JR. Forasteros - February 3, 2013

Growing Up in a Garden

First Things First

When we start to live in real community, we often find frustration because we compare ourselves to those around us. We try to take their process of spiritual formation and apply it to our lives. But spirituality isn't one-size-fits-all. There's no formula for healthy spirituality. Rather, we are more like gardens. Each of us is a little bit different, and we should approach our spiritual growth with the freedom to experiment, to figure out what path God designed to lead to our flourishing.

Discussion Guide     Sermon Manuscript     Guide to Spiritual Practices

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Is there a skill you’ve learned you’re really proud of? For me, it’s writing – that’s probably no surprise, right? I consider myself a really good writer. I have a book out, I sell articles. I work with other writers to edit and improve their works. I love it. 

I love putting words together to figure out what sounds best. 

Becoming a writer isn’t particularly glamorous. When people ask, “How do I become a better writer?” I always give them the same answer: read a lot and write a lot. 

Anyone who has a skill you’re really proud of (not a talent – something that comes more naturally but something you’ve worked to cultivate and hone) knows this is how it goes. It’s the “wax on, wax off” from the Karate Kid. To become an master requires practice that can seem boring, irrelevant, taxing. But it’s worth it. 

Let’s explore the legal codes of the Bible. We’ll discover that, much like other forms of practice, these laws were designed to shape us into a people who are masters of God’s way, people who not only embody God in the world but help others to learn to follow God’s way. Far from being irrelevant, taxing and dull, these legal codes are invitations for us to know God in a deeper way.

Join us Sunday as we learn how ancient legal codes can help us know our living God.

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