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Geoff Kirsten leads a church in Lisbon, and for nine years his community has been hearing stories about Genesis. On his first visit, he asks why God would gather a church like this one and what it's for. Many of us are holding more than we realize: years of Scripture, teaching, and faith that people in other places are desperate for. With great privilege comes great responsibility. Making disciples matters, but disciples of what? Jesus came to reconcile all things to himself (Colossians 1) and to tear down the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2), and he handed that work to the church. When his team moved to Lisbon, they asked whether it would be enough to simply love the people of the city. Their experience says it's more than enough. Our job isn't to sort people into us and them. It's to make the church a place where someone far from God walks in and feels like this is for them. And the blessing God has given us can't become the place we settle. In Deuteronomy 1, Israel is told they've stayed long enough at Horeb. It's time to move on. Scripture & Themes Scripture: Colossians 1:18–24, Ephesians 2:14–16, Matthew 28:19–20, Deuteronomy 1:6–8 Themes: Reconciliation, love, the mandate of the church, discipleship, grace, welcoming the outsider, unity, saying yes to God, faithfulness, character, mission, not settling 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/

Week 7 at Genesis | Why Will Jesus Save Me? The gospel isn't a one-time transaction that gets you into heaven and leaves you trying to be a good person for the rest of your life. In 2 Corinthians 6, God says, "I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me." Chris walks through three things that come with that promise. First, a new Father, who frees us from the absent, abusive, authoritative, or even amazing fathers we measure him against. Second, a new identity, where the little cords other people have tied around us get cut and our family history no longer gets the final word. Third, a new community. Paul says "we are the temple": many people, one place where God lives. Our faith was never meant to be lived alone. Chris closes with a simple practice for the coming weeks. Start each morning by praying, "My Father, who is good, who is great, who doesn't change, who keeps his promises." Scripture & Themes Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:16–18, Matthew 12:46–50, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 2:4–5, Acts 2:42, Ephesians 1:5, Matthew 6:9–13 Themes: Grace, the gospel, God as Father, adoption, identity, sons and daughters, freedom from the past, a new bloodline, community, the church as God's temple, forgiveness, reconciliation, communion, prayer 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/

October 11 at Genesis | Why Would Jesus Save Me? In Colossians 1, Paul writes to a small church we know almost nothing about and tells them the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world. It's the language of Genesis 1: be fruitful and multiply. So how does the gospel bear fruit in us? Picking up from last week, Kai walks through Luke 4, where Jesus reads Isaiah 61 in his hometown synagogue, rolls up the scroll, and tells everyone it's about him. He was anointed by the Spirit to bring good news to the poor, the prisoners, the blind, and the oppressed, and most of us fit somewhere on that list. In Acts 2 and Acts 5 we see what happens when people take that news seriously. A repentant people isn't a perfect people. They turn around. They wrestle with God and still choose him. They keep going when it costs them. The gospel bears fruit through a repentant people with an unrelenting devotion to Christ and his kingdom. Scripture & Themes Scripture: Colossians 1:3–6, Luke 4:14–21, Isaiah 61:1–2, Matthew 4:17, Acts 2:36–41, Acts 5:41–42, James 1:2–4 Themes: The gospel, fruitfulness, repentance, the anointing of the Spirit, the kingdom of God, good news, grace, confession, wrestling with God, suffering and perseverance, the resurrection, devotion to Christ, mission 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/

Week 5 | Where Is Jesus Now? Most tellings of the gospel stop at the empty tomb. Peter's sermon in Acts 2 keeps going. Jesus was raised, and then he was exalted to the right hand of God, which means he is somewhere doing something right now. Nick Fox continues our series on the gospel by asking what that means in an ordinary week, especially one where fear, addiction, injustice, death, or your own story feels bigger than Jesus does. Those things are real. The question is who sits above them. And the throne isn't where Jesus goes to get away from us. It's where he sends help from. He pours out the Holy Spirit so we aren't left as orphans, and so we have power to be his witnesses. You don't have to be whole before God uses you. Sometimes you get whole as you go. Scripture & Themes Scripture: Acts 2:14–39, Hebrews 1:3, Ephesians 1:20–21, John 14:16–18, Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18–20 Themes: The gospel, the ascension, Jesus on the throne, the lordship of Jesus, the finished work of the cross, the Holy Spirit, Pentecost, fear, suffering, no longer orphans, wholeness, power to witness, the Great Commission 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 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/