The Vine Austin

Mark shares a sermon on the fourth and final chapter of Ruth. www.thevineaustin.org DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Read Ruth 4. What stands out to you today? 2. What is the main difference between the perspectives of Boaz and this unnamed relative? 3. What stayed with you from the sermon? Was there anything confusing, encouraging or challenging? 4. Why do you think the author concludes with the genealogy account of Ruth and Boaz's family? Why is this so significant? 5. As you reflect on the entire story of Ruth, what is this story about? 6. How has this story informed how you can live differently?

Are you a fan of RomComs? Pastor Mark explores Ruth chapter 3 and considers the different elements of a good love story that are present in this ancient story. www.thevineaustin.org DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Read Ruth 3. What stands out to you today? 2. What stayed with you from the sermon? Was there anything confusing, encouraging or challenging? 3. What do you make of Naomi's plan? And what does Ruth display in her participation in this? 4. Explore the element of the garment in this story. What is the symbolism, and what do you think Ruth was asking for? 5. Building on what we know of the role “kinsman redeemer,” how is Jesus the truer version of that? 6. In the end, Mark shared about the use of the word “empty-handed” in this story. Part of Ruth's redemption is the reversal of Naomi's emptiness. As you conclude in prayer, what do you feel is empty from your life?

Ruth - Chapter Two. Fabs continues our series on the book of Ruth by exploring the way God demonstrates God's lovingkindness in chapter two. Discussion Questions: What stayed with you from the sermon? Challenged or encouraged you? Which circumstance currently resonates with you most: Ruth (in need and trusting God's lovingkindness), Boaz (being the provision of God's lovingkindness) or Naomi (in need and in despair, waiting on God's lovingkindness)? Have you ever experienced a time in your life where someone felt like they were the expressing God's lovingkindness to you through their actions? What makes it hard for us to ask one another for help? (Cultural scripts, narratives or beliefs, personality traits, schedules, etc…) Read Deut 24:17-22, what stands out to you? Why do you think the text includes the reference to their status in Egypt? In what area could you leave more margin for those in need: time, energy, resources (other?) What would this look like? What gets in the way for you?

Ruth - Chapter One Mark kicks off the series on the book of Ruth by exploring the context of the first chapter, the power of names, and a foreshadow of God's  redeeming provision. Discussion Questions 1. What does your name mean? 2. How do you see the use of names and the loss of the meaning of names in this story? 3. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, challenging or confusing?  4. With the few characters we have here, we find archetypes of how people respond to vulnerability and a crisis. How do the following people respond- Elimelek, Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth? 5. What is so astounding about Ruth's actions and words (vv16-18)?  6. As you reflect on all that takes place in chapter one, what do you think this story is about? 

Happy Easter! Mark finishes this sermon series, Monk Habits for the Rest of Us, with a message from John 20:11-18. As we consider how the Resurrected Jesus met with Mary, we find a story of healing and commission. thevineaustin.org DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. As we conclude the series on prayer, what practice has made the most impact in your life? What is one lesson you continue to carry? 2. Reflect on the imagery of a tidal island. How does the symbolism speak to rhythms in the Christian life and the dual calling of prayer/mission? 3. Read John 20:11-18. What questions emerge when you consider this story? Why do you think Mary went to the tomb that day? 4. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, curious, or confusing? 5. What are the similarities between Mary's tomb experience and MLK's table moment? 6. If in fact Easter is both a time of personal healing and sending, where do you feel Christ is sending you this week?

The Vine is discussing 40 days of prayer and monk habits for the rest of us. On Palm Sunday, Fabs unpacks the importance of worship in our prayer lives to help center our hearts on God, settle our hearts with God and stir our hearts for God. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Discuss your experience of integrating work and prayer last week. What did you notice and encounter? When you think about the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing? Read John 12:1-19. What stands out to you? Where do you see worship in this passage? What has worship meant to you in your life? Did you resonate more with: worship as a means to center your heart on God, as a means to soothe you by reminding you of what is true about God, or as a means to stir your heat for God?

The Vine is discussing 40 days of prayer and monk habits for the rest of us. In this message, Mark explores the importance of integrating work and prayer AND the call to pray without ceasing. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Discuss your experience of “praying the hours” last week. What did you notice and encounter? 2. When you think about the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing? 3. Why do you think it is so easy to live severed lives- especially separating our connection to Jesus in the workplace? 4. We find in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 the call to pray continually. What has that meant to you in the past? 5. Mark shared the following definition of prayer- "Prayer is awareness and orientation to God's presence." How is that understanding of prayer encouraging and also challenging? 6. The two practices of prayer this week are breath prayers and the prayer of epiclesis. How might utilizing breath prayers be helpful in growing an orientation to Christ's presence? How are they subtly powerful? 7. Describe the meaning of the prayer of epiclesis, and discuss how your work-life and home-life would be different if you practiced this prayer.

As we continue through our 40 Days of Prayer, Mark shares about the monastic practice of the praying the hours OR the daily office. Reflecting on Jesus' words in Luke 8:4-15, we consider how to receive Christ's presence in our lives through a rhythm of prayer. www.thevineaustin.org/monkhabits Scripture Reading: LUKE 8:4-15 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Discuss your experience of praying the psalms or praying the hours. What did you notice and encounter? 2. When you think about the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing? 3. Read Jesus' parable in Luke 8:4-15. How would you summarize the different conditions of the soil? 4. How would you describe the condition of your soul - either by using Jesus' words or your own? 5. The Daily Office or Praying the Hours is a way of tilling the soil of our souls. How does prayer prepare our soul to encounter Christ's presence? 6. Of the three times/themes of the Daily Office (morning, midday, and evening), which is the most challenging for you to enact? How might your life be different if you built the habit of prayer during that time?

As we continue our sermon series on prayer, Vine Covenant member Gabe McKinney explores the power of praying through the Psalms. Join us as we dive into how these ancient prayers can shape our conversations with God today. Scripture: Psalm 13 Discussion Questions: Over the past few weeks, how's your experience with prayer been? Have you thought more about or practiced a certain habit (Lord's prayer, solitude, silence, other?)  Have you ever prayed using Scripture before? If yes, how's it been? If no, why not?  What or who has shaped your idea of prayer and what prayer “should look like”?  How does the Psalm 13 prayer (or Psalms as a whole) compare to your approach to prayer?  Are there any Psalms you naturally resonate with? Which ones? And why?  If you were to write a Psalm-like prayer to God today, what emotions or themes would it include? What is one insight you've gained about prayer from the past few weeks?

This is the second sermon in the 40 Days of Prayer series- Monk Habits for the Rest of Us. In this message, Mark shares on the two pillars of prayer- silence and solitude. thevineaustin.org/monkhabits Matthew 6:5-8 DISCUSSION QUESTION: 1. This week, we are practicing centering prayer. How has your experience been with this practice? (You may also want to reflect on last week's practice of the Lord's Prayer.) 2. When you think back to the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious, or confusing? 3. What do you make of the instructions of Jesus in Matthew 6:5-8. What is the core of Jesus' teachings and instructions? 4. Mark shared that silence and solitude uniquely remind us we have a soul. Do you think of your soul often? How do silence and solitude make us remember our soul? 5. If you were to deepen your practice and comfort with silence and solitude, how would that affect your life?

In this sermon, Mark introduces us to our series "40 Days of Prayer- Monk Habits for the Rest of Us." In this sermon, Mark shares about a way to approach prayer, the monastic solution, and the foundational calling for followers of Jesus. www.thevineaustin.org/monkhabits Discussion Questions- 1. This week, we have two practices from the Monk Habits workbook. An analysis of your experience in prayer, and praying through the Lord's Prayer. How would you answer the question- where did you learn to pray? 2. What was your experience of praying through the Lord's Prayer? 3. When you think back to the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing? 4. Consider how Mark 10 ends and transitions to Mark 11. Read Mark 10:38-42 and then Mark 11:1-4. Why do you think these stories are next to one another? 5. When you consider the Lord's Prayer, what do you notice about the order and how it is structured? 6. Finish your time sharing what you hope takes place through these 40 days together. You can pray for one another that Christ might meet your desires with grace.

We conclude our series on Philippians with this message on Philippians 4:10-13, the secret of contentment and the only other God that Jesus named. www.thevineaustin.org/philippians DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1: What stood out to you this week in the readings and/or the sermon? 2: Mark shared that Philippians could be seen as Christian resistance literature. How do you respond to that notion? What has Paul encouraged the church of Philippi to resist? 3. Read Philippians 4:10-13. How would you define contentment? Why is discovering contentment like a secret? 4: In this reading we find the often quoted Philippians 4:13. When you put that verse in the larger context, what is Paul actually saying? 5: How is a life of contentment and simplicity an expression of faith in our culture? 6: Practice for the week. One practice that people enact in the season of Lent is fasting. Fasting is one way to redirect our desires and habits to Christ. Consider if there is a fast you would like to practice- whether food, social media, shopping, or other habits.

Covenant member, Stef, shares a message about the importance of resistance in the Christian life. From Philippians 3:20-4:9, we find timely and practical instruction for us all. To support The Vine, go to www.thevineaustin.org/give DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What stood out to you this week from the readings and/or the sermon? 2. Read Philippians 3:18 - 4:9 and notice what the word “therefore” is connecting. What do imagine was going on in the Philippian church? Without disparaging a church, have you ever witnessed or experienced the painfulness of escalating disagreements in a church setting? What did it feel like? What was the outcome? 3. In v. 4-7, Paul is asking the church to resist damaging escalations of conflict. From the sermon, resistance comes from: More Joy - Less Worry – Prayer – Gratefulness - Realizing God's nearness. Which of these have you embraced successfully in the past, and how did it change you? Which one would you like to grow more toward? 4. In v. 8-9, Paul doubles down on the things to keep at the forefront of our minds. Without bypassing reality, what are practical ways to focus on these things while in the midst of a world where there is no lack of negativity, fear and insecurity? 5. Practice for the week. Whether in this group or within your family/friends, ask these two questions: Where did you see God's goodness today? Where did you add to God's goodness today?

In this fourth message in our series on Philippians, Mark shares from Philippians 2:12-18. In this passage, we explore the concept of fear in our faith, the problem with grumbling and how we can shine. www.thevineaustin.org DISCUSSION QUESTION 1. How has your experience been with the reading plan? 2. Read Philippians 2:12-13. What do you make of the response of fear and trembling, especially in regards to the words you find here? 3. If the work of salvation is an act of the Spirit, what is our part in it? 4. Read Philippians 2:14-16. How would you define grumbling and why is it so toxic to the soul? 5. Our calling is to shine. What does it mean to shine and how can you foster that calling? 6. If salvation is an ongoing process, where do you believe the saving work of Jesus is active in your life?

In this third message of this series on Philippians, Mark talks about Philippians 2:1-11, the power of humility and the Messiah Poem. thevineaustin.org/philippians DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What has your experience been with the reading plan so far? 2. Read Philippians 2:1-4. What do you notice in these verses that is surprising, instructive or challenging? 3. Mark shared in the message how Paul's words in verses 1-4 move the reader from a vertical relationship with God to a horizontal relationship with others. Why do you think we cannot experience one without the other? 4. Read Philippians 2:5-11. What do you think Paul's purpose is with this poem? 5. Discuss humility. What has been some misunderstandings of humility in your life? How would you define it? 6. How does humility lead to unity? What are steps we can take to foster this in our community? 7. Was there anything else from the sermon that was encouraging, confusing, or has stayed with you?

This is the second week of our series on Philippians. In this message, Mark covers the second half of the first chapter which carries the themes of redemptive suffering, a counter-cultural gospel, and the importance of unity. Philippians 1:12-30 You can find the reading plan at thevineaustin.org/philippians Discussion Questions: 1. What has your experience been with the reading plan so far? 2. Read Philippians 1:12-19. In this section, we have Paul describing his experience being in prison. What do you notice about Paul's perspective? 3. Read Philippians 1:20-26. Respond to Paul's sentence - “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” What does that mean to you? 4. Read Philippians 1:27-30. What is Paul's main appeal to the church of Philippi? 5. Reflecting on Paul's word, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,” Mark shared that we are instructed to engage with our society as a citizen of Christ's Kingdom. How does our deeper allegiance inform how we can respond to current cultural events in our society? 6. Was there anything else from the sermon that was encouraging, confusing, or has stayed with you?

In this introductory sermon for this series, Mark shares how the letter we call Philippians came to be, explores a favorite verse for many, and considers a powerful prayer. Philippians 1:1-11 thevineaustin.org/philippians Discussion Questions: 1. How was your experience with the reading plan so far this week? 2. Read Acts 16:13-15 and Paul's first notable experience at Philippi. What do you notice about this moment and how the church in Philippi began? 3. Read verses 1:1-6. What does "partnership in the Gospel" mean to you? 4. Paul shares God's obstinate loyalty - the good work that was began will come into fruition. What is this "good work” that God will see till the end? 5. Consider the prayer of 1:9-11. Consider the structure of this prayer and share what you notice. In particular, what does a deep abiding love produce? 6. Is there anything from the sermon that was encouraging, confusing, or has stayed with you?

This is Vision Sunday where we reflect on the previous year and share a vision for the new year. In this message, Mark shares a pastoral report, we hear testimonies from others, and explore some plans for 2025. For Community Members who are ready to renew covenant, go to thevineaustin.org/renew

In this special message, Fabs shares that clarifying our values has great power to determine our year. Here is the tool you can use. https://www.thevineaustin.org/living-into-your-values

Enjoy this Christmas Eve homily as Mark concludes our Revelation series with chapter 22. www.thevineaustin.org

In this final Sunday of Advent, Mark shares from Revelation 21. In this chapter, John's visions begin to provide a resolution, a picture of a wedding, and some surprising omissions. www.thevineaustin.org To support The Vine, make your donation www.thevineaustin.org/give REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. What is your favorite part of a wedding? 2. Read Rev 21:1-5. What do you notice? 3. Mark shared that one of the greatest characteristics of God is "with-ness." Reflect on that concept and the different ways you see that in Scripture. Also, what difference does that make in your life? 4.Read 21:6-8. How do you reconcile those verses with Jesus' Gospel? 5. Read Rev 21:22-27. What do you find missing from this final city? What does that mean to you?

This week, Fabs continues our Revelation series in Revelation 19, where the authority of Jesus is established in order to usher in a new Kingdom. Discussion questions below: Read Revelation 19:6-19. John continues his pattern of describing what he hears and then what he sees. What stands out to you about what he hears and sees in this chapter? How does this passage sit with you? What feelings come to mind when you consider Jesus returning in this way? Think through the three clear names of Jesus in this passage: Faithful & True, Word of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Which name feels encouraging to you this week? Which name feels hardest to connect to? Jesus also has a name written on him that no one knows but himself. What comes to mind for you when you hear this? Fabs talked about the power in the name of Jesus, and that this name brings light into dark places in our lives. How does this idea sit with you? Is there anywhere you need the light of Jesus this week?

In this fifth sermon of this series, we consider Revelation chapter 7. In this interlude, we find a surprising yet consistent picture of Christ's work of expanding and including; even at the end of all things. Revelation 7:9-12 www.thevineaustin.org/revelation DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What have you noticed so far about the book of Revelation? 2. What has stayed with you from the sermon; either are encouraging, confusing, or curious? 3. Read 7:9-17. As you hear these words, picture what is taking place. What do you notice? What is unclear? 4. Mark shared about the consistency of Christ from the Gospels to Revelation. What is consistent? 5. Which promise from 7:15-17 do you hold dear today?

In this sermon, Mark shares on the overlooked meaning of Advent, the power of the lamb, and the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Scripture Reading: Revelation 5:1-10 www.thevineaustin.org DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Why do you think we avoid the promise of Jesus' return in our culture? 2. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as comforting, confusing, or confronting? 3. Read Revelation 5:1-10. What do you notice in the Scripture today? 4. Mark shared about the Roman version of peace (Pax Romana). What would say would be America's version of peace and how do we achieve that peace? 5. As this is the week in advent for hope, what fuels your hope today?

In our third week of Revelation and the Final Advent, we explore Revelation 4, and let our hearts be stirred to worship God. www.thevineaustin.org Share from your experience with the daily reading plan. Have you hit any roadblocks or had any interesting insights? What are some things/people/ideas that our world might intentionally or unintentionally encourage us up to worship? Which attribute of God stood out to you: holiness, eternity, creator? Why do you think it resonated? What is it that tends to stir your heart to worship God? How did it sit with you to consider letting 'who God is' fuel your worship? Read Revelation 4:8-11 - what stands out to you? Why do you think the Elders cast their crowns? How did the idea of God's highness (vs our lowness) as the fuel for worship in this passage sit with you?

We are in our second week of Revelation and the Final Advent. In this sermon, Mark shares about Revelation 2-3, and focuses on the letter to the Ephesian church. www.thevineaustin.org DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Share from your experience with the daily reading plan. Have you hit any roadblocks or had any interesting insights? 2. Read Revelation 2:1-7. What do you notice about this short letter? 3. How might someone know if they had lost their first love? What are the symptoms? 4. What is something that has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouragement, confusing or curious? 5. Why do you think cynicism causes so many to stall out and get stuck? How does cynicism affect the heart and soul? 6. What would it look like for to take steps to "do the things you did at first?"

Welcome to the new series- Revelation & the Final Advent. In this first sermon, Mark shares about the book of Revelation, how to read it and a pastoral word about carrying this message into our own times of suffering and uncertainty. www.thevineaustin.org DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What is your relationship and history with the book of Revelation? 2. What is something that has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, confusing, or curious? 3. Why is it so important to understand context before studying Scripture? 4. Read Revelation 1:12-20. What do you see happening in this scene? 5. As you look at verses 17-18, consider the power these words would have held as encouragement to those seven churches. What do you notice? 6. Discuss the visual of a church being a lamp stand. What meaning does that carry to you?

Mark concludes the Unhurried Life series by discussing a Rule of Life and living on purpose. Exploring the life and example of Daniel, we see how to be faithful when we are living in a world contrary to God's unhurried pace. Daniel 1:8-16 and 6:6-12. www.thevineaustin.org DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has lingered with you? 2. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing? 3. As you consider Daniel 1, why is choosing to reject royal food/drink so important? How could that translate to our life and what we consume? 4. Read Daniel 6:10. "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Discuss why this practice of prayer would have been so powerful for Daniel, especially as a exile. 5. As you consider developing a rule of life going forward, what are you wanting to include in your rule of life? 6. As we conclude this series, what are some lessons, experiences, or practices that you take with you? ADDITIONAL INFO: We are creating an additional resource each week for those who would like to go deeper. For this week, you can review the resources exploring the way of simplicity and contentment at thevineaustin.org/unhurriedresources For those who haven't done so, make sure to subscribe to The Unhurried Life podcast which is found at thevineaustin.org/unhurried

As we begin to head to the conclusion of our series on the Unhurried Life, we hear from guest preacher, Gena St. David. Gena shares on the challenges and opportunities to engage our relationship with time, and the One who meets us in the past, present, and future. www.thevineaustin.org MARK 10:13-16 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What take-aways do you have from practicing sabbath last week? 2. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has lingered with you? 3. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing? 4. What do you notice in your body when time feels like it is moving too slowly or too quickly? 5. What could you tolerate for 12 minutes that you wouldn't for 12 hours? 6. What do you notice in your body when you sit down to silently pray or meditate? 7. When has pain transformed into something helpful?

In this sermon, Mark shares about the practice of sabbath keeping, its presence in Scripture, and its ability to bring us back to life again. www.thevineaustin.org Scripture Reading: Exodus 20:8-11 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What take-aways do you have from practicing silence and solitude last week? 2. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has lingered with you? 3. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing? 4. Why do you think the practice/commandment of sabbath has been so widely dismissed by Christians and churches? 5. Mark shared from three passages on Sunday. Recount each one and share how they can form our view of the Sabbath. (Gen 2:1-2, Exodus 20:8-11, Matt 12:1-8) 6. How is sabbath an act of resistance? What does it help us resist? 7. What is a step you want to take in experimenting with sabbath keeping? (If needed you can consider the four aspects: stop, rest, delight, worship) ADDITIONAL INFO: We are creating an additional resource each week for those who would like to go deeper. For this week, you can review the resources exploring the way of simplicity and contentment at thevineaustin.org/unhurriedresources For those who haven't done so, make sure to subscribe to The Unhurried Life podcast which is found at thevineaustin.org/unhurried

In the next sermon in THE UNHURRIED LIFE series, we look at Jesus' practice of silence and solitude as a way to cultivate an unhurried mind. Additional resources here: www.thevineaustin.org/unhurried DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: What is your current relationship with solitude? Do you find it energizing, challenging, or somewhere in between? How has your experience with solitude shaped your desire for more or less of it? Do you identify with experiencing solitude as a form of rejection or isolation? How does it feel to consider solitude as an intentionalmovement toward something meaningful? Solitude can offer rest, bring purpose, clarity about identity, and space to process hard emotions. Which of these do you connect with the most? Which one sparks your curiosity, and which feels the most challenging for you? How might the experience of solitude feel different when you do these things in communion with God rather than on your own? What from the sermon or the podcast this week has stayed with you—either as encouraging, curious, or confusing? What would it look like to set aside time for solitude this week? When and where could you create this space? Among the four elements of solitude we've discussed—rest, purpose, identity, and processing—which one do you feel God is inviting you to explore more deeply right now?

In the next sermon in THE UNHURRIED LIFE series, Mark shares about the pace of relationships and how following Jesus teaches us how to have deep, transformative connection with others. www.thevineaustin.org/unhurried DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What take-aways do you have from practicing simplicity, gratitude and contentment last week? 2. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has lingered with you? 3. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing? 4. How have you seen or experienced the movement towards counterfeit connection? How is your "friendship time” trending in comparison to years in the past? 5. In 1 Corinthians 13, we find a list of descriptions for the nature of love, and it begins with patience. Why might love first need to be patient? 6. Recall the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 from Zacchaeus' perspective. What would you find surprising and transformative about Jesus' actions and words? 7. What is a practice you are considering this week to deepen unhurried connections with others? ADDITIONAL INFO: We are creating an additional resource each week for those who would like to go deeper. For this week, you can review the resources exploring the way of simplicity and contentment at thevineaustin.org/unhurriedresources For those who haven't done so, make sure to subscribe to The Unhurried Life podcast which is found at thevineaustin.org/unhurried

In this third week of our Unhurried Life series, Mark explores how materialism and consumerism fuels a life of hurry. To help us, we can turn to two passages where Paul encourages others to find the secret way of simplicity and contentment. PHILIPPIANS 4:11–13 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has lingered with you? 2. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing? 3. Why might consumerism and materialism fuel a hurried life? 5. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-12. What wisdom do you find in these verses? What is a timely correction or instruction? 6. Mark shared that simplicity + gratitude = contentment. How do simplicity and gratitude fuel contentment? 7. What practices are you exploring to fuel a life of simplicity and contentment? ADDITIONAL INFO: We are creating an additional resource each week for those who would like to go deeper. For this week, you can review the resources exploring the way of simplicity and contentment at thevineaustin.org/unhurriedresources For those who haven't done so, make sure to subscribe to The Unhurried Life podcast which is found at thevineaustin.org/unhurried

This is the second sermon in our series The Unhurried Life. In this sermon, we consider why hurry is so dangerous, and we explore Jesus' surprising solution. www.thevineaustin.org DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has stayed with you? 2. Dallas Willard shared this advice, "Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” In what ways does a hurried pace combat so many aspects of the Christian life? 3. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing? 4. How does the idea of being Jesus' apprentice seem different than being a disciple? 5. Read Matthew 11:28-30. In your own words, how are rest and renewal a by-product to putting on Jesus' yoke? 6. What is a part of Jesus' yoke that you desire to put on this week?

The Vine is kicking off a new series- The Unhurried Life. In this first sermon, Mark introduces the series, explores Ephesians 5, and invites us to begin with an honest assessment. For additional resources, the daily devotional podcast, and other information, go to www.thevineaustin.org/unhurried DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has stayed with you? 2. How did you respond to this quote- “For many of us, the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we become so distracted, rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them.” 3. What are some fruit from the modern life that you believe are the most toxic for the soul? 4. Read Ephesians 5:8-19. Discuss this passage and what you notice- especially listen for a timely encouragement and challenge. 5. What is one thing you can do to move towards making the most of every opportunity? 6. Conclude by sharing some hopes for these next 8 weeks. What do you long to experience?

In this final sermon within our Parables of Jesus series, community member Andrew Forrester shares from Luke 15:1-7 and Jesus' story of the lost sheep. www.thevineaustin.org

In this sermon our very own Fabs Harford, director of ministry operations at The Vine, shares from Luke 15:11-32 and Jesus' parable of the lost son.

In this sermon, Pastor Mark shares from Matthew 22 and Jesus' parable of the wedding banquet. www.thevineaustin.org REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. After reading this parable, what do you find comforting? 2. What do you find disconcerting? 3. In what ways does this parable connect the previous two? 4. In the tension between the two messages, which do you most commonly neglect?

In this message, covenant community member, Gabe McKinney, shares from Luke 12: 13-21. We learn about how Jesus expands our understanding of the kingdom on earth through a parable about a rich man and his possessions. There is so much more to understanding this parable than we may realize, and Gabe shows us how to explore this parable and others with a holy curiosity.

In this sermon, Fabs shares from the parable of the persistent widow. thevineaustin.org

In this message, community member Ron Ragsdale share from Luke 16:19-31; the parable Jesus shared about a rich man, Lazarus, and a surprising judgement. Luke 16:19-31 www.thevineaustin.org REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. Read Luke 16:19-31. What stands out to you in this reading? 2. What is the main objective Jesus has for this parable? 3. Parables are not meant to be taken literally. How do you think this parable could be misused or misinterpreted? 4. Ron concludes this sermon by saying that this parable calls us away from "justifying oneself," and instead should lead us to humility, awareness and curiosity. How do you see those three characteristics as essential to Christian flourishing?

In this message, community member Haley Patterson shares from Mark 4:26-29 and the picture of what God can do with the seeds of our life. Mark 4:26-29 Reflection Questions: 1. What's your record with caring for plants? Why does this come easy to you or why do you struggle? 2. Read Mark 4:26-29. What do you notice in this passage? 3. Why do you think Jesus chose the word picture of seeds for this teaching? 4. What stood out to you from Haley's sermon- either as encouragement or a challenge?

In this sermon, Mark kicks off a new sermon series- The Parables of Jesus. In this message, Mark shares about the purpose of parables and explores Jesus' parable on the hidden treasure and the pearl of great worth. www.thevineaustin.org DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Why do you think Jesus used parables? 2. How do parables reveal and conceal? 3. What has stayed with you from the sermon? 4. Read Matthew 13:44-46. How is the Kingdom like these two experiences? 5. How would you describe the issue of disordered loves? 6. Mark shares an alternative interpretation to this parable, and concludes by saying "the only way we will live into the first interpretation is if we believe the second interpretation is true." What does this mean?

In this final sermon on the Names of God, Fabs shares from Genesis 16, Hagar's encounter with God, and The God Who Sees Me. www.thevineaustin.org REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. Read Genesis 16. What are the elements of this story that are disturbing and challenging? 2. What aspects of Genesis 16 are healing and redemptive. 3. Out of the potential names Hagar could have given God, why do you think she declared this name? 4. Where in your life do you feel unseen, overlooked or neglected? 5. Go this day and consider the power of seeing others. Ask God to identify people who might need to be seen.

In this week's sermon from the Names of God series, church member Rachelle Shuttlesworth shares about the name Immanuel. www.thevineaustin.org REFLECTION QUESTION: 1. As you consider the larger story from Scripture, what are the different ways you see God's presence with humanity? 2. Rachelle shared how love is proximate. What does God's loving presence mean to you today? 3. Read Matthew 1:18-23. How does this expression of Immanuel differ from the previous forms? 4. How does God's faithful presence with us train us to be faithfully present with this world?

Today we are looking at the “Good Shepherd” name of God that Jesus gives himself in John 10:11. Vine member Katie Fike shares four ways that Jesus is a good shepherd as well as what our response is to this Good Shepherd: listening to and knowing Jesus' voice and following where he leads. 1. Read John 10:11-15. What do you think of when you hear the phrase “the good shepherd”? 2. Which of the four ways that Jesus is a good shepherd stuck out to you, resonated with you, or surprised you? 3. What do you think gets in the way of you listening to and knowing Jesus' voice? What are some ways you can overcome those obstacles? 4. What does “life to the full” (John 10:10) mean to you? Where do you feel you are experiencing the abundant life that Jesus offers in your life today - and where are you not experiencing it? 5. Read Psalm 23. Reflect on how much your Good Shepherd knows you and cares for you.

In this sermon, Mark shares from Judges 6. In this story, we explore the experience of a man name Gideon and the name he gave God- The Lord is Peace. www.thevineaustin.org REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. Review Judges 6 and 7. What do you notice? 2. What the different ways we see the thematic act of sifting in this story? 3. Why is this "God's signature move"? 4. Where are you feeling sifted today? 5. Why is it in the spiritual life that vulnerability is the gateway to true power?

NAMES OF GOD - Father This week Mary shares what it means that God is our good father. 1. How can thinking about God's love for us as parental love affect our understanding of his relationship to us (and ours to him)? 2. If you're a parent, how does that experience affect your view of God as a parent? 3. Have you ever felt as though you've experienced God's discipline? 4. Matthew 6 talks about relying on the provision of our Heavenly Father and his unlimited resources for his children. What might that mean for you right now? 5. What would it look like to see God as the provider and healer of your soul? 6. How has your relationship with your own father affected your view of God the Father?

Welcome to week 3 in our Names of God series. This week, Mark shares from Exodus 17 where we find the character of God on trial, a unique battle scene, and a new name for God- God my Banner. Reflection Questions: 1. What is your favorite flag or banner? 2. Mark talked about a trauma-informed view of the Hebrew nation. How does that understanding shape your view of this community, their struggles and their journey? 3. Read Exodus 17:1-7. What is happening beneath the surface? What do you notice about God? 4. Read Exodus 17:8-16. God seems to be absent from this scene, but Moses ends up giving God the glory for this victory. Where is God during this battle? 5. Mark shared that idolatry exists when we lift any banner to the same height as Christ's banner. How do we know when we have done this? 6. Where are you in this battle scene today? On the field, the hillside, lifting someone's arms or in worship at the altar?

As we continue our series on the different names of God, Christy Rome shares on the name El Shaddai. thevineaustin.org REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. If you had to choose a new name, what would yours be? 2. How did Christy define the name El Shaddai? And what do you make of the dual nature of this name? 3. Read Genesis 17:1-8. What do you notice happening in this story? What would this name mean to Abram? 4. What do you make of this truth- as we see God's true name, we often receive a new name. 5. Where in your life do you need to call upon El Shaddai?

The Vine is beginning a new series exploring the meaning and power in the different names of God. Today, Mark begins by discussing the name YHWH. thevineaustin.org REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. Consider the quote from AW Tozer- "We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God." How do you see this pull in your life? 2. Read the conversation between Moses and God in Exodus 3:1-14. What stands out to you today? 3. Consider the different possible translations of the name YHWH. What is the meaning and power in all the different tenses of this name? 4. Read the end to Jesus' prayer in John 17:25-26. What do we see of YHWH in Jesus' words? 5. As some in the Hebrew tradition believe YHWH is also the sound of a breath, what meaning would it be to enact breath prayers in your life?