Babylon was the great empire of the Ancient Near East. It was a center of cultural, military, and political power, and conquered numerous nations, assimilating them into the empire. This included the Judeans who were taken into exile and struggled to maintain their distinct identity as the people of God amidst the captivity. Today we face a similar struggle. The United States is a center of military and political power and has assimilated people around the world by exporting our culture and values. But all is not well in the empire of America and political division is just the tip of the iceberg. How can we live well in this new empire? How can we be faithful to Jesus amidst rising anxiety and fear? What does faithful political engagement look like? Join us for Redeeming Babylon, as we explore a better way forward together. Week 2 of Redeeming Babylon

Teacher: Ryan Miller Sir, Ma’am, Pastor, Father, Senator, Congressman, Mr. / Mrs. President - when someone holds a position of leadership or authority we address them differently. We extend respect and honor. But what if the person who holds the office isn’t particularly worthy of respect? How are we to interact with our leaders and what should we expect from them? What makes someone worthy of respect? What makes a great leader? Jesus had a lot to say about power and influence and his words are just as important today as they were when he spoke them 2000 years ago.

Babylon was the great empire of the Ancient Near East. It was a center of cultural, military, and political power, and conquered numerous nations, assimilating them into the empire. This included the Judeans who were taken into exile and struggled to maintain their distinct identity as the people of God amidst the captivity. Today we face a similar struggle. The United States is a center of military and political power and has assimilated people around the world by exporting our culture and values. But all is not well in the empire of America and political division is just the tip of the iceberg. How can we live well in this new empire? How can we be faithful to Jesus amidst rising anxiety and fear? What does faithful political engagement look like? Join us for Redeeming Babylon, as we explore a better way forward together. Week 1 of Redeeming Babylon

Teacher: Jacob Heinz Land of the free and home of the brave. The American experiment has brought immigrants from all over the world to a new land where they’ve become citizens of the most diverse nation in history. Diversity has numerous benefits but can also come with real tension. The New Testament calls followers of Jesus foreigners and exiles in every land they live in. What does that mean for us today? How can we be citizens of the United States and citizens of the Kingdom of God? How do we navigate our civil and political responsibilities while pointing to the Kingdom in a broken and divided world?

In a hot dry climate, like ours, we endure months on end without rain. As temperatures rise we wait for the relief of rainfall and we long to see the city turn green once more. We live in a hostile spiritual climate as well, longing to see the holy spirit dwell in our city. We long to see hearts changed and lives transformed by the living water. But we know that rain is coming, and we know what to do when the lightning strikes. Join Damascus Road for this series that invites us to participate in the move of the spirit and become a witnessing community.

Week 3 of When Lightning Strikes

Teacher: Devynn Brankel Based on Breaking the Huddle by Don Everts, Doug Schaupp, and Val Gordon