Living Vertizontal

In this episode we continue with Luke 2:22-40, picking up on the story of Jesus being presented at the temple which includes both an encounter with two elderly individuals, Simeon and Anna. Together, we discuss the interconnection of obedience to Jesus’ leading and the impact He can have through us in the lives of others.

In this episode, we move on into Luke 2:1-21 which explores the birth of Jesus, the angels report to the shepherds, and the start of Jesus being presented at the temple. Together, we discuss how the good news of Christ with us ought to propel us to action, sparking a desire to share with anyone and everyone, regardless of the perceived rejection that may come.

In this episode, we finish off the first chapter of Luke, looking at Luke 1:57-80. Within these verses we have the account of the birth of John the Baptist as well as Zacheriah’s song. Together, we discuss the value of living our lives in community, both the highs and lows, because Jesus can use both the good and the bad to impact the lives of those around us as we depend on Him.

In this episode, we continue on in Luke, looking at Luke 1:26-56. These verses include the foretelling of Jesus’ birth, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, and Mary’s song. Out of these different scenes, we discuss the difference in response to Gabriel’s message between Zechariah and Mary, and how Mary serves as an excellent example for us of perfect love and total dependence on God. We also discuss the theme of the upside down kingdom of God again, and how Jesus changes the way we should understand everything, both then, and now.

In this episode we begin our journey through Luke. With that, we start with a look at Luke 1:1-25, which includes Luke’s introduction and the foretelling of John the Baptist’s birth. Together we discuss the difference that exists between the standards, expectations, and understandings that society has, versus the standards, expectations, and understandings that God has, as well as the difference between the faith to ask Jesus, and the faith to believe Jesus for the answer.

In this episode, we finish out our Advent journey by focusing on the theme of peace. With this theme, we look at Mary’s song found in Luke 1:46-55. Together we discuss the big picture of the peace that Jesus offers and how this may include conflict on the path to setting things right in His eyes. With this, we were reminded of just how important it is for Jesus to remain our focus as we encounter potential conflict.

In this episode, our theme is Joy, and we look at the song of praise found in Isaiah 12. Together we discuss the joy that is found when we are focused on, and obedient to, Jesus in the journey of life, despite the circumstances around us.

In our episode this week, our Advent theme is Love, and we will be looking at Zechariah’s song found in Luke 1:68-79. Together we discuss just how important it is for us to create margin in our lives, resting with the ever-present Jesus, allowing Him to fill us with His love and guide us into our lives.

This year, as a church, we are using the material from the Foundry Publishing entitled Changed in the Waiting to guide our Advent weeks. Each week there is a different reading and theme working towards the birth of Christ, the culmination of the first advent. In our episode this week, our theme is Hope, and we will be looking at a psalm of David found in Psalm 25:1-10. Together we discuss the interconnectedness of trust and hope, and how vital it is for true hope to place our trust in Jesus alone.

In our episode this week, we finish our journey through Colossians with a look at Colossians 4:2-18. In this set of verses, Paul provides some further instruction as well as his final greetings. Together we discuss how in continual prayer (connection/focus with Jesus), we can be prepared to make the most of every opportunity with those around us.