Have you ever felt "stuck" or maybe like you were in a waiting place spiritually? There are many factors involved with our growth in the spiritual life; but is there a map that we could use to help us navigate where we are and where we are heading? The short answer is "yes." Join us as we take a look at The Critical Journey and the six stages of spiritual maturity as a follower of Jesus.
Read MoreIn this week's teaching, we are going to be asking and answering the question: "how are we formed?" We are going to be looking at the two main ways we are made and shaped Into the Image and likeness of our rabbi Jesus. Here's a hint, It's probably not the way you think.
Read MoreIn this week's teaching, we are going to be asking and answering the question: "how are we formed?" We are going to be looking at the two main ways we are made and shaped Into the Image and likeness of our rabbi Jesus. Here's a hint, It's probably not the way you think.
Read MoreThis week, we look at the last part of our vision statement: "...until it is in Nashville, as it is in heaven." The goal of every apprentice of Jesus is to "cultivate the life of heaven here on earth." For us, it's as clear as saying: "May my __________ (marriage, workplace, dorm, classroom, neighborhood, etc.) be just as it is in heaven." It isn't simple, nor is it easy, but it's the only way we'll actually be able to see hope come into the broken places.
Read MoreThis week, we're looking at the third goal of an apprentice of Jesus--doing what Jesus did. Being a follower of Jesus isn't just about spending time with him, it's putting everything he said into practice.
Read MoreThere's a common myth in the church that having information or knowledge about Jesus is the same thing as having a relationship with Jesus. The biggest problem with this is that knowledge doesn't produce change because it can't. Information is not the same thing as transformation. This week we looked at the second goal of being an apprentice of Jesus--becoming like him--and we talked about the only way we'll see true change happen in our inner and outer lives.
Read MoreFirst century apprentices of a rabbi had three goals: 1. to be with their rabbi 24/7; 2. become like their rabbi; 3. to eventually do what their rabbi did. As twenty-first century apprentices of Jesus, our goals are the same. Today, we're going to dive deep into goal #1: being with our rabbi Jesus and we're going to end with a 16th century practice designed by a Spanish theologian.
Read MoreWhat comes to your mind when you think about the phrase "Jesus of Nazareth"? Sociologists tell us that we often portray Jesus In an Image that's comforting to us; something that makes us feel safe and loved. One of the most common words used to describe Jesus In the New Testament was the word "rabbi" or "teacher" and those who followed him were called "disciples" or "apprentices." Every apprentice had three goals, or three "life-orientations," that determined the entire trajectory of their lives.
In this week's teaching, we are going to look at how these same three goals are not only the expectation of Jesus for his followers, but how practicing them will ultimately lead to "life to the full."
What Is hope? Cautious optimism? Wishful thinking? What we discover in the scriptures is that hope is born when we cultivate the promises of God in our everyday lives. As followers of Jesus, we are not only called to have hope, but to cultivate hope in the world around us. Join us for part one of our vision series where we look at why we exist.
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