Living Vertizontal

In this episode we are going to be working through Luke 4:14-30, looking at the beginning of Jesus' ministry and His subsequent rejection in His hometown. Together we discuss the disparity that can sometimes exist between what our expectations are, and the truth of who Jesus is, and how He operates and calls us to operate as well. In Jesus' upside down kingdom, Jesus sought to care for anyone and everyone, to be for everyone, and has called us to do the same.

In this episode, though the season of Lent is over, we are concluding our Lent series with a conversation on Easter! Our passage from My Cup Runneth Over is Matthew 28, working with the resurrection of Jesus, and other events surrounding His resurrection. Together we discuss the directives throughout Matthew 28, focusing on “do not be afraid,” “come and see,” and “go and tell.” From this, we recognize the lasting impact of our response to fear in our lives, and the daily invitation that Jesus has issued for us to continually recognize what He is doing and then subsequently going to those around us to share what we see from Him.

In this episode, we move into Week 6 of Lent, Palm Sunday. As a part of this, we look at a number of different passages Luke 22:33-34, 23:39-43; John 19:25-27; Matthew 27:45-46; John 19:28-30; Luke 23:44-46, all relating to Jesus' last words. Together we discuss the seven final sayings of Jesus and they paint a clear picture of the Kingdom of Heaven. At the core of it all is an example of, and invitation to, a deeper trust and dependence on Him.

This episode moves into week 5 of Lent and looks at Matthew 27:22-31 and Mark 15:37-41. In these passages, we see Jesus before Pilate, including how the soldiers treated Him, and the last breath of Jesus. Together we discuss how the love that Jesus has for His Father is the foundation for His obedience, obedience that results in love for all those around Him. In the same way, we come to realize that as important as it is for us to love those around us, this love, first comes out of obedience rooted in love for Jesus.

This week, as we move into Week 4, we will be looking at passages from Mark 14:27-31 and Luke 22:54-62 where Jesus predicts Peter's denial followed by the playing out of that very denial. Together we discuss the importance of knowing who Jesus is. As we understand who Jesus is, within this passage and beyond, we come to realize the depth of Jesus' love for us even in the midst of our moments of betrayal.

In this episode we move into Week 3 of Lent, examining the passages of Matthew 26:36-46 and Luke 22:39-44. These passages explore two gospel accounts of Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane just before His arrest. Together we discuss the vital role of prayer in our lives, both in preparation for what may come, and in response to what is right in front of us. Continual dialogue with Jesus is key, just as Jesus was constantly in dialogue with His Father.

In this episode, Derek and Brittany continue on in our Lent series. Now into Week 2, they look at both Luke 22:1-34 and John 13:1-17, each relating to different aspects of the Last Supper that Jesus had with His disciples. Together, they discuss the role of our focus on Jesus and the obedience we are called to. When we focus on Jesus and understand what He is doing , we are better equipped to act like Jesus and reflect His upside down kingdom in the midst of the pressures of the world.

In this episode, for the first Sunday of Lent, our scripture comes out of Luke, looking at Luke 9:18-36, 43-48, and 51-62. Within these passages we read of Peter declaring Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus predicting His death two different times, the transfiguration, Jesus' turn to Jerusalem, and the cost of following Jesus. Together, we discuss both just how important it is for us to know who Jesus really is and the potential danger of misrepresenting Him based on our assumptions, as well as the resolute obedience required as His disciples.

In this episode, we follow Jesus' story in Luke 4:1-13 as we work through His temptations in the wilderness. Together, we discuss how Jesus' time in the wilderness, and the obedience He exemplifies, sets the tone for His time in ministry. And how this very obedience ought to set the tone for our own lives on a daily basis.

In this episode we finish up this part of the conversation on John's ministry, see Jesus' baptism, and read through Jesus' family lineage. Together, we discuss the incredible news of our identity as sons and daughters of God and the pleasure that God takes in us.

In this episode we continue with this introductory snapshot of John's ministry in Luke 3:7-14. Together, we discuss John's invitation to live in a different kingdom, an upside down kingdom, one that recognizes the crucified Christ as Lord, and allows Him to define our life.

In this episode we look at Luke 3:1-6. In this passage we transition from Jesus' story and resume John the Baptist's story, looking at an introductory snapshot of his ministry. Together, we discuss the difference between hearing and understanding, and just how important it is for us to remain connected with Jesus so that He can bring continual understanding to what we are hearing from Him.

In this episode we explore Luke 2:41-52. Within this passage, we read about Jesus returning to the temple as a boy. Together, we discuss the example that Jesus provides as He remained in the temple, and just how important it is to keep our focus on Jesus in the midst of all things, listening twice in every interaction, both to Jesus, and those around us.

In this episode we continue with Luke 2:22-40, picking up on the story of Jesus being presented at the temple which includes both an encounter with two elderly individuals, Simeon and Anna. Together, we discuss the interconnection of obedience to Jesus' leading and the impact He can have through us in the lives of others.

In this episode, we move on into Luke 2:1-21 which explores the birth of Jesus, the angels report to the shepherds, and the start of Jesus being presented at the temple. Together, we discuss how the good news of Christ with us ought to propel us to action, sparking a desire to share with anyone and everyone, regardless of the perceived rejection that may come.

In this episode, we finish off the first chapter of Luke, looking at Luke 1:57-80. Within these verses we have the account of the birth of John the Baptist as well as Zacheriah's song. Together, we discuss the value of living our lives in community, both the highs and lows, because Jesus can use both the good and the bad to impact the lives of those around us as we depend on Him.

In this episode, we continue on in Luke, looking at Luke 1:26-56. These verses include the foretelling of Jesus' birth, Mary's visit to Elizabeth, and Mary's song. Out of these different scenes, we discuss the difference in response to Gabriel's message between Zechariah and Mary, and how Mary serves as an excellent example for us of perfect love and total dependence on God. We also discuss the theme of the upside down kingdom of God again, and how Jesus changes the way we should understand everything, both then, and now.

In this episode we begin our journey through Luke. With that, we start with a look at Luke 1:1-25, which includes Luke's introduction and the foretelling of John the Baptist's birth. Together we discuss the difference that exists between the standards, expectations, and understandings that society has, versus the standards, expectations, and understandings that God has, as well as the difference between the faith to ask Jesus, and the faith to believe Jesus for the answer.

In this episode, we finish out our Advent journey by focusing on the theme of peace. With this theme, we look at Mary's song found in Luke 1:46-55. Together we discuss the big picture of the peace that Jesus offers and how this may include conflict on the path to setting things right in His eyes. With this, we were reminded of just how important it is for Jesus to remain our focus as we encounter potential conflict.

In this episode, our theme is Joy, and we look at the song of praise found in Isaiah 12. Together we discuss the joy that is found when we are focused on, and obedient to, Jesus in the journey of life, despite the circumstances around us.

In our episode this week, our Advent theme is Love, and we will be looking at Zechariah's song found in Luke 1:68-79. Together we discuss just how important it is for us to create margin in our lives, resting with the ever-present Jesus, allowing Him to fill us with His love and guide us into our lives.

This year, as a church, we are using the material from the Foundry Publishing entitled Changed in the Waiting to guide our Advent weeks. Each week there is a different reading and theme working towards the birth of Christ, the culmination of the first advent. In our episode this week, our theme is Hope, and we will be looking at a psalm of David found in Psalm 25:1-10. Together we discuss the interconnectedness of trust and hope, and how vital it is for true hope to place our trust in Jesus alone.

In our episode this week, we finish our journey through Colossians with a look at Colossians 4:2-18. In this set of verses, Paul provides some further instruction as well as his final greetings. Together we discuss how in continual prayer (connection/focus with Jesus), we can be prepared to make the most of every opportunity with those around us.

In our episode this week, we finish off Colossians 3 and start in chapter 4, looking at Colossians 3:18-4:1. In this set of verses, Paul works to restructure the typical household of Colossae around Christ, moving from patriarchy to Christ centered living. Together we discuss the relational and interactional transformation that can take place as we choose to focus on Jesus in every situation, regardless of the circumstance.

In this episode we move into Colossians 3:1-17. Within this passage, Paul discusses what it looks like to live a life in Christ. Together we discuss how important it is for us to understand that as Christ becomes our focus in life as Christians, though we may not necessarily change our environments and relationships in the world we live in, we actively work with Christ to put on the actions and behaviors of His kingdom.

In our episode this week, we finish off Colossians 2:16-23. In this passage Paul continues the conversation on the fullness of life in Christ by likening the law to a shadow and Christ to that which casts the shadow. Together we discuss the difference between focusing on laws or on Jesus. Laws may bring modification to our lives, but only Christ brings transformation to our lives. When we focus on Him, and help others to do the same, His kingdom comes into focus.

In our episode this week, we pick up in Colossians 2:6-15. Within this passage, Paul addresses the fullness of life in Christ. Together we discuss the idea of Jesus as Lord in our lives and just how pervasive that should be. When we identify Jesus as Lord, we commit to focus solely on Him over traditions and external influences, allowing Jesus to be the one who influences and guides us in all things.

In this episode, we continue on in Colossians, looking at chapter 1:24-2:5. Here Paul addresses his work with and for the church. Together we discuss the overwhelming reality of Christ in us, and the importance of remaining dependent on Him, rather than thinking we are the one to be depended on.

In this episode, we move into season 4 as we work through the book of Colossians, another letter from Paul. Today we are going to be looking at Colossians 1:1-23 which includes Paul's introduction, greeting, thanksgiving, and initial remarks to the church at Colossae. Together we discuss faith, purpose, and holiness, and just how central Christ is for all of it.

In this episode, we finish our journey through Romans. It is a larger section, but we will be looking at Romans 16:1-27. Within this set of scripture, Paul offers greetings and summary points to the letter. Together we discuss how ordinary faithfulness to both Jesus and those around us reflects the extraordinary faith that Jesus is calling us to.

In this episode we finish off Romans 15, looking at Romans 15:23-33. Here, Paul explains the plans ahead of him, before he is able to visit Rome on the way to Spain. Together we discuss the missional directive on every follower of Christ and the importance of refusing to allow external circumstances from influencing the working out of this directive.

In this episode, we look at Romans 15:14-22. In this set of verses, Paul speaks of his overwhelming commitment to following God on mission to the Gentiles. Together we discuss the important role that we each play within the greater Body of Christ, as we grow in dependence on Jesus' Spirit, reflecting His servant leader qualities.

In this episode we move into Romans 15, looking at verses 1 through 13. In this set of verses, Paul speaks to the responsibility of the believer to the other. Together we discuss what it looks like to live a life like Christ, a life of worship to God, overflowing to those around us, as well as the vital role of unity for both our worship and our witness in the world.

This week, we wrap up Romans 14, with a conversation on verses 13-23 continuing Paul's conversation about allowing the Master to judge each servant while seeking unity in Christ. Together we discuss how what we do, and what we say in every situation has a Kingdom impact on some level, either in support of the Kingdom, or in opposition to it.

In this episode, we move into Romans 14:1-12 where Paul has a conversation about accepting the faith of those around you, allowing the Master to judge each servant. From this, we discuss the importance of focusing on Christ and trusting each other to focus on Christ.

This episode finishes out Romans 138-14, where Paul asserts that love fulfills the law and points to the nearness of our salvation. From this, we discuss the love that we owe to all in response to what Christ has done for us, and how that may look worked out in our daily lives.

This week, we turn to Romans 13:1-7 where Paul expands on his previous discussion about love in action to talk about the importance of submitting to governing authorities. From this, we discuss how actionism led by the Spirit can participate in the in-breaking of the Kingdom of God even now.

This week, move into Romans 12:9-21 where Paul expands on his understanding of what it looks like for love to be put in action. Together we discuss how a life of love led by the Spirit results in the purifying in-breaking of the Kingdom of God even now.

In our episode today, we move into Romans 12:1-8. In these few verses, Paul outlines our lives as worship in response to God's mercy as well as the importance of humility amidst diversity. Together we discuss how a communal life of worship is directly related to the transformation that the Spirit brings to our lives.

This week, we examine Romans 11:25-36, in this set of verses, Paul addresses the eventual salvation of all of Israel. Together we discuss the importance of unity in Christ within the church for the sake of Kingdom impact.

In this episode we examine Romans 11:11-24. In this set of verses, Paul addresses the ingrafting of the Gentiles and the implications for others. Together we discuss just how important it is for us to keep our focus on Jesus, our root, in the midst of anything we may encounter in life.

In this episode we examine Romans 11:1-10 where Paul writes about the remnant of Israel and what that means. Together we discuss how the remnant represents the first fruits through which God intends to reach all others.

In this episode, we examine Romans 10:14-21, continuing Paul's discourse on Israel's unbelief and God's actions in the midst of that unbelief. Together we discuss our calling as the ones “sent” so that the world may hear, believe, and call on Jesus.

In this episode, we finish off Romans 9 and move on into chapter 10, looking at Romans 9:30-10:13. In this passage Paul turns to begin to address Israel's unbelief. Together we discuss our call to obedience to Christ over anything else and our willingness to follow Him over our experiences and tradition.

In this episode, we continue on in Romans 9, looking at verses 14-29 continuing on in Paul's discussion on both the sovereignty of God and the ultimate inclusion of all. Together we discuss God's patience in giving us the opportunity to choose to participate in His plan of mercy for both ourselves and for others.

In this episode, we move on into Romans 9:1-13 where Paul confesses his sorrow for Israel and God's sovereignty. Together we discuss how the chosen-ness of Israel was intended to be used as a means to include, rather than exclude, those around them.

In this episode we finish off working through Romans 8, looking at verses 31-39. In these verses, Paul elaborates on the implications of the promise of the Spirit here and now. Together we discuss God's commitment to us, and the reality that when we live in the Spirit, nothing can come between us and God.

This week, we continue on in Romans 8, looking at verses 18-30. In these verses, Paul addresses our state of present suffering and the hope of future glory. Together we discuss the lives we live in this in-between time with the Spirit leading us.

This week, we move on to Romans 8:1-17 where Paul explains what life in the Spirit is like. Together we discuss the importance of both listening and submitting to the Spirit's leading in our lives.

In this episode, we work through the remainder of Romans 7, looking at verses 13-25. In the remainder of the chapter, Paul exposes what we can expect when we live a life according to the law over relationship. Together we discuss the freedom we experience when choosing to rely on and be led by the Spirit.

This week, move into Romans 7:1-12 where Paul asserts that we have been released from the Law that we may be bound with Christ. Together we discuss the importance of setting aside our sense of autonomy for the purpose of life with, and obedience to, Christ.