The Teaching Series with Brad Gray

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Episode 028 – Zacchaeus Pt 4: To Seek and To Save Aug 14, 2018

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Episode 028 – Zacchaeus Pt 4: To Seek and To Savei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-301{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-301:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-301.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Luke 19:10; Daniel 7:12-13; Ezekiel 34The Zacchaeus story ends with Jesus stating, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This wasn’t just a nice summary statement, but an electric proclamation that would’ve sent shockwaves through his listeners’ ears. Drawing upon two substantial prophetic books, Jesus demonstrates that he’s reclaiming the world, that he’s the fulfillment the entire biblical story, and that with extreme compassion, he’s bringing people back into the fold. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? Prior to this teaching, were you familiar with the practice of remez? Are you aware of any other stories where Jesus utilizes this strategy? Teachings like this remind us of the importance of the Old Testament. How have you traditionally viewed the importance of the Old Testament? Where do you feel you need to grow the most in engaging and understanding the Old Testament? Knowing what you now know, what thoughts and emotions would’ve been rattling through the hearts of minds of those who heard Jesus use phrases like “Son of Man” and “to seek and save?” In what ways have you experienced Jesus pursuing you with extreme compassion? How will you begin walking out the truths of this teaching over this next week? For Further Study TaNaK / Old Testament Video by The Bible Project Daniel Video by The Bible Project Ezekiel Video by The Bible Project The Restoration of All Things – this is a 73-minute teaching I did on the entire Bible from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22, providing the overarching narrative and for understanding what the Bible is all about. The timeline graphic that accompanies the teaching can be downloaded at the teaching link.

Episode 027 – Zacchaeus Pt 3: Jesus’s Shocking Actions Aug 07, 2018

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Episode 027 – Zacchaeus Pt 3: Jesus’s Shocking Actionsi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-304{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-304:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-304.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Luke 19:1-10; Luke 15:1-2In the first two episodes, we examined Zacchaeus’ actions and how utterly remarkable his responses were. But how were such responses even possible? The answer lies in Jesus’ actions. They’re shocking, perplexing, and infuriating to those in the crowd, but life-giving and healing to those in need of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. May we not only embrace Jesus’ actions, but emulate them to others as well. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? In three weeks of engaging this passage now, what did you see or learn that you hadn’t seen in the story thus far? “How often are we the crowd?” was posed in the teaching. What came to mind as you heard that question? Which of Jesus’ five actions (knew name and pursued, offered love and acceptance, didn’t care about reputation but people, rescued and restored, enabled Zacchaeus to become who he was called to be) struck you the most? Why? What which did you need to hear the most? Which one challenged you the most as you think about emulating Jesus’ actions to others? How will you begin walking out the truths of this teaching over this next week? For Further Study Encounters With Jesus by Gary M. Burge – This story is addressed in Chapter 3 (Note: Gary comes to a different conclusion about Zacchaeus’s actions).

Episode 026 – Zacchaeus Pt 2: A Holistic Response Jul 31, 2018

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Episode 026 – Zacchaeus Pt 2: A Holistic Responsei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-307{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-307:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-307.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Luke 19:5-10Following his encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus’s response is utterly remarkable. He pledges to give half of his possessions to the poor and provide a fourfold restitution to those he’s wronged. He understands what a holistic response looks like, and offers an incredible pattern for us to follow in our lives as well. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? What surprised you most about Zacchaeus’s response? What connections are you making within the Zacchaeus story, or in relationship to other stories in the gospels or in the Bible at large? In the holistic approach of repentance, reconciliation, and impact, which one do you do the best? Which one do you need to improve? In his forthcoming actions, Zacchaeus was going to have the opportunity to share his story of how Jesus changed him. In what ways has Jesus impacted you, and what opportunities do you have to share that story? How will you begin walking out the truths of this teaching over this next week?

Episode 025 – Zacchaeus Pt 1: Climb a Tree Jul 24, 2018

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Episode 025 – Zacchaeus Pt 1: Climb a Treei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-310{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-310:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-310.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Luke 19:1-4We’re kicking off a series on Zacchaeus from Luke 19 where over the course of several weeks, we’re going to look at this story from a number of different angles. In this particular teaching, we look at Zacchaeus’ desire to change and what he had to overcome in order to have an encounter with Jesus. It’s going to be quite a ride as this electric story is about so much more than just a wee little man. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? How have you traditionally understood the Zacchaeus story? Where do you long to have change in your life? Is it something you desire to become better at? Is it something that needs to go from your life? What’s keeping you from pursuing this change? Shame? Fear? Not knowing where to begin? Like Zacchaeus, how can you put yourself in a position to encounter the desired change – i.e. What tree do you need to climb? How will you begin walking this out over this next week?

Episode 024 – Fully Present (Put Down the Cell Phone) Jul 17, 2018

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Episode 024 – Fully Present (Put Down the Cell Phone)i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-313{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-313:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-313.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Exodus 24:12How often are we “there,” but not really “there?” How often are we distracted and not fully present in the moments we find ourselves in? What does that do to us, and particularly to those who become collateral damage in our inability to be present? This is what this teaching addresses as we look at a fascinating passage in Exodus 24 and seek to apply it to the various aspects of our lives, especially in our addiction (err, usage) of our cell phones. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? When was the last time someone called you out on not being present? What were the implications? In what circumstances are you most likely not to be fully present? What do you need to do to change that? On a scale of 1 (no problem) to 10 (big problem), how would you rate your relationship with your cell phone? Do you have rules (or need rules) to keep a healthy relationship with technology? How would life look differently for you if you were able to be present in every situation? How will you begin implementing your desired changes over this next week? For Further Study The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch

Episode 023 – Divine In The Daily Jul 10, 2018

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Episode 023 – Divine In The Dailyi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-316{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-316:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-316.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Exodus 3:1-5We generally look for God in the big things, and yet, I believe God is most available to us in the everyday, humdrum activities of life. The problem is, we’re unaware as we speed through life, not slowing down long enough to notice the miracles in our midst and to encounter the divine in the daily. God woke Moses up to this reality, and I believe God wants to do the same for you and me. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? Where can you create margin in your day to explore those intuitions that arise from time to time? When was the last time you experienced “a burning bush” moment when the unexpected became spectacular because you entered fully into a situation or encounter? What allowed you to give your attention to that moment? Where do you need to slow down, wake up, and pay attention? How will you begin implementing your desired changes over this next week? For Further Study God Was in this Place, and I, I Did Not Know by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner – Chapter 1 addresses the content of this teaching Holy Now by Peter Mayer – YouTube Video

Episode 022 – From Slave To Slave Jul 03, 2018

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Episode 022 – From Slave To Slavei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-319{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-319:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-319.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Exodus 4:22-23; Colossians 1:13-14; Colossians; 3:1-4On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted a statement known as “The Declaration of Independence,” announcing that the thirteen American colonies, then at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as thirteen newly independent sovereign states – no longer a part of the British Empire – and calling themselves, “The United States of America.” The most well-known line within the Declaration indicates that Americans have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Liberty is freedom. But what does the Bible have to say about freedom? That’s what’s tackled in this teaching as we learn the paradoxical truth that in order to find true freedom, we must seek slavery. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? There’s clearly a negative slavery (what we see in our world today and throughout world history) but also a positive one (explored in this teaching). What surprised you most about how the Bible describes the positive slavery? Are there any places in your life where you‘ve sought “freedom” but it has been anything but that? With our dependence upon the Scriptures, Son, and Spirit, where do you need to grow the most? What does that look like practically? How will you begin implementing your desired changes over this next week? For Further Study Life, Slavery & the Pursuit of Happiness – This is a sermon Craig Rees and I did together when I was at Central Wesleyan that goes deeper into the concepts addressed in this teaching.

Episode 021 – Complete Like God Jun 26, 2018

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Episode 021 – Complete Like Godi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-322{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-322:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-322.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Matthew 5:43-48Rain was always a downer for me growing up. It spoiled the outdoor fun. As a result, I never understood Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 about God sending sun and rain on the righteous and unrighteous and then concluding with being “perfect as your heavenly father is perfect” – as if that was even possible. But set in its context, this passage makes all the sense in the world, and Jesus’ words take on powerful implications for our lives. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? How have you traditionally understood Matthew 5:48 with the translation of “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect?” How did this teaching affirm or change your understanding of Jesus’ words here? Knowing there’s a connection with Matthew 5:9, did you make any other connections? In what ways do you respond like the “tax collectors” and “pagans” to others in this passage? With whom do you need to be more complete like God in your interactions with them? How will you begin implementing your desired changes over this next week?

Episode 020 – Hagah The Text Jun 19, 2018

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Episode 020 – Hagah The Texti.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-325{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-325:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-325.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2Being intentional with God’s Word is essential to living a deep and meaningful life. In the biblical period, God’s people were called to not only dig into the Scriptures but also to have an ongoing discussion with their friends and family about them. Formany of us, our time with God’s Word often stops with reading it and we miss out on the critical responsibility of discussion. In this episode, we explore why it’s so crucial to be intentional about our relationship with the Bible so that it permeates every facet of our lives. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? How intentional are you about digging into the Scriptures? What detracts you from regularly studying the Bible in this “hagah” kind of way? Too busy? Don’t know how? Don’t have a good rhythm in place? Etc.? What needs to happen for you to overcome these hurdles? How will you begin implementing your desired changes over this next week?

Episode 019 – You Go First Jun 12, 2018

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Episode 019 – You Go Firsti.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-328{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-328:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-328.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Colossians 3:13; Colossians 4:10It’s easy to tell others what they should do. It’s more challenging to lead the way first. But we must. In this teaching, we look at how Paul demonstrates this powerful truth in his letter to the Colossians and his reference to John Mark, who deserted he and Barnabbas at the most inopportune time and caused a tremendous amount of pain and friction. Paul knew he couldn’t ask someone to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself. The same is true for us as well. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? Where might you be asking others to do something you’re not willing to do yourself? In what ways might you be “hiding” behind your position, role, or influence that’s absolving you of leading the way or empathizing well with those you impact? Where do you need to go first in your job? With your family/friends/most significant relationships? How does knowing that Jesus was willing to go first give you hope and confidence in not only your relationship with him but in how you interact with and lead others? For Further StudyHagah The Text – this is a longer teaching (sermon) that goes into greater detail about the concepts explored in Teaching Series Episode 020

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