The Well Church of the Nazarene

Series Discussion - Epic, Wk.7

Bryan's back with us this week, Paul's returned from vacation, and in this week's series discussion, Bryan, Paul, and Mara continue our ongoing conversation regarding God's epic story. This past Sunday (July 19), we talked about the anointing of David. This afternoon, we're digging deeper into the behind-the-scenes of Samuel's decision and how we can apply what we're learning from this story to our circumstances present-day.

 

David was such an unlikely choice for king, no one even considered he'd be part of God's plan. He wasn't even presented to Samuel as an option! Each of Jesse's sons was rejected by God--not because of who they were, but because they weren't the right fit for the job. How can we relate this to the times we've felt rejected in our own lives? Could it be that God is redefining or redirecting our purpose and not just taking it away?

 

Change is the nature of life, but it can lead to conflict within ourselves and with others. Often times we think we know what God is or should be doing, but He has significantly different plans. It's possible Samuel missed David at first because he was busy seeking Saul 2.0. How many times have we missed something God may be doing because we're looking for what we think it should be and not what it could be? How do our prejudices--and our assumptions--affect the pursuit of God's will in our lives and what it means to authentically live out our faith? 

 

God looks at the motivations of our heart, while Jesus took the time to truly listen and pay attention to people. What does this mean for us? It means we need to change the way we see people--not just with strangers, but in our closest relationships as well.  

Worship - Epic, pt. 7

God has rejected King Saul because of his disobedience, and Samuel is called to appoint the successor. God leads him to the sons of Jesse, of which He chooses the youngest. God saw something within David--his heart.

In keeping with our musical analogy in this series, we're going to talk about another fundamental part of music--expression. Music is more than a science. It reaches into our emotions. It must be played with proper feeling. God wants his people to have the right expression, and not just go through the motions of a song. Action is important. But God sees our heart. What are your motivations?

Series Discussion - Epic, Wk. 6

Josh, Mara, and guest Bryan Knurek dig deeper into Gideon's story featured in week six of our Epic series (July 12). When--if ever--is it okay to put God to the test? Or rather, how do we know the will of God? Most people don't get a physical sign when seeking God's will the way Gideon did, so, practically speaking, what are some ways God affirms His will in our lives?

When we're discerning the will of God in our lives, we like to think of big decisions, big moments, and we often find ourselves looking for THE moment. The next big decision. If we then miss that moment, or don't do something exactly right within that moment, we tend to doubt ourselves and fear we're doing things wrong. But living out our every day life in pursuit of Him is not just about seeking those flash-in-the-pan moments to DO exactly what God is asking us to do--it's about being who He's asking us to BE in between those moments.

Are there times in our lives where a symbol (or memory) of one of those significant moments where we've experienced God working in us becomes more important than God working in us in and of itself? Are the big moments in your life pointing you toward seeking Him in the small moments?

*NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, the last 4 minutes of this discussion were cut off. BUT... we encourage you to continue this discussion at home and let us know your thoughts!

Worship - Epic, pt. 6

During the time of Judges (between Joshua and King Saul), there was a familiar cycle: God blessed, the people rebelled, God sent oppression, the people cried out, God sent a deliver, God blessed. Gideon--another unlikely hero--was one of those deliverers. God called him to move--to do the impossible--and Gideon was willing to destroy the foreign idols even though he still had questions.

Will YOU allow God to conduct your life?

Series Discussion - Epic, Wk. 5

This summer, we're tracking the Israelites from slavery to their time in the wilderness, then their journey into the Promised Land. In June, we talked about looking at things from God's perspective, and now we're taking things a step further and discussing how God calls us to action.

Joshua was called to action in an unusual way, and we see this with the fall of Jericho. We might think our circumstances are impossible, but God often forces us to reimagine things from His perspective, to acknowledge His timing. What does it mean to be actively waiting in the Kingdom? Are there times we use waiting on God as a reason to not do something? Is God waiting for YOU to move?

If you/your kids would like to view the entire "Josh and the Big Wall" episode of The VeggieTales referenced in this discussion, visit https://youtu.be/glZZR7a5XJ4

If you just want to hear the "Keep Walking" song from said VeggieTales episode, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXM2o_Hb9Ls

Bible Study - Weapons for Battle, Wk. 8

In this Bible Study series, we're taking an in-depth look at the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18, and discussing the tools we can use to accomplish God's mission to invite, include, and train others while facing the battle within ourselves.

This week's focus is on prayer. Prayer begins with the Spirit--it's not just a habit, or the repeating of words. It's not just a "sometimes" thing. It's a relationship. We're all called to be prayer warriors--to be engaged in the battle, keeping our guard up.

And one final note as we conclude this series: The battle will be better fought by praying for one another.

Worship - Epic, pt. 5

Israel arrives at the fortified city of Jericho to find the gates are shut tight, but God delivers the city through unusual means: seven days of marching around the city.

God calls us to action. Oftentimes, it's not as we expect. We are called to forgive when it seems more natural to attack. We are called to give when we feel like holding back. We are called to rest when we feel the need to produce.

Are you moving with God's rhythm?

Worship - Epic, pt. 4

The Israelites finally enter into the Promised Land, not with Moses, but with Joshua--an unlikely hero in his own right. He's a freed slave who doesn't have the formal training of Moses, and yet he's the one who leads Israel home. Interestingly, the priests do not cross on dry ground, like in the crossing of the Red Sea. God requires they get their feet wet this time.

Perhaps this is a requirement of maturity. As we mature in our faith, God will not always part the water completely before us; instead, we will have to walk by faith into the water. After the Israelites cross the Jordan, Joshua stops and they place memorial stones by the river to remember. Memorial stones like these remind us of how far God has taken us.

Graduation is a memorial stone. It is not the end, but a memorial to remind yourself there is more to do. There is significance in stopping along the way to remind yourself of where you're going and how far you've come. It's not the end. We need to keep moving on the journey.

Series Discussion - Epic, wk. 4

Pastors Paul, Mara, and Josh talk about what it means to be good followers and how that relates to finding our place in God's epic story. Being good followers requires good leadership, and good leaders need to be good followers. We all have a calling (and a responsibility) to lead others to Christ. How can we follow the example of the priests (leaders) who stood in the Jordan River as the people crossed?

After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they were instructed to assemble memorial stones and to use them to remind future generations of all God has done. What stories are we telling future generations? Are we using our words to speak truth into their lives?

Weapons for Battle, Week 7

In this Bible Study series, we're taking an in-depth look at the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18, and discussing the tools we can use to accomplish God's mission to invite, include, and train others while facing the battle within ourselves.

Today's focus is on the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God), which is both an offensive and defensive tool we can use in our spiritual battles. Unfortunately, the Bible is often used inappropriately as a weapon to judge and/or discriminate against others, when it should be used as a means of grace. It is a lifeboat, not a battleship.

So how do we guard ourselves against misuse/misunderstanding of the Bible? Answer: Context. Community. And JESUS.