The Gathering

Where do you find the meaning of life? The meaning of Life is not something you find, but rather a gift you receive.

What does baptism symbolize?
Baptism symbolizes cleansing/forgiveness, a new identity, a new start.

What does Epiphany mean? Epiphany: the manifestation of God; through Christ and through us.

Who will you choose to serve? (summary) With our egocentric memory, we forget about God when things are good; we remember him when times are tough. We must put God first in good times, too, and not endanger our spiritual life. For Joshua and the Israelites, God freed them from slavery, led them across the Red Sea and out of their wilderness to the Promised Land. They didn't do anything by themselves but with God. Same for us, when we make mistakes or sin, He is present, loving us, forgiving us, and working on our behalf to provide people and opportunities to get to a better place. It's a 3,000-year-old story: don't confuse lesser things with God. Put Jesus front and center. Trust in Him and serve Him honestly and faithfully.

What happens when we fail? Life is always up and to the right is a myth, the Israelites first failed in Jericho/the Promised Land at the first battle in a small village, their hearts melted into water, they start blaming God, second-guessing themselves, God told Joshua to get up and make himself holy, failure melts our resolve, get up and get ready, stop blaming others, decide how you're going to respond, what you're going to do/let go of.

How do we live in between receiving God's promise and possessing it? (summary) God makes promises to us but there is time before claiming the promise, live in the "in between time," Joshua and the battle of Jericho, God's detailed instructions, the Israelites went in and attacked and captured the city, three disciplines for us: trust God, be obedient to what God asks us to do, be patient.

Where can we find help to change into someone new? Archbishop Desmond Tutu, lead change, find allies, God will raise them up, can't do alone, Jericho, Rahab hid men (Israelite spies), known vs. unknown, God will be with us through the presence of others, Rahab makes deal with men, they report back to Joshua, make new friends to help us change, be open to surprise of other people.

How do our fears get in the way of change? God is growing church of depth, faith demands change, change is hard, we get stuck, God wants to make changes, old life to new life, Joshua protege of Moses took people to cusp of Promised Land, people were afraid of challenges, criticized Moses and Aaron, desired to return to Egypt, God got mad, they wandered for 40 years, Joshua and Jacob last two alive, book of Joshua begins, be strong and courageous, I the Lord will be with you wherever you go.

Through religious rituals or practices, you might see God. Such as small groups, regular worship attendance, giving.

The Christmas Story.