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This Week at Genesis | Why Will Jesus Save Me? What does the resurrection actually mean for us? In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul reminds us that the gospel stands on the reality that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead. This message explores the evidence for the resurrection and what it means for our lives today. Through the stories of Emmaus, Thomas, and Peter, we see that the risen Jesus meets us in disappointment, renews our faith when we struggle to believe, and restores us to our true calling. The resurrection is not only something we believe happened—it is the hope that Jesus still reveals Himself, renews us, and restores us. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1–15, Luke 24:13–35, John 20:24–29, John 21:1–19 ✨ Themes: The resurrection, the gospel, evidence for the resurrection, faith, doubt, disappointment, Jesus revealing Himself, renewing our faith, restoration, calling, hope, the risen Christ About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | The Elegance of the Cross What makes the cross so central to the Christian faith? In The Elegance of the Cross, Jonah walks through the story of sacrifice—from the Old Testament offerings to Jesus, the fully God and fully human Son who willingly gave Himself for us. Through the language of sacrifice, the Lamb, atonement, and the once-for-all offering of Christ, we’re invited to see the cross not simply as an event in history, but as the clearest picture of God’s love, presence, and purpose. The question is ultimately personal: Where is Jesus in your story, and how is the cross shaping the way you live? Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Genesis 3:15, John 1:1–18, Leviticus 17:11, Leviticus 1:3, Leviticus 4:33, Exodus 29:38–39, Hebrews 10:1–7, Numbers 15:30, Matthew 27:46, Isaiah 53:5–6, Hebrews 7:26–27, John 10:18, Revelation 5:6, Mark 2:5–7, Matthew 27:51, Galatians 6:14 ✨ Themes: The elegance of the cross, Jesus fully God and fully human, the incarnation, sacrifice and atonement, Jesus as the Lamb, substitution, the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, the blood and life, forgiveness of sins, Jesus’ willing sacrifice, God dwelling among us, the centrality of the cross, grace and redemption, the presence of God, responding to Jesus, self-righteousness and self-glorification, boasting in the cross About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | Why Would Jesus Save Me? As we continue our 8-week series exploring the gospel of Jesus, Chris takes us back to the beginning to ask what kind of Savior we actually need. In Genesis 3, humanity’s rebellion brings shame, fear, blame, and distance from God—but even there, God points toward a coming Savior. John 1 reveals that this Savior is Jesus: fully God and fully human, the Word who became flesh and made His dwelling among us. Through the stories of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, we see a Jesus who not only has the power to save, but who enters into the pain and reality of human life. The gospel is the story of God coming near—bringing grace, truth, comfort, and ultimately salvation through Christ. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Genesis 3:15, John 1:1–18, Matthew 1:1–17, John 11, Isaiah 52:14, Isaiah 53:4–5, John 3:16 ✨ Themes: The gospel, salvation, Jesus fully God and fully human, the incarnation, Genesis 3, the promise of a Savior, sin and rebellion, grace and truth, God dwelling among us, Emmanuel, shame, fear, blame, relational rupture, suffering, compassion, Martha and Mary, Lazarus, the suffering servant, redemption, God's love About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | Why Would Jesus Save Me? As we begin our 8-week series exploring the gospel of Jesus, Chris asks a foundational question: Why would Jesus save me? Looking at the story of humanity’s rebellion in Genesis 3, we see how doubt, self-rule, shame, fear, blame, and relational distance entered the story. But the gospel tells us that this is not where the story ends. In the face of our rebellion and brokenness, God moves toward us with love. Through Jesus, we are offered a Savior who enters our story, bears our sin, and brings redemption where we could never save ourselves. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Genesis 3:1–15, Revelation 12:9, Isaiah 52:14, Isaiah 53:4–5, John 3:16 ✨ Themes: The gospel, salvation, sin and rebellion, doubt, self-rule, idolatry, shame, fear, blame, relational rupture, God's love, human brokenness, the need for a Savior, Jesus as Redeemer, the suffering servant, grace, redemption, the story of Scripture About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | Storytelling As we continue our Strengthening the Stakes series, we turn to Storytelling and the powerful way stories shape how we understand our lives, our past, and our future. The Bible tells the story of God unfolding through the stories of men and women, ultimately centered around the redemption of Christ. Through 1 Peter 1, we’re reminded that the gospel gives us a new birth and a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus. Our old story doesn’t have to define us—because in Christ, we are given a new beginning, a new identity, and a new story. As we find our story in Him, we discover a hope that is anchored in what Jesus has done, present in the life He gives us, and secure in what is still to come. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Psalm 95:1–7, 1 Peter 1:3, Romans 7:24–25, 1 John 3:1 ✨ Themes: Storytelling, the story of God, finding our story in Christ, new birth, living hope, redemption, identity, grace, human narrative, the resurrection of Jesus, God's mercy, worship, gratitude, freedom from our old story, hope for the future About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | A Life on Mission This week at Genesis, Kai and David tag-teamed a message on what it means to live a life on mission. Kai began by laying the foundation for our calling as followers of Jesus—reminding us that we have been called to follow Him, equipped with everything we need for a godly life, and sent to make disciples of all nations. Our mission isn't something separate from our everyday lives; it is the invitation to live faithfully as people who have been blessed to be a blessing. David then took the message from theology to practice, sharing practical ways we can live out that mission both locally and globally. As we strengthen our stakes, we are anchoring ourselves in the call to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, plant new Jesus-communities, and live as the church wherever God has placed us. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Matthew 28:18–20, Matthew 4:19, Matthew 11:28–30, 2 Peter 1:3–11, Genesis 12:1–3, Romans 10:13–15, Revelation 7:9–12 ✨ Themes: A life on mission, following Jesus, the Great Commission, being equipped for a godly life, blessing the nations, making disciples, living sent, local and global mission, planting Jesus-communities About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | Prayer This week in our Strengthening the Stakes series, we turned our attention to Prayer—exploring what it looks like to become a people who keep showing up before God and refuse to lose heart. Through Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18, we were reminded that persistence in prayer is an expression of enduring trust in the character of God, especially when we face delay, opposition, or disappointment. Chris was joined by Mattie for an honest conversation about prayer, personal dissatisfaction, and the ways God has shaped her through seasons of contemplative prayer, fasting, and breakthrough. We were challenged to embrace a deeper, even costly kind of prayer—travailing prayer that longs to see renewal in the church, revival among the lost, and ultimately the restoration of all things. Because when the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth? Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Luke 18:1–8, Hebrews 4:14–16 ✨ Themes: Prayer, persistence, faith, travailing prayer, renewal, revival, restoration, the Kingdom of God, perseverance, God's character, waiting on God, spiritual breakthrough, Jesus our High Priest, mercy, grace, hope, intercession, not losing heart. About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | The Table This week we continued our Strengthen the Stakes series by looking at The Table—a picture of the kind of community God is forming through His Church. Beginning in Isaiah 54 and Acts 2, we reflected on the convictions that shaped Genesis from the very beginning: Jesus at the center, devotion to His Word, and a people formed around shared life. The early church wasn't built around programs or performances, but around tables where people experienced belonging, hospitality, generosity, and the gospel together. As followers of Jesus, we're invited to practice the same kind of ordinary, intentional hospitality that welcomes strangers, forms disciples, and reflects the Kingdom of God. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Isaiah 54:1–10, Acts 2:36–47 ✨ Themes: The table, hospitality, community, belonging, devotion, breaking bread, generosity, welcoming strangers, discipleship, the early church, the Kingdom of God, mission, ordinary hospitality, family, biblical conviction, Jesus-centered community. About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God's work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | The Final Call As Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians, he leaves the church with a final call: stay alert, pray continually, and stand firm in Christ. This message reminds us that spiritual vigilance isn't a one-time act but a lifelong posture. We are called to persevere in prayer, intercede for one another, pray boldly for the gospel to be proclaimed, and encourage one another in the faith. Even in the closing verses, Paul points us back to the mission of the church—living with courage, strengthening one another, and remaining faithful until the end. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Ephesians 6:18–24 ✨ Themes: Prayer, perseverance, spiritual vigilance, praying in the Spirit, intercession, the proclamation of the gospel, boldness, courage, encouragement, faithful ministry, Christian community, perseverance in faith, grace, peace, love. About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | Armed for Battle As Paul brings his letter to a close, he reminds the church that our greatest battle is not against people, but against the spiritual forces at work in the world. This message explores what it means to be strengthened by the Lord, stand firm in the gospel, and put on the full armor of God. Because Christ has already won the decisive victory, we are invited to live with confidence, standing in His truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and Word. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–17 ✨ Themes: Spiritual warfare, the armor of God, standing firm in Christ, God's strength, the schemes of the enemy, truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, victory through Christ, identity in the gospel. About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | The Spirit of the Lord Isaiah 11:1–4 This week we begin a new journey through the book of Isaiah by looking at one of Scripture's clearest pictures of the promised Messiah. Isaiah points us to the coming Branch from the line of Jesse—the One upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests in fullness. In this message, we explore the character of Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit, and what it means to live with wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. Rather than judging by appearances, Jesus reveals God's perfect justice and righteousness, inviting us to delight in the Lord and become people who are shaped by His Spirit. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Isaiah 11:1–4 ✨ Themes: the promised Messiah, the Spirit of the Lord, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, the fear of the Lord, righteousness, justice, the kingdom of God, the Branch of Jesse, delighting in the Lord, the person of Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit. About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | We Are Children of Our Heavenly Father Ephesians 6:1–9 As Paul concludes his household instructions in Ephesians, he turns to children, parents, slaves, and masters. In this message, we explore God's design for the parent-child relationship through the lens of the gospel. We are reminded that before we are parents, spouses, leaders, or workers, we are first children of our Heavenly Father. His love, discipline, grace, and instruction become the model for how we relate to others and how we raise the next generation. Together we consider what it means to obey and honor, how godly discipline reflects God's heart for His children, and why spiritual formation often happens through instruction, boundaries, training, and even struggle. Whether you are a parent, a child, both, or neither, this passage invites us to see ourselves as deeply loved sons and daughters learning to imitate our perfect Father. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Ephesians 6:1–9, Galatians 5:16–17, Ephesians 4:22–24, Hebrews 12:5–11, Deuteronomy 7:6, 1 John 3:1, Exodus 20:12, Genesis 1–3 ✨ Themes: Children of God, parenting in imitation of the Father, obedience and honor, spiritual formation, discipline and instruction, grace and boundaries, the image of God, the battle between flesh and Spirit, training through struggle, affordable mistakes and wisdom, God's loving correction, identity as sons and daughters, serving others out of reverence for Christ. About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | This Mystery Is Profound In Ephesians 5, Paul describes marriage as a profound mystery that points beyond itself to the relationship between Christ and His Church. This message explores God's vision for marriage as a covenant of sacrificial love, mutual submission, and shared purpose. Together, we consider how the gospel reshapes our understanding of marriage—not as a means of self-fulfillment, but as a lifelong commitment to seek the good of another while growing into the likeness of Christ. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Ephesians 5:21–33; Genesis 2:24 ✨ Themes: Mutual submission and Christlike humility, covenant marriage as a reflection of Christ and the Church, sacrificial love and servant leadership, leaving and cleaving in lifelong commitment, resisting self-centered individualism, pursuing the good of another, marriage as a shared journey of becoming more like Christ. About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | Marriage, Covenant, and the One-Flesh Union Marriage is more than a cultural institution or personal arrangement—it is a covenant designed by God to reflect His faithful love for His people. In this message, we explore God’s vision for marriage from Genesis 2 and Ephesians 5, examining how the union of husband and wife points beyond itself to the relationship between Christ and His Church. Together, we reflect on God’s purpose for marriage, the challenges that have shaped modern understandings of it, and the invitation to live into a covenant marked by love, sacrifice, commitment, and mutual devotion. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Genesis 2:18–24; Ephesians 5:21–33 ✨ Themes: God’s design and purpose for marriage, covenant love and lifelong commitment, leaving and cleaving to form a new family, becoming one flesh in body, soul, and spirit, marriage as a reflection of Christ and the Church, mutual sacrifice, love, and submission, restoring God’s vision for relationships in a culture shaped by individualism. About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/

This Week at Genesis | Children of the Light In Ephesians 5, Paul calls the church to remember who they are: children of the light. This message explores the contrast between darkness and light, and what it means to live lives shaped by the love, holiness, and presence of God. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to walk wisely, discern what pleases the Lord, and be continually filled with the Spirit. Together, we reflect on how gratitude, worship, and obedience form a life that shines with the light of Christ in a world longing for hope. Scripture & Themes 📖 Scripture: Ephesians 5:1–20; Genesis 1:1–2; Psalm 37:4 ✨ Themes: Walking in the way of love, living as children of the light, pursuing holiness in a culture of compromise, discerning what pleases the Lord, redeeming our time with wisdom and purpose, being filled with the Spirit, cultivating lives marked by gratitude, worship, and thanksgiving. About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities—living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God’s work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/