Deeper

Our desire for spectacle causes us to push back often on the subtle callings Christ may have for us. How do we de-center ourselves so that we can be responsive? And how do we make sure our desire for spectacle doesn't get in the way of doing "boring" work like deep thought and reflection? 

Remember, Remember, the Fifth of November... or don't, I suppose, if you want to lose sight of where your core identity is. Dan and Austin talk today about the importance of remembering the Oneness of God and of the church. When our whole identity is based off NOT being like the other churches, how do we effectively work together?

It's really hard to explain the Trinity without stepping into an ancient heresy. How do we handle conversations about incredibly complex issues without too much fear? 

When we have good management, it changes our experience at work. The same concept can be applied to our lives with Christ. Knowing we have an excellent boss, how does that help us know how to treat our past, live throu the present and hope in the future? 

No mater how far we find ourselves from the centers of power and influence in our nation, we always find ways to "other" people who we see as backwards or uneducated. What does Jesus' treatment of the region of Galilee tell us about how we are supposed to treat people in parts of the country we don't like?

How should we go about adjusting our expectations for what it means to make it through a challenge in life? How do we ensure we aren’t using the power we have fairly attained in ways that don’t follow God’s plans?

We are constantly trying to balance our goals and missions with Christ. It can be easy to get out of balance, and begin valuing Christ's ministry more than Christ Himself. 

We often think of Efficiency as a good thing, something to be aspired towards. How can it also become a temptation, or a problem?

The Holy Spirit fills many roles, but we understand very little of it. Does it fill the role of a guardian angel, or is that something else? And why do we need it to advocate for us when the Father already knows everything? 

Have you ever tried to re-pack a tent after camping, and no matter how you fold it you can't get to fit the way it used to fit? That's almost what this week's sermon felt like, as we had so much more to unpack from teh scripture we could hardly fit it in the sermon. Dan and Austin take some time to break down some creedal differences and envision a world where we are more incarnate than we may tend to be.