Reality SF Podcast

Dave Lomas, Jessica Gracewski, and Mike Gleim discuss the conclusion to our series "The Unseen Realm," and share a testimony from a congregant in our church.

Dave Lomas, Jessica Gracewski, and Mike Gleim discuss free will, the difference between a divided and a constrained will, and spiritual bondage. 

Dave Lomas, Jessica Gracewski, and Mike Gleim discuss Sunday's teaching, the difference between a naturalist versus spiritualist worldview, and the importance of confession.

Dr. David Bennett joins Dave Lomas and Jessica Gracewski to discuss the powers at work in our world and demonic visitation.

Dave Lomas, Jessica Gracewski, and Mike Gleim reflect on our Encountering God conference weekend, featuring special testimonies from our community.

Dave Lomas, Jessica Gracewski, and Mike Gleim discuss the Three Rebellions, the sons of god, reading the Bible literally vs. figuratively, and spiritual powers in this world.

Still Processing is a new podcast series devoted to topics from our Sunday teaching series, The Unseen Realm, that require more space to discuss. We hope this series helps clarify, assist, and provide more context for these deeper theological conversations. This week, Dave Lomas, Jessica Gracewski, and Mike Gleim discuss the elohim, the Book of Enoch, and the divine council.

Earlier in the year, we hosted a series of lectures on human sexuality with our theologian in residence, Dr. David Bennett. Dave Lomas, Jessica Gracewski, and David sat down to keep the conversation going and discuss key moments from the lectures. In this episode, the topic of conversation focuses on feminism and the female body.

Back in March, we hosted a series of lectures on human sexuality with our theologian in residence, Dr. David Bennett. Dave Lomas and Jessica Gracewski sit down with David to continue their conversation on queerness and the Gospel.

David Bennett, Dave Lomas, and Jessica Gracewski sit down to discuss the topic of human sexuality and desire.

As a part of our series on vocation, Dave Lomas and Josh Nadeau (aka Sword & Pencil) have an in-depth conversation on the transcendentals: truth, goodness, and beauty. They are also joined by Associate Pastor Jessica Gracewski and Dr. David Bennett.

Dave Lomas and Amy Orr Ewing discuss the reliability of the Bible.

Dave Lomas and Tim Mackie discuss how to read the Bible.

Dave Lomas and Dan Kimball discuss how not to read the Bible.

Tyler Madsen, Sophie Ramirez, and Dave Lomas talk about the motivation, inspiration, and stories behind the songs of our second EP, Shelter. Listen to "Shelter" at https://bit.ly/3TmPly3 

Dave Lomas sits down with Aaron Salvato of The GoodLion Podcast to discuss how we can thoughtfully approach social justice as followers of Jesus. To learn more about The GoodLion Podcast, you can visit goodlion.io 

Dave Lomas, Lindsay Barrios, and Eugene Cho discuss what justice from a Christian perspective is and how to practice it individually, as well as in a church body.

Dave Lomas teaches on the value of faith as trust in God through three stories from Genesis 15, Mark 5, and Psalm 73.

Dave Lomas, the elders, and Discernment Team share how and why we have made the decision to purchase a building for our church.

Melissa, Jessica, and Tobi further discuss the practice of community, highlighting what stood out to them from Sunday's teaching, as well as a few points that didn't make it in.

Matt, Jessica, and Dale discuss ideological idolatry and orthodoxy, and provide an encouragement for our community on the importance of regularly engaging with Scripture.

Jessica and Matt Barrios are joined by Gabby Alzate to discuss the relationship between justice, generosity, and what Jesus says about them.

Matt, Dave, and Melissa continue the conversation on Sabbath, and how we can practically move towards becoming a countercultural community of rest.

Jessica Gracewski and Matt Barrios sit down with two members of our community, Seth and Alyssa, to discuss how they identified their unique God-given gifts, and how the Lord has led them to utilize those gifts in their work and life.

As a follow-up to Sunday's teaching, Melissa, Jessica, and Dave discuss practical ways to build a spirit of hospitality, and the important role hospitality plays in the work of justice.

As a follow-up to Sunday's teaching, Matt, Dave, and Melissa discuss more in depth the practice of Silence & Solitude, and how to weave it into your Rule of Life.

As a follow-up to Sunday's teaching, Jessica, Tobi, and Melissa have a discussion on moral relativism, holiness, and the practice of fasting. They also answer questions submitted from our community.

Dave Lomas and John Mark Comer discuss the origins of our new series "Future Church," and how creating a Rule of Life has impacted their lives personally.

Dave Lomas introduces our new series and discusses with Matt Barrios the warning Revelation gives against civil religion.

Matt Barrios provides a special reflection in honor of the upcoming new year.

Tobi Grunick shares a reflection on the never-changing, never-ending peace that God has gifted us through Jesus Christ.

David McKinney shares a reflection on Advent and God's demonstration of love through the sending of His Son.

Melissa Weinisch shares a reflection on the true fullness of joy that we have received through Christ.

Tyler Madsen shares a reflection on hope, one of the four main themes of Advent, and the already-not-yet tension we experience as followers of Jesus.

Matt Barrios shares a few words regarding gratitude: what the Bible has to say about it, why it's important, and what to do when it's hard to come by.

Jessica Gracewski is joined by fellow staff members Tobi Grunick and Brian Kim to discuss the tension of living in the "already and not yet," highlighting how they see Kingdom life play out in contexts such as family, friendships, work, and more.

Matt Barrios and Jessica Gracewski interview our new elder candidate Drew and his wife Heather to learn more about how God brought them to San Francisco, and has continued to provide for them and instill a passion for this city in their hearts.

Dave Lomas shares a reflection and prayer the day after the election.

Matt Barrios and Dave Lomas take a look back at our 2019 Lecture on Politics with Eugene Cho, sharing a handful of key clips and offering some reflections on our current moment.

Dave Lomas sits down with John Mark Comer and Jon Tyson to discuss what it means to leave a church and how to do it well. John Mark Comer is the Pastor of Vision & Teaching at Bridgetown Church in Portland. Jon Tyson is the Lead Pastor of Church of the City New York in New York City.

Dave, Matt, and Jessica sit down to discuss what the Church is and what it means to be a part of a church right now.

Matt Barrios, Jessica Gracewski, and Tobi Grunick discuss our church's shared rule of life for this fall, and listen to reflections from members of our community on their experiences so far.

Dave Lomas has a conversation with Francis Chan to expand on the topic of God's wrath from Sunday's teaching.

Dave Lomas and Matt Barrios hold a conversation on critical theory, with a specific focus on critical race theory. Bridgetown podcast with Bryan Loritts: https://apple.co/2GdF6wy Article by Timothy Keller: https://bit.ly/2HCIKQO

Dave Lomas and Matt Barrios hold a conversation on the differences between the teachings and way of Jesus and other ideological truth claims in our world.

Dave Lomas reflects on the spiritual practice of sabbath.

Jessica Gracewski leads us through the spiritual practice of fasting.

Brad Witty and Matt Barrios discuss the idea of a "rule of life" – what it is, its history and origins, and the communal rule of life we are living into as a church this fall.

Matt Barrios, Dave Lomas, and Melissa Weinisch talk about how to navigate the conversation of meeting in person with your community – holding space for differing perspectives and discerning the best ways to creatively engage with each other.

Jessica Gracewski interviews members of our church who have found creative and unique ways to stay connected and build deeper community during COVID.

Dave Lomas and Matt Barrios conclude our series on Christian virtues with a conversation about faith and hope.

In this episode, we focus on adoption as a unique part of the Christian virtue of love, and hear from members of our community who have experienced the impact of adoption and fostering in their own lives.

Dave Lomas revisits the Serenity Prayer as we enter the sixth month of shelter-in-place when things don’t seem to be getting any better.

In this episode, through the lens of two real-life stories, we highlight the important practice of forgiveness that we are called to as Christ-followers.

David McKinney follows up on Sunday's teaching, "Jesus & the Garden," with some practical applications on creating your own garden and finding intimacy with Jesus.

Jessica Gracewski reflects on the virtue of love, and Dave Lomas has a conversation with Preston Sprinkle on loving our enemies. Preston is a Biblical scholar, professor, speaker, and bestselling author of books such as "Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence." Praying for our Enemies, from the "Book of Common Prayer:" "O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Dave Lomas checks in and reflects a little bit more on Sunday’s teaching about suffering as a pathway of our discipleship to Jesus.

Dave Lomas and Matt Barrios have a conversation on the history of virtue.

Dave Lomas interviews a member of our community, Hooman Khalili, on his experience over the last several months.

Dave Lomas begins a new series on virtues; what they are, why they're vital to live well in our contested world, and how to begin to develop them.

Dave Lomas reflects on our current season of life through the lens of a fledgling sparrow and Matthew 6.

As we prepare to take a break from this podcast, Dave Lomas reflects on the importance of blessing one another.

Dave Lomas reflects on Malachi 4 through the practice of Lectio Divina.

Danielle Stowaway reflects on Jeremiah's words of advocacy and justice, and how they still apply to us today. Danielle is the Justice & Outreach Coordinator at Reality SF.

Matt Barrios reflects on the justice and mercy of God through the story of Jonah. Matt is the Leadership Training & Development Minister at Reality SF.

Dale Gustafson reflects on self-reliance, indifference, and God’s justice and mercy through the lens of Obadiah. Dale is the Executive Director at Reality SF.

Dave Lomas has a conversation with Eugene Cho on civic engagement, being actively involved in social justice issues, and how to support one another through all of it as followers of Christ. Eugene is a writer, speaker, the founder and former Senior Pastor of Quest Church in Seattle, and the founder of One Day’s Wages.

Dave Lomas reflects on the Israelites' freedom song in Exodus, and the importance of remembering and celebrating freedom from slavery, both for the Israelites and in honor of Juneteenth.

Matt Barrios reflects on the choice we have to use our God-given gifts and creativity to build idols or build the Kingdom of God. Matt is the Leadership Training & Development Minister at Reality SF.

Jessica Gracewski reflects on the kind of longing for God's presence that we can experience as followers of Christ, and the encouragement to remain steadfast, despite our circumstances. Jessica is the Leadership Care & Support Director at Reality SF.

Dave Lomas reflects on what God reveals about himself as he appears to Moses in Exodus 3.

Dave Lomas reflects on Sunday's teaching, the politics observed in Exodus, and the role the Church has historically played in regards to racial justice and equality.

Dave Lomas reflects on what the spiritual practice of Sabbath is, and offers practical ways to observe Sabbath in our own lives.

David McKinney leads us through the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina. David is the Prayer Ministry Director on staff at Reality SF.

David McKinney reflects on the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina, and the opportunity for renewal of heart and mind and a deepening of relationship with God through its regular practice. David is the Prayer Ministry Director on staff at Reality SF.

Jessica Gracewski reflects on what fasting is and how it helps cultivate a reliance on God to build racial stamina. Jessica is the Leadership Care & Support Director at Reality SF.

Matt Barrios leads us in the spiritual practice of the Prayer of Examen. Matt is the Leadership Training & Development Minister on staff at Reality SF.

Matt Barrios reflects on what the spiritual practice of the Prayer of Examen is, and why it is important for us to practice it in our daily lives. Matt is the Leadership Training & Development Minister on staff at Reality SF.

Dave Lomas reflects on the need for spiritual practices in our daily lives in order to cultivate intimacy with God and a stamina for the work of renewal and activism. If you would like access to our spiritual practice cards, please visit realitysf.com/cards.

Dave Lomas has a conversation with Rich Villodas on the importance of emotional health, both individually and in community, within the context of racial reconciliation. Rich is the Lead Pastor of New Life Fellowship in Queens, New York.

Kevin Cooke offers some practical ways that we can move into action, even as we continue to experience grief and lament. Kevin is the Marriage & Family Pastor and an Elder at Reality SF.

Jessica Gracewski reflects on the importance of embracing grief and loss, and how it impacts our ability to become spiritually and emotionally healthy individuals and engage in conversations around race. Jessica is the Leadership Care & Support Director at Reality SF.

Dave Lomas sits down with Tracy and Moses, two members of our Race & Belonging Cohort, to discuss how to have conversations about race and hold space for all the feelings associated with it.

Dave Lomas discusses the social construct and history of race in the world, and the difference between stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, and racism. More resources and our previous series "The Gospel & Race" are available at https://bit.ly/2Mhj8rJ 

Dave Lomas has a conversation with Janet Ikpa regarding true identity and how Jesus, faith, being black, and being a woman all connect in this unique cultural moment. Janet is a faithful member of our church community who regularly serves in multiple capacities.

Matt Barrios reflects on the relationship between knowing our identity in Christ and discovering our vocation and calling. Matt is the Leadership Training & Development Minister on staff at Reality SF.

Dave Lomas reflects on what the Scriptures say about who we are, and the process of discovering and becoming who we are.

Dave Lomas continues our conversation on identity and answers some questions he received in response to Sunday's teaching. Our past series "A New Identity" is available at https://bit.ly/2ZCLrZG 

Jessica Gracewski reflects on our focus of Biblical Literacy, meditating on Psalm 23 and putting into practice some tools introduced this past week. Jessica is the Leadership Care & Support Director at Reality SF.

Dave Lomas reflects on the the 4-Part Gospel, and the importance of remaining in the story by reading the Bible regularly and living out our role in it.

Dave Lomas has a conversation discussing all things Bible with Tim Mackie. Tim is the Co-Founder, Creative Director, & Writer for BibleProject, has a PhD in Semitic Languages and Biblical Studies, and is a professor at Western Seminary.

Dave Lomas reflects on why the Bible is so hard to understand, and offers three practical postures to take when reading it.

Dave Lomas reflects on the connection between participating in the reality of God and learning about Him through the Scriptures. The teaching series "The Bible & Authority" is available at https://bit.ly/2WLDVdn

Matt Barrios prompts us to look at this season differently, focusing not on our loss, but on what we buried long ago that is now being resurrected. Matt is the Leadership Training & Development Minister at Reality SF.

Dave Lomas continues with this theme of burying and planting, reflecting on the desire to possess our lives and Jesus' ultimate call to let go.

Dave Lomas reflects on John 12:24 and the need for certain plans to be planted, or buried, in order for new growth to happen.

Dave Lomas reflects on the parables of Jesus as an insight into the ways God wants to surprise us.

Dave Lomas reflects on the importance of patience and being present for what God is currently working in you.

Dave Lomas and Bryan Loritts have a conversation in response to the story of Ahmaud Arbery. Bryan is the Pastor of Abundant Life Christian Fellowship in Mountain View.

Dave Lomas reflects on Exodus 13 and why God sometimes leads us by the longer route.

Dave Lomas reflects on Christianity as a daily practice of dependence on God.

Dave Lomas leads us through a guided exercise centered on our No Need Among Us initiative.

Dave Lomas expands on some comments he made about depression in yesterday’s sermon, "No Need Among Us."

Matt Barrios reflects on the relationship between hope and the unseen. Matt is the Leadership Training & Development Minister at Reality SF.

John Mark Comer reflects on how we cultivate the theological virtue of hope in our lives, even during times of trouble. John Mark is the Pastor of Vision & Teaching at Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon.

Bryan Loritts reflects on having hope in the midst of a shaken world. Bryan is the Pastor of Abundant Life Christian Fellowship in Mountain View.

Eugene Cho reflects on hope as a journey. Eugene is the founder and former Senior Pastor of Quest Church in Seattle, and the founder and visionary of One Day’s Wages.

In today’s episode, Dave Lomas tries a new format for Mondays where he checks in, responds to some questions, and shares what’s top of mind seven weeks into shelter-in-place.

In this episode, Dave Lomas has a conversation with Joe Tuson, one of the Lay Elders at Reality SF, to discuss how to pray when God feels distant.

Jessica Gracewski reflects on how we can get in our own way when it comes to experiencing God's presence. Jessica is the Leadership Care & Support Director at Reality SF.

Dave Lomas reflects on the restlessness we are feeling because of our boredom or anxiety.

Dale Gustafson reflects on putting a voice to your soul to experience the presence of God.

Dave Lomas reflects on the barriers that keep us from experiencing the felt presence of God, and then leads a practice through the Prayer of Examen.

Dave Lomas sits down in a conversation with Britt Merrick to discuss loss and how to face it. Britt is the Founding Pastor of the Reality Family of Churches.

Ruthie Kim reflects on the new normal of our spiritual lives that we are being invited into. Ruthie is the founder of Because Justice Matters and part of the RSF teaching team.

Dave Lomas reflects on why prayer feels so hard and how we can start to make space for God in quarantine.

Melissa Weinisch reflects on the places we can and should look for hope. Melissa is the Youth Minister at Reality SF.

Dave Lomas reflects on how we're feeling the day after Easter in relation to our current moment.

In this episode, Dave Lomas and David McKinney, the RSF Prayer Minister, discuss what our Prayer Ministry has looked like in this season, and then walk through the practice of Immanuel Prayer.

Dave Lomas leads us in a short meditation focused on allowing the Spirit to intercede on our behalf.

Dave Lomas shares his "6 P’s of Quarantine" to aid in mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Dave Lomas meditatively leads us through the Trinity Prayer.

Dave Lomas begins Holy Week with a reflection on us as Christ's beloved.

In this episode, Dave Lomas has a conversation with Al Abdulla from Reality Boston about the importance of naming our emotions and asking for help.

Dave Lomas reflects on the temptation to simply kill time until we get back to our "real lives."

Dave Lomas leads us through a practice of lament.

Dave Lomas reflects on the need to lament, not only the pain in our own lives, but the brokenness of our world.

Dave Lomas reflects on the importance of allowing our emotions to pass through us, especially when it comes to grief.

In this episode, Dave Lomas has a conversation with Ruthie Kim, who is a part of the Reality SF teaching team and founder of Because Justice Matters. Dave and Ruthie discuss the importance of grief and creating space to hear God's voice.

Dave Lomas reflects on our current domestic lifestyle and our need to detox from the false self.

Dave Lomas reflects on a rendition of the hymn, "Doxology," sung in the key of our current moment.

Dave Lomas reflects on the discipline of God, and, as Hebrews 12 states, how we have the ability to view our hardships as an opportunity for teaching.

Dave Lomas reflects on the first week of shelter-in-place and our online Sunday Digital Worship Gathering, and then meditates on Psalm 13.

In this special episode, Dave Lomas has a conversation with Francis Chan, who just recently moved to Hong Kong. Dave and Francis discuss what things are like right now in China, what this pandemic means for the worldwide Church, and how Christians can make the most of this time.

Dave Lomas reflects on the anxiety and worry we’re experiencing in this moment due to not knowing what the future will be like. What kind of posture should we have when we don’t know the future and can’t control it?

Dave Lomas reflects on our current dependence on technology and how it makes being present challenging. He then shares how we can be present to others in this time by being present with God.

Dave Lomas reflects on today’s new shelter-in-place health code order in San Francisco and how it forces us into a new monasticism. Dave explains what monasticism is and how God can use this time to make us a more loving, peaceful presence of Christ in our city.

Dave Lomas introduces this special series called, "The Reality Daily," where he'll offer encouragements, insights, and meditations for you to engage with in our current moment. More episodes to come.