Living Vertizontal

In this episode, we examine Luke 5:12-16. In these verses, we read of an exchange between Jesus and a leper. Together we discuss the implications surrounding the interaction between the leper and Jesus; the isolation of the leper, and the restoration found through the touch of Christ. Out of this we recognize the damage of the isolationist mentality of too many Christians and the call that Jesus h...

In this episode we move into Luke 5:1-11. These verses include a scene of Jesus teaching, a miracle, and a calling. Together we discuss the difference between operating out of conventional wisdom and expectations and operating out of the understanding of God’s upside down Kingdom. Following Jesus is a moment by moment invitation to allow Jesus to guide our perspective for His glory. This life of i...

In this episode, we focus on Luke 4:31-44, which follows Jesus to Capernaum where He casts out demons, heals people of their physical ailments, and preaches in Judea. Together we discuss the expansiveness of the Kingdom of God and the call of obedience to the One, True King; an obedience that is worked out in a transformational and synergistic cycle of: confession, conviction, and action.

In this episode we are going to be working through Luke 4:14-30, looking at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and His subsequent rejection in His hometown. Together we discuss the disparity that can sometimes exist between what our expectations are, and the truth of who Jesus is, and how He operates and calls us to operate as well. In Jesus’ upside down kingdom, Jesus sought to care for anyone and...

In this episode, though the season of Lent is over, we are concluding our Lent series with a conversation on Easter! Our passage from My Cup Runneth Over is Matthew 28, working with the resurrection of Jesus, and other events surrounding His resurrection. Together we discuss the directives throughout Matthew 28, focusing on “do not be afraid,” “come and see,” and “go and tell.” From this, we recog...

In this episode, we move into Week 6 of Lent, Palm Sunday. As a part of this, we look at a number of different passages Luke 22:33-34, 23:39-43; John 19:25-27; Matthew 27:45-46; John 19:28-30; Luke 23:44-46, all relating to Jesus’ last words. Together we discuss the seven final sayings of Jesus and they paint a clear picture of the Kingdom of Heaven. At the core of it all is an example of, and inv...

This episode moves into week 5 of Lent and looks at Matthew 27:22-31 and Mark 15:37-41. In these passages, we see Jesus before Pilate, including how the soldiers treated Him, and the last breath of Jesus. Together we discuss how the love that Jesus has for His Father is the foundation for His obedience, obedience that results in love for all those around Him. In the same way, we come to realize th...

This week, as we move into Week 4, we will be looking at passages from Mark 14:27-31 and Luke 22:54-62 where Jesus predicts Peter’s denial followed by the playing out of that very denial. Together we discuss the importance of knowing who Jesus is. As we understand who Jesus is, within this passage and beyond, we come to realize the depth of Jesus' love for us even in the midst of our moments of be...

In this episode we move into Week 3 of Lent, examining the passages of Matthew 26:36-46 and Luke 22:39-44. These passages explore two gospel accounts of Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane just before His arrest. Together we discuss the vital role of prayer in our lives, both in preparation for what may come, and in response to what is right in front of us. Continual dialogue with Jesus is key...

In this episode, Derek and Brittany continue on in our Lent series. Now into Week 2, they look at both Luke 22:1-34 and John 13:1-17, each relating to different aspects of the Last Supper that Jesus had with His disciples. Together, they discuss the role of our focus on Jesus and the obedience we are called to. When we focus on Jesus and understand what He is doing , we are better equipped to act...

In this episode, for the first Sunday of Lent, our scripture comes out of Luke, looking at Luke 9:18-36, 43-48, and 51-62. Within these passages we read of Peter declaring Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus predicting His death two different times, the transfiguration, Jesus’ turn to Jerusalem, and the cost of following Jesus. Together, we discuss both just how important it is for us to know who Jesus re...

In this episode, we follow Jesus’ story in Luke 4:1-13 as we work through His temptations in the wilderness. Together, we discuss how Jesus’ time in the wilderness, and the obedience He exemplifies, sets the tone for His time in ministry. And how this very obedience ought to set the tone for our own lives on a daily basis.

In this episode we finish up this part of the conversation on John’s ministry, see Jesus’ baptism, and read through Jesus’ family lineage. Together, we discuss the incredible news of our identity as sons and daughters of God and the pleasure that God takes in us.

In this episode we continue with this introductory snapshot of John’s ministry in Luke 3:7-14. Together, we discuss John’s invitation to live in a different kingdom, an upside down kingdom, one that recognizes the crucified Christ as Lord, and allows Him to define our life.

In this episode we look at Luke 3:1-6. In this passage we transition from Jesus’ story and resume John the Baptist’s story, looking at an introductory snapshot of his ministry. Together, we discuss the difference between hearing and understanding, and just how important it is for us to remain connected with Jesus so that He can bring continual understanding to what we are hearing from Him.

In this episode we explore Luke 2:41-52. Within this passage, we read about Jesus returning to the temple as a boy. Together, we discuss the example that Jesus provides as He remained in the temple, and just how important it is to keep our focus on Jesus in the midst of all things, listening twice in every interaction, both to Jesus, and those around us.

In this episode we continue with Luke 2:22-40, picking up on the story of Jesus being presented at the temple which includes both an encounter with two elderly individuals, Simeon and Anna. Together, we discuss the interconnection of obedience to Jesus’ leading and the impact He can have through us in the lives of others.

In this episode, we move on into Luke 2:1-21 which explores the birth of Jesus, the angels report to the shepherds, and the start of Jesus being presented at the temple. Together, we discuss how the good news of Christ with us ought to propel us to action, sparking a desire to share with anyone and everyone, regardless of the perceived rejection that may come.

In this episode, we finish off the first chapter of Luke, looking at Luke 1:57-80. Within these verses we have the account of the birth of John the Baptist as well as Zacheriah’s song. Together, we discuss the value of living our lives in community, both the highs and lows, because Jesus can use both the good and the bad to impact the lives of those around us as we depend on Him.

In this episode, we continue on in Luke, looking at Luke 1:26-56. These verses include the foretelling of Jesus’ birth, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, and Mary’s song. Out of these different scenes, we discuss the difference in response to Gabriel’s message between Zechariah and Mary, and how Mary serves as an excellent example for us of perfect love and total dependence on God. We also discuss the th...

In this episode we begin our journey through Luke. With that, we start with a look at Luke 1:1-25, which includes Luke’s introduction and the foretelling of John the Baptist’s birth. Together we discuss the difference that exists between the standards, expectations, and understandings that society has, versus the standards, expectations, and understandings that God has, as well as the difference b...

In this episode, we finish out our Advent journey by focusing on the theme of peace. With this theme, we look at Mary’s song found in Luke 1:46-55. Together we discuss the big picture of the peace that Jesus offers and how this may include conflict on the path to setting things right in His eyes. With this, we were reminded of just how important it is for Jesus to remain our focus as we encounter...

In this episode, our theme is Joy, and we look at the song of praise found in Isaiah 12. Together we discuss the joy that is found when we are focused on, and obedient to, Jesus in the journey of life, despite the circumstances around us.

In our episode this week, our Advent theme is Love, and we will be looking at Zechariah’s song found in Luke 1:68-79. Together we discuss just how important it is for us to create margin in our lives, resting with the ever-present Jesus, allowing Him to fill us with His love and guide us into our lives.

This year, as a church, we are using the material from the Foundry Publishing entitled Changed in the Waiting to guide our Advent weeks. Each week there is a different reading and theme working towards the birth of Christ, the culmination of the first advent. In our episode this week, our theme is Hope, and we will be looking at a psalm of David found in Psalm 25:1-10. Together we discuss the inte...