Simplicity is a "hidden" posture throughout Proverbs. There is a consistent call to "declutter" life so that one can pursue wise living and the well-orderedness of creation and relationships.
Proverbs 30:7-9
Questions to consider—
Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?
Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?
Wisdom calls out, desiring that no one miss what is really important. Listening is one of the ways we catch a glimpse of the well-ordered world and relationships God intended.
Proverbs 8:1-8
Questions to consider—
Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?
Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?
In the final Teaching of this summer series, we consider Judas as a relatable character in the Bible. Exercising some empathy and compassion, seeing Judas afresh invites us to think about how we treat and think about one another as we all continue to stumble forward together.
Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16
Questions to consider—
Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?
Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?
Naaman is a complicated character, both sympathetic and cautionary. He serves as an example of someone stumbling forward, challenging us to consider the ways we have decided how God is going to move in our lives.
2 Kings 5:1-6 [7-15a]
Questions to consider—
Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?
Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?
The Shunammite woman’s story reminded us to find our identity, hope, and purpose in God alone, bringing our wounds, wanderings, and desperation to Jesus with confidence, even when the future feels unknown.
2 Kings 4: 8-37
Questions to consider—
Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?
Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?
Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?
In a story that is a real puzzle, Acts 5 puts lying on display, challenging all readers to consider the individual and communal costs of dishonesty.
Acts 5:1-10
Questions to consider—
Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?
Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?
Connecting her own story of encountering Jesus, Denise offers a compassionate glimpse of Nicodemus and his transformative time with Jesus.
John 3:1-8
Questions to consider—
Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?
Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?
Individually and collectively, we are all tempted to build our own kingdom. Babel helps us see clearly where we might be building defenses out of fear and self-protection. The invitation of Jesus is to allow God to build a different kind of kingdom through us!
Genesis 11:1-4
Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?
Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?
This familiar parable offers up a strong moral challenge. And yet, the church fathers read this parable in a slightly different way, encouraging readers to see Jesus as their neighbor.
Luke 10:25-29
Questions to consider—
Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?
Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?
