The Well Church of the Nazarene

Series Discussion - Amazed, pt. 1

We're looking into the life of Elijah this month, a prophet God used to interact with his people in amazing ways. But a lot of times we find Elijah at the mercy of others. This week's story demonstrates God's providence in our lives, and how he gives each of us what we need, day by day. The widow in 1 Kings 17 is yet another example of an ordinary person--a Gentile, widowed woman--that God uses in unexpected, significant ways to sustain Elijah.

How does waiting develop our faith? What parallels can be drawn between Sabbath and these periods of waiting in our lives? Is it possible that God is working in YOUR waiting, preparing you for going?

Worship - Amazed, pt. 1

In the life of Elijah, we see 4 characteristics that are important if we want God to move in amazing ways in our lives: how to wait, how to go, how to listen, and how to finish. This week, we're exploring how God invites us to wait on Him.

Wise, pt. 4

Wisdom ultimately brings wholeness to the community. 

Worship -Wise, pt. 2

Wisdom is living in the right relationship with all aspects of our life. Proverbs 3:6 begins, "In all your ways, acknowledge Him..." God wants to be in the midst of our life, not separate from it. It's east to see that we need a right relationship with God, but we also need right relationships with others, with self, with our community, creation, systems, etc.

Worship - Wise, pt. 1

What does it mean to be wise? It's not about degrees or position. It's not even necessarily about age and maturity. Wisdom begins with God.

God gave Solomon wisdom, but he didn't fully apply it, and as a result the kingdom was split in two.  Wisdom is more than knowing the right things to do. It's applied knowledge. It's right living that leads to right relationships.

Are you seeking wisdom? Are you applying wisdom? Are you building relationships?

Series Discussion - Epic,Wk. 13

It has been an epic summer, and today we're discussing our takeaways from the last sermon in this series (from August 30), which was more or less a continuation of the story/lesson from last week. Most of us are pretty familiar with the story of Esther, but we want to explore more of Mordecai's role as a guide in her life. After all, without Mordecai, her story may have been significantly different. 

So, these are the questions we're asking: How do we identify the guides in our life? How do we know which voices we can trust? Is it fair to say that you cannot effectively guide someone else if you've not been guided--in some way--yourself? 

We live in a time of separation and isolation, and there's a lot of uncertainty right now, which is understandable. But community is important--we cannot go through life alone. We need alternate perspectives, alternate voices--guides to walk with us. We are meant to experience love through others, as our relationships often mirror God's love for us. But guidance does not equal control. It implies a willingness to give and take--to listen, to be patient, and to allow yourself to be vulnerable.

Remember: vulnerability is not weakness. All of us go through seasons where we need guides, counselors. 

Worship - Epic, pt. 13

Concluding our "EPIC" summer series with today's sermon on Mordecai, the guide.

Guides are necessary to join God's epic story. Are you serving as a guide? Modeling a right perspective and right action, inviting others to find their place in God's story? Are you listening?

Series Discussion - Epic, Wk.12

In this second-to-last week of our Epic series, we've been talking about the life of Esther and more specifically, the phrase "such a time as this."

How do you view where/when/how God has placed you in the world? What if you saw every thing you do, every circumstance you face, as having been put somewhere "for such a time as this?" Are you prepared to seize your moment(s)? 

Bryan, Mara, and Paul talk about what it looks like for both leaders and laity in our faith community to "bend toward God." To live authentically in our walk with Christ, knowing that everything we do--big things and small--are reflective of what's in our heart. We model what we practice. Every single moment is sacred, whether your "such a time as this" moment is one of action or just being present and listening.

God is calling us to a whole relationship with everything we encounter--God, others, self, systems/governments, creation, etc. And He guides us to respond appropriately to, and participate in each of these. How can we help you build these types relationships that inspire and encourage you toward confession, accountability, and growth...for such a time as this? 

Worship - Epic, pt. 12

Esther is, in many ways, faced with the same issue as King David: Things aren't going as expected, and not only are the Israelites in exile, there are individuals seeking their destruction.

Esther finds herself in a position of influence. She must carefully navigate her position to protect God's people, and rely on the counsel of others. But ultimately, she must seize the opportunity she's been given. We too must recognize our own opportunities in the midst of ad lib. 

Series Discussion - Epic, Wk.11

Paul, Mara, and Bryan discuss last week's sermon re: Daniel in today's series discussion.