Soma Communities - San Ramon Valley

December 23, 2012 Christmas means the end of religion . . . and the beginning of grace. Jesus came "full of grace". We can do away with earning our way to God and simply receive the gift of salvation offered through Jesus.

December 16, 2012 This message is a reflection on the unique hope and comfort Christmas offers in the wake of the killings at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Far from being distant or indifferent to this tragic event, Christmas reveals a God who knows what it is like to be a child and also what it is like to be the innocent victim of a violent crime.

December 9, 2012 Many of us are chasing after something. Its why we are crazy busy. Its why we over spend. Its why we moved to the suburbs. The problem is that once we finally possess the thing we've been chasing, we realize it wasn't what we really wanted. Christmas reveals the mystery of what we are searching for and shows us how we can finally have it.

December 2, 2012 The first message in our advent series delves into the amazing truth of the incarnation. Christianity is utterly unique in making the claim that God became a human being, and therefore we can know him personally.

November 18, 2012 Our series in Acts continues with as we look at the last part of Peter's sermon in Acts 2:36-41. Jesus promises two gifts that everyone needs: forgiveness for the past and new power for the future.

Nov. 11, 2012 In Peter's sermon to the Jerusalem crowd he makes it clear that God has endorsed Jesus as Lord and Christ. He then calls them to also cast their vote for Jesus by: 1) considering the core issue of who Jesus is, 2) repenting, and 3) being baptized. Peter clearly states how each one of us, no matter what we have done, can be saved.

Many people today assume that because they are sincere in trying to treat others well, or are faithful in going to church, or have lots of material blessings, they must be on God's good side. Peter makes it clear in Acts 2:21-36 that there is one sure way to know whether you are with God or against God. Some of the most kind, faithful, well-off people in the crowd that Peter preached to were surprised to find out that they had been on the wrong side all along. Would you have been surprised too?

At Pentecost, God gave extraordinary new gifts to His people. What are these gifts and how are they essential for the mission of making disciples? Learn about prophecy, dreams, and visions and how God encourages his people through them. Acts: A Spirit-Empowered People continues with Acts 2:14-21.

Do you wish you had the right words about Jesus at just the right time? When the Holy Spirit gave the disciples power for the mission, He also gave them the words they needed for the mission. Acts: A Spirit-Empowered People continues with Acts 2:1-13.

Acts: A Spirit-Empowered People - Part 4 - Acts 2:1-4 Do you ever wish you had more power to do the things you are called to do? Ben tells us how the power of the Holy Spirit is available to us today.

Acts: A Spirit-Empowered People – Part 3 - Acts 1:12-14 | Brian Fox discusses the correlation between God's people praying and His power being sent to accomplish the mission.

Acts: A Spirit-Empowered People – Part 2 - Acts 1:6-11 | Ben Joyce discusses the importance of being Committed to the Mission of making disciples Here, Near and Far.

Acts: A Spirit-Empowered People – Part 1 - Acts 1:1-5 | Ben Joyce discusses the importance of being convinced of the truth.

How to Change - Part 1 | Ben Joyce discusses the link between what we believe and what we do.

Soma Basics - Part 12 | Ben Joyce discusses our identity as Disciples who make disciples. Learn what it means to make a disciple of Jesus. (This enhanced podcast is best viewed in iTunes or on your mobile device as it will display the slides to help you follow along with the message)