Faithelement Conversations

Trampling the Sabbath

For the session to be discussed on August 21, 2022

Isaiah 58:9b-14

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Daniel Glaze

Bert Montgomery

Our text from Isaiah 58 is a challenge to get back to the heart of worship. What is the sort of worship God desires and how near or far are we from offering it? We discuss the ways we often worship – but then do not behave as those who worship. How should our worship connect with the lives we live the rest of the week? Isaiah has thoughts.

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Notes

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Grapes of Wrath

For the session to be discussed on August 14, 2022

Isaiah 5:1-10

David Cassady

David Adams

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

We discuss a passage that has eerily similar dynamics to elements of our culture today. Why is it both then, and now, we have trouble hearing the words of the prophets calling us to change our ways and do better? How do we find courage to call for justice, peace and speak to the value of all persons as beloved creations of God?

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Notes

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Making God Angry

For the session to be discussed on August 7, 2022

Isaiah 1:1-20

David Cassady

David Adams

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

David Adams begins our discussion around Isaiah 1:1-20 (with an intro laden with Journey lyric references — much to Bert’s chagrin). We discuss the similarities in the dynamics of the time when the prophet was speaking and our time. God looks at the religious trappings and services of the day and is disgusted by them — since they are working to appear faithful rather than living in ways that are actually faithful. What would God prefer us to be doing in our day?

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Notes

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Wealth That Matters

For the session to be discussed on July 31, 2022

Psalm 49

David Cassady

Daniel Glaze

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Psalm 49 calls us to consider the sort of riches that really matter. In a world where incredible wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few — what does that say about our values and future? We discuss the difficulty Christians and congregations have in discussing financial matters. Why is it so difficult and so off-limits? What approach does Jesus call us to take?

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Notes

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Manifesting Peace

For the session to be discussed on July 24, 2022

Psalm 85

David Cassady

Daniel Glaze

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Psalm 85 is often described as a “complaint psalm” — lamenting what the people had lost over generations. It describes a communal loss that goes beyond the suffering of individuals. We discuss the ways this psalm raises questions about the nature of God. Is God more defined by wrath and anger, or love and grace?

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Notes

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Truth Telling

For the session to be discussed on July 17, 2022

Psalm 52

Crystal Shepherd

Daniel Glaze

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Psalm 52 harshly addresses an “evil mighty one” who uses their power to oppress and abuse the righteous ones. As we read the psalm we may be tempted to see ourselves as the “righteous ones” rather than the “evil mighty ones.” But in reality, we can be both. We discuss the way this psalm calls us to look in the mirror and reflect on the ways this psalm calls us to repentance and changes in how we live and treat others.

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Notes

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You Had One Job

For the session to be discussed on July 10, 2022

Psalm 82

Crystal Shepherd

Daniel Glaze

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Psalm 82 sets a scene where God rails against the powers of the day — condemning them for using their power for self-gain rather than for the good of others. Worse, they used their positions to directly harm others, especially the vulnerable in their society. We discuss that which is our “one job” and how well are we doing at it.

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Notes

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Unbelievable

For the session to be discussed on July 3, 2022

Psalm 30

David Cassady

Daniel Glaze

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Psalm 30 presents us with the message that, in spite of, and in the midst of, our deepest suffering, God will have the last word. That word is that one day joy, peace and wholeness will come. We share personal stories of difficult times in our lives that ultimately led to joy and peace. What are your stories?

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Notes

* David mentions a book by Chuck Poole, “Don’t Cry Past Tuesday: Hopeful Words for Difficult Days”.

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Inconsolable

For the session to be discussed on June 26, 2022

Psalm 77:1-2,11-20

David Cassady

Daniel Glaze

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

This psalm offers a glimpse of how the psalmist honestly relates to God. In this case, the psalmist is inconsolable — the grief, the anger, the hurt — is so deep that listening or accepting comfort or care is out of the question. We discuss the real emotions that can lead us to become inconsolable, and the reality that God can handle even the worst of our feelings.

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Notes

* David reads from the book, “Finding Your Voice: How to Speak Your Heart’s True Faith” by Jim Dant.

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Do Something

For the session to be discussed on June 19, 2022

Psalm 42 and 43

David Cassady

Daniel Glaze

David Adams

Bert Montgomery

Our conversation centers around two psalms that some scholars believe may have originally been one psalm that was later separated into two. These offer prayers of praise and petition, and prayers of complaint. We discuss how our lives are a similar mixture of hardship and joy. This psalm asks us to get up and do something alongside God, in the midst of a world of beauty and joy, and mass shootings, grief and war.

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Notes

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