Mars Hill Sunday Teachings - A Jesus people for the sake of the world.
Jesus gives powerful glimpses of the Kingdom in parables [stories]. God is immensely generous, a provider, and a giver of welcoming light! Jesus shows himself in power over the storms, wind, and waves. Mark 4Questions 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?
Troy and Kate Neckers [Elder chair] introduce and invite the community into a more intentional conversation about giving to our church. Troy then offers a few practices to help the community engage with our resources in healthier, more faithful ways. Mark 3:7-19; 6:6b-13Questions 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?
After the first words of Jesus, announcing the nearness of the kingdom of God, Mark sets out to demonstrate what this kingdom looks like. Among the many manifestations, this teaching highlights how new people and new containers are evidence of the kingdom of God.Mark 2:13-3:6Questions 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?Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?
Jesus' healing of the man with the shriveled hand on the Sabbath in Mark 3 has deep roots in the Old Testament. Jesus is reclaiming Sabbath as a grace-filled rhythm of joy, delight, and connection. We are all invited to participate! Mark 2:23-3:6Questions to consider—Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?
In the final glimpse of A Prophet's Vision, Troy highlights the out-of-place-ness of Isaiah's vision. We are encouraged to be someone who receives and shares the word out of place, even as we tiptoe toward the vision's full actualization.Isaiah 35:1-10Questions 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?
Troy explains some of the history behind the Advent candle of Joy as a way of encountering the prophet's vision in chapter 11. Isaiah 11:1-10Questions to consider—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?Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?
To kick off Advent [after a snow-day Sunday the previous week], Troy invites us into the season by concentrating on the hopefulness of the prophet's vision. Isaiah 2:1-5Questions to consider—Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?
The 'fruits of the Spirit,' goodness and faithfulness work together over time! God creates what is good, that which reflects God's character - faithfulness puts that on display over the long haul.Mark 10: 17-18, Lamentations 3: 22-23 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?
Many people, like Meredith, have a complicated relationship with happy and joy. She invites us to consider the Source of all joy and how essential a component joy is to being a follower of Jesus and image bearer of God. John 2:1-5Questions 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?
The fruit of the Spirit, Kindness, is tender and strong. A call to selflessly love while also being loved by God and allowing the profound kindness of the Lord to lead us into life. Micah 6:8Withward [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?Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?
Mike and Brian brought us into our second week of the series, concentrating on joy and peace. Mike invited us to consider the ways that disappointment hinders our encounter and experience of joy. Brian issued a prophetic call to be people of peace, just as Jesus is our peace.Isaiah 35:1-2 and Ephesians 2:14Questions 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?Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?
These two Teachings kicked off our new series called "By the Spirit." Troy began describing the goal and format of the series, along with offering a few words about the Holy Spirit. Delwin walked through a narrative that highlights love in the life of Jesus, encouraging all to be a loving presence in the world. John 21:17Questions 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?Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?
Simplicity is a "hidden" posture throughout Proverbs. There is a consistent call to "declutter" life so that one can pursue wise living and the well-orderedness of creation and relationships. Proverbs 30:7-9Questions to consider—Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering? Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?
Discipline is not a favorite word for many people. Proverbs has a lot to say about it, encouraging an intentionally structured life and for the corrective voice of those who care for us not to be ignored. Proverbs 3:21-26Questions 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?
To fear the Lord is to be wise... but this does not mean to be afraid of God. Job 38:1-7Questions 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 8:1-8Questions 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 1:1-7Questions 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, 14-16Questions 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 38:1-30Questions 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: 11-13Questions 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: 8-37Questions 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 5:1-10Questions 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?
Connecting her own story of encountering Jesus, Denise offers a compassionate glimpse of Nicodemus and his transformative time with Jesus. John 3:1-8Questions 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?
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 11:1-4Withward [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 10:25-29Questions 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, 9-15Questions 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 14:43-47Questions 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 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 24:50-53Questions 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 5:16-18Questions 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?
Jesus appears to Mary as a gardener after his resurrection. God and humanity are seen as gardeners in Genesis 1 and Revelation 21. In our spaces of work and service, God speaks to us "I am with you," "peace be with you," and "I am sending you."John 20:11-18Questions 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?
We wrap up this series focused on the Parable of the Prodigal Son by getting a glimpse of the feast thrown by the father. The celebration is an external picture of the heart of God, desiring a "full house" engagement with this demonstration of extravagant love. Luke 15:1-3, 11-32Questions 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?
God is love - love beyond our capacity to grasp or communicate. This love includes more people than we would anticipate and invites us to consider who is invited to participate in the Church as a response to this generous love. 1 John 4:16aQuestions 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?
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