Thursday, November 20, 2008

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?

Monday, November 17, 2008

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.)

Saturday, November 15, 2008

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?

Sunday, November 9, 2008

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!

Friday, November 7, 2008

Existing Better - Making Disciples

This weekend we'll wrestle with the simple idea that Jesus had a steady eye on making disciples.

I'm curious, what is your emotional response to that phrase "making disciples" (discipleship, being discipled, etc.)?

Second, in your estimation of things, "What does Jesus want to pass on to you?" Finally, "What does He want to pass on through you?"

The dialogue will prime us for the weekend, especially because my goal is for the teaching event on Sunday to take on a form unlike ever before.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Consuming vs. Creating

Having spent a lot of energy wrestling with consuming vs. making something of the world, I'm hoping that we can now our attention to the practical side of the discussion. How? How do we resist our desire to consume and instead make something of the world? Practically speaking, what helps you in this regard? (The discussion may need to start with us talking about where we're susceptible.)

If you're sincerely stumped, feel free to confess your struggle and then ask for help in discerning alternatives to consuming.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Existing Better - Prayer #3 (Personal Reflection)

On Sunday we wrestled with the observation that Jesus prayed (and he prayed hard)!

One of my favorite things about my degree program at George Fox has been the times when we're assigned to read 100-pages from a book and then told to post "a 200 word personal reflection on our reading. Then after you've done you're reflection, read what others' wrote and provide them feedback via 'push-back', encouragement, and questions."

So, lets try it, post a personal reflection (not to be confused with a summary) and then interact with one anothers' posts.