Two thirds of the Bible's songbook -- the Psalms-- express lament, depression, discouragement, anguish, grief, dismay, and anger to God. These are the "abandonment songs" and they encourage us because here we discover, in God's book, that we are not the first generation to question God, have doubts, and be discouraged and cast down by His actions and inaction.

Scripture Reading - Psalm 13

1 How long, LORD? Will you utterly forget me?
        How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I carry sorrow in my soul,
    grief in my heart day after day?
  How long will my enemy triumph over me?
 
3 Look upon me, answer me, LORD, my God!
    Give light to my eyes lest I sleep in death, 
4 Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed,”
    lest my foes rejoice at my downfall.

5 But I trust in your
    Grant my heart joy in your salvation,
I will sing to the LORD, 
    for he has dealt bountifully with me!
 

SERMON NOTES

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Here are some resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

A Psalm 13 Inspired Playlist - Songs that came to me (Mark) this week as I was reflecting on Psalm 13... 

Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure is a reflection on the Psalms by one of the great English pastors, D. Martin Lloyd Jones. Areas he touches include:

• 1. Regrets in life hurt our trust in God
• 2. Sin can taint our faith in God
• 3. Emotions hinder our life in ways that we don't even know
• 4. Fear can cause us to be like a ship without a rudder

And many more. He lays out the causes (which are many) and the cures (which must be applied). This is not a quick read... it is a classic to encourage study, reflection, and personal application.

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

Unity is a regular theme in the psalms... Psalm 133 is 3 short verses that Jews and Christians alike treasure for its celebration and value of unity. Whoever thought that unity might be both counter-cultural and essential?

Scripture Reading - Psalm 133

How good and how pleasant it is, 
        when brothers dwell together as one! 
2     Like fine oil on the head,
        running down upon the beard,
    Upon the beard of Aaron,
        upon the collar of his robe. 
3     Like dew of Hermon coming down
        upon the mountains of Zion.
    There the LORD has decreed a blessing, 
        life for evermore!

SERMON NOTES

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

DAMON'S SONG OF SUMMER

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Here are some resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

This week 2 of our global partners from Ukraine and the Middle East share with us...

Online Giving:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Additional Resources

Power, Faith, and Fantasy by Michael Oren, looks at the history of the United States in the Middle East from 1776 to the present. This book is at once inspiring, heart-breaking, and adventurous as Oren presents this story which has largely been untold. This is an epic tale vividly narrated.

The Real Kosher Jesus by Michael Brown. He has been called a rabbi, a rebel, a reformer, a religious teacher, a reprobate sinner, a revolutionary, a redeemer. Some have claimed he was a magician, others the Messiah. Some say he was a deceiver; others say he was divine. Who is this Jesus-Yeshua, and why are we still talking about him two thousand years later?
     The Real Kosher Jesus takes you on a journey to uncover the truth. It is a journey filled with amazing discoveries and delightful surprises, a journey that is sometimes painful but that ends with joy, a journey through which you will learn the real story of this man named Yeshua: the most famous Jew of all time, the Jewish nation’s greatest prophet, the most illustrious rabbi ever, the light of the nations and Israel’s hidden Messiah. 

The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine by Serhii Plokhy. This book is a history of the Ukraine that goes back to the Greeks and brings you to the current crisis facing Ukraine today. Some of the battle narratives can get a little tedious but don't let this stop you from reading this book.

Upcoming Opportunities:

Spiritual Conversations: How to Engage Your Friends & Neighbors
Aug 9 & 24 | 6:30-8:00pm, Youth Center

Our two-part class will equip you with the tools you need to engage your friends and neighbors in spiritual conversations, helping you to gauge where they are in their own spiritual journey, and to know how you can witness Jesus as they need it. There will be opportunity to go out and practice, then come back together to reflect and debrief on your experiences in order to help you continue to grow your skills as an evangelist. Let's go out and make disciples of all nations!  For more info, contact Rose Males rosemareemales@gmail.com

Morning News and Info

Join us in the Fellowship Center following this morning's service for a Q & A with Mike and Roma... don't worry there will be bagels!

THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT

Scripture reading - Psalm 84

1      How lovely are Your dwelling places, 
    O LORD of hosts!
2     My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; 
    My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3     The bird also has found a house, 
    And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, 
    Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, 
    My King and my God.
4     How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! 
    They are ever praising You.

5        How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, 
    In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
6     Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; 
    The early rain also covers it with blessings.
7     They go from strength to strength, 
    Every one of them appears before God in Zion.

8        O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; 
    Give ear, O God of Jacob!
9     Behold our shield, O God, 
    And look upon the face of Your anointed.
10     For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. 
    I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God
    Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11     For the LORD God is a sun and shield; 
    The LORD gives grace and glory; 
    No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12     O LORD of hosts, 
    How blessed is the man who trusts in You!

Sermon Notes

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

Check out Ryan's favorite psalm - the Introvert's Song

Additional Resources

Here are some resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

Here is a playlist of some of Mark's favorite Home and Highway songs.

Here are Spotify playlists if you are interested: Spotify "Homesick" songs and Spotify "Highway" songs.

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 8

O LORD, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth!
  I will sing of your majesty above the heavens
3 with the mouths of babes and infants.
You have established a bulwark against your foes, 
to silence enemy and avenger.

4 When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and stars that you set in place— 
5What is man that you are mindful of him,
and a son of man that you care for him?
6 Yet you have made him little less than a god,
crowned him with glory and honor. 
7 You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
put all things at his feet: 
8 All sheep and oxen,even the beasts of the field, 
9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, 
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.

10    O LORD, our Lord, 
how awesome is your name through all the earth!

Sermon Notes

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

Additional Resources

Here are some resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; 
        there is nothing I lack. --
2     In green pastures he makes me lie down;
        to still waters he leads me; 
3         he restores my soul.
    He guides me along right paths
        for the sake of his name. 
4     Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
        I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
        your rod and your staff comfort me.

Psa. 23.5       You set a table before me
        in front of my enemies;
    You anoint my head with oil;
        my cup overflows.
6     Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me
        all the days of my life;
    I will dwell in the house of the LORD
        for endless days.

Sermon Notes

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

Online Giving:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Additional Resources

Here are some resources we recommend as we reflect on the Psalms this summer:

Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book. 

A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial.  Also available as an audible book.

Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.

31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.

This week we preview our summer series, "Songs of Summer". Over summer's weeks we will look at some of the songs of the Bible (Psalms) that have expressed the joy, sorrows, victories, and disappointments that have released people of faith to sing to God as they do faith together.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community. 

This week we completed a journey we began on Sept 29, 2013 when we kicked off our study of "Romans: A letter from a life ruined by Jesus.". This is our final reflection on Romans and the "ruined life" we are called to enjoy.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community. 

This week we look at the people Paul greets (Romans 16.1-16) and we see how they illustrate the message he has been about all along. Paul's gospel confesses that Jesus is Lord OF all and his gospel testifies that Jesus is Lord FOR all. His network of relationships reflects an intentional diversity and inclusivity that sets the "gold standard" for all of us. 

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community. 

This week we begin to look at Paul's summary thoughts as he addresses Jewish and
Non-Jewish followers of Jesus in Rome. Paul directs their attention to the incredible truth that our changed lives will change lives because lives that have been "ruined" by Jesus will "ruin" the lives of others. Listen and reflect with us...

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community.

This week we look at Paul's closing thoughts as he winds down the main body of his epic letter to the Romans. Who knew that it would all come down to the quality and unity of the local church community? Who knew that Paul could foresee that division and disunity would compromise our integrity and cripple our mission? A fruitful community will by a united community. What does that mean for us? Everything... join us as we reflect on this.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community.

There was a crisis in the Roman Church between the Jewish followers of Jesus and the Gentiles. One group was not accepting the other. This leads Paul to implore them to affirm their unity and accept one another as Christ accepted them. Their experience challenges us to consider how do we think about acceptance? Our own self-acceptance? Our acceptance of others? And most of all God's acceptance of us?

Also this week we meet Zak McGaugh, creator of the podcast, Diversity of Thought. To subscribe click here.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community.

Everyone needs perseverance. Ever had a setback or a surprise? Ever felt taken advantage of by someone you trusted? Ever felt tempted to compromise your integrity in an attempt to protect yourself? Who hasn't?! Everyone is tempted, at one time or another, to throw in the towel – especially when we lose sight of God's promises. Everyone needs to cultivate perseverance. Join us, along with our guest speaker Jim Hayford, as we explore perseverance this week.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community.

We don't do unity well. According to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity (CSGC) at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, there are approximately 41,000 Christian denominations and organizations in the world. Jesus prayed for our unity. Jesus demonstrated a commitment to unity. Jesus labored for unity. So what is wrong with us?! This week we begin to look at Paul's appeal to the Roman church to be united. Our life and mission depend on it.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community.

Ever wonder what was going on in the life of the first followers of Jesus one week after Easter Sunday? We actually know because one of the 12 apostle, John, wrote about it! So what was happening a week later? Jesus was caring for those struggling with doubt in the reality of His presence! Listen with us...

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community.

Happy week after Easter! On Easter Sunday, Pastor Vince noticed how the apostle John makes it known for all time that both he and Peter ran to the empty tomb of Jesus-- but John was faster! There were 2 others words that he noted... that they "stooped" and they "returned home". How can we apply our own lives to this passage?

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community.

Pastor Benji looks back to the apostle Paul's self-description of himself: "Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus." We can't understand Paul's instruction about submitting to government in Romans 13 without remembering that he was not a "slave of the emperor"; he was "a slave of Jesus". But what does that mean for us today?

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, additional resources to the morning message, and some general info about our community. Click below to view.

This week, Pastor Benji, looks back to the apostle Paul's self-description of himself: "Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus." We can't understand Paul's instruction about submitting to government in Romans 13 without remembering that he was not a "slave of the emperor"; he was "a slave of Jesus". But what does that mean for us today?

We use LIVE events to post sermon notes, resources, and info about what is happening around the FCC community. Click here.

We are living in epic times. The disruption of nations and the relocation of people is the largest in history. The UN Refugee Agency reported that in 2014 59.5 million people worldwide were displaced. "Globally, one in every 122 humans is now either a refugee, internally displaced, or seeking asylum. If this were the population of a country, it would be the world’s 24th biggest." And, as we all know, many are landing here in San Diego. Jesus said to his disciples: "Go into all the world..." The truth is we no longer have to go very far. 

This week's speaker is Jim Scott, Associate Director of Foursquare Missions International. You will find his reflection encouraging, empowering, and challenging. We live in times of great opportunity.

In response to Sunday's message we are encouraging donations to the Alliance for African Assistance which works with refugees from Africa and the Middle East. You can make a contribution through our website. On the giving form under missions select "Relief Missions" and 100% of what you donate will be given.

You can also give directly to the Alliance, here.

We use LIVE events to provide message notes, info about upcoming opportunities, and additional resources. Click here to view.

This week Fernando Castillo, our District Supervisor (think "bishop") led us in a reflection on how to live when God doesn't answer our prayers the way we would like. How often has many of us received answered prayer for a parking space in a crowded lot but did not see God move on our behalf on behalf of family members who are suffering? Unanswered prayer hurts and challenges our trust in a loving God. Unanswered prayer is a reason why many walk away from an abiding faith in God. How shall we live when God doesn't answer our prayers our way? 

We use LIVE event to post notes, resources, and information. Click here to access.