 And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord. 7 When the people of Israel cried out to the Lord on account of the Midianites, 8 the Lord sent a prophet to the people of Israel. And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I led you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of slavery. 9 And I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their l

BOOK OF JUDGES Stuck in the Cycle 5.25.25 Judges 17:6, 21:25 They did what was right in their own eyes…. The book of Judges shows us the consequences of spiritual compromise, the danger of doing what seems right in our own eyes, and the relentless mercy of God. Judges 2:10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Forgetting God rarely starts with rebellion – it starts with distraction, then compromise, then forgetfulness. First generation - Fears God and walks with Him — their faith is personal. Second generation - Inherits the rules but not the relationship — their faith is polite. Third generation - Sees no reason to stay — their faith becomes perverted or abandoned. Judges 2:10-23 10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and

A Farewell Interview with Pastor Jim

A Farewell Interview with Pastor Jim

Thirsty Souls, Empty Wells 4.27.25 John 4:10-15 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” 1) Overflowing wells 2) Neutral wells 3) Dry wells Overflowing Wells - Any source, space, or practice that consistently draws us back to the presence, su

EASTER The Death of Death 4.20.25 GOOD FRIDAY is the day of death. HOLY SATURDAY is the day of waiting. EASTER SUNDAY is the day of resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Peter 3:18-19 Christ suffered once for sins…being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison. If the cross has reminded us that God does not bypass suffering, His resurrection reminds us that God does not leave us there. The resurrection is not just a past event – it’s a present and future reality and invitation. 1. We Live Without Fear John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 2. We Suffer With Hope & Purpose 3. We Live Resurrected Lives Now Romans 6:4 “…just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may live a new life.”

KALEIDOSCOPE OF THE CROSS Palm Sunday: Barabbas or Jesus? 4.13.25 Palm Sunday and the journey to the cross always confronts our assumptions and challenges our unmet expectations. When we worship a version of Jesus that doesn’t exist, unmet expectations can turn our adoration into rejection. Matthew 27:17, 20-21 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. Barabbas represents the violent, force-driven pursuit of power and control. Jesus represents the countercultural way of the kingdom of God, characterized by the cross and sacrificial love. Every single time we try to bring about God’s kingdom through force, or political power, or control, we reveal that we don’t fully understand the cross.

The Center That Holds Talk Notes 4-6-25 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." Colossions 1:1-20 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created:things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making pea

KALEIDOSCOPE OF THE CROSS The Cross as Reconciliation 3.30.25 The cross reconciles humanity to God (vertical), people to one another (horizontal), and all of creation to its Creator. Colossians 1:19-23 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. Ephesians 2:11-22 11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you wer

KALEIDOSCOPE OF THE CROSS Our Enduring Model of Discipleship Matthew 16:24 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:22-24 NIV “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns. Then Jesus said to his disciples, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” • A theology of glory (victory) “ the theologian of glory does not know God hidden in suffering. Therefore he prefers works to suffering, glory to the cross, strength to weakness, wisdom to folly, and, in general, good to evil." - Martin Luther • A theology of the cross The clearest image of God—the fullness of who God is and the pinnacle of His self-revelation—is the crucified Christ. “In Christian discip

KALEIDOSCOPE OF THE CROSS The Lamb on the Throne 3.16.25 John 1:29 Look, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 19:14 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. Revelation 5:1-14 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it.4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” 6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been

KALEIDOSCOPE OF THE CROSS God Revealed 3.9.25 Since the beginning of human history, the primary question humanity has asked is: What is God really like? John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Colossians 1:15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. The clearest image of God—the fullness of who God is and the pinnacle of His self-revelation—is the crucified Christ. Romans 5:6-8 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. When

DEVOTED Devoted to a Common Mission 3.2.25 Acts 2:42-47 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. We often want the benefits of Acts 2:47 without the sacrifice and commitment of Acts 2:42-46. Unhealthy churches cater to consumer Christians. Healthy churches commit to making disciples - no matter the cost.   God—the Trinity—is, by nature, a sending God: The Father sent the Son into the world to bring salvation – redemption. The Father and the

Devoted to Life Together 2-23-2025 "Recognition is the first human quest.” Andy Crouch God's Vision from the beginning: • We were created for uninterrupted relationship with God • We were created for relationship with others Human flourishing is inescapably connected to both God and others. Ephesians 2:14-19 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." The way of Jesus and the aim of s

DEVOTED Devoted to Hospitality & Generosity 2.16.25 Acts 2:42-45 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. The miracle of the Spirit is seen in people breaking from the power money holds over them, forming a new kind of economy – one shaped by divine love rather than accumulation. – Willie James Jennings MAIN IDEA: As we are transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and led by the Holy Spirit, it reshapes how we see our time, talent, and treasure, and we joyfully offer them to others for the sake of the kingdom of God. Acts 4:32-35 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to te

Feb. 9th, 2025 Devoted to Prayer Self-reliance is often celebrated as a mark of success and maturity in our culture today Acts 2:42-44 The Believers Form a Community 42All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. When we prioritize self-reliance, we miss out on the richness of what God intended and designed for us to experience. James 1:22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. Philippians 2:3-5 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset of Christ

DEVOTED Devoted to the Gospel 2.2.25 Acts 2:41-42 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Willie James Jennings, Commentary on Acts… The church was being carried forward by the incredible power of the Holy Spirit, but now they had to commit themselves to the daily transforming practices of the Spirit. Just like the winds of the Holy Spirit were blowing through the house at Pentecost, now the wind of the Spirit was blowing through structured and settled ways of living – the ordinary – the everyday. Between the occasional spectacular moments in the church are many ordinary days that require steadfast devotion. Four pillars of devotion: 1) Apostles’ Teaching (the gospel) 2) Fellowship – Life Together 3) Breaking of Bread 4) Prayer What does it mean to be a church DEVOTED to the GOSPEL? 1. Devotion to the

DEVOTED Vision Sunday 1.26.25 “The danger is not that the church becomes irrelevant to the world; it’s that the church becomes indistinguishable from the world.” – Mark Sayers, Reappearing Church Force #1: A society that has become increasingly individualistic • The Enlightenment (17th-18th century) • Protestant Reformation (16th century) • Capitalism and the Industrial Revolution • Urbanization and Modernization • Postmodernism and Secularization (20th century) • Technological advancements, Human Rights movements, a culture of consumerism Summary: All of these forces collectively shifted values from communal interdependence to personal freedoms and self-expression. Force #2: A church shaped by a culture of consumerism • Post-Reformation changes • First and Second Great Awakening (18th-19th century) • Urbanization • The Evangelical Movement (mid 20th century) • The Megachurch movement - celebrity culture – production-oriented churches Summary: The evangelical church in America has prioritized attractio

Pyramid Scheme Part 2 1-19-25 Practices create the space where transformation can take place. The Sabbath and the 4th commandment is an act of trust in the subversive, exodus-causing God of the first commandment, an act of submission to the restful God of commandments one, two, and three. Sabbath is a practical divestment so that neighborly engagement, rather than production and consumption, defines our lives. Walter Brueggemann Sabbath is countercultural. Sabbath is an act of resistance. Sabbath marks our identity as God’s people. Matthew 7:13-14 13 ‘Go in by the narrow gate. The gate that leads to destruction, you see, is nice and wide, and the road going there has plenty of room. Lots of people go that way. 14 But the gate leading to life is narrow, and the road going there is a tight squeeze. Not many people find their way through. Pharaoh’s system: • System of restlessness and anxiety • System of acquisition and pursuit of more • System that abuses others for gain • Syste

PYRAMID SCHEME Part 1 1.12.25 What does it look like for us to live in such a way that our daily and weekly rhythms lead us to a transformed life? Genesis 1:31-2:3 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. We serve a God who works and rests. God establishes a creation rhythm where work and productivity are the inhale, and rest and Sabbath are the exhale. Exodus 20:8-11 8 “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant