In this episode, we turn to yet another miracle of Jesus in Luke 5:17-26. In this set of verses Jesus heals the paralytic that was brought by his friends. From this interaction we identified that Jesus sees us, knows us, and desires to meet our deepest need (which is Him). By extension, in looking like Jesus, we recognized the importance of allowing Jesus to lead our perception; that we may also see as He sees to better help those around us.
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31:50
Willingness to Encounter Brokenness (Luke 5:12-16)
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 has placed in each of our lives to partner with Him to be his cleansing contact in the midst of a lost and broken world.
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33:23
Comfort in Uncomfortability (Luke 5:1-11)
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 individual obedience carries with it a ripple effect greater than we can imagine.
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40:40
Confession, Conviction, Action - The Cycle of Obedience (Luke 4:31-44)
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.
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43:21
False Dichotomy of For or Against … (Luke 4:14-30)
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 everyone, to be for everyone, and has called us to do the same.
Living Vertizontal is a weekly podcast from The Church at Riverstone, A Fellowship of the Church of the Nazarene in Madera, CA. Living Vertizontal explores Scripture and celebrates the work of the Holy Spirit in our world.
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