Mars Hill

Numbers 13:1-2,17-20

Connecting her own story of encountering Jesus, Denise offers a compassionate glimpse of Nicodemus and his transformative time with Jesus. 

John 3:1-8

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?

Psalm 77:1-12

Individually and collectively, we are all tempted to build our own kingdom. Babel helps us see clearly where we might be building defenses out of fear and self-protection. The invitation of Jesus is to allow God to build a different kind of kingdom through us!

Genesis 11:1-4

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

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

This familiar parable offers up a strong moral challenge. And yet, the church fathers read this parable in a slightly different way, encouraging readers to see Jesus as their neighbor. 

Luke 10:25-29

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?

This complex story of Abraham and Sarah journeying in partnership with God is full of humanity stumbling forward in ways that showcase God's patience, honesty, and faithfulness. 

Genesis 18: 1-2, 9-15

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 a very dramatic moment, Peter took action and caused real harm to another person. The Bible tells the story in four versions, but we are left to imagine Peter's motivations. This episode serves as a helpful examination of stumbling forward as a disciple and some of the ways Jesus meets us in our imperfections. 

Mark 14:43-47

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?

Mark 14:43-47

We can't be the 'hands and feet of Jesus'—he has them attached to his resurrection and ascended body. Christ, in the flesh, now rules and reigns at the right hand of the Father. This is amazing, good news for us! Jesus in his body, bears our wounds and scars before the Father. We are seen, known, and loved. 

Luke 24:50-53

Questions to consider—

Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?,
Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

How are we formed as people who give thanks at all times? Can gratitude be our default posture as Christians? Allow Scripture to point us to the gifts of this life that draw us into deeper union with God, the giver of all good things. 

Luke 22:14-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Questions to consider—

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

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