Midtown Vineyard Church

Ryan Kenny Philippians 4

Ryan Kenny (Proverbs 15:10, 12, 14, 22, 31-32) We tend to think that it is helpful to have boundaries, to shield ourselves from those who think we are wrong, to surround ourselves with good vibes. However, the ancients encourage us to consider that what we are missing, what we truly need, may only be found among those who disagree with us.

Andrew Feil (Proverbs 16:2-4, 7-9, 17, 20, 25) We tend to think that is helpful to have family and career goals, to develop a strategy to find the life of our dreams. However, the ancients encourage us to consider focusing instead on the kind of person we are becoming, giving attention to growing in virtue, and then leaving the details of our lives to our Creator.

Layla Van Gerpen (Proverbs 12:6, 15-16, 18, 23) We tend to think that authenticity requires us to speak our minds, to share our truth, to let everyone know where we stand. However, the ancients encourage us to consider the value of being careful with what we say and to find the value of keeping some of our opinions to ourselves.

Ryan Kenny (Proverbs 3:9-10; 11:24-28) We tend to be concerned about the economy, about gas prices, about making sure we have enough to pay the bills. However, the ancients encourage us to consider the value of giving our money away to others.

Brian Ross (Proverbs 21:17; 23:19-21, 26-28) We tend to imagine that few things can be better than enjoying lots of great food and fine wine with good-looking people. However, the ancients encourage us to consider that a life spent seeking physical pleasures can lead to ruin.

Daniel Dominguez (Proverbs 24:30-34) We tend to talk about work/life balance, concerning ourselves with the potential negative effects of working too much. However, the ancients encourage us to consider the value of working long hours, and even more, the struggles and the emptiness that may arise from taking life too easy.

Ryan Kenny (Proverbs 1:7) We tend to think that it is most healthy to have a “positive” view of God, that he is our spirit friend, who is always cheering us on. However, the ancients encourage us to consider the benefits of truly fearing our Creator, recognizing that the wrong path can lead to destruction.

A God Who Invites (Luke 19:1-10) - Ryan Kenny No matter your age, life seems to work in cliques. You know who you like and who you like to be around, knowingly or unknowingly drawing lines around who you don’t like and who you don’t like to be around. For Luke, Jesus seems to turn the socio-relational dynamics of his day on their head… could he still be today by inviting the least expected?

A God Who Receives (Luke 15:11-32) - Ryan Kenny There is always a breaking point in a relationship, where someone has “gone too far” or might be seen as a “lost cause.” Contrary to our normal ways of behaving, could God be a God who never gives up on us, even when we’ve “gone off the edge”?

A God Who Challenges (Luke 14:25-35) - Ryan Kenny Most of us will spend our days doing what we can to avoid challenges in life, including being challenged by others. But, what if there is more on the other side of each challenge than we can see in the midst? Could God be at work in the challenge?

A God Who Soothes (Luke 8:26-39) - Ryan Kenny Whether it be physically, mentally, emotionally or relationally, life is filled with challenge and pain. Many of the things we often turn to for soothing never last long enough, falling short of what we really need. Could God be a source of true and ultimate soothing? 

A God Who Responds (Luke 7:1-10) - Ryan Kenny Often in life, there are certain criteria or expectations needing to be met in order to receive something or have someone respond to us. What about when we aren’t getting it right, or we just aren’t alright, does God still respond?

Suffers Under Powerful People (Q & A + Communion) - Tim Geddert Jesus is probably most known for being crucified. He willingly led the kind of life that resulted in the powers bringing down their wrath upon him.

Distrusts the Larger Culture (Mark 13) - Ryan Kenny Jesus was not simply one who left others feeling positive and optimistic. He regularly encouraged others to see that much of what they assumed and expected about their larger world, wouldn’t last forever.

Heals Those Who Struggle (Mark 5:2-13 & 25-34) - Ryan Kenny Jesus had a reputation for physically healing the sick and spiritually delivering those who were oppressed. People came to him to find deliverance from all sorts of personal pain.

Teaches in Complex Parables (Mark 4:1-20) - Brian Ross Jesus regularly taught people about spiritual truths. However, his speaking and sharing invited people to deeper levels of reflection and was anything but simple and clear.

Calls Others to Learn (Mark 1:16-20; 6:7-11) - Tim Geddert Jesus invited others to find personal change by actively following his patten. As part of this way of life, he called them to also impact the lives of others.

Engages in Spiritual Practices (Mark 1:9-13; 35-37) - Ryan Kenny Jesus made his personal formation, his inner connection with our Creator, a top priority. Out of these spiritual experiences, he invited others to also find this new kind of life.

Normal or New? (Galatians 6:7-16) - Daniel Dominguez Powerful people want to be in control of others. They assume it is best to assure that others live normal, decent lives, as the larger culture expects of them. But the Spirit of God leads us to become people that are something completely new and different than most of our peers.

Freedom or Flesh? (Galatians 5:13-26) - Ryan Kenny Genuine people, according to our culture, follow their interests and not the rules others place on them. However, spiritual freedom is demonstrated through controlled goodness, and not simply through pleasing our appetites. 

Comfort or Christ? (Galatians 4:8-11. 17-20) - Ryan Kenny Life is hard. Our world feels chaotic and unpredictable. In times like these, it is often tempting to “go back” to living like our old, familiar patterns. But the Way of Jesus consistently calls us to what is new and better, even if it is somewhat uncomfortable.

Culture or Crucifixion? (Galatians 3:1-11) - Ryan Kenny Respected people often make great sacrifices to become whom the culture would like them to be. But Jesus Christ was crucified. He was rejected by his larger culture. To go his way, therefore, can mean to live a life that leads our larger culture to reject us.