Emerge Berkeley

Spiritual distance often grows quietly through divided attention rather than outright rebellion. James invites us to draw near to God with sincerity and humility. This sermon reframes repentance not as shame or withdrawal, but as a movement toward relationship. In worship, we embody this posture of nearness through kneeling or bowing—physical expressions of humility and openness as we turn our hearts back toward God.

Religious activity can easily replace real transformation. Through Micah, God reveals that worship disconnected from justice, mercy, and humility misses His heart. This message invites us to reconsider what faithfulness truly looks like. As part of our worship, we practice silence—not as absence, but as attentiveness—creating space to listen, reflect, and allow God to shape our hearts beyond words and activity.

Life is short, and time moves fast. Don’t enter the new year on autopilot; step forward with vision, purpose, and the courage to take action in areas that matter most.

On Christmas Sunday we celebrate the ultimate awakening: the Word became flesh. Jesus enters our darkness with life and light.

Mary’s song wasn’t safe; it was bold faith in a messy moment. The angels didn’t just sing; they announced that heaven had broken in. These songs weren’t sentimental; they were revolutionary. Advent reminds us to listen for the sound of hope in unexpected places.

The miracle of Immanuel is that God Himself came to dwell among us. His presence transforms fear into faith and brokenness into hope.

The Messiah was promised as a great light shining in darkness. Advent calls us to see Jesus as God’s light breaking through the darkness of hopelessness.

Align daily choices with what truly lasts, so your life has direction, meaning, and impact beyond the moment. Who you are shapes how you think. How you think shapes how you live. And how you live determines what you anticipate, what you prioritize, and ultimately who you become.

Life gives us meaningful opportunities all the time. This message teaches how to recognize and respond to these opportunities before they pass by.

Mark 13 comes near the end of Jesus’ ministry, when He’s preparing His disciples for a future they don’t fully understand. He doesn’t give them a timeline. He gives them a way of life: Be humble before mystery, Be attentive in the present, and Be faithful in the ordinary. 

Life is moving fast—this message challenges us to stop going through the motions and start noticing what really matters.

God told His people to go up the mountain, bring wood, and build the house—then He would take pleasure in it and be glorified.

The altar fire must never go out. God’s Spirit ignites fresh passion when we refuse to live on yesterday’s flame.

Jesus cleansed the temple, demanding it be a house of prayer. Renewal begins when God’s people realign their worship around His presence.

Elijah confronted Israel’s divided devotion. God calls us to tear down idols of comfort, distraction, and compromise so He alone is Lord.

Jeremiah places God's people at a crossroads, they must choose between divided devotion or the ancient path of covenant faithfulness.

The end goal of following Jesus isn’t just spiritual depth, it’s missional impact. You were created to make a difference. In our final week of Unfollow, we’ll discover how to live sent in your everyday world, on campus, in your career, and beyond. Let’s unfollow comfort and step into God’s calling.