Resources
Latest blog entries
God at Work: Joy in Chaos
Hear about the unfolding of Holly and Michael’s critical circumstances and how God provided joy and peace in and through chaos.
The Problem and Power of Fear
What is the problem, power & understanding of fear in the Bible? What does it mean to work out our faith in fear & trembling in Philippians 3? How can I think rightly about fearing the Lord in the Christian life?
Lives Worthy of the Gospel
by Frank Mayfield Paul urges the Church in Philippi to “live a life worthy of the gospel” in Philippians 1:27. What a lofty calling this is–to live lives which are worthy of the gospel of Christ! When I first read this, it felt to me like an overwhelming command. I...
Get More out of Listening to Sermons
How can you listen to sermons and Bible teaching in a way that is more engaging and fruitful in your life and for others?
“God, give us grace as we go in peace…”
God Give Us Grace to Go in Peace by Kim Arthur “God may you give us grace to go in peace and be a blessing to the city of Seattle and beyond." Every Sunday, we close our worship gatherings with this earnest prayer. Every week, God graciously answers. Sometimes the...
A Time for Awe
A Time for More Awe by Kim Arthur “And awe came upon every soul” (Acts 2:43). In Acts 1, we see that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to empower Jesus’ followers to live differently–to live in a way that testifies to the gospel to the ends of the earth (1:7-8). In Acts 2,...
The Problem with Endurance
As Christians, what is the role of endurance in our lives, ministry, and faith? Is there a right or wrong kind of endurance?
A Time to Prepare: Lent
A Time to Prepare: Lent by Jake Hess I had a Covid wedding. The ceremony was simple, the food was quant, the crowd was light. But even with the necessary reductions of having a wedding in the middle of a pandemic, the season of preparation leading up to the big...
A Time to Fast and Pray
Check out this brief intro to fasting and prayer as our church enters into a time of fasting and prayer.
A Time to Speak Truth–To Yourself
Pictured above: Pastor Jeff Hundley of our Edmonds Expression preaching from Luke 12:4-12 last Sunday. by Kim Arthur | Hallows Communications Director "The battle is to take God at His Word without wavering in fear and in doubt. I hope you will allow me to...
A Christmas Eve Prayer
O God,
As we gather on this Eve of Christmas anxiously awaiting for tomorrow to dawn, we stop to consider the purpose of this season.
A Weary World Rejoices
My husband and I had only been married three weeks when we made our trek across the country to settle in Seattle.
Advent: The Gift of Waiting
I don’t consider myself to be a patient person. I get frustrated if the item I want to order on Amazon won’t get to me in two days. I’m bothered if the line to the grocery checkout is almost down to the food aisle. I have to push down irritation when traffic builds up on the highway. I don’t like waiting.
Friendship
Coming out of a global pandemic, Americans appear more attuned than ever to the
importance of friendship. However, despite renewed interest in the topic of friendship
signs suggest that the role of friends in American social life is experiencing a sharp
decline.
Waiting on the LORD
It has been a busy season. The details don’t matter, but what does is that in this season I have heard a
gentle whisper from the Lord to wait on him.
For Unto Us is Given… a Prince of Peace
One of the first statements declared about the gift of Jesus was by a multitude of angels to a few shepherds in a field, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14) Like the climate of that time, we live in a time where peace is desperately sought after and rarely found in the hearts of people.
For Unto Us is Given… an Everlasting Father
In recent years, our culture has been working to redefine what the ideal father looks like. Traditionally, we have valued the security found in role of a father as a provider and stable authority. Presently, we have added values such as caring, present, supportive, and guiding. All of these elements of fatherhood and more are found in descriptions of our Good Father in the Bible.
For Unto Us is Given… a Mighty God
Last week we took a look at how Jesus was given as a gift to us so that we would have an ever-present counselor. This week we are discussing how He not only guides us, but whatever He guides us to, He can do.
For Unto Us is Given a Wonderful Counselor
As a counselor, you can imagine I particularly appreciate this attribute of God. In John 14:16, when Jesus was headed toward the cross in his final days, He told His followers that we are sent a paraklētos- a helper, comforter, advocate, counselor- the Holy Spirit. All of us who have the Holy Spirit, have access to His counsel at any time for any reason. It is literally a purpose of His Spirit within us.
Happily Ever After
In-fact, it seems more often than not life is pretty hard. There is real struggle, pain, and suffering in this life. Yet, in the midst of all that sucks I believe that there is hope.
Busy
I have the tendency to be an overly busy person. I don’t know about you, but when I am not rushing around doing something I can often feel as though I am wasting my time.
Church History at a Glance Part 5- The 20th Century
In the twentieth and twenty-first century, no issue was more attacked in Protestant Christianity than the issue of truth. The truth was being attacked under various agencies, each determined to thwart the stability of truth and Christian orthodoxy in their fields.
Church History at a Glance Part 4: The 19th Century
The Nineteenth Century is coined by historians as the “long nineteenth century,” bringing wars, famines, empires, revolutions, and death.
Church History at a Glance Part 3: The 18th Century
The eighteenth-century is a significant period in Protestant church history specifically and the Western world more broadly. The eighteenth-century was a period of pursuit and unconcealed, unabashed search for meaning in a changing world.
Church History at a Glance Part 2: The 17th Century
The three most important issues to be discussed in the Seventeenth century are the practical theology of the Puritans, the Westminster Confession of Faith, and Francis Bacon’s philosophical reconstruction.
Church History at a Glance. Part 1: “The 16th Century”
The Reformation period, particularly within the 16th Century, continues to mark some of the most historic moments in Church History. The Reformation is largely known for the Christian church’s separation of Catholicism and Protestantism. This is the case, but some particular moments gave way to much movement towards Protestantism.
Intentional Insomnia
It’s frustrating. Laying awake, watching the minutes turn into hours. Knowing that tomorrow you will not be functioning well during your daily activities. I love Job’s description, “When I lie down I say, ‘When shall I arise?’ But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn.” (Job 7:4 ESV)
Christianity & Creativity: Part 4
As followers of Christ, we are called to worship God in every area of life, including the arts! All of us, whether a formal artist or not, have some creativity to share with the world.
Christianity & Creativity: Part 3
As followers of Christ, we are called to worship God in every area of life, including the arts! This Week we will focus on our responsibility as the consumer.
Christianity & Creativity: Part 2
As followers of Christ, we are called to worship God in every area of life, including the arts! My personal aesthetic.
Christianity & Creativity: Part 1
As followers of Christ, we are called to worship God in every area of life, including the arts!
Be Angry, and Do Not Sin: Part 2- Fighting Fair
Be Angry, and Do Not Sin, Part 2- Fighting Fair by Courtney San Miguel My last blog post discussed the first half of Ephesians 4:26- Be angry and do not sin. I recommended excusing yourself from a situation in order to use calming techniques before choosing to...
Be Angry, and Do Not Sin
“Be angry and do not sin;” is a question that is asked a lot. Find out more about how anger doesn’t have to lead to sin and how we were meant to be slaves to anger.
Jesus Wept
How does Jesus respond to tragedies? How can Christians share the hope of Christ?
Attributes of God: God is Holy
What are the attributes of God? Discover and consider a few of God’s attributes through this short blog series. Today’s attribute: Holy.
Attributes of God: God is Creator
What are the attributes of God? Discover and consider a few of God’s attributes through this short blog series. Today’s attribute: Creator.
Attributes of God: God is Provider
What are the attributes of God? Discover and consider a few of God’s attributes through this short blog series. Today’s attribute: provider.
Attributes of God: God is Immutable
In our Attributes of God Series, we will consider today the importance and comfort of having a God that never changes.
Attributes of God: God is Sovereign
In our attributes of God series, we consider today it means that God is sovereign, and how God’s sovereignty is good for us today.
Attributes of God: God is Accessible
The word accessible means “easy to approach; having the right to come into.” We sinful humans have no right to come before a holy God. God is perfect, glorious, honorable and completely holy.
Attributes of God: God is Faithful
What are the attributes of God? Discover and consider a few of God’s attributes through this short blog series. Today’s attribute: faithful.
An Open Letter: Testing Out My Faith
An Open Letter: Testing Out My Faith by Emily Shutsky I am sitting down to write this right after getting back home from the incredible Hallows 10th anniversary celebration, my stomach in elated leaps after being filled with the most delicious cake made by Debs...
Gospel-Oriented Rhythms: Faith and Fitness
Check out this Gospel-Oriented Rhythms blog on “Faith and Fitness.” Can fitness be sacred? How can Christians approach exercise & fitness? How can one make the habit of exercising be gospel-centered?
On Faith and Friendship in Youth
Why Seattle church youth groups are important: teens express, explain, and show the gospel within the bond of community & shared experiences.
Prayer and Providence in Times of Change
Read about two gifts God has given us to combat the fatigue of ever-changing circumstances: prayer and providence.
Forgiveness & Being Let Down
A Tender Heart: Loving Others When They Let You Down by Alexa Hess Over the years I have found myself becoming more sensitive to the shortcomings of others. Instead of allowing things to roll off, I’ve been bitter or resentful. The season where I struggled the...
Rhyme and Rhythm for Worship Gatherings
Worship: Our Reason and Rhythm 2 Corinthians 3:18, “We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory…” Works in progress Every disciple is a work in...
A Book Review of Gentle and Lowly
Gentle and Lowly Book Review By Pastor Mark Smith A Helpful Book in a Time of Need It is an understatement to say last year brought a lot of feelings. When I look back on the complexities of it all, while knowing we aren’t out of the woods yet, it’s important...
Why Do We Do What We Do?
Why are we putting so much effort into creating a permanent hub for ministry in Wallingford Seattle? Read these reflections from a staff member as we consider why The Hallows Church exists.
A Farewell Letter
Dear Hallows Family, As many of you know, we recently worshiped with you in person for the last time prior to our transition to California. We wanted to write to say thank you for being our church and extended family for the last nine-and-a-half years, to reflect on...
Gospel Clarity Study Series
In order for the gospel to be central, it must be functional. This series recorded live in a one-day teaching gathering is intended to go deeper on issues that are important to you and to the culture of Seattle.
Searching the scriptures, finding the savior
In this special 1-part session, Pastor Andrew provides guidance on how to search the Scriptures to find the Savior.
Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures. –Jesus, Luke 24:27
The Gospel and Spiritual Warfare
In this 4-part session, Pastor Andrew teaches what is spiritual warfare, who is involved, and how God calls and equips His church is to engage in the battle that is not always seen but is always present.
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.” –2 Corinthians 4:4-6
Download fill-in-the-blank PDF outline:
The Gospel and Spiritual Warfare | Session 1
The Gospel and Spiritual Warfare | Session 2
The Gospel and Ethnic Identity
In this 3-part session, Pastor Andrew leads us through a biblical exploration of ethnic identity, gospel distortions, unity in the midst diversity and how the gospel paves a path forward in a culture often frought with division in diversity.
“After this I looked and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands And they cried in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” –Revelation 7:9-10
Download fill-in-the-blank PDF outline:
The Gospel and Ethnic Identity | Session 1
The Gospel and Ethnic Identity | Session 2
The Gospel Clarity Podcast

The Gospel Clarity podcast is designed to cultivate gospel clarity in the church for the world.
Follow along as Pastor Andrew Arthur and Pastor Mark Smith dive into the difference Jesus makes in all of life. Show topics span from answering listener’s theological questions to book reviews to current events and more. Submit a question by email.
Seasons 1 & 2 available on all major podcast platforms >>> Stitcher, SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts