Mars Hill

One interpretation of the Song of Songs is to view it as a representation of Solomon's aspiration for the temple he is constructing to serve as a haven for restorative connections among God and Humans, Female and Male, as well as Creations and Humans. The Song presents vivid imagery of a nostalgic return to the harmony of Eden, where all relationships are complete and harmonious. 

Despite the fact that Solomon's temple fell short of achieving this transformative healing, Jesus emerges as the embodiment of a new temple, wherein all relationships find restoration. Through our own "songs of songs," we are granted the privilege of joining in this process of healing by harmonizing with Jesus, who brings about reconciliation and wholeness..  

Song of Songs 2:8-13

Questions to consider—

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

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

Although the donkey is typically considered the star of this episode, a deeper look into Numbers 22 helps us see how unlikely Balaam is to be used by God. Thankfully, God continues to invite and include surprising people in sharing the message of blessing and hope. 

Numbers 22:1-6

Questions To Consider—

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

The origin story of Jacob and Esau begins with the prayers of their parents, Isaac and Rebekah. These two prayers challenge the ways we pray and invite us into humility and patience. 

Genesis 25:29-34

Questions to consider—

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

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

The book of Proverbs, while wide ranging in its content, is obsessed with Wisdom as its subject. What might it mean to think about wisdom as more than an ethical framework or moral target - but consider wisdom perfectly embodied in the Person of Jesus?

Proverbs 8:1-4

Thoughts 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?

Through God's decisive intervention in Samaria, four people whose presence at the city gates revealed that they were outsiders turns as they become those who bear good news about what God has done. In doing so they point to others throughout Scripture who are made God's witnesses, and in this way, invite us to bear witness as well.

2 Kings 7:3-11

Questions To Consider...

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?

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

What we call the "book of Job" is actually an ancient play. This drama gives us the tools to see the narrative we build when in seasons of pain, loss or frustration. Jesus then, the master storyteller, offers us more clear picture of God's love, character and nearness is tough seasons. 

Job 19:9-21, 25-27

Questions To Consider...

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

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

This Teaching was an overview of the context and complexity of the book of Judges. We are challenged to interrogate our own prayer life.

Judges 11:30-35

Questions to consider—

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

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

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

There are some tough to understand (and accept) portions of the Old Testament. This story, familiar to many, challenges the ways we interact with the Bible. A humble curiosity can lead us even into the parts of the Bible that disturb and confront. 

Joshua 6

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?

The prophet Elisha sees the world differently. He sees it in light of God's redemptive activity, not only among Israel, but all the nations. In his urging to the king of Israel to demonstrate hospitality, he helps reveal what God has done for all people in Jesus Christ.

2 Kings 6:8-15

Questions to consider...

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?

2 Kings 6:8-15