The Teaching Series with Brad Gray

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Episode 058 – Bread of Life Pt 2: Feeding of the 5,000 Mar 19, 2019

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Episode 058 – Bread of Life Pt 2: Feeding of the 5,000i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-214{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-214:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-214.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): Mark 6:30-44Did you know that of all the miracles Jesus performed, only one is recorded in all four Gospels? Yep, only one! And it’s the feeding of the five thousand. Why is this story so central to the ministry of Jesus that all four biographers recorded it? That’s what we begin tackling in this teaching. And like all of the stories familiar to us in the Bible, there’s so much more going on. May you marvel at the details and how intentional Jesus is in communicating in both word and deed what his mission is all about. Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? Knowing that Jesus just learned of John the Baptist’s death (see Matthew 14:12) and would’ve been in a state of grief and mourning, what strikes you most about Jesus’ attitude and actions towards the people? What we can we learn from that? Why do you think large crowds are flooding to Jesus? He hasn’t multiplied bread before, so what’s drawing them to Jesus? Why do you think Jesus said to the disciples, “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37)? After pondering this question, read John 6:6. Why is Jesus doing this? How does understanding that numbers are both quantitative and qualitative enhance or change your perspective on the feeding of the five thousand? What other stories in the Bible are possibly impacted by this reality? What does this story teach us about the mission of Jesus and the character of God? How can you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week? For Further Study Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Gospels– see Chapter 23: The Feedings of the Multitudes: When, Where, and Why? by Gordan Franz A Visual Guide to Bible Events by James C. Martin, John A. Beck and David G. Hansen – see “Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand in a Remote Place (p. 176-177).

Episode 057 – Bread of Life Pt 1: Source of Sustenance Mar 12, 2019

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Episode 057 – Bread of Life Pt 1: Source of Sustenancei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-217{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-217:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-217.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): Deuteronomy 8:3; Isaiah 55:1-3; John 6:35The season of Lent is upon us! We are on a journey towards Resurrection Sunday, and it is a season that will fly by if we’re not intentional about how we’re going to engage it. In John 6:35, Jesus called himself the “Bread of Life.” In this teaching, we explore the imagery of bread, its significance in the Bible, and how it can be a grounding image for us in this season. Furthermore, it challenges us on who or what is the source of our sustenance in the world. May this be a rich season for you, and may we all draw closer to the “Bread of Life” in it. Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? Where do you turn to for your source of sustenance? And go deeper here. To whom or to what do you truly lean on when things are tough? How can you draw closer to Jesus in this Lenten season? What practices or rhythms can you engage in that would enable you to take full advantage of this season? Fasting can be challenging without accountability. If you choose to fast in some way, how can you invite someone into this with you (either to join you, pray for you, and/or hold you accountable)? Where do we need to hear from Jesus anew? How can you invite someone into the process of praying with you or for you for what you need this season? What is one step you can take in living out the truths of this teaching this week? 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

Episode 056 – The Sabbath Pt 8: Answering Your Questions Mar 05, 2019

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Episode 056 – The Sabbath Pt 8: Answering Your Questionsi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-220{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-220:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-220.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): John 5:15-18; Matthew 5:17-18; Colossians 2:16-17In John 5, Jesus makes the claim that since his father is “working” on the Sabbath, so is he. Does this undermine everything we’ve explored in this Sabbath series, or is there something deeper going on here? And what is a Christian’s relationship to “The Law?” Does one keep Sabbath out of commandment obedience or because it’s great wisdom? These are the main questions we address in this final episode on the Sabbath. May you continually find freedom and joy in celebrating this amazing gift from God! Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? Did any of the answers in this episode give you a better understanding of the Sabbath? Are there more questions that you still have? What is one thing you learned or were reminded of in the John 5 discussion about the importance of reading the Bible in context? Jesus brought healing and restoration to people on the Sabbath. What are some ways you could also practice this on the Sabbath? In Matthew 5, Jesus says that he did not come to abolish the law but to interpret it correctly. Does this change your perspective on not only the law but on the Sabbath? If so, how? If not, why not? Overall, what’s been your biggest takeaway from this series on the Sabbath? Are you living out the most significant truths addressed in this series in your life? If so, how? If not, what are the next steps you need to take in doing so? For Further Study What “Fulfill the Law” Meant in its Jewish Context (Article 1 of 3) by Lois Tverberg What Paul Says about Fulfilling the Law (Article 2 of 3) by Lois Tverberg Is Christ the End of the Law? (Article 3 of 3) by Lois Tverberg The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn

Episode 055 – The Sabbath Pt 7: Getting Super Practical Feb 26, 2019

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Episode 055 – The Sabbath Pt 7: Getting Super Practicali.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-223{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-223:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-223.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): Genesis 2:1-3; Deuteronomy 5:12-15So what does it look to observe the Sabbath in our world today? This a question my family and I have been joyfully wrestling with for about fourteen years now. And in this episode, I walk you through what we’ve learned and what the Sabbath looks like for us. The purpose isn’t to imply that we’ve got it all figured out, but to provide you with practical ideas and suggestions on how to make the Sabbath a central feature in your life. Furthermore, I briefly tackle two passages we haven’t tackled yet, and they’re passages that I believe will utterly fascinate you. Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? When was the last time you woke up with nothing on the agenda for the day and you were able to ask, “How much fun can we possibly have today?” Knowing that observing a Sabbath isn’t so much about which day but a day, what day of the week could you take a Sabbath if you don’t do so already? What constitutes “work” for you? The Sabbath was intended to look and feel totally different than the other six days of the week. So what are the things you need to cease from (“work,” etc.), and what are the things you need to do in order to make this a reality? What gets you the most excited about celebrating Sabbath in your life? What has you the most concerned? Are there any ways in which you’re still stuck in Egypt? How do you need to be set free? How can you begin walking out one of these practical ideas this week? For Further Study The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn

Episode 054 – The Sabbath Pt 6: Unleash The Freedom Feb 19, 2019

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Episode 054 – The Sabbath Pt 6: Unleash The Freedomi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-226{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-226:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-226.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): Mark 2:27; Luke 13:14-16; Matthew 11:28-30Thus far, we’ve been talking about the Sabbath in the context of the Older Testament. And now, we get to hear from Jesus! And my oh my, hang on tight. The Sabbath was ridiculously important to Jesus and he addressed it at every opportunity. He knew what an unbelievable gift it was, and emphatically demonstrated in word and deed what it was intended to do for our lives. May you unleash and experience the freedom that Jesus taught, and may you truly take his “yoke” upon you! Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? As we learned about the rabbis in connection with the Sabbath, it’s easy for religious people, in their zeal to be obedient to God, to make following God very legalistic. Where do you see this playing out in our world today (in general)? Where do you see this, if anywhere, being played out in connection to the Sabbath? How have you traditionally viewed the Sabbath – as more of a restriction or a gift? Were you aware of how intentional Jesus was in performing healings on the Sabbath? Why do you think these times were so explosive for Jesus, the crowds, and the religious leaders? How does knowing that the Sabbath was intended to bring you freedom confirm or change the perspective you’ve had on Sabbath? In what ways do you need “to take Jesus’ yoke upon you” and experience the freedom and “rest for your souls” he speaks of in this teaching? How can you begin walking out the truths of this teaching this week? For Further Study The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn

Episode 053 – The Sabbath Pt 5: Clean The Glasses Feb 12, 2019

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Episode 053 – The Sabbath Pt 5: Clean The Glassesi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-229{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-229:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-229.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 20:1-3; Amos 8:4-5Despite God’s pleas and instructions for His people to observe the Sabbath, they struggled to do so. Sure, they “observed” the Sabbath, but they did so in a way that completely missed the point. They were distracted by the things of life and were completely unaware of how blurry their vision had become. Subsequently, their destructive habits went unchecked. The same happens to us as well when we fail to take a break. It’s in the break where we gain perspective. But in order to see what we need to see, we need to be really intentional about what we do. And that’s what this teaching helps us to unpack. Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? Are there any “commodities” in your life that are negatively affecting your relationship with God? Has there been a time when you could see your other relationships being affected by not observing the Sabbath the way God intended? What are some possible “smudges” on your glasses that having a Sabbath could help you recognize? Would you be willing to give up your phone for an entire day to observe a Sabbath? If not, what is keeping you from doing so? Are there any false desires at play? How can you begin walking out the truths of this teaching this week? For Further Study Soul Rest by Curtis Zackery The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn

Episode 052 – The Sabbath Pt 4: Defining Your Identity Feb 05, 2019

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Episode 052 – The Sabbath Pt 4: Defining Your Identityi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-232{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-232:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-232.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 5:10-18We are a culture of accomplishment. We value people based on what they can produce. It’s toxic and oppressive. The Israelites experienced this in their slavery in Egypt. But God brought them out of that system and instituted the Sabbath so that they’d begin to learn that their identity and worth didn’t come from their work, but from something infinitely more substantial. Until we have a proper handle on our identity, we’ll miss the stunning beauty of the Sabbath and how it seeks to rescue us from one of the most destructive realities of our world. Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? When meeting someone new, what is the first thing you want to share about yourself? Do you believe that your worth and value comes from being a child of God, rather than what you do? Why or why not? If you were to lose your job, possessions, and/or your ability to contribute to the world, how would you feel? How do you look at others who may find themselves in this situation? What will you do differently this week to remind yourself that your value (and the value of others you come in contact with) is solely from God alone? For Further Study The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn

Episode 051 – The Sabbath Pt 3: Do You Have Rhythm Jan 29, 2019

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Episode 051 – The Sabbath Pt 3: Do You Have Rhythmi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-235{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-235:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-235.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 20:8-11We are not beasts of burden. We were not designed to go, go, go. And yet for most of us, we struggle to slow down. Our lives are constant noise, and we’re so drowned out in our schedules that we fail to see the insanity for what it is. Sabbath teaches us that there’s a rhythm and a cadence to life. It slows us down and emphatically reminds us that in order to be healthy, we must prioritize rest. Rest is not a reward. It’s a necessity. But even more than that, it’s the engine that’s intended to power our lives. Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? Has there been a time where you kept pushing on when you should have rested? What was the outcome? How could it have been different? Pause and consider the beat that is driving your life right now. Is it just frantic noise, or does it have soul? What is keeping you from taking these regular pauses in your life? Had you ever considered that Adam and Eve's first full day was a day of rest? How does the idea that we work from our rest change your perspective, if at all? What is one step you will take this week to embrace God's rhythm of life? For Further Study The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn

Episode 050 – The Sabbath Pt 2: In Whom Do You Trust Jan 22, 2019

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Episode 050 – The Sabbath Pt 2: In Whom Do You Trusti.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-238{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-238:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-238.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 16:20-26; Exodus 20:8-11Every day we make decisions, and those decisions are based on trust – trust in ourselves, trust in others, and trust in God. But what happens when our trust is misplaced? What happens when the trust we place in ourselves is actually supposed to be in God? For one, it will prevent us from taking a Sabbath because we’ll believe that if we take a break, our needs won’t be met – financially or otherwise. And yet, this was precisely what God sought to address with the Israelites when we instituted the Sabbath following their slavery in Egypt. And God pressed them, and by association, us, with the question, “In whom do you really trust?” Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? How have you traditionally viewed Sabbath? Is it something that's been part of your life at any point? If Sabbath hasn't been part of your life, what will hold you back from engaging it? Does the way you conduct your work convey that you trust yourself, or God? Why? "Unless we trust God's sovereignty, we won't dare risk Sabbath." Do you believe this is true? Are you experiencing the ability to relax, or the pull to worry in your life when it comes to your work? What is one thing you will do this week to trust God anew in what He's asking you to do? For Further Study The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn

Episode 049 – The Sabbath Pt 1: A Theology of Work Jan 15, 2019

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Episode 049 – The Sabbath Pt 1: A Theology of Worki.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-241{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-241:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-241.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): Genesis 2:15; Ephesians 2:8-10; Colossians 3:23-24Mark Buchanan once wrote, “In order to keep the Sabbath well – to embrace the rest of God – we need a right view of work. Without a rich theology of labor, we’ll have an impoverished theology of rest.” I couldn’t agree more, which is why we’re launching this Sabbath series by exploring the dignity of work, what the Bible has to say about it, and how we’re supposed to approach it in our relationship with God. Buckle up. This series is going to be quite a ride! Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? In what ways has God gifted you specifically to work for His glory? How do you view your work? Is it a burden, where you find your significance, or a form of worship? Have you been allowing your work to define your identity? If so, in what ways? Do you love the work you do, or at least like it? If not, is there something you can do to change that in this season? Have you ever considered that you, in the work you are in now, are in full-time ministry? How can you live out this calling more this week as you seek to worship God with your work? For Further Study Leadership by Brad Lomenick – Chapter 6 addresses the Identity/Calling/Assignment aspect of this teaching.

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