This last week we started off into 1 Timothy, and the initial challenge that the book brought to the surface was the idea of remaining faithful to the commitments you’ve made, to the responsibilities God has given and you’ve accepted. This morning as I sit here praying about our movement, I thought it appropriate to prompt us to really take inventory on what those commitments are (that we’ve been given by God to steward) and then to take some time to allow God (individually and through the collaboration of others) to further direct us in those things.

• What are they?

• Where are you with them? Discouraged? Afraid? Excited? Hopeful?

• What is “the dip”? In other words, what obstacles are you going to have to overcome and what will be the cost of overcoming them?

• How can you elicit the help (collaboration) of others to be more faithful and/or to remain faithful?

As you know, we just came out of a series in which the focus was creating culture, that is, joining with God in making something of the world. The connection between our last series and what we talked about last week has the potential to be very strong. So, I encourage you, as one passionate about loving God back by joining Him in bringing heaven to earth, to spend the energy to determine how to move forward.

Culture Makers - Forthcoming Actions/Creations

Let one another know what you're thinking...and how you could use others' input to refine things.

Culture Makers - Reflections

How have the last couple public gatherings stirred you? How are they altering your thinking about life, particularly life as a follower of Jesus? What questions remain? What observations have you made? Etc., etc.

Existing Better - Kingdom First

What do you think, how does one go about putting the Kingdom of God above all else? (Matthew 6:33)

Practically speaking, what does that look like?

Existing Better - Being Good for Your Word

Well, if you were at our public gathering lastnight, you know that we wrestled with our yes and our no. What a fun interaction. I invite you to further our discussion here. Post an initial response of 200 words or less, then interact!

(If you weren't able to be with us, I invite you to the podcast.)

Creating Culture #3

Thinking of Genesis 1-3, do you think it's fair to say that people were made with an eye for what's missing (or where progress is needed)?

Additionally, what if a major part of the culture making conversation involves selflessness? In other words, did the serpent simply exploit Eve & Adam's eye for progress by getting them to focus on themselves, rather than the world around them?

What if a key to culture creation is Philippians 2:3-4? What if a major means of being who God made us to be (culture makers) is keeping our focus off ourselves, and on the world around us?

How's that sit?

Existing Better - Making Disciples (Personal Reflection)

Okay last week I proposed that people post a 200-word reflection on the previous week's gathering, and then interact with others from there. Quite frankly I've loved this part of my experience at George Fox. So, once again I'd encourage you to post a personal reflection based upon our conversation (this time about discipleship). After posting yours, read others and ask questions, make comments and encourage!

I know that takes a high level of vulnerability, but it could also be very transforming!