Title: Learning to Love Our Neighborhood with Others

One of the myths about faith in God is that we only experience Him when we're doing really spiritual things like praying, worshipping or responding to a pastor's sermon. Sure, God does great things in our hearts and minds during this time but He refuses to be put in a box and only act in certain situations. Throughout the Bible we see that ordinary people (many of whom did not have great faith) had life-changing experiences in the most unexpected times and places.  God seems to like surprising us when we're simply going along the way in life!

Below is a list of Scripture references from the Gospels of Luke and John. Read through them and then think about (or write down) the environment for some of Jesus' "along the way" moments. 

Week 1: Learning to Love Our Neighborhood

Reading: Nehemiah 1 and 2 / Matthew 5:14 / Proverbs 11:11 

As we begin our summer series, we want to encourage you to make these Weekly Readers a part of the experience of learning about how we can join God in our neighborhoods.  It’s our hope that the scriptures will both challenge and encourage you to be more aware of God’s desire to use you in ordinary ways to help others see and know the love of Jesus.

When we say “neighborhood”, we can include those with whom we work with, see in our kids’ schools or sports teams on a regular basis and especially those who live on our streets.  Take time each week to read the assigned scriptures and give some thought to the questions that are offered.  The weekly readers make for an easy way for your family to read the Bible together and discuss what you believe God might be saying to you through His word.  

Philippians

Reader 10: Mentoring Moments

Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1; I Corinthians 11

Paul ends Philippians 3 by reminding the church to follow his example and beware of those who take "other paths." He also spends some time refocusing them on the hope of Christ Followers - the return of Jesus to once and for all restore us and the world to its intended state. The section ends with his heartfelt expression of love for the Philippians, who he has taught and mentored in the faith.

Philippians

Reader 8: Cred

Reading: Philippians 3:1-11, 2 Corinthians 11:16-30; Romans 6 

In Philippians 3, Paul reminds the church he planted to watch out for those who would claim that in order to be a Christ follower you must follow the Law of Moses. He calls these Judaizers "dogs" and points out that their only interest is the external, legalistic requirements of the Law and their confidence is in "the flesh." Paul then establishes himself as an authority on the subject, reciting his human credentials as a descendant of Abraham, Pharisee, and former persecutor of the Church of Jesus.

But compared to knowing Jesus, Paul says, all of these credentials are worthless. Rubbish. In one translation "dung." He reminds the Philippians that the true sons and daughters of God put no confidence in the outward signs of human righteousness, but have faith in Jesus. This truth has become the core of his existence, his singular pursuit, and his supreme credential: "I want to know Christ."