Faithelement Conversations

For the session to be discussed on March 3, 2024

Psalm 19

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Crystal Shepherd

Daniel Glaze

Today’s psalm is a testament to the creator found in all of nature as well as the guiding word of God. Psalm 19 is believed to be two separate poems from two different authors. Verses 1 through 6 represent a musical poem that reveals God and God’s creation, while verses 7 through 14 is more cadenced and reveals God through God’s word or law. We discuss the ways the natural world has taught us about God.

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Notes

* David referenced a book of poems by Abigail Carroll titled Habitation of Wonder.

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For the session to be discussed on February 25, 2024

Psalm 22:19-31

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Crystal Shepherd

David Adams

Today we discuss a psalm that reminds us that, when things were at their worst, God came through in such a way as to astound everyone who might hear of it. This is a good word for us. It can be so easy to become pessimistic and hopeless, especially over time, as it seems like the world just can’t get things right. Whatever is on our hearts to worry about, it can overwhelm us. It can choke all the life and hope out of us. We talk about how our faith pulls us forward to the world God wants for us.

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Notes

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For the session to be discussed on February 18, 2024

Psalm 25:1-10

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Crystal Shepherd

David Adams

Psalm 25 is a prayer to ask for not only forgiveness, but for guidance to live a life that is focused on the ways of God. It is a fitting start to Lent for us to direct ourselves to join the psalmist in prayer. We discuss our need to better know God’s ways – and how that humble journey is fitting for this season of Lent.

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Notes

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For the session to be discussed on February 11, 2024

Psalm 50

Daniel Glaze

Nikki Hardeman

Crystal Shepherd

David Adams

On this last Sunday before Lent — where often we give up something as a form of sacrifice…. We explore a Psalm where God expresses anger at poor attempts to live by faith. What does it mean to live a genuine sacrificial life of faith in God? What are ways we are tempted to just go through the motions or offer insincere expressions?

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Notes

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All Things to All People

For the session to be discussed on February 4, 2024

1 Corinthians 9:16-27

Daniel Glaze

Nikki Hardeman

Crystal Shepherd

David Adams

Paul explains that he has a divine compulsion to share the gospel. Paul compares the Christian faith to the running of a race, or our work is that of a boxer. This faith requires ongoing work, self discipline and a clear sense of purpose. We discuss how part of what Paul’s getting at here is that the gospel is truly for all people. Who are we missing at the table? Are we focusing on the most important things? We also discuss the ways it seems Paul is maturing on his own faith journey.

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Notes

* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement

Food Fight

For the session to be discussed on January 28, 2024

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Crystal Shepherd

Daniel Glaze

in the ancient world, one would often worship by sacrificing an animal. Then the priests would often take the leftover meat to eat or sell. Paul counsels the more mature Christians, who knew the meat was fine, to act with kindness toward the new Christians, who were troubled by the practice. As Daniel says, “True understanding is not just knowing what’s right. It’s knowing how it affects other people.” How often does our sense that we are “right” affect how we treat others?

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Notes

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Anxiety Free

For the session to be discussed on January 21, 2024

1 Corinthians 7:25-40

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Crystal Shepherd

Daniel Glaze

Today’s text involves Paul writing to believers in Corinth. It seems Paul is suggesting the Corinthians could lessen their anxiety and worry by living as simply as possible with a divine focus with the expected imminent return of Jesus, it would be most expedient to remain unmarried and have a singular focus. We discuss the ways our cultural setting leads us to consider our faith’s role in lessening anxiety.

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Notes

* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement

From Solo to Symphony

For the session to be discussed on January 14, 2024

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

David Cassady

David Adams

Crystal Shepherd

Daniel Glaze

We discuss the great gift of Christian community and talk about a way of seeing ourselves not as simply a group of individuals. What does it mean to be Christian community in 2024, in the midst of a highly individualistic culture?

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Notes

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The Power of the Spirit

For the session to be discussed on January 7, 2024

Acts 19:1-10

David Cassady

David Adams

Crystal Shepherd

Daniel Glaze

Paul challenges disciples in Ephesus to receive power from the Holy Spirit that could empower them to not just change their lives, but to make change in the world. The power of the Spirit challenges assumptions. We discuss the ways God’s Spirit might move the church beyond mere repentance. and towards action for the good of the world.

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Notes

* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement

Praise the Lord

For the session to be discussed on December 31, 2023

Psalm 148

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Crystal Shepherd

Daniel Glaze

We read Psalm 148 and ponder what new courses this poem is charting for us as we approach a new year. Might this Psalm help us to undo the idea that humanity might be the crowning achievement of God? It puts all of God’s creation on the same level. All created things, all existence is owed to God for through God all things were created.

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Notes

* Try our small group curriculum! New subscribers can enjoy a completely free month of the premium edition of FaithElement!