Some thoughts on Sunday's (oct 1) worship...

We talked about our initial experience or perception of God we carry when He meets us in life...and the reality that though God meets us where we're at, he always calls to to go further...

What does this look like in the life of a disciple? I suggested it's not unlike that of a wave washing onto the seashore that spreads out over the surface of the sand, then retreats back to the larger body of water, and then is sent out again.

There seemed to be three movements (circular) in the formation of the disciples:

1) to come and be with Jesus (withdraw)

2) being named (the inward journey)

3) being sent out (the outward journey)

If you didn't buy into my approach, or still have further questions, the sermon is posted here. Feel free to cut it from the webpage and paste it into your word processor to reflect further.
In what way does your life reflect or not reflect this rhythm of discipleship?

And for further reflection: here are the questions I asked at the end of the message that would be great for us each to think about as we pursue Christ:

In what ways are you resisting what God is naming and seeing within you?

How would you describe your understanding of the meaning of your life, and how that affects our church community?

In what way does your life bear the mark of Jesus’ call to communicate good news (in word, in deed, in growth in Christ)? To confront evil (idolatry in its various forms, evil in yourself, in the church, in the world)? To be a presence for healing (willing to suffer with others, to endure conflict and set an example as a maturing Christian, to pray for others)? Where is your weakness? Where can you grow?

p.s. New pictures posted from the youth's FD homecoming dance. They look nice all dressed up, don't they? :)