Episode 052 – The Sabbath Pt 4: Defining Your Identityi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-234{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-234:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-234.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s):  Exodus 5:10-18We are a culture of accomplishment. We value people based on what they can produce. It’s toxic and oppressive. The Israelites experienced this in their slavery in Egypt. But God brought them out of that system and instituted the Sabbath so that they’d begin to learn that their identity and worth didn’t come from their work, but from something infinitely more substantial. Until we have a proper handle on our identity, we’ll miss the stunning beauty of the Sabbath and how it seeks to rescue us from one of the most destructive realities of our world.

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

When meeting someone new, what is the first thing you want to share about yourself?

Do you believe that your worth and value comes from being a child of God, rather than what you do? Why or why not?

If you were to lose your job, possessions, and/or your ability to contribute to the world, how would you feel?

How do you look at others who may find themselves in this situation?

What will you do differently this week to remind yourself that your value (and the value of others you come in contact with) is solely from God alone?

For Further Study

The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan 

The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel 

Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann 

Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn

Episode 051 – The Sabbath Pt 3: Do You Have Rhythmi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-237{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-237:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-237.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Exodus 20:8-11We are not beasts of burden. We were not designed to go, go, go. And yet for most of us, we struggle to slow down. Our lives are constant noise, and we’re so drowned out in our schedules that we fail to see the insanity for what it is. Sabbath teaches us that there’s a rhythm and a cadence to life. It slows us down and emphatically reminds us that in order to be healthy, we must prioritize rest. Rest is not a reward. It’s a necessity. But even more than that, it’s the engine that’s intended to power our lives.

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

Has there been a time where you kept pushing on when you should have rested? What was the outcome? How could it have been different?

Pause and consider the beat that is driving your life right now. Is it just frantic noise, or does it have soul?

What is keeping you from taking these regular pauses in your life?

Had you ever considered that Adam and Eve's first full day was a day of rest? How does the idea that we work from our rest change your perspective, if at all?

What is one step you will take this week to embrace God's rhythm of life?

For Further Study

The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan 

The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel 

Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann 

Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn

Episode 049 – The Sabbath Pt 1: A Theology of Worki.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-243{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-243:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-243.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Genesis 2:15; Ephesians 2:8-10; Colossians 3:23-24Mark Buchanan once wrote, “In order to keep the Sabbath well – to embrace the rest of God – we need a right view of work. Without a rich theology of labor, we’ll have an impoverished theology of rest.” I couldn’t agree more, which is why we’re launching this Sabbath series by exploring the dignity of work, what the Bible has to say about it, and how we’re supposed to approach it in our relationship with God. Buckle up. This series is going to be quite a ride!

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

In what ways has God gifted you specifically to work for His glory?

How do you view your work? Is it a burden, where you find your significance, or a form of worship?

Have you been allowing your work to define your identity? If so, in what ways?

Do you love the work you do, or at least like it? If not, is there something you can do to change that in this season?

Have you ever considered that you, in the work you are in now, are in full-time ministry? How can you live out this calling more this week as you seek to worship God with your work?

For Further Study

Leadership by Brad Lomenick – Chapter 6 addresses the Identity/Calling/Assignment aspect of this teaching.

Episode 048 – Little Man in the Eyei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-246{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-246:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-246.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Deuteronomy 32:10; Proverbs 7:2The New Year is underway and many of you have made resolutions, but do any of them pertain to the Bible? In this episode, we explore one of the coolest Hebrew expressions (that often gets lost in translation) that depicts our relationship with God and His Word in a way that inspires us to dig into His Word in order to truly thrive this next year. And it all has to do with a little man in the eye. Enjoy!

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? 

In this teaching, we talked about how God desires a personal, intimate relationship with you. Do you believe this to be true, and do you desire the same? Why or why not? 

Is there something holding you back from seeking a deeper relationship with God?  

What are your goals for 2019? Specifically, what are you doing to engage the Bible this year? 

What is one step you will take this week to keep God’s teachings at the forefront of all you do?

Episode 047 – Genealogy Christmas Pt 4: Son of Godi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-249{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-249:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-249.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Matthew 1:18-25It’s Christmas Eve! Which means it's the perfect time to conclude our Genealogy Christmas by looking at Jesus being the Son of God, and how Matthew is helping us understand the magnitude of his identity and calling by using the names “Jesus” and “Immanuel.” As we explore these names, we’ll be reminded of why we celebrate Christmas and are able to have the hope that we have. God became man, and our lives will never be the same because of it. May you be overwhelmed with joy as you’re reminded of the significance of the coming of Jesus, who is Immanuel!

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

At the beginning of this series, what did you identify you were specifically waiting or longing for this Christmas season? Did God meet you in the way you had desired?

In what ways might God be showing up in your life right now that is different than you expected or that you’ve haven’t been noticing? Do you find it hard to trust God when circumstances don't resolve how you hoped?

It was shared in this episode that "God's presence isn't contingent upon our expectation, God's presence is revealed in our awareness." Does your life currently reflect an awareness of God walking with you in the midst of the highs and lows of this life?

How will you begin to grow in your awareness that God is always with you this week?

Episode 046 – Genealogy Christmas Pt 3: Son of Josephi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-252{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-252:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-252.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Matthew 1:18-25Have you ever wondered why Matthew tells us that “Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph” and then in the very next verse he tells us that Joseph was planning to “divorce her quietly?” How does that work?

And was Joseph being insensitive, or was he demonstrating the noblest of character? I’ll give you a hint – it’s the latter, and the context here is riveting. What’s more, we find that Joseph (and Mary) modeled a righteousness that shaped Jesus as he grew up, and it’s a righteousness that’s intended to shape us as well.

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

What is God asking of you this Christmas season? Where is He leading?

What is the cost of obedience to God in your life right now? Are you willing to sacrifice this in order to follow Jesus?

Are you making decisions, big or small, based on personal gain or comfort over obedience to God?

Are there relationships, attitudes, jobs, or anything else hindering your obedience to Jesus? How will you make changes in response to this knowledge?

How will you begin to walk in obedience to what God is calling you this week?

Episode 045 – Genealogy Christmas Pt 2: Son of Abrahami.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-255{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-255:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-255.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Matthew 1:1-17In Pt 1: Son of David, we learned that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant for the Jews. Now Matthew wants us to understand that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant. But what does that mean? And how does Matthew “prove” it in the genealogy? Well, buckle up, because what Matthew does next is astounding, and its implications for our lives and for this Advent Season will leave us encouraged and grateful that we get to part of the family of such a loving God.

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

Have you ever felt like you were outside of God's promises? Why or why not? Did hearing the stories of Jesus' history change your perspective at all?

Have you ever thought that your brokenness can be used to show the restorative nature of Jesus? Have you seen this reflected in your life or in the stories of others you know?

On a scale of 1 (only those just like me) to 10 (everyone), how wide a spectrum of different people do you welcome into your life?

How do you inadvertently/unintentionally not welcome all people? (This may be a blind spot that others can help you discover.) Are there certain people you find harder to welcome?

How will you begin this week to reflect the heart of God in welcoming all people?

Episode 044 – Genealogy Christmas Pt 1: Son of Davidi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-258{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-258:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-258.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Matthew 1:1-17If you were tasked with retelling the most significant story in human history, how would you begin? Matthew had to ask the same question, and what was his answer? A genealogy. Seriously? Could there be anything more boring than that? We normally skip right over them. And yet, what Matthew does with Jesus’s genealogy is electrifying! The jaws of the first century audience would’ve been on the ground. And over the next four weeks, we’re going to explore this “Genealogy Christmas” and begin where Matthew begins – with Jesus being a “Son of David.” The implications are astounding, and I trust Christmas will take on deeper meaning for you this Advent Season!

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

What are you specifically waiting for and/or longing for this Christmas season? Have you shared this with God? Have you invited anyone to join you in praying for this with you this month?

Where do you feel like God is “running late?” How are you responding to this?

In this teaching, we were reminded God doesn't make mistakes. As you acknowledge this truth in your life, do you need to make adjustments in your perspective of your circumstances, relationships, or self?

Where do you need to relax your plans and trust God and His timing anew this Advent season?

How will you begin walking this out this week?

For Further StudyHagah The Text – this is a longer teaching (sermon) that goes into greater detail about the concepts explored in Teaching Series Episode 020

Episode 043 – Psalm 23 Pt 10: Answering Your Questionsi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-261{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-261:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-261.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Psalm 23Over the last nine episodes, we’ve been digging into Psalm 23 and I’ve been encouraging you to ask your questions. In this episode, I seek to answer those questions. The discussion entails everything from how we teach our kids to understand the Bible’s context to leaders being intentional about setting aside times for rest and renewal to discussing whether Jesus was beaten with a shepherd’s “staff,” “rod,” or something else, and much more. May this discussion help round out some additional aspects of Psalm 23 as we seek to live out the truths of this psalm in our lives.

Discussion Questions

Were there any “aha” moments for you in the answers given that helped you better understand a facet of Psalm or just life in general?

It was mentioned that a good shepherd is not only aware of the environment, but how each sheep needs to be led uniquely in that environment. As a parent, leader, coach, and/or friend, etc., what stuck out to you about how to do the same?

Where do we (as parents, teachers, churches, etc.) need to do a better job of training our children to understand the Bible so they won’t have as much to “unlearn” in the future?

Overall, what’s been your biggest takeaway from this series on Psalm 23?

Have you begun living out the most significant truths addressed in this series in your life? If so, how? If not, what’s the next step you need to take in doing so?

For Further Study

The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament by Kenneth E. Bailey

Psalm 23: A Photo Commentary by Steven D. Anderson and Todd Bolen

Psalm 23: Photo Companion to the Bible (pictures) by Todd Bolen (BiblePlaces.com)

While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Timothy Laniak

Becoming a Judean Shepherd by Doug Greenwold

Episode 042 – Psalm 23 Pt 9: Practicing God’s Presencei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-264{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-264:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-264.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Psalm 23:6David concludes Psalm 23 by proclaiming, “and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” It’s a stunning ending to a stunning Psalm. But what’s David's context? What’s he declaring? Is he talking about Heaven? Is he talking about the Tabernacle (often referred to as “the house of the LORD”). Is “forever” the best translation? As we seek to answer these questions, I believe we’ll be invited into one of the most significant practices that enables us to grow in our awareness of God, and approach life with a perspective and maturity that we all long to possess.

Discussion Questions

What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

Do you have some kind of grounding time to connect with God each day? What does this look like for you? How has this impacted your life?

David desperately sought to dwell in the presence of God. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 – being that “you struggle to do so” and 10 being that “you can’t wait to”), how would you rate your desire to dwell in God’s presence?

Have you ever considered the idea of recalibrating to the awareness of God in the midst of your day? What impact do you think this practice would have on your life?

Despite all that may be going on in the world and in your life, do you trust that God hasn’t lost control, and that he’s working in the midst of it all? Why or why not?

Do you find yourself holding onto to something in life with a tight grip? How is this affecting your work, relationships, and faith? Where is God asking you to loosen the grip?

What is one change you will make this week as you seek to daily practice the presence of God?

For Further Study

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day by Peter Scazzero

The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament by Kenneth E. Bailey

Psalm 23: A Photo Commentary by Steven D. Anderson and Todd Bolen

Psalm 23: Photo Companion to the Bible (pictures) by Todd Bolen (BiblePlaces.com)

While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Timothy Laniak

Becoming a Judean Shepherd by Doug Greenwold