
Hosted by Mars Hill · EN

The Psalmist invites us to have our lives revolve around one thing: seeking the presence of God. Being with God is the central call of our discipleship - not out of duty or performance - but joy! Psalm 27:1-8Questions 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?

"Christian" was not the language used initially by the early church to refer to one another. Instead, these first followers believed that a new reality was inaugurated in Jesus that enabled them [and us] to call one another brother and sister. Romans 8:12-17Withward [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?Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?

In this transparent conversation, Delwin and Troy give a glimpse of the process that led to the decision for Delwin to transition off the Mars Hill staff.Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 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?

In Jesus' life and death, seven key aspects of being in the world were demonstrated. These same attributes are put on display through those who have been raised with Christ. Colossians 3:1-4Questions 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?

Mark 16:1-8

This significant episode in the life of Jesus demonstrates what it looks like to cooperate with the inbreaking of the kingdom of God. The woman does a beautiful thing and also embodies a beautiful way of being in the world as a faithful disciple. Mark 14:1-26Questions 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?

Jesus cleanses the Temple from corrupt merchants and yet teaches them a new way to live. Jesus also calls himself the new and true Temple, inviting us to examine where our trust and true hope lie. Mark 11:1-11, 15-17; 13:1-31Questions 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?

In the final healing miracle in the book of Mark, we encounter a man named Bartimaeus. Many hold him up as a picture of a faithful disciple. This teaching invites us to imaginatively find ourselves in the story and listen for the compassionate voice of Jesus. Mark 10:46-52Questions 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?Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

The Gospel of Mark takes a turn at the Transfiguration, and the hinge of the turning is the three teachings of Jesus about his impending death. It appears Jesus is looking to help the disciples prepare for and understand their own deaths, however, the death of self. Mark 10:32-45Questions 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 transfiguration of Jesus is a profound event of glory and yet a mystery. Let's get curious about all the beautiful and challenging implications of this text!Mark 9:2-10Withward [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?Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?