Mars Hill

Peter begins his letter with a phrase of praise, which he builds on for the next handful of verses. We kick off this new Teaching series in the same way by focusing on this opening praise and recounting four reasons to celebrate and thank God. 

1 Peter 1:3-5

Questions to consider—

Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?

John 2:1-5

Among other things, the Samaritan woman gives us a paradigm for the spiritual journey as she comes to recognize who Jesus is and, ultimately, believe in him. Her conversation with Jesus reveals a progression that encourages all of us as we consider our own journey and how to be in loving relationships with others as they journey. 

John 4:7-15

Questions to consider—

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Hannah's story is [among other things] one of being "in-between." Her story of liminality is the story of God's people at large and each of us individually. As we listen to her, we are encouraged to lament this liminality and look for God's faithfulness in the middle of it.

1 Samuel 1:1-20

Questions to consider—

Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

2 Kings 5

Josiah sought the advice of a prophet and received the Word of the Lord. Huldah is more than a woman. She is rooted in the Torah, gifted, not just skilled, and impartial to the either or false dichotomy. 

2 Kings 22:14-20

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

When we listen to Ruth, we hear the voice of one who invites us into friendship - being one that others can count on when the going gets tough.

Ruth 1:8-18

Questions to consider—

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?

In her one Bible appearance, Abigail shines as a leader, intercessor, and prophet. She provides numerous examples that both embody the character of God and challenge the people of God to lovingly show up in the world. 

1 Samuel 25:2-3, 32-34

Questions to consider—

Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?

Jesus calls his people to live in a particular [and peculiar] way in the world. This invitation is found in the Sermon on the Mount and in the example of Rebekah, who selflessly and generously hosts and blesses the stranger. 

Matthew 7:24-26

Questions to consider—

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

The widow in Jesus' parable challenges us to interrogate our approaches to prayer. As we listen to her, we are encouraged to join God's people throughout history who have sought God day and night, confident in the goodness and justness of the One to whom we pray. 

Luke 18:2-5

Questions to consider—

Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?