Mars Hill

To fear the Lord is to be wise... but this does not mean to be afraid of God. 

Job 38:1-7

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?

Wisdom calls out, desiring that no one miss what is really important. Listening is one of the ways we catch a glimpse of the well-ordered world and relationships God intended. 

Proverbs 8:1-8

Questions to consider—

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

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

Beginning this new teaching series, Troy gives a couple of ways of approaching the book of Proverbs before focusing on wisdom. We are encouraged to diligently pursue wisdom, alongside other people, throughout a lifetime. 

Proverbs 1:1-7

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?

In the final Teaching of this summer series, we consider Judas as a relatable character in the Bible. Exercising some empathy and compassion, seeing Judas afresh invites us to think about how we treat and think about one another as we all continue to stumble forward together.

Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16

Questions to consider—

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

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

By inviting us to engage the complicated story of Judah, Denise helps us see the value in the whole story being told, including the messy, broken, uncomfortable parts. We are encouraged to narrate and name all of our story, for the glory of God. 

Genesis 38:1-30

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?

We often stumble forward as parts of ourselves get caught up in busyness or are lulled into idleness. We are invited to wake up to God's calling and purpose for our life. 

2nd Thessalonians 3: 11-13

Questions to consider—

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?

Naaman is a complicated character, both sympathetic and cautionary. He serves as an example of someone stumbling forward, challenging us to consider the ways we have decided how God is going to move in our lives. 

2 Kings 5:1-6 [7-15a]

Questions to consider—

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 Shunammite woman’s story reminded us to find our identity, hope, and purpose in God alone, bringing our wounds, wanderings, and desperation to Jesus with confidence, even when the future feels unknown.

2 Kings 4: 8-37

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?

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

In a story that is a real puzzle, Acts 5 puts lying on display, challenging all readers to consider the individual and communal costs of dishonesty.

Acts 5:1-10

Questions to consider—

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?

Luke 9: 46-48