Faithelement Conversations

Just Suffering

For the session to be discussed on May 3, 2020

1 Peter 2:18-25

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Crystal Shepherd

Daniel Glaze

We discuss this tricky passage after adding vs 18 back into the mix (it deals with slavery). What does the suffering of Christ teach us about how we deal with our own suffering and that of others? How has this passage been used (wrongly) to justify abuse and oppression?

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Notes

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Holy Action

For the session to be discussed on April 26, 2020

1 Peter 1:17-23

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Daniel Glaze

The call to mutual love — to caring about more than just our individual selves and needs, is central to this passage. How do we shift our individualist thinking to a concern for our larger community and world?

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Notes

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Good News for Difficult Times

For the session to be discussed on April 19, 2020

1 Peter 1:3-9

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Daniel Glaze

Suffering is a given in this life. Some suffer more, but none are immune from this part of the human condition. In this episode we discuss God’s presence and assurance to those living in dark days.

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Notes

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12.15 Resurrection Hope in a Pandemic World

For the session to be discussed on April 12, 2020

Colossians 3:1-11

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Crystal Shepherd

It is Easter and we are discussing a text from Colossians. In the text, we find a call to focus on the risen Christ and to center our lives on him. How do we find and live into Easter during a pandemic?

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Notes

* Bert mentioned a prayer by Brian McLaren for use while washing hands:

*

God of healing and well-being,

As I wash my hands I ask you

To cleanse me of other invisible viruses

Of the soul:

Fear, hate, pride, greed, lust, hostility,

Supremacy, superiority, selfish interest,

And all constriction of the heart.

As I join billions of others in this practice,

Help me feel how deeply we are all connected

And equally, infinitely loved by you.

— Brian D. McLaren

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Palm and Passion

For the session to be discussed on April 5, 2020

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Crystal Shepherd

It is Palm Sunday, and both our present situation and this text remind us of the ways that celebration, hope and thanksgiving are also accompanied by pain, loss and suffering. In Holy Week, we see Christ walk all these trails and ultimately conquer the darkness. How do we walk with hope and thanksgiving in hard days?

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Notes

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Breathe

For the session to be discussed on March 29, 2020

Ezekiel 37: 1-14

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Daniel Glaze

In this episode, we discuss the famous passage from Ezekiel looking at God breathing new life into the valley full of dry bones. An apt passage for our day, where there is fear and death — where do we find hope and help gift it to others?

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Notes

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

Seeing Truly

For the session to be discussed on March 22, 2020

1 Samuel 16:1-13

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Bert Montgomery

Crystal Shepherd

In this episode we discuss the anointing of the young shepherd boy David as the next king of Israel. The passage contains the famous phrase, “for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” What does it mean to see as God sees? What and whom do we miss when we only see as mortals see?

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Notes

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Dancing to Mourning

For the session to be discussed on March 15, 2020

Psalm 95

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Daniel Glaze

Bert Montgomery

In this episode we discuss a Psalm most of us know because of the phrase “make a joyful noise…”. But Psalm 95 also has a section that is darker, recognizing that God notices injustice and evil and requires better from us. We discuss the power of remembering and righting wrongs, even those from our past that continue to impact lives today.

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Notes

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A Call to Uproot

For the session to be discussed on March 8, 2020

Genesis 12:1-4a

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

Daniel Glaze

Bert Montgomery

In this episode we discuss the nature of calling as we consider the story of Abram and Sarah. How much do we need to know about the journey ahead to begin following a call? How does that urge to know-in-advance limit out ability to follow?

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Notes

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12.09 True Story

For the session to be discussed on March 1, 2020

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7

David Cassady

Nikki Hardeman

David Adams

Bert Montgomery

In this episode we discuss the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. How have we been taught to interpret this passage, and how do we feel about that approach? What are deeper ways to read this text — to see ourselves in this story? We also discuss the ways this text remind us of the limits of being human, and how that draws us to a humble dependence upon God.

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Notes

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