2009 Teaching Topics

Well, I think I figured out what the rough plan is for sermon topics for 2009. It looks like Pastor Dan will be leading the Grace Community through an in-depth series on the book of Ephesians. This should be really good. On the Living Stones side, 2009 will see the beginning of an extended trip through the book of Genesis. If you've been around in the past for the chapter-by-chapter studies in Colossians or Revelation, you know we're in for a great series.

I think there's plenty for all you creative geniuses to sink your teeth into with these two books. My suggestion is that in the coming weeks you take some time to read through and study these books. If you have any brilliant ways to communicate any of the truths contained in these books, please email me. I'd love to share them with the creative staff.

Here are some questions you might consider:

• What is the author trying to communicate in a broad sense?
• What focused points are the author trying to communicate?
• What words or phrases particularly stand out?
• Are there any words or phrases that don't make sense to you?
• What contextual difficulties stand in the way of understanding these passages?
• How can we re-contextualize the passage to communicate it to a modern audience?
• If you were directing a movie about this passage, who would you cast in the lead role?
• Do any of these verses bring to mind another scripture passage, or a story, illustration, movie scene, television commercial, song, or poem?
• Try to imagine that you are reading these verses for the very first time. How does that change your impression of them?

I think the type of process I'm describing would be beneficial to you personally on a spiritual level. Even if it doesn't lead to a creative breakthrough, asking these types of questions can help you become a more thorough student of scripture. And that is never a bad thing.

So, engage with God's word!