To take God’s name in vain is much more than simply using it as a curse
word. Blaspheme is a symptom of something bigger. ‘In vain’ means 'to
empty.' So, we’re called, not to empty God’s name of its fullness, but
rather to fill it with the fullness of God's nature and His work.
By His name, God has made Himself known: He revealed Himself to the
Israelites as ‘The great I am', the one and only true God, the 'Beginning
and the End'. And, in the person of Jesus, he has fully revealed himself to
the whole world. His name is Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Prince of
Peace, Everlasting Lord.
When we fill God’s name with the fullness of His nature, we see Him more
clearly, giving Him His rightful status and place in our lives and the
world. To fill God’s name with its fullness is also to acknowledge the
unique work Jesus has done in making us right with God, beckoning us into
God’s presence.
When we don’t empty God’s name of its nature and work, our prayer and
worship lives are transformed. We approach God with confidence, not in our
own name but in Jesus’ name, knowing He is the great God, whose name is
above all other names, who can do anything for us his children.
By Ed Flint
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Testimony Sunday.
It’s a regular rhythm for us at bread to share stories of how Jesus is
meeting us in real time in our lives.
Today we’ll hear from five people in our community as they testify to the
ways the voice of God is meeting them in each of their unique journeys.
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Jonah (…).
Throughout this short exploration of the book of Jonah, we have been
confronted with the radical – and uncomfortable - nature of God as being
full of compassion. If we are on the receiving end, it is quite lovely! But
when we are charged to proclaim that mercy to others – at least some of
whom we would prefer not be given the opportunity to hear it lest they
repent! – it is a different story.
In a world in which we are weaponized against one another, Jonah calls us,
in spite of himself, to learn compassion from God – and especially towards
those we think, perhaps accurately, least deserving of it. If we are going
to be at all useful in partnering with God to save the world, it is a
lesson needing to be learned.
By Bill Dogterom
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Nineveh repents.
As we dive into Jonah chapter 3, we find a reluctant prophet carrying a
very short message to his enemies in Nineveh.
In this talk, we explore a few questions together: What does it mean for us
that the whole capital city of such a brutal empire responded so
spectacularly to God’s invitation (even to include the animals!)? What’s
with all the mourning clothes and ashes? And what does “repentance” even
mean, for our context? What is the Spirit of God inviting us to, and how
can we join him?
By Nelly D'Alessandro
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Jonah repents (kind of).
Everybody loves a redemption arc, and it's tempting to try to give one to
Jonah by the end of Chapter 2. But has Jonah really had a change of heart,
or just a change of mind?
After a series of chaotic events, the action in our story hits a complete
halt. 3 days and 3 nights of silence. Darkness. Leaving Jonah alone with
his thoughts, and with his God. Not only has Jonah run physically from
where God called him to be, he has traveled spiritually to the depths of
Sheol.
In this talk, we explore Jonah's prayer inside the belly of the fish, and
what it shows us about Jonah's heart. Jonah might not be ready to love his
enemies, but he is ready to recognize how his path was leading him to death
and God' faithfulness through it. He is finally ready to obey, albeit
through clenched teeth.
By Tavia Grubbs
Weekly talks from bread, in Hollywood, CA.
Bread is an open-minded, Spirit-filled, non-denominational church in the heart of Los Angeles. We believe in the world-changing power of Jesus and the present day work of the Holy Spirit.
South Africa