The Vine Austin: Recent Episodes
The Vine; a church in Austin, TX
The Vine is in our new location! On this first Sunday, Pastor Mark opens up the story of Pentecost- the threshold where the church is born. Acts 2www.thevineaustin.org
As we melt in the summer heat, we find a blast of refreshment from a sermon by Haley Frawley. Haley explores Abraham's threshold, God's faithfulness, and a long process of becoming. Genesis 17:1-7www.thevineaustin.org
This week, we hear from Rose Crellin, and we explore the story of how Jesus transformed the waters of baptism.Matthew 3:11-17www.thevineaustin.org
This week, we continues in our series called Thresholds by hearing from Rachelle! As a member of our community, Rachelle brings a timely message from Exodus about the journey of trust and deliverance we have with God.www.thevineaustin.orgExodus 14:10-18
Mark continues in our Thresholds series with a significant moment in 1 Kings 19. In this powerful threshold moment, Elijah meets with God in an unexpected presence - a gentle whisper.www.thevineaustin.org1 Kings 19:9-13
The Vine continues in our summer series, Thresholds. This week, community member, Chris Morton, shares from three snapshots in the life of Peter. In each of these threshold moments, we find Jesus' unexpected grace at work.www.thevineaustin.orgMatthew 16:13-19
Pastor Mark continues in this series, THRESHOLDS, by exploring an important passage in Exodus 3. Here we discover an unexpected threshold in Moses' life. It is marked by a burning bush, God's sacred name and a promise to return to the mountain. Exodus 3:1-12www.thevineaustin.org
Ben continues our series Thresholds - The Courageous Act of Becoming. Our scripture is in 1 Peter 1:3-9
In this series - and in this season of change for our church - we will explore stories of thresholds throughout Scripture to discover how we can walk through transitions with courage, faith, and expectancy, so that we do not miss what God wants to do in the transition moments of our lives.Fabs explores Hebrews 2:11-18 and how Jesus' threshold of incarnation can help us through any threshold in our lives. Hebrews 2:11-18www.thevineaustin.org
We conclude the series STORIES FROM THE MARGIN by considering God's passion, care and provision for the refugee. We also hear from Alliance about his own journey - personally and for the organization More Than Welcome.www.thevineaustin.orgZechariah 7:8-14
The Vine continues in our series STORIES FROM THE MARGIN with a beautiful passage in Acts 8. In this story, we discover how the Spirit of God moves to the margin so that an Ethiopian Eunuch can experience God's sacred nearness in spite of prescribed religious exclusion. Acts 8:26-39REFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What about the sermon was encouraging, confusing, or challenging?2. Read the story (Acts 8:26-39) in its entirety. What do you notice? 3. Was this man marginalized? If so, in what ways?4. What do you see the Holy Spirit doing in this story? 5. In what ways does Philip give us a helpful example of how to share the Gospel? 6. The Book of Acts tells the story of how the movement of Jesus’ Kingdom was breaking out of norms, expectations, and religious boundaries. How do you see that in this story? 7. What did you take from the testimony shared on Sunday?8. What is one way you can follow the example of Philip? What is one way you can follow the example of the eunuch?Spend time in prayer - for those who feel shut out of God’s church, presence, or community. Ask for the Spirit to send us to walk with, read with, and share the Good News of Jesus.
Happy 10 year birthday!!! On this special day, Mark reflections on the creation of The Vine, how God chose to create, and perhaps what God might say over The Vine today.www.thevineaustin.orgReflection Questions: 1. What is the thing you love most about The Vine?2. Share a memory that you have of this church that encapsulates what is unique about our community. 3. What is a hope you have about The Vine’s next chapter? What do you dream for The Vine’s future?4. How do you feel about the move to Faith Presbyterian Church? What emotions come up? What considerations emerge?Spend time in prayer. Begin with a time of gratitude for what has been. Then, pray for our church and this next chapter we are walking through with one another.
Mark continues with Stories from the Margin by talking about God's heart for the widow. As we explore the story of Ruth, we see God's provision, care, and future for the widow - and a love that clings to us.www.thevineaustin.orgRuth 1:8-18REFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What about the sermon was encouraging, confusing, or challenging?2. Why do you think widows have such a valued place in God’s heart? How were they marginalized? 3. Read Ruth 1:11-17. What do you notice about Naomi in these verses? What would compel Ruth to such loyal love? 4. Ruth is a unique book as God never explicitly speaks. Yet, how do you see God at work in this story- in systems, in subtle actions, or in clear ways? 5. Read Ruth 4:13-17. The ending presents a great, redemptive reversal. What elements of redemption do you see in these verses? 6. What did you take from Mary's testimony shared on Sunday?7. Who are the widows in our midst, and what could the church do to provide Christlike loyal love to them?Spend time in prayer. Pray for those who often fall through the cracks of our society.
Where have you seen that happen?3. What's a system you've been inside that wasn't built with you in mind? How did it shape what you believed about yourself?4. What about God’s response to the sisters is striking to you? 5. Why do you think God works through people to change systems instead of just fixing them directly? Does this feel encouraging or discouraging? 6. Which posture do you feel closer to: waiting for God to fix it, or trying to fix it all yourself?7. The change in this story required the daughters to resist, Moses to listen and use his power, and others to give up land they would have inherited. Which role resonates most with you right now? Which role feels hardest?8. What did you take from the testimony shared on Sunday?
Our sermon series, STORIES FROM THE MARGIN, continues with a message about Hagar, Genesis 16, and the God Who Sees.Genesis 16:1-13www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Read the passage above. There are many complicated, uncomfortable elements to this story- as with most stories from the margin. What elements do you notice that give you pause, discomfort or questions?2. Consider where else in Scripture God meets with people in the wilderness? Why do you think the wilderness is fertile ground for transformation?3. Why do you think Hagar chose that particular name- The God Who Sees Me? What about God seeing her was so transformative?4. What do you make of the prophetic words in verse 12?5. What about the sermon was encouraging, confusing or challenging?6. What did you take from the testimony shared on Sunday?7. Spend time in contemplation and conversation. Seeking to follow the One who sees Hagar in the wilderness, who has God placed in your life that you could see and listen to with compassion and mercy? Spend time in prayer - to see others in a way that can bring hope, transformation and healing.
Mark continues our series STORIES FROM THE MARGIN with a special message about God's heart for the orphan. Among many passages, we consider James 1:22-27.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS1. Much of the sermon was an incomplete survey of God’s commandments and provisions for the orphan. Why do you think God cares so deeply for the orphan?2. Read the passage above. Consider the imagery of the mirror and forgetting oneself. Why might inaction cause one to forget their spiritual identity?3. What does it mean to look intently into the perfect law? How does that law give freedom? 4. Read verse 27 again. Oftentimes, the care for the orphan is paired with care for the widow. Why are they often combined?5. What do you make of the phrase “polluted by the world?” How does that intersect with the care of the widow and orphan?6. What about the sermon was encouraging, confusing or challenging?7. What did you take from the testimony shared on Sunday.End in prayer for those without the care of a family system- whether orphan or widow. Is anyone feeling prompted to a particular action?
In this sermon, we hear a story from Luke 17:11-19 and a story from the margins of Austin at Community First. Luke 17:11-19Reflection Questions:1. When you hear the word marginalization, what comes to mind?2. Read the passage above. Envision the life of these ten lepers. What might their life have been like?3. Why would the response Jesus gave them in v14 be confusing or troubling? 4. Out of the ten lepers, only one returned. Why do you think the other nine did not return to Jesus? What does it say about the one?5. What do you make of Jesus’ statement in v19. What does it mean that his faith made him well? 6. How can gratitude be an expression of faith?7. What about the sermon was encouraging, confusing or challenging?8. What did you take from the testimony shared on Sunday.End in prayer. Spend your time simply giving Christ your thanks and praise. www.thevineaustin.org
Happy Easter! Mark shares a special Easter message from John 20. Upon the cross, we see the compassion of God, but on Easter, we see the power of God's love. John 20:1-2, 11-18www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What was Easter like for you growing up?2. Interact with that opening line from Julian Barnes’ novel. “I don’t believe in God, but I miss him.” Do you think that is how people really feel? How does that longing for God get displayed?3. What from the sermon has stayed with you- either encouraging, confusing, or confronting?4. Read the scripture passage above and consider Mary’s experience. What stands out to you today? 5. A significant aspect of this story is about Mary’s temporary inability to see Jesus. Why do you think she couldn’t recognize Jesus? Are you experiencing anything similar in your life?6. Why do you believe hearing her name allowed Mary to see? 7. Easter began while it was still dark. What is the darkness you are feeling today that needs resurrection hope? End in prayer. Ask for the ability to see Jesus - full of resurrection power. Ask that Jesus would give you courage and wisdom to continue Jesus’ pattern - drawing circles around all who hunger for mercy and grace.
Mark shares a message from the Palm Sunday story. Jesus' power was matched by a surprising characteristic.Luke 19:28-42Reflection Questions:1. Read the scripture passage above. What stands out to you today? 2. Why do you think the Pharisees wanted Jesus to rebuke his disciples?3. Reread verses 41-42. What do you think was behind Jesus’ tears?4. What from the sermon has stayed with you- either encouraging, confusing, or confronting?5. Mark shared a quote from Voltaire. “In the beginning God created man in His own image, and man has been trying to repay the favor ever since.” How might you/we be guilty of this in our own lives?6. Respond to that notion that transformation occurs when power is matched by vulnerability. Do you agree? How might we see this in our world? As we head toward Easter, linger with the message from Palm Sunday - Jesus is a surprising Savior. Ask for the willingness and awareness to see Jesus in the combination of vulnerability and power.
The Vine concludes our PRODIGAL STORY series with Pastor Ben sharing a message from the perspective of the community. Luke 15:21-27www.thevineaustin.orgReflection Questions:1. What has stayed with you or stuck out in the message? 2. Where have you seen “social kickback” happen in real life—either toward yourself or someone else?What did it look like, and what impact did it have on the person or community?3. The community in the story chooses celebration instead of rejection. Why do you think that kind of response is so rare? What makes it difficult for us to celebrate someone who has messed up?4. In your life, what tends to guide your reactions more—your instincts, cultural norms, or Jesus’ teachings? Can you think of a recent example?5. Who in your life right now might need support, encouragement, or advocacy to avoid being “shattered”? What would it look like to step in for them?6. What is one specific, practical step you can take this week to align your life with what you say you care about? How can this group help you follow through?End in prayer for one another, asking that God would give you the courage to follow Jesus with an obedience similar to this community.
fuel in our lives (for good or bad)? 4. What from the sermon has stayed with you- as confusing, encouraging, or challenging? 5. How is Jesus our true Elder Brother?6. Explore the three responses Mark suggested to this parable. This story invites us to: 1) participate in the restored family, 2) focus on the greater gift, 3) surrender to this kind of love. Which of these responses is most challenging for you? Which do you feel called towards today?End in prayer. That we might see the extravagant love of God and be compelled to participate in it.
We continue our series on the Prodigal Story by reliving this story through the perspective of the elder brother. www.thevineaustin.orgLuke 15:25-32REFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. How do you think your birth order affected your personality? 2. John Ortberg once said, “One of the hardest things to do is to stop being the prodigal son without turning into the elder brother.” Do you agree? Why or why not?3. Read the passage (verses 25-32). If you place yourself in the role of the elder brother, what would fuel your disdain of your brother? What would fuel your disdain of your father’s choice to reconcile with him? 4. Mark shared that fairness is not a characteristic of the Kingdom of God. Respond to that notion. How might that be true? How do you grapple with that reality? 5. How does this story (from the experience of the elder brother) challenge you today? End in prayer for one another, asking that God would give you the courage to follow Jesus, the Elder Brother we need.
Fabs kicks off our Prodigal Story series by diving into the younger son in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Reflection Questions:When you hear this parable, what comes up for you?What part of the younger son’s story felt most familiar to you: leaving, longing, planning your return, or experiencing belonging?What’s the difference between fitting in and belonging in your experience?The son had a three-part plan: (1) Say it first (lower the bar, overapologizing), (2) Settle for less (lower the position) (3) Earn it (prove himself). Which of those strategies feels most natural to you?What comes up for you when you consider God delighting in and celebrating your presence, even on your worst days? What rituals, habits, or postures do you find yourself using to try to make yourself more acceptable to God? What does your internal “I am not enough” narrative sound like?
Mark closes out Paul's letter to the Colossians with a reflection on chapter 4. We unpack the subtle stories of the names toward the end, consider Paul's final charge, and remember his chains.www.thevineaustin.orgReflection Questions:1. At the end of Colossians, Paul instructs the church to share the letter with other church communities (4:16). How might that instruction shape the view the early church had of these letters as sacred, even worthy of being a part of the Biblical canon? 2. What stayed with you from the sermon- either as confusing, curious or encouraging?3. Verse 2 says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” How might watchfulness and gratitude fuel a devoted life in prayer? 4. Verses 3-4 say, “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” What does it mean to proclaim the mystery of Christ? How does one proclaim a mystery with clarity?5. Verses 5-6 say, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” What do you notice in this instruction? How might this challenge and encourage The Vine?6. Paul finishes this letter with the phrase, “Remember my chains.” Why would Paul end with that reminder and image? 7. Paul clearly had a personal mission and challenge to the church - proclaim Jesus in word and deed. What is holding you back from living into that calling and how might you take steps towards a courageous witness?
Fabs continues with the third chapter of Colossians.www.thevineaustin.orgReflection Questions:1. When have you had an experience that changed how you saw your life, even though nothing “externally” changed?2. What are some earthly things your family of origin culture used to measure worth? What are some things you judge your own worth on today? 3. What stayed with you from the sermon- either as confusing, curious or encouraging?4. Read verses 5-14. What are some old habits or reactions you most want freedom from right now? Or some new behaviors you’d love to embody more? 5. When conflict shows up in your life, which myth do you tend to fall into more easily: “I’m okay, you’re not” or “You’re okay, I’m not”? How do you see that play out?6. Paul speaks dignity into people participating in broken systems instead of dehumanizing people within them. What do you find encouraging or challenging about that perspective?7. What is one small, concrete way you could “set your mind on heavenly things” this week?
The cold can't hold us back! Mark shares a message from Colossians 2:1-10 as we continue in this series. This passage explores the hiddenness of Jesus, the mystery of God and the two-word phrase that is central to the spiritual life.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Read Colossians 2:1-10. What do you see Paul doing in these verses?2. How do you experience the hiddenness of God? How is that hiddenness a blessing?3. Consider verse 6-7. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”How do we continue to live our lives in him? How do we continue to be rooted and built up in him?4. Reread verse 9. Then, react to that quote from Thomas Merton. “There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace, my happiness depend: to discover myself in discovering God. If I find Him I will find myself and if I find my true self I will find Him.” How is discovering God and self intertwined?5. What else has stayed with you from this message- either as confusing, encouraging or challenging?
in verse 23. What is this speaking about?7. How is your hope quotient? What in this passage can inspire greater hope?
Welcome to Vision Sunday 2026. In this message, Mark reflects upon 2025 and where God has brought us. Then, Mark shares about the upcoming year and some important plans.www.thevineaustin.org.Matthew 11:16-20
The Vine kicked off the year with a meditative and interactive service. Here are the two meditations that were included.www.thevineaustin.org
Merry Christmas. On this Christmas Eve, Mark concludes our Questions of Christmas series with a message from Luke 2. In this sermon, we hear how we respond to the fulfillment of Christ's birth. We treasure and ponder.www.thevineaustin.org
Pastor Ben shares our next question in the Christmas narrative. It is a question that humanity has asked again and again.Where is he?www.thevineaustin.org Matthew 2:1-12
Mark continues our Questions of Christmas with the unspoken but important question- What shall we call him? This message explores the power of a name, Jesus-centered salvation and how God becomes visible.www.thevineaustin.orgMatthew 1:18-25REFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What is the lineage of your last name?2. What do you make of how Matthew starts his Gospel- through the line of descendants from Abraham to Mary and Joseph? What significance do you have of this lineage?3. Read Matthew 1:18-25. Joseph is silent in this account, so we don't know about his internal world. How would you respond to the promise the angel made? What questions would you hold?4. What from the sermon has stayed with you- as encouraging, curious or confusing?5. How do you feel about the delineation between Joshua and Jesus, and their embodiment of different kinds of salvation? 6. Mark shared - One of the great issues the modern church must grapple with in American society is our relationship to power. Do you believe that? Where is that manifesting?7. Spend time considering where in your life you need to release the power of Jesus' name and his saving work.
www.thevineaustin.orgLuke 1:26-38DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What (if anything) has Advent meant to you? How would you describe Advent to other people?2. From the sermon, Mark talked how living in the age of the internet combats our embrace of not knowing. What is lost when we continually decrease and outsource the space between question and answer?3. Imagine being in Mary's shoes. What feelings and thoughts come to the surface when you consider this uninvited disruption in her life? 4. Mark shared four gifts for people in a time of uncertainty- God's presence, power, companionship, and word. How do you see that in verses 35-37?5. Which of those four do you need now?Pray for those who you know are in a time of unknowing, transition and vulnerability.
In the first week of our Advent series, we explore Zechariah's question in response to God's promise: how can I be sure? Luke 1:5-20www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Consider the view that faith is not about how 'sure' you are of God, but about how willing you are to trust in God even when you aren't sure. How does that view challenge or comfort you?2. When you think about your own faith, what kinds of obstacles do you experience in trusting in God? Are they more external (e.g. questions about God’s character or ability) or more internal (e.g. fear of disappointment, fear of being wrong, fear of hoping again.) 3. Read Zechariah's song: Luke 1: 67-79. What stands out to you? 4. Fabs talked about three ways of avoiding hope: reducing desire, defensive pessimism, blind optimism. Which one(s) do you relate to? How does that show up in your life and relationships? 5. What’s one area where you feel like Zechariah: wanting to believe, but terrified of hoping? What might it look like to hold hope in that place rather than trying to escape, numb, or control it?
conversation, Pastor Ben is joined by Andrew and Haley as they discuss the ways in which our Third Way compels us to work towards justice in a posture fashioned by Jesus.
In this message, we consider the beautiful, complex gift we have in our shared Word, and how our posture compels us to read and wrestle with Scripture in community.www.thevineaustin.org2 Timothy 3:14-17DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. How did you first get acquainted with the Bible? How did that initial experience shape your relationship with Scripture? 2. What stayed with you from the sermon- either as confusing, curious or encouraging?3. Consider the image of the two hands drawing one another. How does this depict how the Bible was written (both God’s words and words from human experience)? Which hand do you most often accentuate? 4. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. What does it mean to you that Scripture is “God-breathed”? How could that shape how we read and experience it?5. What does it mean to read Scripture through the lens of Jesus? How does that sit with you?6. Finish by sharing what your relationship is with the Bible today, what would you want it to be, and how could you develop that?End in prayer for one another. As this is the final sermon of this series, what has been a lesson, thought or practice that stands out to you? Share how this Third Way has challenged and inspired you towards change. Lift one another up in prayer.
features a conversation between Fabs, Johnny and Ashley. They explore best practices of self-care, boundaries and emotional intelligence that help us maintain a third way posture as we navigate challenging relationships.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
This is the third installment of our midweek conversations- Third Way in Practice. Our world does not equip us to have hard conversations; in fact it does the opposite. This week, Fabs hosts Abby and Dana as they discuss how the third way can provide alternative approaches to more productive conversations. www.thevineaustin.org
Fabs continues our series on the Third Way by clarifying what it means that we prioritize posture over position at The Vine. Romans 14:1-5, 19-20DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What stayed with you from the sermon, either as confusing, curious or encouraging? 2. How would you describe the ‘work of God’? Why do you think Paul says that arguing over their positions on food has the potential to destroy the work of God? 3. Read the blessing Paul offers the Romans in 15:5-7. What stands out to you as his priority for the church? 4. Often we feel we have to pick between valuing position or posture (one or the other). How is the third way different? 5. What are the potential obstacles or risks of prioritizing posture over position? Why do you think people resist this? What are the potential risks of prioritizing position over posture?
This is the second installment of our midweek conversations called Third Way in Practice. These dialogues explore the complexities and opportunities in practicing the Third Way. Today, Mark is joined by Ben Law as they discuss how the Third Way creates a path to reclaim a courageous faith. www.thevineaustin.org
Mark continues in our Third Way series by exploring the difference between wells and fences, the power of a shared center, and why Jesus is enough to hold us together.Colossians 1:15-20www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. How would you describe the difference between center-set (wells) groups and bounded-set (fences) groups? What are their key characteristics?2. In your recounting of the Gospels, how does Jesus challenge the religious/ethnic fences of his day?3. What stayed with you from the sermon- either as confusion, curious or encouraging?4. Paul wrote the poem in the middle of the first chapter of Colossians to stretch the spiritual imagination of who Jesus is and what he accomplished. Read Colossians 1:15-20. What inspires adoration and worship? What inspires a sense of mystery and wonder?5. Read Jesus’ prayer for the Church in John 17:20-23. Why do you think unity is so important to Jesus?6. From our Third Way document, we find these words- “The Third Way is formed and shaped by Jesus — his posture, his priorities, his teaching, and his pattern of love. Rather than prioritizing doctrines or debates, we seek to organize and focus our lives around Christ.” With this in mind, what does it practically mean to have Jesus in the center of our individual lives? What does it mean to have Jesus at center of our church? End in prayer for one another. Perhaps, have your prayers be in response to the conversation from question #6, and pray that we would center Jesus in our lives more and more.
Today, Mark is joined by Stefani and Fabs as they explore the common misconceptions people have of the third way.
Mark kicks off our Third Way series by telling the story of where this conviction came from and what it means to our community.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Most families have stories they tell again and again. What is a story your family repeatedly told?2. How would you define or describe the Third Way to someone who didn’t know our church?3. What stayed with you from the sermon- either as confusing, curious or encouraging?4. Read Matthew 22:15-22. What stands out to you? 5. What does it mean to “give back to God’s what is God’s?”6. What about our Third Way is hopeful or life-giving?7. What about our Third Way seems challenging or impossible? 8. Discuss this phrase found on our website. “We choose to value empathy and compassion over certainty and absolute agreement. We seek unity in following Jesus within the essentials of our faith.” End in prayer with one another. Perhaps pray for these 5 weeks, that Jesus would form us in this journey- bringing a clarity of conviction, merciful view of others and a Jesus-shaped lifestyle.
What do you like/dislike about that idea?3. Read John 17:13-18. What stands out to you? 4. How might this passage challenge Western 'sphere' ideas about positivity or triumph? In what ways is Jesus' sphere of 'overcoming the world' different than we might understand it through our western lens? What feels good or bad about that? 5. Are there moments in your life when have you experienced being 'in Jesus' - what has that felt or looked like?
The Vine continues in our series TAKE HEART by considering a story from Mark 10:46-52. In this passage, we discover how our Savior can heal us from our blindness. www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Share a moment where you felt like you were aware of the presence of God. It could be through an interaction with a friend, a beautiful moment in nature, or a simple morning walk. What did it feel like? 2. Read Mark 10:46-52? What do you notice happening in this passage? 3. What stands out to you about the disciples telling Bartimaeus to “take heart?” 4. When do you feel the most blind? What are things that take your awareness away from Christ? 5. Share a moment that you looked up and your perspective changed. How did that feel? What happened afterwards? What changed? 6. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either confusing, curious or encouraging?7. What person or group of people do you want to illuminate who you feel like has been erased? 8. Is there anything in this message that has helped you take heart?
The Vine continues in our series TAKE HEART by considering a story from Matthew 14:22-33. In this passage, we discover how our Savior invites us to walk upon the chaos of life while we take heart.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTION:1. If you were to survey your thoughts, feelings or emotions, what are you bringing with you as you enter this gathering?2. Recount what took place before Jesus walked on water in the beginning of chapter 14. What do you think Jesus was carrying in him before that moment? 3. Read Matt 14:22-27. What do you notice taking place? 4. Read verses 28-33. Why do you think Peter wanted to walk on water? What significance do you find in his sinking?5. What do you make of Jesus’ words verse 31? 6. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either confusing, curious or encouraging?7. This sermon touches on the power of fear. Where does fear exist in your life today? 8. What would it mean to keep your attention upon Jesus in that place of fear? Conclude by spending time in prayer, asking for God to help us take heart in the chaos in our world and lives.
As we continue in our series where we consider the occurrences of the phrase TAKE HEART, we look to a story in Matthew 9. This passage and the example from a woman's courageous act of faith can teach us how to take heart in the midst of suffering.www.thevineaustin.orgMatthew 9:18-26REFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Have you seen a celebrity in the wild? Did you talk to them?2. Recount this woman’s life. When you imagine carrying this affliction for 12 years, what comes to your mind? What would have been hard for you?3. Why was this woman’s act such a risk of faith?4. Why do you think Jesus made a scene when this healing took place?5. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either confusing, curious or encouraging?6. In the sermon, Mark shared that Jesus’ cross should form our view of suffering. What healing do you find in Jesus’ choice to endure the cross?7. What suffering are you carrying today? Conclude by spending time in prayer, asking for God to help us take heart in the suffering in our world and lives.
Mark continues our series TAKE HEART by exploring how Psalm 27. This psalm shares surprising instructions on how to take heart in a time of great conflict.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What is one of your favorite kids’ books? Why do you like it?2. Mark shared three surprising responses in conflict that we find in Psalm 27. The first was to honor your emotions. Read Psalm 27. What emotions do you find in this psalm? What emotions have been in you recently? What barrier (if any) has there been for you to take those emotions to God?3. The second response was to set your gaze on the right thing. Read verses 4-5. What does it mean in the modern life “to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple?”4. The third response is to wait for the Lord. What does it mean to “wait for the Lord,” and what is produced in us if we can “wait for the Lord.” 5. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, confusing, or curious?6. What is the conflict that is apparent in your life (whether globally, interpersonally, or within)? Conclude by spending time in prayer, asking for God to help us take heart in the conflicts in our world and lives.
In this second week of our series TAKE HEART, Fabs shares from 1 Chronicles 28. In this moment, Solomon calls the people together so that they can live out their dreams and gifting to build something great with one another.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTION1. What did you want to be when you grew up as a kid? Do you hear anything in your response that gives you clues about who you are at your core? 2. When you read 1 Chronicles 28:20 - what stands out? 3. When you look around the world today, where do you see God’s presence? Where do you feel afraid or discouraged? 4. What has stayed with you from the sermon - either as encouraging, confusing or curious?5. As we see the giftedness of Solomon in this passage, what comes up for you when you consider the notion that you have been given a spiritual gift to help you? Can you identify what that gift or unique abilities might be? 6. What gets in the way of you dreaming with God? What narratives or fears? 7. Do you currently have an area of your life or this world where God might be inviting you to dream and participate in God’s restoring presence? What might it look like to carry - through your giftings and design - God’s presence into that area? OR Does someone else or some organization have a dream that you might want to step into with your gifting and design? Conclude by spending time in prayer with one another, asking God to stir your hearts to dream of ways to carry God’s presence into this world.
Mark begins our new series TAKE HEART with a story from Joshua 1. This message explores how transitions are sacred moments where we can learn to take heart. Joshua 1:1-9www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “take heart?” What does that phrase call one to do?2. Before we read Joshua 1, consider the context. Replay what people have experienced to get to that point and what might be going through their hearts and minds?3. Read Joshua 1:1-9. What do you notice in these verses?4. Mark shared how transitions are places where God does some of God’s best work. Respond to that notion. What uniquely happens in moments of transition?5. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, confusing or curious? 6. Joshua 3:9-17 shares a profound moment. For a generation born in the wilderness, who heard how God parted the sea for their parents’ generation, what would this moment mean? 7. Who is experiencing transition in their life- either on the edge of the river of transition or walking through one now? What does it mean to take heart?
This final sermon in this series RECLAIMING comes from Vince Lozada. Vince shares on the call to reclaim worship- from the commercialization of the American worship system, to the fullness of what worship was meant to be.www.thevineaustin.org2 Samuel 6:12-22, Psalm 13
In this sermon, Pastor Mark shares his journey to reclaim the calling of evangelism.www.thevineaustin.org1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Community Member, Amber Gray, shares a message on reclaiming her authentic self in this personal and special message.www.thevineaustin.orgJohn 10:1-4 and Ephesians 2:10
As we continue in our series RECLAIMING, staff member Fabs Harford shares on the much needed task to reclaim a view of ourselves with gentleness, gratitude and in reverence for Christ.Romans 7:15-20 and Psalm 139:14-16www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is in a series called RECLAIMING. This week, member Maggie Pruitt shares from the prodigal sons story and how it teaches us to release a transactional view of God for one rooted in relationship. www.thevineaustin.orgLuke 15:11-32
As we continue in our series called RECLAIMING, community member Christina Swan shares from an often misapplied verse from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. In this sermon, we reclaim the promise that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. www.thevineaustin.org
Mary Fisher continues our Reclaiming Series with a special sermon on prayer. Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13
The Vine continues in our series RECLAIMING with a sermon on John 8:2-11. Community Member, Dana Gonzales, shares on a moment after a woman was caught in adultery, and how this exchange with Jesus teaches us to reclaim the power of courageous compassion.www.thevineaustin.org
Mark kicks off our new series, RECLAIMING: The Courageous Act of Recovering Faith. In this first sermon, the raspy-voiced Mark begins this series with reclaiming the concept and word- RELIGION.www.thevineaustin.org.
Covenant member, Andrew Forrester, concludes our Moments with Jesus series with a story from John 9, a story of miracle, and a story blindness. www.thevineaustin.orgJohn 9:1-12, 35-41
As we continue our series Moments with Jesus, we come to Luke 22 and a moment at a table. Our new pastor of Family Ministries, Ben Crellin, shares how Jesus calls us to remember him through this table.www.thevineaustin.org
We continue with Moments with Jesus. In this message, Mark shares from John 2:1-12 and the deeper meaning of this miracle at a wedding.www.thevineaustin.org
As we continue with the sermon on the gospel stories, Moments with Jesus, Mark shares from the simple story of extravagant worship. The widow's two coins.Mark 12:41-44www.thevineaustin.org
Fabs continues in our series of Moments with Jesus. In this sermon, we explore the healing power of Jesus' solidarity; especially in entering our sorrow.John 11:17-36www.thevineaustin.org
Mark kicks off our new series, Moment with Jesus, by a series of stories detailing the power of a glance. In these stories we explore the power of God's face, Peter's denials, and Jesus' mercy.John 21:3-9, 15-19www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What images or stories have formed your view of the "face of God?"2. When you survey the stories in this sermon, how would you describe Peter's personality?3. Read John 21:15-19. Why do you think Jesus created that conversation with Peter on the beach? What was he seeking to do and to undo?4. What have you taken with you from the sermon- what do you find encouraging or curious?5. Why is the most important thing about us not "what comes to mind when we think of God" but "what comes to God's mind when God thinks of us?"
Mark shares a sermon on the fourth and final chapter of Ruth. www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Read Ruth 4. What stands out to you today? 2. What is the main difference between the perspectives of Boaz and this unnamed relative? 3. What stayed with you from the sermon? Was there anything confusing, encouraging or challenging? 4. Why do you think the author concludes with the genealogy account of Ruth and Boaz’s family? Why is this so significant?5. As you reflect on the entire story of Ruth, what is this story about? 6. How has this story informed how you can live differently?
Are you a fan of RomComs? Pastor Mark explores Ruth chapter 3 and considers the different elements of a good love story that are present in this ancient story. www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Read Ruth 3. What stands out to you today? 2. What stayed with you from the sermon? Was there anything confusing, encouraging or challenging? 3. What do you make of Naomi’s plan? And what does Ruth display in her participation in this? 4. Explore the element of the garment in this story. What is the symbolism, and what do you think Ruth was asking for? 5. Building on what we know of the role “kinsman redeemer,” how is Jesus the truer version of that?6. In the end, Mark shared about the use of the word “empty-handed” in this story. Part of Ruth’s redemption is the reversal of Naomi’s emptiness. As you conclude in prayer, what do you feel is empty from your life?
Ruth - Chapter Two. Fabs continues our series on the book of Ruth by exploring the way God demonstrates God's lovingkindness in chapter two.Discussion Questions:What stayed with you from the sermon? Challenged or encouraged you? Which circumstance currently resonates with you most: Ruth (in need and trusting God's lovingkindness), Boaz (being the provision of God's lovingkindness) or Naomi (in need and in despair, waiting on God's lovingkindness)?Have you ever experienced a time in your life where someone felt like they were the expressing God's lovingkindness to you through their actions? What makes it hard for us to ask one another for help? (Cultural scripts, narratives or beliefs, personality traits, schedules, etc…)Read Deut 24:17-22, what stands out to you? Why do you think the text includes the reference to their status in Egypt? In what area could you leave more margin for those in need: time, energy, resources (other?) What would this look like? What gets in the way for you?
Ruth - Chapter OneMark kicks off the series on the book of Ruth by exploring the context of the first chapter, the power of names, and a foreshadow of God’s redeeming provision. Discussion Questions1. What does your name mean?2. How do you see the use of names and the loss of the meaning of names in this story?3. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, challenging or confusing? 4. With the few characters we have here, we find archetypes of how people respond to vulnerability and a crisis. How do the following people respond- Elimelek, Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth?5. What is so astounding about Ruth’s actions and words (vv16-18)? 6. As you reflect on all that takes place in chapter one, what do you think this story is about?
Happy Easter! Mark finishes this sermon series, Monk Habits for the Rest of Us, with a message from John 20:11-18. As we consider how the Resurrected Jesus met with Mary, we find a story of healing and commission. thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. As we conclude the series on prayer, what practice has made the most impact in your life? What is one lesson you continue to carry?2. Reflect on the imagery of a tidal island. How does the symbolism speak to rhythms in the Christian life and the dual calling of prayer/mission?3. Read John 20:11-18. What questions emerge when you consider this story? Why do you think Mary went to the tomb that day? 4. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, curious, or confusing?5. What are the similarities between Mary's tomb experience and MLK's table moment? 6. If in fact Easter is both a time of personal healing and sending, where do you feel Christ is sending you this week?
The Vine is discussing 40 days of prayer and monk habits for the rest of us. On Palm Sunday, Fabs unpacks the importance of worship in our prayer lives to help center our hearts on God, settle our hearts with God and stir our hearts for God.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Discuss your experience of integrating work and prayer last week. What did you notice and encounter? When you think about the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing? Read John 12:1-19. What stands out to you? Where do you see worship in this passage?What has worship meant to you in your life?Did you resonate more with: worship as a means to center your heart on God, as a means to soothe you by reminding you of what is true about God, or as a means to stir your heat for God?
The Vine is discussing 40 days of prayer and monk habits for the rest of us. In this message, Mark explores the importance of integrating work and prayer AND the call to pray without ceasing. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Discuss your experience of “praying the hours” last week. What did you notice and encounter?2. When you think about the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?3. Why do you think it is so easy to live severed lives- especially separating our connection to Jesus in the workplace?4. We find in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 the call to pray continually. What has that meant to you in the past? 5. Mark shared the following definition of prayer- "Prayer is awareness and orientation to God’s presence." How is that understanding of prayer encouraging and also challenging?6. The two practices of prayer this week are breath prayers and the prayer of epiclesis. How might utilizing breath prayers be helpful in growing an orientation to Christ’s presence? How are they subtly powerful?7. Describe the meaning of the prayer of epiclesis, and discuss how your work-life and home-life would be different if you practiced this prayer.
As we continue through our 40 Days of Prayer, Mark shares about the monastic practice of the praying the hours OR the daily office. Reflecting on Jesus' words in Luke 8:4-15, we consider how to receive Christ's presence in our lives through a rhythm of prayer.www.thevineaustin.org/monkhabitsScripture Reading: LUKE 8:4-15DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Discuss your experience of praying the psalms or praying the hours. What did you notice and encounter?2. When you think about the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?3. Read Jesus’ parable in Luke 8:4-15. How would you summarize the different conditions of the soil?4. How would you describe the condition of your soul - either by using Jesus’ words or your own?5. The Daily Office or Praying the Hours is a way of tilling the soil of our souls. How does prayer prepare our soul to encounter Christ’s presence? 6. Of the three times/themes of the Daily Office (morning, midday, and evening), which is the most challenging for you to enact? How might your life be different if you built the habit of prayer during that time?
As we continue our sermon series on prayer, Vine Covenant member Gabe McKinney explores the power of praying through the Psalms. Join us as we dive into how these ancient prayers can shape our conversations with God today. Scripture: Psalm 13Discussion Questions:Over the past few weeks, how’s your experience with prayer been? Have you thought more about or practiced a certain habit (Lord’s prayer, solitude, silence, other?) Have you ever prayed using Scripture before? If yes, how’s it been? If no, why not? What or who has shaped your idea of prayer and what prayer “should look like”? How does the Psalm 13 prayer (or Psalms as a whole) compare to your approach to prayer? Are there any Psalms you naturally resonate with? Which ones? And why? If you were to write a Psalm-like prayer to God today, what emotions or themes would it include?What is one insight you’ve gained about prayer from the past few weeks?
This is the second sermon in the 40 Days of Prayer series- Monk Habits for the Rest of Us. In this message, Mark shares on the two pillars of prayer- silence and solitude. thevineaustin.org/monkhabitsMatthew 6:5-8DISCUSSION QUESTION:1. This week, we are practicing centering prayer. How has your experience been with this practice? (You may also want to reflect on last week’s practice of the Lord’s Prayer.)2. When you think back to the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious, or confusing?3. What do you make of the instructions of Jesus in Matthew 6:5-8. What is the core of Jesus’ teachings and instructions?4. Mark shared that silence and solitude uniquely remind us we have a soul. Do you think of your soul often? How do silence and solitude make us remember our soul?5. If you were to deepen your practice and comfort with silence and solitude, how would that affect your life?
In this sermon, Mark introduces us to our series "40 Days of Prayer- Monk Habits for the Rest of Us." In this sermon, Mark shares about a way to approach prayer, the monastic solution, and the foundational calling for followers of Jesus. www.thevineaustin.org/monkhabitsDiscussion Questions-1. This week, we have two practices from the Monk Habits workbook. An analysis of your experience in prayer, and praying through the Lord’s Prayer. How would you answer the question- where did you learn to pray? 2. What was your experience of praying through the Lord’s Prayer?3. When you think back to the sermon, what stood out to you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?4. Consider how Mark 10 ends and transitions to Mark 11. Read Mark 10:38-42 and then Mark 11:1-4. Why do you think these stories are next to one another?5. When you consider the Lord’s Prayer, what do you notice about the order and how it is structured?6. Finish your time sharing what you hope takes place through these 40 days together. You can pray for one another that Christ might meet your desires with grace.
We conclude our series on Philippians with this message on Philippians 4:10-13, the secret of contentment and the only other God that Jesus named.www.thevineaustin.org/philippiansDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1: What stood out to you this week in the readings and/or the sermon?2: Mark shared that Philippians could be seen as Christian resistance literature. How do you respond to that notion? What has Paul encouraged the church of Philippi to resist? 3. Read Philippians 4:10-13. How would you define contentment?Why is discovering contentment like a secret? 4: In this reading we find the often quoted Philippians 4:13. When you put that verse in the larger context, what is Paul actually saying? 5: How is a life of contentment and simplicity an expression of faith in our culture? 6: Practice for the week. One practice that people enact in the season of Lent is fasting. Fasting is one way to redirect our desires and habits to Christ. Consider if there is a fast you would like to practice- whether food, social media, shopping, or other habits.
Covenant member, Stef, shares a message about the importance of resistance in the Christian life. From Philippians 3:20-4:9, we find timely and practical instruction for us all. To support The Vine, go to www.thevineaustin.org/give DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What stood out to you this week from the readings and/or the sermon?2. Read Philippians 3:18 - 4:9 and notice what the word “therefore” is connecting. What do imagine was going on in the Philippian church? Without disparaging a church, have you ever witnessed or experienced the painfulness of escalating disagreements in a church setting? What did it feel like? What was the outcome? 3. In v. 4-7, Paul is asking the church to resist damaging escalations of conflict. From the sermon, resistance comes from: More Joy - Less Worry – Prayer – Gratefulness - Realizing God’s nearness. Which of these have you embraced successfully in the past, and how did it change you? Which one would you like to grow more toward?4. In v. 8-9, Paul doubles down on the things to keep at the forefront of our minds. Without bypassing reality, what are practical ways to focus on these things while in the midst of a world where there is no lack of negativity, fear and insecurity?5. Practice for the week. Whether in this group or within your family/friends, ask these two questions: Where did you see God’s goodness today? Where did you add to God’s goodness today?
In this fourth message in our series on Philippians, Mark shares from Philippians 2:12-18. In this passage, we explore the concept of fear in our faith, the problem with grumbling and how we can shine.www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTION1. How has your experience been with the reading plan?2. Read Philippians 2:12-13. What do you make of the response of fear and trembling, especially in regards to the words you find here?3. If the work of salvation is an act of the Spirit, what is our part in it?4. Read Philippians 2:14-16. How would you define grumbling and why is it so toxic to the soul?5. Our calling is to shine. What does it mean to shine and how can you foster that calling? 6. If salvation is an ongoing process, where do you believe the saving work of Jesus is active in your life?
In this third message of this series on Philippians, Mark talks about Philippians 2:1-11, the power of humility and the Messiah Poem. thevineaustin.org/philippiansDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What has your experience been with the reading plan so far?2. Read Philippians 2:1-4. What do you notice in these verses that is surprising, instructive or challenging? 3. Mark shared in the message how Paul’s words in verses 1-4 move the reader from a vertical relationship with God to a horizontal relationship with others. Why do you think we cannot experience one without the other? 4. Read Philippians 2:5-11. What do you think Paul’s purpose is with this poem? 5. Discuss humility. What has been some misunderstandings of humility in your life? How would you define it? 6. How does humility lead to unity? What are steps we can take to foster this in our community? 7. Was there anything else from the sermon that was encouraging, confusing, or has stayed with you?
This is the second week of our series on Philippians. In this message, Mark covers the second half of the first chapter which carries the themes of redemptive suffering, a counter-cultural gospel, and the importance of unity. Philippians 1:12-30You can find the reading plan at thevineaustin.org/philippiansDiscussion Questions:1. What has your experience been with the reading plan so far?2. Read Philippians 1:12-19. In this section, we have Paul describing his experience being in prison. What do you notice about Paul’s perspective? 3. Read Philippians 1:20-26. Respond to Paul’s sentence - “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” What does that mean to you? 4. Read Philippians 1:27-30. What is Paul’s main appeal to the church of Philippi? 5. Reflecting on Paul’s word, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,” Mark shared that we are instructed to engage with our society as a citizen of Christ’s Kingdom. How does our deeper allegiance inform how we can respond to current cultural events in our society? 6. Was there anything else from the sermon that was encouraging, confusing, or has stayed with you?
In this introductory sermon for this series, Mark shares how the letter we call Philippians came to be, explores a favorite verse for many, and considers a powerful prayer.Philippians 1:1-11thevineaustin.org/philippiansDiscussion Questions:1. How was your experience with the reading plan so far this week?2. Read Acts 16:13-15 and Paul’s first notable experience at Philippi. What do you notice about this moment and how the church in Philippi began? 3. Read verses 1:1-6. What does "partnership in the Gospel" mean to you?4. Paul shares God’s obstinate loyalty - the good work that was began will come into fruition. What is this "good work” that God will see till the end?5. Consider the prayer of 1:9-11. Consider the structure of this prayer and share what you notice. In particular, what does a deep abiding love produce? 6. Is there anything from the sermon that was encouraging, confusing, or has stayed with you?
This is Vision Sunday where we reflect on the previous year and share a vision for the new year. In this message, Mark shares a pastoral report, we hear testimonies from others, and explore some plans for 2025. For Community Members who are ready to renew covenant, go to thevineaustin.org/renew
In this special message, Fabs shares that clarifying our values has great power to determine our year.Here is the tool you can use.https://www.thevineaustin.org/living-into-your-values
Enjoy this Christmas Eve homily as Mark concludes our Revelation series with chapter 22.www.thevineaustin.org
In this final Sunday of Advent, Mark shares from Revelation 21. In this chapter, John's visions begin to provide a resolution, a picture of a wedding, and some surprising omissions. www.thevineaustin.orgTo support The Vine, make your donation www.thevineaustin.org/giveREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What is your favorite part of a wedding?2. Read Rev 21:1-5. What do you notice?3. Mark shared that one of the greatest characteristics of God is "with-ness." Reflect on that concept and the different ways you see that in Scripture. Also, what difference does that make in your life?4.Read 21:6-8. How do you reconcile those verses with Jesus' Gospel?5. Read Rev 21:22-27. What do you find missing from this final city? What does that mean to you?
This week, Fabs continues our Revelation series in Revelation 19, where the authority of Jesus is established in order to usher in a new Kingdom. Discussion questions below:Read Revelation 19:6-19. John continues his pattern of describing what he hears and then what he sees. What stands out to you about what he hears and sees in this chapter? How does this passage sit with you? What feelings come to mind when you consider Jesus returning in this way?Think through the three clear names of Jesus in this passage: Faithful & True, Word of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Which name feels encouraging to you this week? Which name feels hardest to connect to?Jesus also has a name written on him that no one knows but himself. What comes to mind for you when you hear this?Fabs talked about the power in the name of Jesus, and that this name brings light into dark places in our lives. How does this idea sit with you? Is there anywhere you need the light of Jesus this week?
In this fifth sermon of this series, we consider Revelation chapter 7. In this interlude, we find a surprising yet consistent picture of Christ's work of expanding and including; even at the end of all things.Revelation 7:9-12www.thevineaustin.org/revelationDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What have you noticed so far about the book of Revelation? 2. What has stayed with you from the sermon; either are encouraging, confusing, or curious?3. Read 7:9-17. As you hear these words, picture what is taking place. What do you notice? What is unclear?4. Mark shared about the consistency of Christ from the Gospels to Revelation. What is consistent?5. Which promise from 7:15-17 do you hold dear today?
In this sermon, Mark shares on the overlooked meaning of Advent, the power of the lamb, and the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Scripture Reading: Revelation 5:1-10www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Why do you think we avoid the promise of Jesus' return in our culture? 2. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as comforting, confusing, or confronting?3. Read Revelation 5:1-10. What do you notice in the Scripture today?4. Mark shared about the Roman version of peace (Pax Romana). What would say would be America's version of peace and how do we achieve that peace?5. As this is the week in advent for hope, what fuels your hope today?
In our third week of Revelation and the Final Advent, we explore Revelation 4, and let our hearts be stirred to worship God. www.thevineaustin.orgShare from your experience with the daily reading plan. Have you hit any roadblocks or had any interesting insights?What are some things/people/ideas that our world might intentionally or unintentionally encourage us up to worship?Which attribute of God stood out to you: holiness, eternity, creator? Why do you think it resonated?What is it that tends to stir your heart to worship God? How did it sit with you to consider letting 'who God is' fuel your worship?Read Revelation 4:8-11 - what stands out to you? Why do you think the Elders cast their crowns? How did the idea of God's highness (vs our lowness) as the fuel for worship in this passage sit with you?
We are in our second week of Revelation and the Final Advent. In this sermon, Mark shares about Revelation 2-3, and focuses on the letter to the Ephesian church.www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Share from your experience with the daily reading plan. Have you hit any roadblocks or had any interesting insights?2. Read Revelation 2:1-7. What do you notice about this short letter?3. How might someone know if they had lost their first love? What are the symptoms?4. What is something that has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouragement, confusing or curious?5. Why do you think cynicism causes so many to stall out and get stuck? How does cynicism affect the heart and soul?6. What would it look like for to take steps to "do the things you did at first?"
Welcome to the new series- Revelation & the Final Advent. In this first sermon, Mark shares about the book of Revelation, how to read it and a pastoral word about carrying this message into our own times of suffering and uncertainty. www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What is your relationship and history with the book of Revelation?2. What is something that has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, confusing, or curious?3. Why is it so important to understand context before studying Scripture?4. Read Revelation 1:12-20. What do you see happening in this scene? 5. As you look at verses 17-18, consider the power these words would have held as encouragement to those seven churches. What do you notice?6. Discuss the visual of a church being a lamp stand. What meaning does that carry to you?
Mark concludes the Unhurried Life series by discussing a Rule of Life and living on purpose. Exploring the life and example of Daniel, we see how to be faithful when we are living in a world contrary to God's unhurried pace.Daniel 1:8-16 and 6:6-12.www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has lingered with you?2. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?3. As you consider Daniel 1, why is choosing to reject royal food/drink so important? How could that translate to our life and what we consume? 4. Read Daniel 6:10. "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Discuss why this practice of prayer would have been so powerful for Daniel, especially as a exile.5. As you consider developing a rule of life going forward, what are you wanting to include in your rule of life?6. As we conclude this series, what are some lessons, experiences, or practices that you take with you?ADDITIONAL INFO: We are creating an additional resource each week for those who would like to go deeper. For this week, you can review the resources exploring the way of simplicity and contentment at thevineaustin.org/unhurriedresourcesFor those who haven’t done so, make sure to subscribe to The Unhurried Life podcast which is found at thevineaustin.org/unhurried
As we begin to head to the conclusion of our series on the Unhurried Life, we hear from guest preacher, Gena St. David. Gena shares on the challenges and opportunities to engage our relationship with time, and the One who meets us in the past, present, and future.www.thevineaustin.org MARK 10:13-16DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What take-aways do you have from practicing sabbath last week?2. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has lingered with you?3. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?4. What do you notice in your body when time feels like it is moving too slowly or too quickly?5. What could you tolerate for 12 minutes that you wouldn’t for 12 hours?6. What do you notice in your body when you sit down to silently pray or meditate?7. When has pain transformed into something helpful?
In this sermon, Mark shares about the practice of sabbath keeping, its presence in Scripture, and its ability to bring us back to life again.www.thevineaustin.orgScripture Reading: Exodus 20:8-11DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What take-aways do you have from practicing silence and solitude last week?2. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has lingered with you?3. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?4. Why do you think the practice/commandment of sabbath has been so widely dismissed by Christians and churches?5. Mark shared from three passages on Sunday. Recount each one and share how they can form our view of the Sabbath. (Gen 2:1-2, Exodus 20:8-11, Matt 12:1-8)6. How is sabbath an act of resistance? What does it help us resist?7. What is a step you want to take in experimenting with sabbath keeping? (If needed you can consider the four aspects: stop, rest, delight, worship)ADDITIONAL INFO: We are creating an additional resource each week for those who would like to go deeper. For this week, you can review the resources exploring the way of simplicity and contentment at thevineaustin.org/unhurriedresourcesFor those who haven’t done so, make sure to subscribe to The Unhurried Life podcast which is found at thevineaustin.org/unhurried
In the next sermon in THE UNHURRIED LIFE series, we look at Jesus’ practice of silence and solitude as a way to cultivate an unhurried mind. Additional resources here: www.thevineaustin.org/unhurriedDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What is your current relationship with solitude? Do you find it energizing, challenging, or somewhere in between? How has your experience with solitude shaped your desire for more or less of it? Do you identify with experiencing solitude as a form of rejection or isolation? How does it feel to consider solitude as an intentionalmovement toward something meaningful?Solitude can offer rest, bring purpose, clarity about identity, and space to process hard emotions. Which of these do you connect with the most? Which one sparks your curiosity, and which feels the most challenging for you?How might the experience of solitude feel different when you do these things in communion with God rather than on your own?What from the sermon or the podcast this week has stayed with you—either as encouraging, curious, or confusing?What would it look like to set aside time for solitude this week? When and where could you create this space? Among the four elements of solitude we’ve discussed—rest, purpose, identity, and processing—which one do you feel God is inviting you to explore more deeply right now?
In the next sermon in THE UNHURRIED LIFE series, Mark shares about the pace of relationships and how following Jesus teaches us how to have deep, transformative connection with others.www.thevineaustin.org/unhurriedDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What take-aways do you have from practicing simplicity, gratitude and contentment last week?2. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has lingered with you?3. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?4. How have you seen or experienced the movement towards counterfeit connection? How is your "friendship time” trending in comparison to years in the past? 5. In 1 Corinthians 13, we find a list of descriptions for the nature of love, and it begins with patience. Why might love first need to be patient? 6. Recall the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 from Zacchaeus’ perspective. What would you find surprising and transformative about Jesus’ actions and words?7. What is a practice you are considering this week to deepen unhurried connections with others?ADDITIONAL INFO: We are creating an additional resource each week for those who would like to go deeper. For this week, you can review the resources exploring the way of simplicity and contentment at thevineaustin.org/unhurriedresourcesFor those who haven’t done so, make sure to subscribe to The Unhurried Life podcast which is found at thevineaustin.org/unhurried
In this third week of our Unhurried Life series, Mark explores how materialism and consumerism fuels a life of hurry. To help us, we can turn to two passages where Paul encourages others to find the secret way of simplicity and contentment. PHILIPPIANS 4:11–13 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has lingered with you?2. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?3. Why might consumerism and materialism fuel a hurried life? 5. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-12. What wisdom do you find in these verses? What is a timely correction or instruction? 6. Mark shared that simplicity + gratitude = contentment. How do simplicity and gratitude fuel contentment?7. What practices are you exploring to fuel a life of simplicity and contentment? ADDITIONAL INFO: We are creating an additional resource each week for those who would like to go deeper. For this week, you can review the resources exploring the way of simplicity and contentment at thevineaustin.org/unhurriedresourcesFor those who haven’t done so, make sure to subscribe to The Unhurried Life podcast which is found at thevineaustin.org/unhurried
This is the second sermon in our series The Unhurried Life. In this sermon, we consider why hurry is so dangerous, and we explore Jesus' surprising solution.www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has stayed with you?2. Dallas Willard shared this advice, "Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”In what ways does a hurried pace combat so many aspects of the Christian life? 3. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as encouraging, curious or confusing?4. How does the idea of being Jesus’ apprentice seem different than being a disciple? 5. Read Matthew 11:28-30. In your own words, how are rest and renewal a by-product to putting on Jesus’ yoke?6. What is a part of Jesus’ yoke that you desire to put on this week?
The Vine is kicking off a new series- The Unhurried Life. In this first sermon, Mark introduces the series, explores Ephesians 5, and invites us to begin with an honest assessment.For additional resources, the daily devotional podcast, and other information, go to www.thevineaustin.org/unhurriedDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has stayed with you?2. How did you respond to this quote- “For many of us, the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we become so distracted, rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them.”3. What are some fruit from the modern life that you believe are the most toxic for the soul? 4. Read Ephesians 5:8-19. Discuss this passage and what you notice- especially listen for a timely encouragement and challenge. 5. What is one thing you can do to move towards making the most of every opportunity? 6. Conclude by sharing some hopes for these next 8 weeks. What do you long to experience?
In this final sermon within our Parables of Jesus series, community member Andrew Forrester shares from Luke 15:1-7 and Jesus' story of the lost sheep.www.thevineaustin.org
In this sermon our very own Fabs Harford, director of ministry operations at The Vine, shares from Luke 15:11-32 and Jesus' parable of the lost son.
In this sermon, Pastor Mark shares from Matthew 22 and Jesus' parable of the wedding banquet.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. After reading this parable, what do you find comforting?2. What do you find disconcerting?3. In what ways does this parable connect the previous two?4. In the tension between the two messages, which do you most commonly neglect?
In this message, covenant community member, Gabe McKinney, shares from Luke 12: 13-21. We learn about how Jesus expands our understanding of the kingdom on earth through a parable about a rich man and his possessions. There is so much more to understanding this parable than we may realize, and Gabe shows us how to explore this parable and others with a holy curiosity.
In this message, community member Ron Ragsdale share from Luke 16:19-31; the parable Jesus shared about a rich man, Lazarus, and a surprising judgement. Luke 16:19-31www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Read Luke 16:19-31. What stands out to you in this reading?2. What is the main objective Jesus has for this parable?3. Parables are not meant to be taken literally. How do you think this parable could be misused or misinterpreted? 4. Ron concludes this sermon by saying that this parable calls us away from "justifying oneself," and instead should lead us to humility, awareness and curiosity. How do you see those three characteristics as essential to Christian flourishing?
In this message, community member Haley Patterson shares from Mark 4:26-29 and the picture of what God can do with the seeds of our life. Mark 4:26-29Reflection Questions:1. What's your record with caring for plants? Why does this come easy to you or why do you struggle?2. Read Mark 4:26-29. What do you notice in this passage?3. Why do you think Jesus chose the word picture of seeds for this teaching?4. What stood out to you from Haley's sermon- either as encouragement or a challenge?
In this sermon, Mark kicks off a new sermon series- The Parables of Jesus. In this message, Mark shares about the purpose of parables and explores Jesus' parable on the hidden treasure and the pearl of great worth.www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Why do you think Jesus used parables?2. How do parables reveal and conceal?3. What has stayed with you from the sermon?4. Read Matthew 13:44-46. How is the Kingdom like these two experiences?5. How would you describe the issue of disordered loves?6. Mark shares an alternative interpretation to this parable, and concludes by saying "the only way we will live into the first interpretation is if we believe the second interpretation is true." What does this mean?
In this final sermon on the Names of God, Fabs shares from Genesis 16, Hagar's encounter with God, and The God Who Sees Me.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Read Genesis 16. What are the elements of this story that are disturbing and challenging?2. What aspects of Genesis 16 are healing and redemptive.3. Out of the potential names Hagar could have given God, why do you think she declared this name?4. Where in your life do you feel unseen, overlooked or neglected?5. Go this day and consider the power of seeing others. Ask God to identify people who might need to be seen.
In this week’s sermon from the Names of God series, church member Rachelle Shuttlesworth shares about the name Immanuel.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTION:1. As you consider the larger story from Scripture, what are the different ways you see God’s presence with humanity?2. Rachelle shared how love is proximate. What does God’s loving presence mean to you today?3. Read Matthew 1:18-23. How does this expression of Immanuel differ from the previous forms?4. How does God’s faithful presence with us train us to be faithfully present with this world?
Today we are looking at the “Good Shepherd” name of God that Jesus gives himself in John 10:11. Vine member Katie Fike shares four ways that Jesus is a good shepherd as well as what our response is to this Good Shepherd: listening to and knowing Jesus’ voice and following where he leads. 1. Read John 10:11-15. What do you think of when you hear the phrase “the good shepherd”?2. Which of the four ways that Jesus is a good shepherd stuck out to you, resonated with you, or surprised you?3. What do you think gets in the way of you listening to and knowing Jesus’ voice? What are some ways you can overcome those obstacles?4. What does “life to the full” (John 10:10) mean to you? Where do you feel you are experiencing the abundant life that Jesus offers in your life today - and where are you not experiencing it?5. Read Psalm 23. Reflect on how much your Good Shepherd knows you and cares for you.
In this sermon, Mark shares from Judges 6. In this story, we explore the experience of a man name Gideon and the name he gave God- The Lord is Peace.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Review Judges 6 and 7. What do you notice?2. What the different ways we see the thematic act of sifting in this story?3. Why is this "God's signature move"?4. Where are you feeling sifted today?5. Why is it in the spiritual life that vulnerability is the gateway to true power?
NAMES OF GOD - FatherThis week Mary shares what it means that God is our good father.1. How can thinking about God’s love for us as parental love affect our understanding of his relationship to us (and ours to him)?2. If you’re a parent, how does that experience affect your view of God as a parent?3. Have you ever felt as though you’ve experienced God’s discipline?4. Matthew 6 talks about relying on the provision of our Heavenly Father and his unlimited resources for his children. What might that mean for you right now?5. What would it look like to see God as the provider and healer of your soul?6. How has your relationship with your own father affected your view of God the Father?
Welcome to week 3 in our Names of God series. This week, Mark shares from Exodus 17 where we find the character of God on trial, a unique battle scene, and a new name for God- God my Banner. Reflection Questions:1. What is your favorite flag or banner?2. Mark talked about a trauma-informed view of the Hebrew nation. How does that understanding shape your view of this community, their struggles and their journey?3. Read Exodus 17:1-7. What is happening beneath the surface? What do you notice about God?4. Read Exodus 17:8-16. God seems to be absent from this scene, but Moses ends up giving God the glory for this victory. Where is God during this battle?5. Mark shared that idolatry exists when we lift any banner to the same height as Christ's banner. How do we know when we have done this? 6. Where are you in this battle scene today? On the field, the hillside, lifting someone’s arms or in worship at the altar?
As we continue our series on the different names of God, Christy Rome shares on the name El Shaddai.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. If you had to choose a new name, what would yours be?2. How did Christy define the name El Shaddai? And what do you make of the dual nature of this name?3. Read Genesis 17:1-8. What do you notice happening in this story? What would this name mean to Abram?4. What do you make of this truth- as we see God's true name, we often receive a new name.5. Where in your life do you need to call upon El Shaddai?
The Vine is beginning a new series exploring the meaning and power in the different names of God. Today, Mark begins by discussing the name YHWH. thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Consider the quote from AW Tozer- "We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God." How do you see this pull in your life? 2. Read the conversation between Moses and God in Exodus 3:1-14. What stands out to you today?3. Consider the different possible translations of the name YHWH. What is the meaning and power in all the different tenses of this name?4. Read the end to Jesus' prayer in John 17:25-26. What do we see of YHWH in Jesus' words? 5. As some in the Hebrew tradition believe YHWH is also the sound of a breath, what meaning would it be to enact breath prayers in your life?
In our last sermon on the book of Hebrews, we explore the truths that help us continue to follow Jesus together.REFLECTION QUESTIONS1. What is something from the sermon that is staying with you- either as encouraging, confusing, or curious-making?2. Discuss Hebrews 13:8-16. What do you notice? How does this inform what it might look like to follow Jesus? 3. What stands out to you from Hebrews 12:18-24 about the differences in these two experiences of God? Which parts of each description resonates with you? 5. What are some things that you experience or invest in that you think are a part of the eternal and unshakeable kingdom of God? 6. We talked about the "pressure of the ordinary" that keeps us from following Jesus. In what ways do you experience this in your own life? 7. What does it look like in your life to follow Jesus and run the path set out for you?
This week, Fabs unpacks Hebrews 11, digging into the concept of faith, and how it enables us to keep going on the path God has set for us.REFLECTION QUESTIONS1. What is something from the sermon that is staying with you- either as encouraging, confusing, or curious-making?2. Discuss Hebrews 11:8-16. What do you notice? In v. 9-10, what do you notice about how Abraham's faith played out?3. In this sermon, we talked about faith as banking, instead of simply a sensation. How did this sit with you?5. In Hebrews, the writer highlights two things about faith: by faith we see God do unimaginable things, and by faith, we are able to endure and keep going through unimaginable things. Which one of these things speaks to you where you are currently?6. What comes up for you when you imagine God is still at work among us in the way God worked in the Old Testament? 7. Fabs shared this perspective: faith isn't to keep us out of the dark. It is FOR the dark. What different views have you had of faith, and how have they helped or hindered your connection with God?
In this fourth sermon in the Hebrews series, Mark shares from Hebrews 10, discusses how Jesus fulfills the sacrificial system and invites us into a new covenant and hope. This sermon also explores what atonement theories are and why they are important.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS1. Recall the sacrificial system that was in place before Jesus. If that was your religious practice, how would you view God and yourself?2. Discuss Hebrews 10:11-14. What do you notice? What is promised in verse 14?3. In this sermon Mark said, "how you see the cross is how you see God.” How do you respond to that idea?4. What is something from the sermon that is staying with you- either as encouraging, confusing, or curious-making? 5. Mark shared the fuel for empty religion is religious performance, sin management, and shame. For the new covenant, it is gratitude and the hope of becoming. Discuss this and share how you have experienced this. 6. Discuss the concept that a "a Christian mystery is not something unknowable, but something infinitely knowable.” How can this inspire devotion?
Welcome to week three in this Hebrews study! In this message, Mark shares from chapter six, about a connection between Abraham and Jesus, the power of patience, and how we can have an anchor for the soul.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Read Hebrews 6:11-12. How do faith and patience interact?2. We heard a difficult question in this sermon- "what do you do when God is late?" What is your honest response?3. Read Hebrews 6:16-20. (FYI- Melchizedek is a mysterious priest who blessed Abraham in Genesis 14.) What are the words of hope you find in these verses?4. Discuss the imagery of Jesus being an anchor to our soul. What significance do you find with that word picture?5. Mark shared two reasons why we don’t experience Jesus as the anchor of our souls. We don’t drop the anchors deep enough, and the rope isn’t tied to our souls. Discuss these two conditions, and which you relate to.
In this second sermon of this series, Mark talks about Hebrews chapters 3-4. In this message, we explore the comparison between the Exodus story and the deliverance we find in Jesus.Scripture Reading: Hebrews 3:12-18thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What sequel is better than the original?2. Respond to this concept- the journey to the Promise Land wasn’t as important as the journey towards trust. How does that concept relate to your life or experience?3. How would you describe your relationship with the concept of sin? What role has it played in your religious life in the past?4. Read Hebrews 3:12-15. What do you notice about the effects of sin in our lives? 5. Discuss the three effects of sin that Mark shared- hardening, deception, and restlessness. How does sin lead to these experiences? 6. Read Hebrews 4:6-7. What is the good news found in these verses?
In this introductory message to the book of Hebrews, Mark begins with opening remarks about this writing and the importance of placing Jesus at the center.To see the resources for this series, including a daily reading, go to thevineaustin.org/hebrewsRELFECTION QUESTIONS: 1. Share your experience with the daily devotional reading plan on Hebrews.2. Read Hebrews 1:1-3. What do you see the author doing in this introduction? 3. As you consider the three word pictures that Mark highlighted in verse 3 (radiance of God’s glory, exact representation, and sustaining word), discuss the meaning of them all, and share which word picture stands out to you.4. Reflect on the three ways we look at the world: glance, glare, and gaze. What uniquely holds you back from being able to gaze, especially gaze upon Christ?5. Read Hebrews 2:9-10. How do you see the paradox between what is found in chapter 1 and these verses? 6. What else has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouragement, confusion or a challenge?
Happy Easter. This message not only marks the end of the Lenten season, but also marks the end of our series on peacemaking. This sermon explores John 20, the gift of the Spirit, and the call for us to make peace.John 20:19-23www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What was Easter like for you growing up?2. As you consider the disciples' reality, what do you imagine the disciples were experiencing, thinking and feeling before Jesus stepped into the room?3. Read John 20:19-23. What stands out to you today?4. What significance do you find between the interconnection of the words spirit, wind and breath?5. Jesus combines breathing peace with being sent into this world. "As the Father sent me, so I send you..." Where do you think Christ is sending you to go and make peace?
On this Palm Sunday, Mark shares a sermon about how we can make peace with death as we consider John 12:12-16 and 23-28. Credit: Song "No Hard Feelings" by the Avett Brothersthevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. As we near the end of Lent, how was your experience with the Lenten Audio Devotional or the Peacemaking notebook?2. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as an encouragement, confusion, or frustration? 3. Expand on Mark's points- what are the negative consequences when we ignore the promise of death? 4. Read John 12:23-28. What wisdom do you find in these words?5. Read Hebrew 12:1-3. How do these verses give us instruction on how to live well and prepare for death?
In this message, Mark turns the conversation about peacemaking to creation. Exploring scriptures and quotes from theologians, this sermon seeks to move us into a restorative relationship with Creation.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What is your favorite landscape?2. Why is a consumeristic relationship with nature problematic and opposite the way of Jesus?3. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as an encouragement, confusion, or frustration? 4. Read Colossians 1:15-16, 19-20. How do these verses frame our understanding of Jesus and Jesus' mission?5. Discuss Romans 8:19-23. How do you see mutuality and the calling for peacemakers? 6. What is a practice you are considering in response to the call to make peace within creation?
As we continue our Peacemaking series, we're looking at what it means to make peace in the world. This week we talked through what it means to make peace among the marginalized. What have you taken from the journal this week?Who would you consider marginalized in our country? Our city? What about in your specific communities? Read Matthew 25: 31-45. What do you notice in this passage? What challenges do you see in your own life when it comes to making peace among the marginalized? Have you ever seen someone live this out in a way that you find encouraging or inspiring? We spent some time on Sunday praying. What is your experience with prayer? What meaning does it hold in your life?
Considering the life and legacy of Dr. King and Romans 12, Mark explores the role of peacemaking in the presence of oppression and racial injustice. We do so by first seeing racism for what it is, and secondly, enacting peace through love and justice.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What have you taken from the journal this week?2. What is the difference between peacemaking and peacekeeping?3. Read Romans 12:1-2. There is such wisdom in these verses, not only in what they say, but also in the sequence of the words. What do you notice? 4. Read Romans 12:9-21 and consider King's dream of the Beloved Community. What instructions stand out to you as you consider the role of peacemaking? 5. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either encouraging, confusing or challenging?6. Mark shared three legacies of Dr. King. They were 1) The means is as important as the end. 2) The call for justice must be expansive. 3) Peacemakers need the resilient, essential presence of hope. Which speaks to you today, and why?
In this message, Mark is joined by guest presenter Greg Kwedar as they explore the potential power art has in making peace.thevineaustin.orgLuke 13:18-21 and Psalm 33:1-9REFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What has been your experience with the journal or with the Lenten Audio podcast this week? 2. What is a work of art that has been formative to you?3. In your experience, how would describe the Church’s relationship with art and creativity? How has it been nurtured? How has it been devalued? 4. Read Psalm 33:1-9. How do you see the connection between creativity and God’s character?5. Greg called film “an empathy machine.” How does art foster empathy?6. Read Jesus’ stories in Luke 13:18-21. How is art similar to a mustard seed and yeast? 7. What would you compare the Kingdom of God to?
This is a special Ash Wednesday episode. Though we are not gathering on Ash Wednesday this year, this podcast provides music, a reflection on Psalm 103, and a guided meditation.To receive similar daily audio podcasts during the season of Lent, text the word PODCAST to 97000.
As we continue in the second chapter of our series on peacemaking, Mark shares about disarming our words so that we can learn a vocabulary of peacemaking.Ephesians 4:29-32www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS1. What is one of your favorite words to say?2. As you reflect on your experience with the journal this week, what has stayed with you?3. Read Ephesians 4:29-32. What emerges from this passage? What is the “unwholesome talk” that Paul seems to be writing against?4. Reflect on Jesus’ words in Matthew 12:33-37. What stands out to you?5. In your experience, how do words dehumanize others? How do they form tribalism?6. What does a blessing mean to you?7. What has stayed with you from the message- either comforting, confusing, or encouraging?
In this sermon, Mark kicks off the second chapter in this series on peacemaking. In this message, Mark shares about the Redemptive Art of Peacemaking.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. How was your experience with the journal this week? Has anything stayed with you?2. What characteristics mark a good listener?3. What scenes from the Gospels come to mind when you think of Jesus’ ministry of listening? Retell these Gospel stories together.4. Recall the 4 practices of listening that Mark shared in the sermon. Which are natural for you? Which are the most difficult?5. What else has stayed with you from the message- either as a comfort, question, or confusion?
In this sermon, Fabs shares about what it means to find peace with the Church.REFLECTION QUESTIONSDiscuss your experience with the journal this week. Has anything been helpful or stayed with you?What has stayed with you from the sermon- either encouraging, confusing, or thought provoking?Read Ephesians 2:19-22; and Ephesians 4:15-16; which of the three metaphors that Paul uses resonates with you? What stands out to you about the church from these passages? Process where you are currently in relation to the vertical access (view of the Church) and the horizontal access (investment in the Church). How has that shifted for you over the years? Between the two invitations (reframe & reclaim the church) which feels most pressing for you today?
In this sermon, Mark shares about the importance of finding peace with self.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS1. Discuss your experience with the journal this week. Has anything been helpful or stayed with you?2. Discuss the Thomas Merton quote- “There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace, my happiness depend: to discover myself in discovering God. If I find Him I will find myself and if I find my true self I will find Him.” How are these two discoveries intertwined? 3. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either encouraging, confusing, or thought provoking? 4. What would be someone’s experience who believes they have been made right with God and are sent as peacemakers, but have neglected finding inner peace? What happens when you skip that step?5. Discuss 2 Corinthians 3:16-18. What is the goal of Jesus’ Spirit as found in these verses? 6. What particularly robs you of inner peace? 7. What is a spiritual practice or habit that might increase your inner peace?
The Vine is beginning a 12 week-long series on peacemaking. In this first sermon, Mark shares an overview of the series and discusses how we must begin by finding peace with God. www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Mark shares two different definitions of peace. What are they, and what are the ramifications of each definition? 2. What would you say undercuts your peace with God? 3. How would you describe the framework you were given to understand God? What was helpful? What has been problematic?4. Read Psalm 16:11. Read it a second time and replace “presence” with “face". How does it read differently?5. Read Numbers 6:24-26. What is the power displayed in God’s face?6. Mark offers an alternative to AW Tozer’s quote. "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Instead, "what comes to God’s mind when God thinks of us is the most important thing about us." Why might that be the case?
January 7th was Vision Sunday at The Vine. In place of a normal sermon, Mark shared an annual pastor's report. www.thevineaustin.org
In this Christmas Eve message, Mark shares about Mary's embodied vulnerability and the calling to be born again.thevineaustin.org
Join us as we continue in our Embodied Advent series by reflecting on what it means that Jesus came to communicate and connect with us by being a part of Embodied Community.
This Advent season, The Vine is engaging a series called EMBODIED ADVENT. In this sermon, Mark continues our theme and discusses the embodied experience of emotions. Exploring Simeon and Mary’s experiences in Luke 2, we see that beholding our emotions and longings before God creates a capacity to behold our Savior. To get the most out of this experience, signup for our daily texts by texting “Advent2023” to 97000. Discussion Questions: 1. To begin, how was your experience with the daily prompts? Did any come naturally for you, or problematic? 2. Would you consider yourself an emotional person? As you review your life, how would you depict your relationship with emotions?3. What significance is it that Jesus experienced all the emotions natural to the human experience, and did so without sinning?4. Read Luke 2: 22-35. What do you imagine the experience of waiting produced in Simeon?5. When you consider Simeon’s words to Mary (vv34-35), how did these words come true? Why might Simeon speak these over Mary?6. Why did God create us as emotional beings? What is the good in being emotional? 7. How can we honor our emotions without having them fully control us? www.thevineaustin.org
Welcome to the beginning of (unofficial) Advent. This week, The Vine is prematurely entering into the season of Advent into our series EMBODIED ADVENT. In this sermon, Mark introduces our theme and shares our practices for this season.To get the most out of this experience, signup for our daily texts by texting “Advent2023” to 97000. www.thevineaustin.orgDiscussion Questions:1. What, if anything, has advent meant to you?2. Share your experience of the daily texts or the breath prayer/candle. 3. How do the themes of Advent create a counter-cultural posture for this season of life?4. Read John 1:1-5, and 14. How do you see the paradox and juxtaposition of Christ's character in these words?5. Why is it so important to ensure that our view of Christ includes Jesus as fully embodied?6. What are some signs that we have not integrated our body into our spiritual life and connection to Jesus?
In final sermon of the Jonah series, Mark explores the themes from Jonah 4 including the challenges of God’s mercy and the call towards enemy love. Applying this message, Mark also discusses the conflict in Gaza/Israel. To see the e-version postcard for daily reflections, go to thevineaustin.org/worship REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. What has stayed with you from the sermon? Either an encouragement, challenge or something confusing? 2. Read Jonah 4. What stands out to you? 3. In verses 2-3, we finally see why Jonah was running. How would you describe Jonah’s thoughts and emotions?4. Mark shared Thomas Merton’s illustration that the soul is like wax. How does that visual of wax and the stamp stay with you? How do you see this played out in our world?5. Though the conflict in Israel/Gaza is indelibly complex, how does Jonah provide a framework of approaching conflicts like this? 6. In what ways has Jonah prompted you to think or live differently?
In this next sermon, Mark shares from Jonah chapter 3. In this message, we discuss ways to read this type of scripture, communal sin, repentance, and parity in God’s character.To see the e-version postcard for daily reflections, go to thevineaustin.org/worship DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What has stayed with you from the sermon? Either an encouragement, challenge or something confusing? 2. Read Jonah 3. What stands out to you?3. In many ways, chapter 3 mirrors chapter 1. What is the significance of that literary device? 4. Why do you think Jonah’s message spread so rapidly and powerfully through Nineveh? 5. Mark talked about the nature of communal sin. Why is that so challenging for us? What do we miss by being so self-focused? 6. The sermon shared about the parity of God’s character between judgement and mercy. How would God be different if there wasn’t parity between these two characteristics- a God of great judgement without mercy OR a God of great mercy without judgement?
In the second sermon in our Jonah series, Fabs leads us through Jonah's prayer of Thanksgiving so that we can explore Jonah's experience of God's mercy.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What has stayed with you from the sermon?2. When you consider the Who, What, When, Where, Why of God's mercy - which part do you think is easiest for people to grasp, and which part seems the trickiest? 3. What makes it hard for you to want to live in an economy of mercy vs. earning? What are the pros and cons of a system of mercy? 4. Read Jonah's prayer together from chapter two. What stands out to you?5. Fabs shared different places we may find ourselves in this journey of mercy: (1) bracing for punishment (2) in the depths losing hope (3) in the moment of joy after provision (4) back on dry land. Which one resonates with you most right now? 6. Are there moments in your life where you have felt the kind of mercy Jonah seems to be experiencing? What have those moments felt like for you?
In this first message, Mark shares from Jonah chapter 1, its context, how some people read it, and ultimately how Jonah gives us a cautionary tale about running from God.To see the e-version postcard for daily reflections, go to https://www.thevineaustin.org/worshipDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What has stayed with you from the sermon?2. When you think of the story of Jonah, what comes to mind? 3. Mark shared three ways people read Jonah. Discuss them as you consider the pros and cons of each? Which do you use with Jonah?4. Retell what happens in the first chapter together. Use scripture if needed.5. Reread verse 17. What does this "provision" mean to you?6. Consider the ways that we run from God, and share what that has looked like in your life.
In the final sermon in this series, guest Scott Erickson shares on how the Gospel is not just a personal salvation project but is about a new social order. Amos overview here: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/amos/Amos 5:21-24, Matthew 25:31-40DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Share about your experiences this week with the Seek First journal.2. What has stayed with you from the message? What was encouraging, challenging or confusing?3. Retell what the prophet Amos was speaking out against? How might Amos speak to the American Church today?4. Read Matthew 25:31-40. If we took Jesus’ words seriously, how might this reshape what we seek?5. As you reflect on this entire SEEK FIRST series, what are the messages that stand out to you?
In this sermon, Mark continues our SEEK FIRST series by exploring the difference between being deeply formed and shallowly shaped. Romans 11:33-12:2DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Share about your experiences this week with the Seek First journal.2. What has stayed with you from the message? What was encouraging, challenging or confusing? 3. In the sermon, Mark shared the quote- “Every system is perfectly designed for the results it produces.” What in particular do you see the system of modern life producing in our culture? What forces are leading to that outcome?4. Read Romans 12:1-2. As a group, breakdown the sequence of these verses, and notice how the concepts build upon each other, leading to a particular promise. 5. How might Christ be inviting you to practice non-conformity to the patterns of this world?
As we continue to explore what it means to SEEK FIRST the Kingdom of God, Fabs shares what it might look like to seek integrated living vs a fragmented life.Luke 13:10-21DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What has your experience been with the journal this week? What is staying with you?2. Which type of fragmentation that Fabs described resonated with you: (1) compartmentalization (where you keep areas of your life and self separate) or (2) detachment (where you prioritize one part of your self and seek to disconnect from other areas of your life or self)? 3. Which type of fragmentation do you see internally? What types of faculties (emotions, thoughts, body) or parts of your personality do your compartmentalize or detatch from? In what ways do you relate to feeling "at war with yourself"? 4. Read Luke 13:10-21. What do you notice about the context in which Jesus shares the parables about the Kingdom of Heaven? In what ways do you see compartmentalization or detachment in the Pharisees? 5. What are practical things you can do to seek the Kingdom of God through internal integration and an integrated life?
In this sermon, Mark continues our SEEK FIRST with a sermon about seeking contentment and not consumerism.Matthew 6:24-34DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What has your experience been with the journal this week? What is staying with you? 2. Respond to the quote from French sociologist, Jean Baudrillard. "In the Western world, materialism has become the new and dominant system of meaning …Atheism hasn’t replaced Christianity; shopping has." 3. Read Matthew 6:19-24. How do you understand "storing up treasures in heaven?" 4. Discuss the cultural understanding of healthy and unhealthy eyes. How does selfishness and materialism darken the soul? 5. . Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10. Discuss the meaning of the love of money being a root of many evils. 6. What are steps of contentment and simplicity that you are considering?
As we continue in our SEEK FIRST series, Mark shares about the trappings of cynicism and how sincerity leads to restoration. www.thevineaustin.orgDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What has your experience been with the journal this week? What is staying with you? 2. How would you describe cynicism? 3. Discuss the four dangers Mark shares about cynicism. Cynicism 1) has a self-fulfilling power, 2) closes off and hardens, 3) is sticky, 4) sidelines. Which do you see most commonly in your life?4. How does sincerity oppose cynicism?5. Discuss two passages and notice how these instructions fuel sincerity and untangle cynicism. Romans 12:9-12 and Ephesians 4:31-32. 6. Finally, in what ways do you long to renew sincerity in your life and faith?
We are continuing in our SEEK FIRST series with the next message on seeking unity not sameness. In this sermon, Mark shares the difference between the two and how putting Jesus at the center changes everything.www.thevineaustin.org1. What has your experience been with the journal this week? What is staying with you?2. What are some ways you think a kingdom of sameness and a kingdom of unity are different? 3. What are the reasons we or others might be drawn to a kingdom of sameness over unity? What is lost in kingdoms of sameness? 4. In John 17, Jesus shared his prayer for the future church. Read John 17:20-23. What do you notice in these verses about the meaning and importance of unity? 5. Mark talked about three kinds of church: bounded-set, boundless-set, and center-set. How do you describe the differences in these groups? What are some of the advantages or disadvantages some might perceive in each of them?6. Read Romans 15:5-7. What would it look like to have the same attitude of mind and Jesus-centered acceptance of others in your life this week?
Mark kicks off a new series SEEK FIRST with this sermon on Jesus' teaching of the narrow road. To begin this series, we must seek the living Christ and not empty religion.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What has your experience been with the journal this week? What is staying with you?2. Read together Matthew 7:7-14. What do you make of the promise that one will receive that which they seek?3. Verse 12 seems a bit out of place. How might verse 12 interact with the idea of a narrow path? 4. What has stayed with you from the sermon: either challenging, encouraging, or confusing? 5. Mark shared that the broad path is littered with empty religion and hollow spirituality. Why is it so difficult to remember and seek the living Christ? What could help us?
In this message, Fabs wraps up our 'Moments with Jesus' sermon series by exploring the dynamic between the Father and the Son, and how their partnership empowered Jesus to walk to the Cross.
In this message, Mark shares from the end of Matthew 9 and the beginning of Matthew 10. Connecting two teachings, we find a common thread of the plentiful harvest and what to do when we experience rejection.
Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 10:5-15
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In this message, Mark returns from his sabbatical to talk about the central concept of a life with Jesus- living on pilgrimage with Christ.
Matthew 4:18-25
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Our VineKids Director, Mary Fisher, gave this week's message from Mark 10:46-52, when Jesus heals Bartimeus, who was blind. Mary shares about Jesus seeing us even when we can't see him and how Jesus can transform our life.
In our current series—Moments with Jesus—we are hearing from Vine members about specific moments in which Jesus taught them something meaningfully in a special way. Rachelle shares with us from Mark 14 about Jesus’ experiences praying in the garden of Gethsemane, while his disciples fell asleep. You will especially want to hear her talk about how we place rules on the way we pray and how Jesus’ approach to communicating with God can be more vulnerable than we realize.
Vine member Frank Vasquez shares his "moment with Jesus," encouraging us to remember how loved we are by God and referencing the scripture of Thomas and Jesus in John 20.
Vine staff member Fabs Harford kicks off our new sermon series, "Moments with Jesus," with a message from Luke 22. Fabs shares how Peter's faith didn't actually fail even though he denied Jesus, and that Jesus invites him to return home again.
Gabe shares a practical message about being relationally-oriented, using the passage from Mark 2:1-12 about the paralytic man. We learn about the beauty of being trapped in a web of relationships. Gabe teaches us how to be givers, receivers, and celebrators of people in and around our lives.
Christy explored what it means to be a practice-based community at The Vine. Just like his disciples in Matthew 4:18-22, we can follow Jesus by practicing daily and weekly habits that strengthen our relationship with him and with those around us. Christy examines three questions that help us learn how to turn a practice into a habit; to see what is in our way; and to find out who we are becoming.
Haley shared from Mark 5 a lesson about being outward focused on those who are pushed to the outskirts of society and who experienced many forms of oppression.
This week in our DISTINCTIVES series, we heard a message from Vine staff member Fabs Harford on our Third Way distinctive. Referencing Romans 14:1-10 and other scriptures, Fabs shares with us about Christ's call to a unity of posture over position, and what that means for us as a church.
We continued our DISTINCTIVES series this week with a message from Vine member Ron Ragsdale about our distinctive of being biblically-rooted. Using Psalm 1 and other scriptures, Ron shares about what it means for The Vine to be biblically-rooted.
We are starting a new sermon series on our Distinctives at The Vine. Fabienne Harford, ministry operations director at The Vine, shares a sermon on our Jesus-centered distinctive. Colossians 1:15-20
In this Station of the Resurrection, we reflect on Jesus' last words in the Gospel of Matthew, the Great Commission. Mark shared a message about the song of grace and restoration that Jesus wants us to sing, and reminds us of Jesus' promises in Matthew 28 — that Jesus has all authority and that he is with us always.
In this Station of the Resurrection, we find Jesus restoring Peter, and we witness the work of Christ's grace.John 21:15-19DISCUSSION QUESTION:1. Read John 21:15-19. What stands out to you today?2. What has stayed with you from the sermon: either as encouraging, confusing or challenging?3. This story teaches about the depth and purpose of Jesus' grace. What do we see the grace of Christ accomplishing here?4. In the sermon, Mark shared a clip from Ted Lasso that talked about persistence. What motivates you to continue live with faithfulness?5. Where in your life do you need to encounter Jesus' restoring grace?
In this sermon within our Stations of the Resurrection series, Mark shares from the first half of John 21. In this message, the Resurrected Jesus meets the disciples and Peter in a profound moment of returning.John 21:1-14www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Share a memory of fishing.2. Read John 21:1-14. What stands out to you in this passage today? What do you imagine the experience of these disciples to be? 3. What has stayed with you from the sermon: either encouraging, confusing or challenging? 4. Discuss the three stages of faith Mark shared in the sermon: childish, cynical, child-like. Describe each stage and what happens in the transition from one stage to another. 5. An aspect of moving into a child-like faith is the act of reclaiming. For those who have engaged with deconstruction, what do you want to reclaim with your faith?6. Thomas Merton wrote, “There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace, my happiness depend: to discover myself in discovering God. If I find Him I will find myself and if I find my true self I will find Him.” How do you see this quote alive in this passage and in your own life?
In this sermon in our Eastertide series called Stations of the Resurrection, Mark shares from John 20:19-29. In this passage, Jesus breathes peace upon the disciples, has an encounter with Thomas, and gives us a surprising solution to our doubt.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What is your unique scar?2. Read John 20:19-29. What do you notice in this passage today?3. Fear is a powerful force in this world. How do you usually respond to fear? What parts of your life or personhood has fear locked? 4. In your spiritual upbringing, how was doubt characterized? What could it mean to "faithfully doubt?"5. Why do you think the Resurrected Jesus still had scars? Would it had been any different to you if he appeared without them?6. This week, we are enacting the spiritual practice of breath prayers. You may use this form of prayer throughout your day to re-center yourself, to remind you of God's nearness, and to ask the Spirit to fuel you with peace. What could be your plan to enact this practice?
In this next sermon in the Eastertide series, Stations of the Resurrection, Fabs preaches from John 20:1-2 and 11-18, where Jesus meets Mary Magdalene. John 20:1-2, 11-18www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, confusing, or something you are struggling with? 2. Read John 20:11-18. What do you notice in these words today? 3. Consider this question from the Lectio365 app: In what ways might past disappointments or prior expectations be obscuring the things Jesus is doing?4. What are some areas where "it is still dark?" What makes it hard to imagine restoration and resurrection in those areas, or even what it might look like?5. Are there stories or identities that you are associated with (good or bad)? And what would it feel like to be seen for who you are beyond these things? 6. Why do you think it is so hard for us to walk in and truly believe what God says is true about us: that we are valuable and loved? What might look different in your life if this felt 100% true.
In this second week of this Eastertide series, Stations of the Resurrection, Mark shares from Luke 24 and the story called the Road to Emmaus.www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What's your favorite trail or path to walk or hike in Austin?2. Read Luke 24:13-27. Imagine yourself in the place of these two disciples. What thoughts and emotions do you imagine holding?3. How would you define the idea of liminal space? Why do you think these liminal spaces are such fertile ground to meet with God?4. Mark talked about how this story gives an example of Jesus-centered reading of the Bible. What does it mean to read all of Scripture in light of Jesus? 5. Continue reading verses Luke 24:28-35. Why do you think Jesus chose to wait till the breaking of bread to reveal himself? 6. What else has stayed with you from the sermon: either something challenging, confusing or encouraging?7. In what ways are you experiencing a liminal space in your life? What do you see Christ doing through this experience?
Happy Easter! Mark kicks off a new series exploring the season called Eastertide. Using artwork from Scott Erickson, The Vine will walk through the stations of Jesus' resurrection. Today, Mark preaches from Luke 24:1-11 as we consider the meaning of Easter.REFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Why might it be wise to treat Easter as a season and not just a day?2. Read Luke 24:1-11. What do you notice in these verses? Consider the women's experience in particular. 3. What has stayed with you from the sermon: either something challenging, confusing or encouraging?4. Mark talked about the problem of forgetfulness. How do you see forgetfulness as a spiritual issue?5. What are the truths or lessons that have a tendency to slip from your mind and soul? What are also the truths of Easter you'd like to live with in this season called Eastertide?
In our final midweek soul care convo, Mark chats it up with community members Dana Curtis and Haley Patterson to explore the idea of selfless compassion as a part of soul care!
In this final sermon, Mark shares on Matthew 21, the story surrounding Palm Sunday, and how our souls were created for selfless compassion.www.thevineaustin.org/soulcareREFLECTION QUESTION:1. What is the movie you watched the most?2. Why might it be important that this series on Soul Care ends with a conversation about compassion and service?3. Read Matthew 21:1-11. It is believed that this crowd would have been the same who would ask for Jesus' death or was silent in Jesus' final moments. Why do you think they turned so quickly against Jesus? How do you see that taking place today? 4. Read Matthew 21:12-17. What do you notice about Jesus in this passage? What does it mean to you? 5. Consider what follows the events on Palm Sunday- the cursing of the fruitless tree (vv18-22). What could this point to? What are the fruits that Jesus seems to care deeply for? 6. Mark concluded the sermon by talking about the balance between practices of contemplation and compassion; solitude and service. What is the downfall of over emphasizing one over the other? Which might you neglect?
Let's get into our midweek soul care convo! This week, we have Gabe McKinney and Kyle Bender in the closet of The Vine's office talking about the importance of community in soul care. www.thevineaustin.org/soulcare
In this special message, Mark is joined by guest preacher, Kyle Bender. They explore the communal and relational nature of soul care. John 15:9-17www.thevineaustin.org/soulcareREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What has stayed with you from the sermon- as encouragement, challenging or confusing?2. What has been your most significant experience of friendship or community? What were the elements at work in those relationships?3. Read John 15:9-17. What do you notice about Jesus' ministry and purpose? How is Jesus speaking about soul care here and what are his instructions? 4. Mark shared about the trend people are calling "Friendship Recession." What has contributed to the trend away from significant friendship in our society? And what has contributed to it in your own life? 5. Mutuality is an essential element in spiritual friendship. What sets spiritual friendship aside from relationships of shallow connection? 6. Conclude by considering Jesus' desire to establish friendship with his followers. How does the idea of friendship with Jesus inform your perspective of life with God?
Its time to talk about interior examination. In this episode of our midweek soul care convos, we hear Mary Tucker, Fabs Harford, and Adrian Patenaude discuss the challenges and gifts of self-reflection and interior examination.www.thevineaustin.org/soulcare
In this next sermon in our SOUL CARE series, Fabs shares on the importance of interior examination. This sermon explores the power of the stories we tell and Christ's redeeming work of transformation.Romans 12:1-2thevineaustin.org/soulcareREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, challenging, or confusing.2. Read Romans 12:2, and read it in different translations of the Bible. What do you notice in God's Word?3. Fabs shared that the first action in this verse (and in interior examination) is noticing with curiosity the stories that are at work in us. What are some of the stories that have formed you for good? What stories have you conformed to that holds you back from flourishing?4. The second step Fabs shared is, after we have discovered the stories that have formed our lives which are contrary to Jesus, then we find the story that a) makes sense of your experience and b) sounds like Jesus. Discuss the two parts: a story that makes sense of your experience and also the story that sounds like Jesus. How do we do these two actions? Why are they both important?5. Practice this second step now. As you reflect on some of the difficult stories that have formed your personhood, what story reframes your experience and sounds like Jesus?6. Interior examination is not easy for many of us, but consider what takes place if we aren't willing to do this important work? What does a life without interior examination look like?
Have you heard of embodied spirituality? This week, Courtney Bourlon and Damien Robinson, two community members, discuss the interconnection of our bodies and souls. www.thevineaustin.org/soulcare
In this third week of SOUL CARE, Mark shared on the concept of embodied spirituality. For us to be soul-filled people, we must learn to integrate the soul and the body.www.thevineaustin.org/soulcareREFECTION QUESTIONS:1. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouraging, challenging or confusing.2. What messages (if any) do you remember being taught by the church about the body?3. Jesus' incarnation was an essential belief and teaching for the early church. What would be missing or change if Jesus was not fully human?4. Read Mark 3:1-6. This story talks about how religious people often get things so wrong when it comes to our care for the body. How do you see elements of this story in our midst as well?5. Discuss what is means to listen to your body. What are ways we can honor our body and listen to our body?
Here comes another installment of our Midweek Soul Care convos!!! This week, Heather Moga shares about a slowed-down spirituality and the practice of Sabbath.www.thevineaustin.org/soulcare
In this second week in our SOUL CARE series, Mark shares about the importance of a Slowed-Down Spirituality for a Frantic World.www.thevineaustin.org/soulcareREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What has been meaningful for you in the last week's readings and devotionals?2. What has stayed with you from the sermon - either something encouraging, confusing, or difficult?3. Read Luke 10:38-42. Lean in on Martha's experiences. What does Jesus want you to notice or learn?4. Why does a hurried life and a frantic pace do damage to the soul?5. Discuss Ortberg's quote. “For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them.” How do you notice this at work in your life?6. Discuss the idea of Jesus' yoke in Matthew 11:28-30. What might putting on Jesus' yoke require of you?7. What is one thing you can do this week to explore the idea of a Sabbath?
For our lenten series, Soul Care, we are having midweek conversations with people in our church about how they are exploring the teachings and more importantly the practices each week.In this first podcast, we discuss an introduction to the soul and the practice of prayer with Melaina Hagerup and Katie Fike.www.thevineaustin.org/soulcare
The Vine is beginning our 2023 Lenten Series called SOUL CARE. In this series, we seek to care for our soul through practices, teachings and daily meditations. In this sermon, Mark shares an introduction to this series and perhaps an introduction to the soul. To get the most of this series, go to thevineaustin.org/soulcare.REFLECTION QUESTION:1. What (if any) is your history with the season of Lent? 2. What has been meaningful for you with the daily readings or audio devotional? 3. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either something encouraging, confusing, or difficult? 4. Mark shared from several passages including Psalm 42:1-2 and Psalm 63:1. Why do you think the psalmist returns to the idea that our souls are thirsty for God? Do you resonate with that imagery? 5. Using the story of Kirtland Warblers, Mark shared the mantra- "The loudest voice is not always the one you should feed." What are the loud voices vying for your attention? How can you tell if you have starved your soul? 6. Discuss the idea that all of life is spiritual formation. Conclude by talking about how prayer can uniquely be a form of soul care.
In this final message of this series, Overlooked, we have a conversation between Sandy and Mark about Rebecca. www.thevineaustin.orgGenesis 27:1-13REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. What is story from the headlines this week that has captivated your attention?2. What if anything has been meaningful for you with the daily readings? What questions emerged? 3. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either something encouraging, confusing, or difficult? 4. Discuss the different moments Mark and Sandy shared regarding Rebecca and Isaac’s story. Try to piece them together in order. 5. Read Genesis 27:1-13. What do you imagine was going on within Rebecca? 6. Mark and Sandy talked about whether or not this was a righteous deception. What is your take?7. What are you wrestling with God about today? What does it look like to faithfully wrestle with God?
As we continue in our series called "Overlooked: Women in the Old Testament," we come to Miriam. In this message, Mark shares from three moments of Miriam's life that all connect with the power and symbolism of water.www.thevineaustin.org/overlookedExodus 2:1-10REFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What is your favorite particular body of water?2. What if anything has been meaningful for you with the daily readings? What questions emerged? 3. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either something encouraging, confusing, or difficult? 4. Consider the many different stories in the Bible that have water. What does the water symbolize in those stories?5. Read Exodus 2:1-10. What do we notice in this story? What questions emerge?6. Mark shared how Miriam was a person of wisdom and courage. Where in your life do you need either wisdom or courage?
We continue in our survey of women in the Old Testament called OVERLOOKED. This week, we consider Naomi and the demonstration of God's lovingkindness.Ruth 1:1-7, 4:13-17www.thevineaustin.orgREFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. What if anything has been meaningful for you with the daily readings? What questions emerged? 2. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either something encouraging, confusing, or difficult? 3. As a group, discuss and read Ruth chapter 1. As you discuss the beginning of this book, consider what Naomi must have experienced and felt through her experiences. 4. Consider the cycle that Fabs shared in her message, and the cycle we find in God's lovingkindness. What is the difference between the two? Which cycle have you internalized in your life? 5. Read Ruth 4:13-17. Consider the restoration that God created in Naomi's life. What did God provide her?6. If you consider Naomi's story, you could break it in stages: going to a foreign land, returning home, experiencing the beginning of a new provision, and beholding God's restoration. What stage do you find yourself today?
As we continue our sermon series on women in the Old Testament which we call Overlooked, we hear from guest preacher, Emily Wright and consider the Daughters Of Zelophehad.Numbers 27:1-11www.thevineaustin.org/overlookedREFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What if anything has been meaningful for you with the daily readings? What questions emerged? 2. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either something encouraging, confusing, or difficult? 3. Read Numbers 27:1-11. What do you notice? What do these women model for us?4. Emily shared how people encouraged her to use her voice through her life. Who has been that encourager to you? 5. As heard in the sermon, God did not only deem the transfer of inheritance as "right" but could also be translated as "just." What is something unjust in our world that you are passionate about? How can you use your voice more?
The Vine is beginning a series on women of the Old Testament which we will call "Overlooked." In this week, we consider Hagar's story.We have daily readings for this series at thevineaustin.org/overlooked .Genesis 16REFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What if anything has been meaningful for you with the daily readings? What questions emerged?2. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either something encouraging, confusing, or difficult?3. Read Genesis 16:1-6. What do you think was going on in the minds and hearts of Sarai and Abram?4. Mark shared that some of our greatest regrets in life come not from wanting a bad thing, but from the impatient decisions while waiting for a good thing. What are you tempted to do when you wait for God's delayed plan?5. Read Genesis 16:7-14. What is so surprising with this story? Where do you find hope?6. Consider how your life would be different if you remembered that God's name is The One who Sees and Hears.
The second Sunday of the year traditionally is The Vine's annual gathering. In this special message, Pastor Mark reflects on 2022, shares some plans for the upcoming year and talks about the state of the church.www.thevineaustin.org
On this Christmas Eve, Mark concludes the series, God With Us, with this homily on the power of a name.www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is in an advent series called GOD WITH US. In this sermon, Mark considers the experience of being misunderstood. This message also looks at the solidarity we have in the example of Jesus and Mary, and how they show us how to navigate these experiences.thevineaustin.org/adventLuke 1: 26-38REFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. Do you have a memory that repeats in your mind?2. In what ways do you feel misunderstood or misrepresented in your life?3. How was Jesus misunderstood and misrepresented in the Gospels? How did he navigate this struggle?4. Read Luke 1: 26-38. What do you notice in Mary's response. What helped her in the journey of being misunderstood?5. Discuss how following Jesus might lead us to be misunderstood in this world? What will help you in this journey?
As we continue in our Advent sermon series, GOD WITH US, Mark shares about Jesus' joy and the invitation we have from him. John 15:9-11www.thevineaustin.org/adventREFLECTION QUESTION:1. What is something simple that is bringing you joy?2. Mark talked shared that Jesus was the most joy-filled person ever to live. How does that concept sit with you? Is that your mental construct of Jesus?3. What from the sermon has stayed with you- either in encouragement or something you are wrestling with?4. Read John 15:9-12. What questions come to you? How do you see the intersection of joy and love?5. How have you experienced joy from a life oriented around love?
This Sunday, Fabs continued our Advent series "GOD WITH US" by exploring being needy.www.thevineaustin.orgLuke 2:1-7REFLECTION QUESTIONS:1. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either an encouragement or something you are wrestling with?2. What comes up for you when you consider "being" needy vs. "feeling" needy?3. What kinds of things make you feel needy? 4. What comes up for you when you reflect God as a 'mirroring AND marking' God?5. Read Luke 2:1-7. Did anything stand out to you in a new way about the story of the birth of Jesus? 6. What are some human sensations or experiences that you think that people might feel alone in culturally? What are some sensations or experiences that you think people might have a hard time bringing to God?
Welcome to Advent! In this sermon, Mark shares about the meaning of Advent and the concept of Emmanuel. This sermon also reflects on Hebrews 4:14-16.
To get the most out of the Advent series, please sign up for daily devotionals at thevineaustin.org/advent
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: - What (if any) is your experience with the season of Advent? - How does Advent seem different than Christmas season? - As Advent is the season of waiting and anticipation, what is a longing you are carrying now? - What has stayed with you from the sermon: either as an encouragement, a question, or something you wrestle with? - Read Hebrews 4:14-16. What hope do you find in these verses? - Considering the thought-experiment Mark shared, what would be different or missing if Jesus had not come to us as a child and lived the full human experience?
In this stand-alone sermon, Mark talks about the unique relationship between anxiety and gratitude.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. What is your favorite dish at the Thanksgiving meal? 2. How was anxiety understood or discussed in your family or religious community growing up? 3. What stayed with you from the sermon- either an encouragement or something you wrestle with? 4. Process together how Mark framed the use of Numbers 21:4-9. Why might looking at the object of our pain bring about healing? 5. Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, 16-18. Where do you find hope in these words? 6. Mark talked about gratitude as a practice; not merely an emotion. How could you practice gratitude in your life and what difference could it make?
In this special message, Mark shares from Luke 15 and Jesus' parable about the lost sheep.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. What is an item that you commonly lose or misplace? 2. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either an encouragement, a question or an insight? 3. Read Luke 15:1-7. What do you notice about the story? Questions, thoughts, insights? 4. Consider the parable from point of view of three different people and share how each might understand this parable. How would the Pharisees hear this story? How about the tax collectors/sinners? What might the disciples think of this story? 5. Share a time where you have been un-housed from community. What was your experience and what carried you through it? 6. How could followers of Jesus continue the work of the compassionate shepherd here and now as we seek to restore the one?
We conclude this series on the Holy Spirit by doing something we never have done before. Instead of a sermon, we used this time to create a space for our community to bear witness to what has taken place over these fifty days. With a mixture of real-time polling, written testimonies done in the room and a open-mic moment, people were able to share their stories with the Spirit.
www.thevineaustin.org/holyspirit Luke 24:36-53
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Before this experience, what emotion did you have when you thought of the Spirit? 2. What name for the Spirit that stayed with you these 50 Days? 3. What practice was transformative and what difference did it make? 4. Where do you need the Spirit's power provided to you in your life today? 5. Can you share a story of a meaningful experience you had with the Spirit in these 50 days? 6. What is a next step for you?
As we close out or 50-days with the Holy Spirit, Vine staff member Fabs Harford shares about the Holy Spirit's power within us. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - How was your experience last week with experiencing the with-ness of God? Did anything meaningful take place? How was it challenging? - What stayed with you from the sermon - either an encouragement or something you continue to wrestle with? - What comes up for you when you consider the idea that the the power of God has been entrusted to us through the Spirit? How does God handle power differently than so many of the people we encounter? - What have been your experiences of learning or hearing about Spiritual Gifts? - Do you have a sense of your own Spiritual Gifts? If so, what was the process of discovery them? - What is the best next step in stewarding your spiritual gifts? (e.g. Identifying them, learning about them, learning how to use them, exploring how to apply them)?
As we continue in our 50 day series on the Holy Spirit called LEARNING TO BREATHE, we consider God's passion to be with God's people. In many ways, the Holy Spirit is the culmination of God's faithful presence with us.
Acts 1:1-9
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. How was your experience last week with the journal and the concept of “Holy Spirit as an Instrument of Justice?” Did anything meaningful take place? How was it challenging? 2. What stayed with you from the sermon- either an encouragement or something you wrestle with? 3. In this sermon, Mark shared about God’s with-ness. As a group group recall the different ways in which God’s presence was experienced in the Old Testament. Talk about the beauty and limitation in each expression. 4. Read Acts 1:1-9. What do you notice within this reading? What questions arise? 5. Mark concluded the sermon by talking about three expressions of the church’s faithful presence. Recall them with one another. Which is the most challenging for you? In which expression have you experienced God’s presence lately? 6. We are called to bear witness in this world. A practice to help us in this is the Prayer of Epiclesis. What is a particular place or relationship you’d like to dedicate to God’s Spirit? What difference could it make?
This week we are continuing our 50 days with the Holy Spirit by considering the Holy Spirit as an instrument of justice. Vine member Andrew Fike walks us through the history of God's people and God's heart for justice as well as what it means for us today. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. How was your experience last week with discerning the Holy Spirit? Did anything meaningful take place? How was it challenging? 2. What stayed with you from the sermon- either an encouragement or something you continue to wrestle with? 3. Have the group try to recall the different geographic locations and their meanings. After recalling this, where might you be in your life? 4. Read Luke 4:14-30. When you consider Isaiah’s prophecy and God’s heart for justice, can you recall a time where you experienced or saw God’s presence with the marginalized? 5. Part of the Spirit’s work is that of deliverance. Where do you see bondage at work in our society or your life? 6. One step in partnering with the Spirit for justice is to notice what draws out your compassion. Is there a need or a people group whom you have greater compassion for? How can you get proximate to them this week?
We are continuing in our series Learning to Breathe: 50 Days with the Holy Spirit. This week, we consider how followers of Jesus are to discern the Spirit's guidance in our lives.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. How was your experience with the Prayer of Examen last week? What was difficult about it? What was helpful? 2. This week, we consider our call to discern the Holy Spirit. How have you seen discerning God's will done well? How have you seen it get tricky or even exploitive? 3. What stayed with you from the sermon- either an encouragement or something you continue to wrestle with? 4. Mark shared, one of the reasons we have relegated the Spirit is because we are already being led by other things. Read Ephesians 5:14-20. Why is drunkenness a great example of how we can be led and influenced by things other than the Spirit? 5. Consider if Paul was here today. As well as drunkenness, what would he call out as influencing and guiding our lives and decision making? What about your own life? 6. What is a next step for you in allowing the Holy Spirit's presence and leadership to guide your life?
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We are continuing in our series "LEARNING TO BREATHE: 50 Days in the Holy Spirit" by considering what it means to walk in the Spirit. In this message, Mark shares about two common trappings in the spiritual life, and how we can know if we are walking in the Spirit.
GALATIANS 5:13-25
www.thevineaustin.org/holyspirit
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Discuss last week's experience with breath prayers. What were you take-aways? 2. Mark shared two trappings of the spiritual life. How would you define the law and the flesh? Though they seem like opposites, what do they have in common? 3. Read Galatians 5:13-25 and consider what it must had been like for this first generation church who did not have church history or theological training. What would have been your take away from these instructions? 4. Consider the list of fruits from the Spirit. Which fruit do you hope to grow in your life?
In this second message in the Learning to Breathe series, Mark shares about the Spirit as the Breath of God.
Ezekiel 37:1-14 and John 20:19-22
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Share about your experience with the journal last week. What have you taken with you? What took place? 2. What has stayed with you from the sermon on Sunday? What questions have lingered? 3. Out of all the different imagery that could have chosen, what does it mean to you that the Spirit is breath? How does that form your view of the Spirit? How does that minister to you? 4. Read John 20:19-22. What is the role of the Spirit in this crucial moment? 5. How has the practice of breath prayers been for you? What has been difficult? How has it fostered a connection with the Spirit?
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The Vine is beginning a 50 Day experience called "Learning to Breathe- 50 Days with the Spirit." In today's message, Mark shares an overview of who the Spirit is and what the Spirit's role is for our lives.
Ephesians 3:14-21
VineGroup Discussion and Reflection: 1. How would you describe your background with the Holy Spirit or mental construct of the Holy Spirit? 2. Review your experience with the journal this week. What has been happening? 3. From the sermon, consider the three common misconceptions of the Spirit (vague force, emotionalism, and episodic character). Do any of these resonate with you? Would you add another common misconception? 4. Read John 16:7-15. Consider how the original audience (the disciples) would have processed these words? What do Jesus' words mean to you today? 5. Finish by sharing what you hope to experience in these 50 days.
We conclude our series WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN with a sermon on the topic of deconstruction. Mark shares how deconstruction can be a healthy and necessary aspect of our life with Jesus.
Luke 5:33-39
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In this sermon, Mark shares about the role shame has played in religion, and how Jesus' story of the prodigal son upends everything.
Wish I Would Have Known Luke 15
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We are continuing our series, "Wish I Would Have Known", by hearing from community member Rachelle Shuttlesworth. Rachelle shares a part of her journey dealing with anxiety and the gift she found in Psalm 23.
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As we begin this new sermon series, "Wish I Would Have Known," Vine staff member Fabs Harford shared with us what she wishes she had known about suffering as we consider Romans 5:1-5.
This Sunday, VineKids summer intern Kaelin Winters shares a message on Psalm 91 and the protection we have in God's love.
REFLECTION QUESTION: - As a child, where did you feel most safe? - Read the psalm. What words describe the state of your soul? - This is a psalm describing protection from God. Where do you feel insecure, vulnerable, or exposed now? - Reread verses 14-16. This psalm describes the power we have in knowing God's name. What is a name of God you could claim in your life today?
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Psalm 51 might be one of the more quoted and referenced psalms, but how well do we know the backstory? In this message, Mark shares the story behind this psalm, a looking into the beauty of Psalm 51, and finally at how we might use this psalm in our lives.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONS: - What comes to mind when you consider the role "sin" has held in your life with God? - How can we see the power of sin in David's story in 2 Samuel 11? - Mark mentioned the painful liberation David went through when Nathan said the word, "You are the man." How was that moment an act of grace and not just justice? - Read Psalm 51. What words might you be called to speak to God today? - David has several petitions in Psalm 51. Which petition would you hold before God?
We had special guest Iver Robinson, pastor of Moontower Church here in Austin, share today's message on Psalm 130. Iver shared about the hope that we have as we wait on the Lord.
In this special message, Mark is joined by Jewish scholar Sandy Kress. The two discuss Psalm 85 and the theme of returning.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONS: - Who is a friend you discuss scripture with and learn from? - Read Psalm 85 and consider the three movements that are described. How would you describe these three section? - Which verse from this psalm speak the words of your soul today? - Mark and Sandy discuss God's anger in this psalm. How does their conversation form a view of God's anger? - Reread verses 10-13. How do we see God's kind provision for us in these verses? - In what ways do you need to return to God again?
Vine staff member Fabs Harford shares a message on Psalm 84 and helps us consider our longing for the presence of God.
In this sermon, Pastor Mark shares on Psalm 27; a song of faithful confidence and lament.
REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Scripture provides us timeless wisdom to live by. As you read verses 4-5, what do notice the psalm is doing? What is provided by seeking God in the temple and gazing upon God's beauty?
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There is a lot of talk about enemies in the psalms. What are the enemies in your life? Either internal, relational, social or spiritual? Furthermore, how could you talk to God about those enemies?
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Read the final two verses. Why might the psalmist finish with this sentiment?
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What is produced in faithfully waiting? After considering this- what are you waiting on God for in your life?
Spiritual Formation Practice. As demonstrated in the life of Jesus, it is good for us to know and memorize the Psalms. Choose a psalm that you would like to have memorized by the end of this series.
Vine community member Jacob Lucas shares about the importance of silence, listening and stillness as we consider Psalm 4.
Staff member, Fabs Harford, shares from Psalm 22. www.thevineaustin.org/psalms
WEEKLY PRACTICE As you reflect on Psalm 22, practice writing your own prayer. Set aside some times to: - reflect on the places of brokenness within or around you. Try to feel your feelings and wrap words around them in lament. - reflect on what you know is true about God. Spend some time worshipping Him for the things you love about Him and ways you have seen Him show up. - consider how contradictory the feelings above are and petition God to close the gap between them - asking Him to come and show up in the brokenness in the ways you know He can. - Lastly, consider how it feels when He doesn’t show up the way you want. What kind of feelings and fears emerge for you? Protest this to God.
In this message, Mark introduces our Summer Series on the Psalms through exploring Psalm One.
This week's practice: Delight and meditate on Psalm One. Consider an image of your soul and take that to God in prayer.
For additional resources, go to www.thevineaustin.org/psalms
In this special Sunday, VineKids Director Mary Fisher shares on the theme of being "childlike."
Matthew 18:1-4
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In our final sermon in our series called, THIRD WAY, our pastor Mark shares his journey discerning how the Bible and the way of Christ formed his theology and relationship with the LGTBQ community. This message also details how our Third Way posture shapes our inclusion of the LGBTQ community.
www.thevineaustin.org/thirdway
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Why is talking about the subject of the Christian faith and the gay community difficult? - What was an element from the sermon that has stayed with you- either in encouragement or confusion? - Discuss the MC Escher illustration. What are those two hands and why is their co-existence necessary? - What were your thoughts on the teaching Mark brought on 1 Cor 6:9-10 and the power of translation? - Read Acts 10:9-23. Put yourself in Peter's shoes. What would you be thinking and feeling? - As our Third Way creates a culture of inclusion, what does inclusion require of our community?
As we continue through our series on The Vine's Third Way distinctive, Mark invites us to reconsider the challenging story of Sodom and Gomorrah; Genesis 19.
www.thevineaustin.org/thirdway
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Discuss the quote- “What you focus on determines what you miss.” How have you seen that at work in your life? Or in your faith or religious tradition? 2. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as puzzling or encouraging? 3. Mark shared how Genesis 18 and 19 forms a juxtaposition. What meaning do you find in the comparison between these two stories? 4. How does a Third Way posture create the space for hospitality? 5. What does it mean to be radical in hospitality? How can we grow towards that goal?
In this third sermon in our THIRD WAY series, Mark talks about the experience of the early church and how it demonstrates how to hold a third way posture.
Acts 2:42-47 thevineaustin.org/thirdway
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What part of the sermon stayed with you- either in encouragement or uncertainty? 2. Reflecting on the sermon and the book of Acts, does anything surprise you by how the Christian movement first began? 3. Read Acts 2:42-47. Why do you think this experience was so transformative? 4. How would you describe your relationship with the Holy Spirit? What hinders it? 5. How can we deepen our dependence upon the Holy Spirit? 6. What does it mean to be attentive the Holy Spirit? 7. In the sermon, Mark shared five "Key Components of the Early Church." Which component is most apparent at The Vine? Which might we struggle to embody?
In this second message of this series, THIRD WAY, Mark talks about a different kind of unity. Following Jesus includes discovering a unity of posture within the different positions we might hold.
Colossians 3:12-17
www.thevineaustin.org/thirdway
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. As you consider the different points on the THIRD WAY creed, can you recall a time where you experienced one of these commitments? What difference did it make? 2. In your own words, what is the difference between a unity of position vs a unity of posture? 3. As you consider Jesus' posture, read Colossians 3:12-17. What do you find here that is uniquely needed for the Church to embody more? 4. What should a third way community do when someone's posture is out of line with our commitment? 5. As AJ Sherrill wrote, “The problem today is not that we have positions; the problem is that the positional axis is the dominant - even exclusive - way we determine whether or not we can have unity with someone.” Why is this a problem? 6. What was a point from the message that either resonated with you or left you uncertain? 7. How can we practice this posture in our lives this week?
This is the first message in a series called THE THIRD WAY. In this message, Mark introduces this distinctive of The Vine through Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well.
www.thevineaustin.org
John 4:4-26
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Review the Third Way Creed and discuss the questions on the back. - Read together John 4:4-26. What captures your attention today? - What questions or takeaways did you have from Sunday's message? - What are the differences between a community of fences vs wells? - What attracts you to a "center-set" or well-oriented" church? What are the challenges to that type of community? - How can we as a community put Jesus in the center of our church; like a well?
Happy Easter! Mark shares from John 20:19-29. In this message, we see Jesus' interaction with Thomas and discover the importance of remembering.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What childhood memory of Easter stands out today? 2. What questions or considerations stood out to you from the sermon? 3. Read together John 20:19-29. What do you notice about Jesus or the disciples? 4. What role has doubt played in your journey of faith? 5. What has helped you move through doubt into new belief? 6. What would you to hope to remember about Easter in your day to day life?
In this Palm Sunday message, Mark shares a mashup between two passages: the story of David and Goliath and Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
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DISUCCUSION QUESTIONS: 1. What is the most exotic animal you have ridden? 2. Read together 1 Samuel 17:32-40. What do you notice today? 3. Recount the three obstacles Mark shared in the message. Which obstacle are you facing today? 4. In what ways do you think Jesus could had been tempted to use the armor and weapons of this world? 5. What is the "giant" you are facing? What helps you stay clear eyed and courageous? Spend time in prayer for one another.
In this next message in the series, Weak & Strong, Mark shares on a parable from Jesus.
MATTHEW 25:14-30 www.thevineaustin.org
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: If you were to sing a song at a pub in Ireland, what would you sing? Read Matthew 25:14-30. What stands out to you as you read this passage today? What is Jesus getting at with this parable? What is a God-given gift you have hidden? (a desire, dream, gift, or longing) Where is courage required in your life? Can you name the barrier you have for greater risk taking?
The Vine is considering the relationship between weakness and strength as displayed in the life of Jesus. In this message today, Scott Erickson (painter, speaker, author) shares a message from John 13:3-17. The life of those who follow Jesus is a life where we learn the ways of God's love and then learn to pattern our life in response.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION: 1. What was a thought or question that came from hearing the message this week? 2. Scott shared the conviction- "Resurrection begins in our vulnerable spaces." Have you seen that principle at work in your life? 3. Read John 13:3-17. What stands out to you in hearing this story today? 4. After Jesus had washed their feet, he said, “I’ve laid down a pattern for you.” How can we wash peoples' feet today? What's an equivalent? 5. Why is it hard to believe that God not only loves you but "it’s you I LIKE?" What's the difference? 6. In the message, Scott had us envision a person who has loved us into being. Who was your person you thought of in your ten seconds?
As we continue in our Lenten series, WEAK & STRONG, Scott Erickson shares a message considering the experiences of Peter and the concept of one's identity.
Mark 4:35-40
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - How would you characterize your identity (your persona or group) in high school? - In remembering or looking at Scott's visual Call to Worship, which boat are you today? - What part of Scott's message has stuck with you (either an encouragement or something you have wrestled with)? - Read Mark 4:35-40. What do you notice about the disciples' experience (whether an emotion or observation)? - How has your identity shifted lately? Where is God in this transition?
This is the second teaching in the series: Weak & Strong. Here, Pastor Mark shares about the importance of the intersection of power and weakness using a grid.
As this is a very visual message, feel free to watch the message at https://youtu.be/mBfiriNMxH8?t=1988
:::: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - What were your thoughts about the grid Mark shared? - What is a meaningful story from Scripture for you, and does that story depict a movement to the weak/strong quadrant? - Read 2 Cor 12:7-10. What is offered to us when we are weak? - Where are you on this grid today?
For the season of Lent, @Scottthepainter is joining Mark in creating a series called WEAK & STRONG. In this series, we will explore how these two characteristics are a part of a life with Jesus.
In this sermon, we consider the paradoxical nature of our faith.
Mark 9:14-29
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Mark shared how a life with Jesus is that of weakness and strength; of vulnerability and power. How does the Gospel move us to greater vulnerability and greater strength? - How would you define paradox? -Read the story found in Mark 9:14-29 and consider the elements of paradox there? - Where are the places in your life where you could echo the father's words- "I believe but help my unbelief!" - Scott ends the sermon considering Jesus' words in this passage- some things can only happen through prayer. What are the barriers in your life to believing or practicing prayer. - Lastly, did anyone find any significance to meditating on the image or prayer shared on the postcard?
This is the final message in our 50 day journey through the Gospel of Luke. This sermon considers who Luke chose to end his writing and the transformative importance of experience in our relationship with Jesus.
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As we continue in our 50 day journey through the Gospel of Luke, we come to this beautiful and simple story. Mark shares a special message from Luke 21:1-4 as we consider this widow's offering and example.
Luke 21:1-4
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In this sermon, Mark shares from Luke 17, the story of the healing of the lepers, and the importance of gratitude.
www.thevineaustin.org/luke
Luke 17:11-19
Fabs shares with us a message from Luke 12 about seeking God's kingdom - what does is mean, who rules it, when is it, how do we enter it? The invitation today is to accept this offer of love and provision from the Father and to seek first his kingdom.
As we continue through the Gospel of Luke, we come to the story of the miraculous feeding of the 5000. In this sermon, Mark shares on the way in which Jesus brings his provision- community.
Luke 10:9-17
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In this second message in the series, Mark shares from Luke 7:36-50. In this passage, Simon the Pharisee hosts a dinner party with Jesus as the honored guest. But when an unlikely woman comes to anoint Jesus' feet, we see a picture of God's grace in Christ.
www.thevineaustin.org Luke 7:36-50
To enjoy the daily audio devotionals, go to www.thevineaustin.org/luke
As we begin our series, 50 Days in Luke, Mark shares an introduction to the Gospel of Luke and considers a story in Luke 2 that sets the theme for the entire Gospel message- Simeon's experience waiting and beholding Jesus.
To listen to the 50 Days of Luke daily podcast, go to https://www.thevineaustin.org/luke
In this special Sunday, Mark shares a reflection on 2021 and a vision for 2022.
In this message, Mark recites a prayer from St. Francis of Assisi. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
James 3:13-18 thevineaustin.org
As we begin this new year, The Vine has adapted a resource to help you step into 2022 with reflection and intention called "Hello Goodbye."
Listen to Mark share the purpose of this resource and then go to thevineaustin.org/hellogoodbye to print off this tool for yourself. Happy New Year!
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Merry Christmas. Enjoy Mark's Christmas Eve message about the lesson we can learn from Mary.
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In this special message, Mark shares how Christmas reveals one of the most important truths of Jesus- truth held in a beautiful paradox.
Luke 2:8-15 www.thevineaustin.org
As we continue with the series HIDDEN CHRISTMAS, we consider Herod's part in the Christmas story, and the warning it shares.
Matthew 2:1-12 www.thevineaustin.org
As we continue in our Advent series, Hidden Christmas, we look into the hidden message of Jesus' lineage.
Matthew 1:1-17
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Welcome to the season of Advent! The Vine is beginning a series named HIDDEN CHRISTMAS. This series is intended to make the central truths embedded in the Christmas story less hidden.
In this sermon, Mark shares about the theme of darkness in the Christmas story.
Isaiah 9:2, 5-7
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The Vine welcomes Pastor Charles, President and Co-founder of Africa New Life, to share this special sermon entitled "What Matters Most in the Church."
To find out more information about sponsorship and to look at children whom you could sponsor, go to africanewlife.org/thevine
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In this final message in the series called HABITS, Mark shares on the commonly misunderstood and overlooked habit of fasting.
Matthew 4:1-4 www.thevineaustin.org
Vine member Ron Ragsdale shares a message from Matthew 9:9-13 about the weekly habit of embodying mercy in the margin. He helps us consider what it means to "other", starting where we are, and having the courage to act.
In this message, Mark explores the weekly habit of dedicating time for significant friendship.
www.thevineaustin.org Romans 12:1-5
This week are a looking at the weekly habit of Sabbath - setting aside time to not only stop our work but also rest and enjoy God. Fabs leads us through Mark 2:23-3:6 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15 to help us consider the practice of Sabbath.
One of the most overlooked biblical and historical practices of the Christian faith is speaking blessings. In an attempts of retrieving the lost art of blessing, the sermon shares on the habit of speaking blessings to others.
www.thevineaustin.org Luke 24:50-53
We are exploring our third daily habit: Lifting others in prayer, and how we are called to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."
Ephesians 6:10-20 www.thevineaustin.org/practice
We are exploring our second daily habit- going to Scripture before Screens. In this message, Mark explores why a habit of beginning our day in Scripture leads us to a most important question.
Psalm 1 www.thevineaustin.org/practice
The Vine has identified 8 common spiritual habits we hope to embody and explore with one another. This week, we discuss the keystone habit of prayerful reflection three times a day.
Daniel 6:1-10
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In this second message from the HABITS series, Mark shares from Matthew 11:25-29. Following Christ means that we recenter our lives on the habits of Jesus. This sermon also shares the eight habits The Vine is exploring in our vision for spiritual formation.
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The Vine is beginning a new series called HABITS. In this series, we are exploring the power of habits in the spiritual life.
Today, Mark introduces the sermon series with a reflection on Romans 12:1-2.
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In the final sermon of our Galatians series, Fabs shares from Galatians 6 and invites to consider in what we boast. www.thevineaustin.org
Galatians 6:11-18
In this sermon, Mark shares from Galatians 5. Between the pitfalls of living according to the law or the flesh is a life of freedom. In this message, Mark shares how the way of Christ invites us into a particular kind of freedom. www.thevineaustin.org
In the fourth chapter of Galatians, we find how the grace of God moves from slavery, to adopted child, to heir, to union with God. Enjoy Mark's message on the Galatians 4.
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Galatians 4:1-7
Community member, Jaimee McCord, shares from the third chapter of Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia about the beauty of being clothed in Christ and the unity this brings.
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Mark shares a sermon on the second chapter of Galatians. In this text, we discover what sets Jesus' Gospel apart from humanity's idea of religious living.
Galatians 2:15-21
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The Vine is beginning a new sermon series on Paul's letter to the churches of Galatia; one chapter per week. In this first sermon, Mark shares from Paul's introduction and his concern over "the gospel."
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As we close out our series entitled GODSPEED, we are joined by author and speaker Andrea Lucado. Andrea shares on the way of Sabbath.
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Deuteronomy 5:12-14
In this next sermon from the series, Godspeed, Mark talks about the way of silence and solitude. This sermon draws from Mark 1 and Lamentations 3:22-26.
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Next in this series called Godspeed, Mark shares on "The Way of Slowness."
To see more info and practices of slowness, go to www.thevineaustin.org/godspeed
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We are continuing in our sermon series, "Godspeed- an alternative pace for a frantic world."
For the 4th of July, we recorded the message from the Lady Bird Wildflower Center. In this sermon, Mark shares on the practice of simplicity from Matthew 6:25-34.
In this second sermon in the series, Godspeed, Mark shares on the problem of hurry and the surprising solution- a yoke.
Matthew 11:25-30
Outside the Gospels, the two outside sources for this series are a short documentary of the same name, https://vimeo.com/200206468 And James Mark Comer's book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.
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The Vine is beginning a new series called GODSPEED. We are pursuing an alternate pace for a frantic world.
In this first sermon, Fabs shares on finding Jesus in the margins of our days from the story of two sisters found in Luke 10:38-42.
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In this special stand-alone message, Mark preaches through the illustration of "wells and fences" and Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4.
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John 4:1-14
This special Sunday, The Vine moves into our new home- The TexFed building. For this message, Mark shares about humanity's relationship to sacred spaces and what was more important to Jesus.
EPHESIANS 2:19-22 www.thevineaustin.org
In this last sermon in the Guardrail series, we consider our calling to "take risks to reach people for Christ."
Luke 15:1-10
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This week we hear a message from Vine member Andrew Fike on the Guardrail: In response to the Gospel, pour yourself out for others. We look at the foot washing story in John 13 as a symbol for how we are to seek Christ first, embrace the challenge of serving, and be encouraged that have the Holy Spirit to guide us as we love and serve those around us.
In this message, we celebrate The Vine's 5th Party! To do so, we consider the guardrail, "God does his best work in the context of relationships" and we hear personal stories of what God has done in our midst.
Also, Mark shares some exciting news about our next chapter.
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This week, Mark shares on the guardrail, "There is no better place to plant one's life than in God's Word."
Matthew 7:24-29
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - What is one of your favorite pieces of Scripture? Why that one? - How would you describe your relationship with the Bible? - Read Matthew 7:24-29. What section or word stand out to you and why? - In the sermon, Mark shared about the importance of "practicing" the teachings of scripture and especially that of Christ. Why might we prefer to study scripture versus practice scripture? - Discuss the different purposes of scripture Mark detailed: mirror, anchor, decision grid, and preparation. Which might you be called to utilize more?
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Vine staff member Fabs Harford gives this week's message on the Guardrail: God Deserves Our Best. We look to Jesus as our model for this and how he gives God his best by embracing both his humanity and his divine power.
In this third message on The Vine's guardrails, we turn to one on conflict and communication. "Keep short direct accounts of grace."
Matthew 7:1-5
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Mark gave examples of how animals respond when they perceive a threat (deer/run, possum/ignore, boar/charge). How do you typically respond? - Why do you think Christians aren't better prepared for hard conversations or conflict? - Read Ephesians 4: 25-27. How does not keeping short accounts problematic? How do you know when you are ready to have that short account discussion? - Read Matthew 7:1-5. What are the steps of instruction found in this passage? - This guardrail is not simple or easy. What is an aspect of this conversation that was not discussed in the sermon or in these two passages you think is important to acknowledge?
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Next in the series on The Vine's guardrails is "go to their turf, on their terms." To explain this statement, Mark preaches on Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus found in Luke 19:1-10.
For more on the guardrails, go to www.thevineaustin.org/guardrails
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Can you share a time in your life where you felt out of place or didn't belong? - How would you explain the guardrail "go to their turf on their terms." - Read Luke 19:1-10. Why is Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus so profound? - What are some ways we put down "tape" in our spiritual life and in our relationship with the world? - What is the turf Jesus is sending you this week?
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Guardrails are a series of short, pithy statements that we use as rallying points—both for The Vine's staff and for the entire church. They encapsulate our theology, values and philosophy in memorable phrases. Guardrails also exist to keep us accountable to stay on the path we believe God has for us. In short, these Guardrails describe the culture we hope to create and sustain.
You can see the guardrails in their entirety at thevineaustin.org/guardrails
Today, we consider the guardrail: "It is a sin to bore people with the Gospel."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Why might it be helpful for a church to have a set of "guardrails?" - Read John 6:27-35. Jesus is trying to shift these people's view to see something new in him. How do you see the differences of perspective between Jesus and this group? - The crowd wanted a list of duties. “What must we do to do the works God requires?” From the sermon, why might it be difficult for us to "ditch the list?" - Ron shared that being a religious "poser" is boring. What is life giving about being more honest, authentic, and vulnerable in our life with Jesus? - Ron shared the Gospel moves us to engage with Christ and others. How do you see Jesus' modeling that for the disciples? How are these two engagements connected?
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Happy Easter! In this final message of this series, Mark shares on Jesus' statement- "It is finished."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - What a favorite tradition or memory from Easter? - How might our context this Easter mirror that of the original Easter the disciples experienced? - Read John 19:28-30. Take a moment and consider what "is finished" through Jesus' work on the cross? What isn't finished (yet)? - How does this statement bring you hope or peace today?
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In this Palm Sunday message, Mark shares on Jesus' 6th statement, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."
Luke 23:44-49, Psalm 31:1-5
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - The cross has traditionally been the central image of the Christian faith. Do you have a cross somewhere in your home? If so, go and get it and tell the story of how you received it. - Read Luke 23:44-49. What questions or thoughts come to mind? What are some of the layers to this 6th statement? - In the sermon, Mark shared that a central lesson in the Christian faith is learning to trust God. How do you respond that notion? Share some stories from scripture that display the lesson of trusting God. - What are you struggling to release to God today? Finish by praying for one another with open hands to God.
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This is the fifth week and the fifth statement from Jesus' cross. In this message, Mark shares a meditation on Jesus' declaration- "I thirst."
John 19:28-29
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Share a moment when you remember being thirsty. - Consider how the theme of thirst is a part of the biblical story. Why is this theme so common in scripture? - Read John 19:28-29. Why do you think John thought it was important to include that statement in his Gospel? What is the significance of this declaration? - Respond to the quote Mark shared in his message. “‘He who is satisfied has never truly craved', said Abraham Heschel, and he said this, I think, because he knew that heaven’s richest food does not satisfy our longings but rather intensifies them.” - Jesus poured himself out so that we might experience the fountain of grace. What do you thirst for today? Spend time in prayer for one another.
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The Vine is continuing in our series this Lent- Seven Statements from the Cross. In this message, Mark shares on Jesus' 4th Statement- "My God, My God. Why have you forsaken me?"
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - This week is Austin ISD's spring break. What are some spring break memories from your childhood? - Read Mark 15:33-39. Consider the depth of meaning behind Jesus' statement. What questions or insights come to mind as you think of this statement? - Read Psalm 22. What are the connections between this psalm and Jesus' cross? What do these connections mean to you? - What is your response when you feel abandoned or are alone in suffering? - How do you find healing and hope in Jesus' statement in seasons of your own suffering?
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This Lent we are considering Jesus' final seven statements from the cross. This week we are discussing Jesus' words, "Mother, here is your son."
READINGS: I John 4:7-12 John 17:20-21
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. How do you relate to these words of Jesus to his mother and friend in your own life? 2. Where and how have you witnessed your faith community offer a picture of love that reflects the kind of self-giving love seen in this passage?
Continuing in our Lenten Series, we are considering Jesus' final seven statements said upon the cross. This week, we are discussing Jesus' second statement- "Today you will be with me in paradise."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - When you think of paradise, what comes to mind? - Read Luke 23:35-39. Why would the words from the crowd be difficult to hear? Why was this mockery? - Read Luke 23:40-42. What did second thief have to believe to be able to say these words? What would cause him to believe this? - Read Jesus' promise in verse 43. What part of this promise stands out to you? What part of this promise do you need to hear today? - What does it mean to be "with Jesus" today? What practices could we enact to experience a life with Jesus now?
Make sure to subscribe to The Vine's daily devotional found at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-introduction-to-a-journey-through-lent/id1342376998?i=1000430211122&mt=2
More material at www.thevineaustin.org/lent
During the season of Lent, The Vine is considering Jesus' final seven statements said upon the cross. We begin with Jesus' statement of forgiveness with a sermon from community member, Andrew Fike.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - How do you resonate with those who Jesus exposes and extends forgiveness to? - In what ways are you challenged to extend forgiveness as Jesus extends? - How might receiving forgiveness aid extending forgiveness? How might it challenge you?
Make sure to subscribe to The Vine's daily devotional found at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-introduction-to-a-journey-through-lent/id1342376998?i=1000430211122&mt=2
More material at www.thevineaustin.org/lent
We are concluding our series on Ezra and Nehemiah called REBUILD. Nehemiah 8 share the surprising source of our joy and strength - God's joy!
Nehemiah 8:1, 9-12
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The Vine welcomes guest preacher, Andrea Lucado. Nehemiah 5 instructs us that the rebuilding of our lives must also include the rebuilding of others. https://andrealucado.com
Nehemiah 5:1-12
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REBUILD: a series on Ezra, Nehemiah and 2021.
In this message, Mark talks about Nehemiah chapter 4, the importance of walls, the promise of opposition, and the sound of victory.
Nehemiah 4:16-20
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In the third sermon of this series, REBUILD, Mark shares from Nehemiah 1 and the surprising seeds of renewal.
www.thevineaustin.org Nehemiah 1:1-11
This week's message is given by Vine member Ron Ragsdale, who is preaching from Ezra 9.
The Vine is beginning a new sermon series called REBUILD. In this series, we explore the books of Ezra and Nehemiah they instruct us in rebuilding our lives and communities.
In this first sermon, we consider the context of Ezra and the importance of beginning with first things first.
www.thevineaustin.org Ezra 3:1-3, 10-13
In this special message, Mark shares a sermon for the new year. We find throughout scripture the way we say hello and goodbye is incredibly important for the spiritual life.
Make sure to get the HELLO & GOODBYE resource at www.thevineaustin.org/resources
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Joshua 24:1, 14-18, 25-28
In this special message, Mark shares a timely message on how to live into the season of Christmastide through the example of Simeon.
Luke 2:22-35
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Merry Christmas! In the concluding message of this Honest Advent series, Mark shares from the refrain found in this Christmas story, be not afraid.
Luke 2:8-16
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Welcome to the last Sunday of Honest Advent! In this message, Mark talks about Jesus as the Alpha and Omega.
Revelation 21:1-6
www.honestadvent.com www.thevineaustin.org
Welcome to Honest Advent! In this very special message, author and painter Scott Erickson shares on Assumptions.
Luke 1:35-45
www.honestadvent.com www.thevineaustin.org
Welcome to Honest Advent. In this second week, we discuss the power of attentiveness as shown in the examples of the Magi. Matthew 2:1-12 www.thevineaustin.org
Welcome to the Season of Advent! In the first sermon of this series (Honest Advent), Mark shares about Jesus' power shown through vulnerability.
To get the book or see the artwork, go to www.honestadvent.com
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As we finish our study on the book of Ephesians, we consider Paul's parting words for the church- to stand in the full armor of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17
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We continue our series in Ephesians with our first in-person worship service at our new home, Mercury Hall. In this message, Mark shares from Ephesians 5:14-20 and how the work of Christ is to wake people up from spiritual slumber. www.thevineaustin.org
We continue our series in Ephesians with a message from Vine member Ron Ragsdale on Ephesians 4, "Walk in a Manner Worthy". God calls all of us to enact his plan of uniting all things in Christ. www.thevineaustin.org
As we continue in this series on Ephesians, we come to chapter 3. In Ephesians 3:14-21, we find Paul praying for a surprising power.
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In this second sermon in our series, Pastor Ted shares from Ephesians 2:1-10.
Make sure to sign up for our daily prompts by texting the word EPHESIANS to 97000.
This Sunday was a special morning. Not only did we begin a new series on the book of Ephesians, but we also met for the first time in 7 months. (As you can hear, it was close to traffic.)
Make sure to text "Ephesians" to 97000 to be included in daily devotional prompts during this 6-week series.
WEEKLY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Since the last time we met… Which of the daily prompts stood out to you the most and why? What is something that encouraged you? What bothered or confused you in this chapter? What did this chapter say about God? What did this chapter say about humanity? From what you read, how might God be inviting you to live differently?
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In this message, Mark shares the Leadership Team's discerned decision on human sexuality and The Vine's overall posture to value empathy and compassion over certainty and absolute agreement as we seek unity in following Jesus within the essentials of our faith.
At The Vine, we are embracing what some have called a "Third Way" – where our unity comes from our shared faith in Christ. We are seeking a Third Way as we pursue love and truth while providing space for individuals to differ on their theological convictions in this matter.
In this final week of THE GOSPEL IS series, we consider the declaration that Jesus is King.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS: Matthew 4:23-5:10 Matthew 5:13-16 Mark 10:13-16 Mark 10:17-31 Matthew 6:25-34 Revelation 11:15-19 Matthew 25:31-46
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - What comes to mind when you consider the announcement “Jesus is King”? - What hope do you find in knowing Jesus is King both now and forever? - In the message, Mark discussed our preference for the ideas- Jesus as Savior, Deliverer, and Restorer. Why might we neglect the reality that Jesus is King? - What was a concept from the readings or sermon that resonate with you? What was confusing or you disagree with? - Read Matthew 6:25-33. How does one seek the Kingdom? - If the Gospel message is the announcement that Jesus is King, how might we share the Gospel in our lives?
The Vine continues in our series exploring the meaning of the Gospel for our lives. This week, we consider THE GOSPEL IS DELIVERANCE.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS: Luke 4:14-21 Matthew 25:31-46 Psalm 146 Ps 107:1-16 Isaiah 58:1-14 Ps 9:1-10 Philippians 2:1-1
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Mark shared that some scholars believe the concept of “liberation” is key to understanding the Bible. How do you respond to that? - Read Luke 4:14-21. As this is Jesus’ first public sermon, what stands out to you in this passage? - What was a concept from the sermon that either resonate with you or that you wrestle with? - How have you experienced God’s liberating power in your life? - Partnering with God towards liberation and justice begins with compassionately seeing pain. Where have you noticed oppression, suffering or sorrow in our world?
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This week we hear from Vine member Andrew Fike about how the Gospel is a new way of seeing, looking at the story of the travelers on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24.
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DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS: Luke 24:13-35 Exodus 6:1-13 Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 42 Matthew 5:1-12 Luke 4:14-30 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: - Where do you feel like Jesus might be showing up in an unconventional way in your life, as he did with the travelers in Luke 24? - Jesus reinterprets the scriptures in a new way for the disciples. When has Jesus illuminated scripture in a new way for you? - The Kingdom of God was described as a way of Alternative wisdom (the way of the cross, the weak made strong, etc.). How does this impact your view of our world today? - After the disciples recognize Jesus, they run to share the good news with others. Where might you be called to share this alternative perspective? - What was a concept from the sermon or Scripture that either resonate with you or that you wrestle with? - How are you putting this passage/message into action in your life?
We are beginning a new sermon series- "The Gospel Is." This week, we are considering how "The Gospel is Transformation."
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DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 Romans 12:1-2 Galatians 5:13-26 Colossians 3:1-14 Romans 5:1-5 John 3:1-18 Romans 6:1-14
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “the Gospel”? The sermon shared how the Gospel is transformation. Why is God’s ability and desire to transform us good news? Read 2 Corinthians 3:16-18. How does this passage describe the ways we are transformed? How can we contemplate upon or reflect Jesus? What was a concept from the sermon or Scripture that either resonate with you or that you wrestle with? How are you putting this passage/message into action in your life?
In this third and final week of our series, "A Timely Word", Mark interviews Dieula Previlon, and we hear how Isaiah 43 can teach us a way through the wilderness.
Isaiah 43:1-2, 18-19 www.thevineaustin.org
This week in the series "A Timely Word", we hear from pastor and author, Rich Villodas. In this message, Rich discusses the importance of abiding and how this calling leads us to loving others and our enemies.
John 15:5-13
www.richvillodas.com www.thevineaustin.org
We are entering a special 3-week series called "A Timely Word" where we invite outside speakers whom we believe have a timely perspective and word for us.
This week, we hear from pastor, author, and theologian David Fitch whom shares how the Way of Jesus goes in direct opposition towards the culture of antagonism and how our faith can be used to make enemies.
This is the final sermon in the series, 50 DAYS IN ACTS. In this message, Mark preaches on Acts' final word.
Acts 28:31
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This week, Mark shares from Acts 17:22-27. In this passage, we see how Paul uniquely communicates the Gospel to people in Athens.
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Our next sermon in the 50 DAYS IN ACTS series comes from Acts 16. Paul and Silas give us an example of what God can do when we worship in a time of anxiety and suffering.
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In this message, Ted continues our series 50 Days in Acts by discussing Paul's example of bearing witness to Jesus in the world.
Acts 13:26-31 www.thevineaustin.org
As we continue through 50 DAYS IN ACTS, we come to Acts 10, Peter's vision on a roof, and the pouring of the Holy Spirit into Cornelius' house.
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As we continue in the 50 day journey through Acts, we come to Acts 9. Mark shares a message where we reimagine Saul's conversion in modern terms; noticing the blinding effect of pride and self-righteousness.
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Acts 9:1-19
As we continue in the series 50 Days in Acts, Mark shares on the day called Pentecost and our relationship with the Holy Spirit.
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Acts 2
The Vine is beginning a new series, 50 Days in Acts. In this first message, Mark shares on Jesus' final words to his disciples and what it means to be a witness.
To join this series and for the daily reading plan, go to www.thevineaustin.org/acts
Pastor Ted shares a message on how Christ, the Light of the World, invites us to be light in the midst of darkness.
John 1:1-5 www.thevineaustin.org
In this second sermon in a two-part series, Mark shares more on a journey towards racial righteousness: submission and action.
Special music from Dee Wilson: "The Medicine" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilgmkoVTpSM
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Isaiah 58:6-12
In this special message, Mark discusses Romans 12:1-2 and how we might journey together towards Racial Righteousness.
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To see the resource sheet, go to thevineaustin.org/resources Romans 12:1-2
In this final message, we explore Jesus' invitation to "come and see", consider the importance of belief, and hear from people who joined us in this 40 Day journey.
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John 20:24-31
As we go through the Gospel of John, we find Jesus' declaration that He is the Good Shepherd. In this message, we explore why Jesus chose this title and how we can cultivate an ability to hear His voice.
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John 10:1-18
As we continue in our 40 Day experience in the Gospel according to John, today we consider John 12 – Jesus meeting with Martha and Mary as they mourn their brother Lazarus' death, and Jesus raising him back to life.
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As we continue in our 40 Day experience in the Gospel according to John, today we consider John 9, Jesus' healing of a man born blind, and the theme of blindness & sight.
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Welcome to 40 Days in the Gospel of John. In this message, Mark discusses how Jesus was a Gracious Disruptor; deconstructing and reconstructing the religious life. To get the most out of this experience, go to www.thevineaustin.org/john to see the reading plan, resources and more.
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Welcome to 40 Days in the Gospel of John.
In this message, Mark discusses Jesus' first miracle and sign the Gospel according to John; turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. To get the most out of this experience, go to www.thevineaustin.org/john to see the reading plan, resources and more.
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Welcome to a new sermon series and bible experience. We are beginning a 40 day journey in the book of John.
In this message, Mark introduces the Gospel according to John by considering John's prologue. To get the most out of this experience, go to www.thevineaustin.org/john to see the reading plan, resources and more.
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In this sermon, Mark discusses the profound meaning of celebrating Easter in this particular context. Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20 www.thevineaustin.org
In this message, Mark shares how we could reconsider the meaning of a well-known verse (Jeremiah 29:11) and discover how it instructs us in how to live well during this time of quarantine.
For those who listen to our podcast and would like to connect to our church, let us know who you are! http://bit.ly/vineconnect
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During quarantine, we are moving our worship services online. In this timely message, Mark shares about the surprising nature of needing daily bread.
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During this time of COVID-19 and social distancing, Mark shares a message on how we can follow Jesus through and within a time of fear. Matthew 14:22-33
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Due to the COVID-19 virus, The Vine has moved our worship online! In this message Mark talks about how the Way of Jesus interacts with the call towards Social Distancing.
To see how The Vine is following Jesus in this season, make sure to go to https://www.thevineaustin.org/covid19
If you'd prefer to watch the Facebook Live stream, go to https://www.facebook.com/thevineaustin/videos/2512637058948057/
In this sermon, Mark introduces our Lenten Series- The Habits of Jesus. The primarily calling of a follower to their Rabbi is to be with them, to become like them, and do what they did. As followers of Jesus, this message explores our life with Jesus and the difference it could make.
FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - What has the idea of a disciple or discipleship meant to you in the past? - How does the notion of “an apprentice of Jesus” change how you could see being a disciple? - Read John 15:5-17. What do you notice? - Mark talked about the 3 areas following Jesus. What did you think of that concept? - Which area is easiest for you? Which is hardest? Why is that so?
In this final message of this series, Mark discusses day seven and the gift of Sabbath.
For more resources, go to www.thevineaustin.org/sabbath
For Small Group and Personal Reflection: • What is your experience or impression of the practice of the Sabbath? • Read Genesis 3:1-3. What stands out to you? Why did God rest? • Why do you think we dismiss keeping the Sabbath? • Read Matthew 11:28-30. Discuss how the Sabbath could be a part of “putting on Jesus’ yoke”. • What is one step you could take to practice the Sabbath? What difference do you think it would make?
Community member, Ron Ragsdale, shares on the sixth day of creation and being created in the "image of God."
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FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION • Voltaire made the quip about “returning the favor,” i.e., the ways we tend to make God in our image. What might be some characteristics of a false image of God? • Of the 3 stuck-points described [Isolation, Powerlessness, Pessimism], how does each keep us from experiencing a new beginning? • Which of the 3 image-of-God truths is easiest for you to live into? Which is hardest? • In 2 Corinthians, Paul makes a deliberate call-back to Genesis 1, e.g., “For the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness....’” Paul asserts that a transformation has taken place, is taking place, and will continue to take place. What is this transformation? [see 2 Cor 2:14-4:18] • Write a 1-sentence declarative statement that speaks to where you are at and what you need to hear. Examples: “Love is my true identity,” or “Goodness happens.” Share these and share your experience in crafting and sharing your statement.
In Genesis, we read read that on day 5, God creates the creatures of the ocean and air. But within this passage is the creation of something surprising.
In this message, we consider the monsters that appear as we walk towards newness.
Genesis 1:20-23, Numbers 13: 26-33 www.thevineaustin.org
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION - Read the 5th day of creation (Genesis 1:20-23). What stands out to you? - What are the monsters you see in your life or our society that hold us back from stepping into new life? - Retell in your own words how God delivered the Hebrew nation from Egypt and then read Numbers 13: 26-33. - Why did the 10 spies and the people focus on the giants and not God’s power? - Mark shared four points for those facing a monster. Which resonates with you the most? - Close by praying for those who are facing a giant today in your group.
It is a sacred experience to hear someone's story. In this sermon today, Mark shares on the fourth day of creation and with it God's use of seasons. Also, we hear from one of our own, Wayne Gonzalez. Wayne shares about his last 12 months and the seasons which God used.
Genesis 1:14-19 & Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION - On Day 4, God creates the stars, heavens and with it times, rhythm and seasons. What is your favorite season? - Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-11. What do you notice in this passage? - How did Mark describe the 4 seasons of spiritual life? - Which season do you find yourself in these days? - What do you need from God in order to embrace your season instead of running from it? - What does it mean that God set eternity in the human heart? (Eccl 3:11)
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On the third day of creation, God creates vegetation and within this creation is the miracle of seeds. In this sermon, Mark describes how seeds are God's gift of great potential for new beginnings.
Genesis 1:11-13 & Matthew 25:14-30
www.thevineaustin.org
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION - Read Matthew 25:14-30. What do you notice? - If you place yourself in the 3rd servant’s point of view, what is going through your mind throughout this parable? - If this parable is meant to describe Jesus’ Kingdom, what does this parable teach us? - What seed/dream do you have? - What holds you back from living with more courage? - The servant who took faithful risks was invited into the Master’s Happiness. What do you think a life would be like that was marked by God’s happiness?
Beginnings is a sermon series where we consider how we can partner with God to create beginnings in our lives. On day two of creation, God creates an expanse so that new life could be formed. Using this as a theme, we see how God creates newness in our life through the process of stretching us out and expanding our lives. This is displayed in the life of Gideon as well.
Genesis 1:6-10 & Judges 6:11-16 www.thevineaustin.org
FOR VINE GROUPS AND DISCUSSION - Read Genesis 1:6-10. What do you notice? - Read Judges 6:7-16. How would you describe Gideon’s state of mind at this point? What do you see God doing in this scene? - In the next chapter, God sifts Israel’s army from 32,000 to 300. What is God up to? - Day 2 reminds us that we are stretched, sifted and expanded so that we could experience something new. Where do you feel vulnerable and exposed in your life? - What are some things you may need to let go of in order to expand?
Beginnings is a seven-week sermon series where we look at the seven days of creation thematically. We consider each day as we explore how to experience new beginnings in our life.
This first week is on how light was used by God to create newness; not only on Day One in Genesis but also in the life of Moses.
Gen 1:1-5; Exodus 3:1-10
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION - Read Genesis 1:1-5. What do you notice? - Read Exodus 3:1-10. As you consider Moses life, what do you think his expectations were before this night? - What do you notice in these 10 verses about who God is? - What are the similarities between Day 1 and this experience with Moses? - Where are you experiencing darkness, chaos, or emptiness in your life? - If you could have God bring about any new beginning in your life, what would you ask for?
Pastor Ted shares on the possibility of embracing a new year and the fruit that comes with God's renewing work.
Galatians 5:22-23
www.thevineaustin.org
In this fourth week of Advent, Mark shares from the line in the Christmas story, "but there was no room for them..." (Luke 2:7) As we prepare for Jesus' arrival, we are confronted with whether or not we have room for Christ today.
www.thevineaustin.org Luke 2:1-7
FOR VINE GROUP AND DISCUSSION - Read Luke 2:1-7. What stands out to you? What would your thoughts and emotions be as Mary or Joseph? - Mark said- the first picture of Jesus’ life tells the whole story. In what ways do you see this birth as depicting who Jesus would be? - What does it mean to you to have room for Jesus? - In what way do you feel led to make room for Jesus? - Make sure to discuss the daily devotionals that is provided. www.thevineaustin.org/advent
This third week of Advent, Katie Fike shares a message on Mary
Luke 1:26-38
www.thevineaustin.org
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - What is a question or takeaway you have from the message? - Can you think of other examples in Scripture where God uses everyday people to do his work? - Discuss the quote, “Acceptability, prosperity, and comfort have never been the essence of God’s blessing." How does this challenge you? - Mary responds to God's unexpected interruption with trust and surrender. How do you think you would respond? What gets in the way of us responding as Mary did? - Read Mary's song (Luke 1:46-56). What do you notice? - Where do you need "the God of the impossible" in your life today?
This second sermon in the Advent series, BEHOLD, focuses on Simeon and his experience of waiting for the promises of God. To see the video sharing the promises of God (as described at the end), go to https://vimeo.com/377690108 .
Luke 2:22-35
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION * Read Luke 2:22-35. What stands out to you? Either insights or questions. * Was there something from the message that has stayed with you? * Discuss this story from the perspective of Simeon. How do you imagine this experience? Do the same for Mary. * Reread Simeon’s song/prayer in 29-32. What do you notice? * Mark shared that this is a story of promises. What is a promise from God you are beholding this week? * Make sure to discuss the daily devotional that is at www.thevineaustin.org/advent
www.thevineaustin.org
This is the first sermon in the 2019 Advent series, BEHOLD. In this series, we are reminded of the central task of making room for Christ in our life. This week, we consider the example we have from Zechariah and the counter-cultural practice of silence.
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION * Read Luke 1:5-20. What stands out to you? Either insights or questions. * Consider this question- How did God use Zechariah’s nine months of silence? * After John is born and Zechariah can speak, he breaks into song. Read Zechariah’s song (verses 67-80) and note what stands out to you. * What is your relationship to silence? How do you believe God could use silence in your life? * Make sure to check out the daily devotional that is provided at www.thevineaustin.org/advent
Luke 1:5-20 www.thevineaustin.org
In this final sermon on Jonah, Mark shares on chapter 4 and the surprising ending to this timely story.
Jonah 4:1-11
www.thevineaustin.org
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION * Read Jonah chapter 4. What stands out to you? Either insights or questions. * In verse 2-3, we finally have the answer to why Jonah ran in chapter 1. What do you make of Jonah’s words? Why is this so upsetting? * Why do you think God created the experience with the plant, the worm and the wind? What do you think God was trying to teach Jonah? * Mark talked about how this message is about the “underside of God’s grace”. What is meant by that? * Tribalism exists today as well. How does this message instruct how we navigate the conflicts in our life? * What lessons do you hope to remember from these 4 weeks in Jonah?
Welcome to the third week in the book of Jonah. Community member, Andrew Fike shares on relentless mercy of God in the 3rd chapter of Jonah.
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION • Read the 3rd chapter of Jonah. What stands out to you? • How do you see yourself as Jonah in this story? In what ways do you question or doubt God's capacity to extend mercy to others? • How are you encouraged or challenged by the Ninevites' response of repentance? • What does it look like for you to fast? What does it look like to "wear vulnerability"? • What encouragement do you take that God's mercy is showcased in sending Jonah and in responding to the Ninevites' act of repentance?
www.thevineaustin.org Jonah 3:1-10
In this sermon, Mark shares on Jonah chapter two and Jonah's song from the belly of this fish.
www.thevineaustin.org
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION • Read the 2nd chapter of Jonah. What stands out to you? • How do you read Jonah’s prayer? Has Jonah had a complete transformation? Is anything missing? • Mark discusses how so far this is a story of descent. How do you see that? And what does it mean that Jonah has an awakening all the way at the bottom? • Reread verse 8. Do you find Jonah’s words to ring true to you? If so why? • How do you respond to the notion that the Christian life is a cycle of life, death and life again? • How has God used the darker moments in your life? What was produced there?
For the next four weeks, we will explore the book of Jonah. This first week, we consider Jonah Chapter 1.
Jonah 1:1-17 www.thevineaustin.org
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION * What comes to mind when you think about the story of Jonah? * Read the first chapter of Jonah. What stands out to you? * Why do you think Jonah ran from this calling? * How does this chapter display elements of satire? * Mark quoted Tim Mackie, “Jonah thinks he is running for his life, when in fact he is running from his life.” Discuss this statement as it relates to our problem with trusting God. * Reread verse 17. This chapter ends with a surprising provision. What does that provision symbolize? * When you think of your life, when are you tempted to run from God?
This is the third and final sermon in the series PRODIGAL STORY. In this sermon, we consider the perspective of the elder brother.
www.thevineaustin.org Luke 15:25-32
FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • Read Luke 15:25-32. Place yourself in the elder brother’s shoes. How would you respond when you saw your brother home? • Why is self-righteousness so dangerous? What is the difference between self-righteousness and seeking to do good? • Discuss the notion of Jesus as “the true older brother”. How did Jesus live out what the older brother should have done? • In the end, what is this parable about? Summarize it in your own words. What is the personal application for you?
In the second sermon in this series on the Prodigal Story, we consider this parable from the perspective of the younger son with a sermon from Family Pastor, Ted Thulin.
www.thevineaustin.org
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • How would you describe the younger son in this story? • Read Luke 15:11-24. If you were his father, what would you have done if your son came back after all of those things had happened? • How does it make you feel to know that God loves you no matter what you do? • For those who are comfortable, share a prodigal season in your life. • When you wander from God, whether just off the front porch or out of town, what prevents you from coming home? • Think of someone you know who may be running from God. Take a moment to silently pray that they would turn back to God.
In this first message within a three-part series, guest presenter, Gena Minnix shares from the well known parable of the Prodigal Son. In this message, we consider this story from the perspective of the parent.
www.thevineaustin.org Luke 15:11-32
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION: - What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? - How do you imagine God responding when you’re suffering because of something you’ve done or brought upon myself? - Read Luke 15:11-32 from the perspective of the Father. What do you notice? - How does reflecting upon God’s compassion change the way you respond to others when they make mistakes? - What notions of love did you pick up as a child, and how do those impact your understanding of God’s love? - How might you make time in your weekly routine to sit and reflect on God as a loving parent?
In this final message of the series, Mark talks about unsubscribing from "more".
Matthew 6:19-24 www.thevineaustin.org
Questions for reflection and discussion: • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • Where do you see the obsession with “more” at work in our culture? In your life? • Respond to the Dallas Willard quote- “Desire is infinite because we are only at home in God. When we fall away from God, the desire for the infinite remains, but it is displaced upon things that will certainly lead to destruction.” • Read Matthew 6:19-24. What stands out in these words from Jesus? • In what ways can we measure what we treasure most? What does your life say you treasure most? • Out of the three practices of unsubscribing from more, is there one that you plan on practicing?
In this message, Mark talks about unsubscribing from noise and discovering the gift of silence.
1 Kings 19:1-13
For VineGroups and Discussion: • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • Good or bad, what is your relationship wish silence? • What thoughts do you have of Gordon Hempton’s definition of silence: “Silence is not an absence of sound. Silence is a particular presence to life.” • Read 1 Kings 19:1-10. What thoughts/questions do you have from this story? Why is Elijah so distraught? • Read verses 11-13. What might it mean that God was in “the gentle whisper” or “the sound of sheer silence”? • How has your practice of silence been this week? Share your experience. What has been helpful?
We live in a culture with a general sense of hostility. So, this week, we explore unsubscribing from antagonism.
2 Kings 6:8-23 www.thevineaustin.org
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • Mark defined antagonism as a general sense of hostility. Do we live in a culture of antagonism? Where do you see it? • Read 2 Kings 6:8-23. What thoughts/questions do you have from this story? • What does this story have to tell us about how God would have us deal with our antagonism? • Discuss the four steps of unsubscribing from antagonism that Mark shared. How might these steps free us from living with bitter hostility?
In this week's sermon, Mark talks about unsubscribing from comparison. www.thevineaustin.org
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION - What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? - Why is comparison so toxic? - Mark shared that comparison can look different in each of our lives. How is comparison at work in your life? - Read John 3:22-30. What is remarkable about John’s response? - Mark shared three practices to unsubscribe from comparison. 1) Begin your day with centering your worth and value with God, 2) embrace the gift of limits, and 3) practice gratitude. Which is the hardest for you? Which do you need most?
UNSUBSCRIBE is our new Fall Sermon Series. In these messages, we consider how to unsubscribe from the influences and habits that hold us from experiencing the Way of Jesus and the life He offers.
In this first message, we consider how to unsubscribe from the hurried life.
www.thevineaustin.org Luke 10:38-42
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION - What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? - What fuels your busyness? Anything beneath the surface (F.O.M.O., comparison, people pleasing, etc.)? - Read Luke 10:38-42. How do you respond to this story?What is the “one thing” that is needed? - How is Jesus’ use of a yoke (in Matthew 11:38-30) provide rest for the weary? - Discuss the practice of Sabbath. How could you incorporate the practice of Sabbath in your life more.
Pastor Ted wraps up our series FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO by sharing a message on applying scripture to our lives.
www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine continues our study on Scripture, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. This week, Pastor Mark shares on the nature of interpretation.
www.thevineaustin.org
FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION - What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? - What did you think about the opening experiment? - Between the two problems of interpretation, which might you struggle with? - Read Matthew 5:17-19. How does Jesus describe the Bible and the importance of the Bible? - How can we be people who interpret the Bible well?
This second message in the series FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO explore the idea that the Bible is actually telling one big story. Community member, Ron Ragsdale, shares this thoughtful message.
Luke 1:67-79 www.thevineaustin.org
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. If you were to boil down the Bible to one message, what would it be? 2. How has your view of the Bible changed over the past? 3. Consider Luke 1:67-79. What does this say about God's Big Story? 4. Revelation tells a story of God recreating a new heaven and new earth. What do you make of God’s desire to make “all things new”? What needs newness in your life?
In this 4 week-long series, we will explore the nature of Scripture and our relationship with it. In this first message, Mark talks about the complicated nature of Scripture and how we can re-enchant our relationship with it.
John 1:1-14 2 Timothy 3:16
Discussion Questions: - What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? - How would you define your relationship with the Bible? - With the illustration of the two hands drawing each other in mind, which hand are you tempted to erase? The human hand or God’s hand? - Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Hebrews 4:12. How do these verses describe Scripture? - How can you deepen your relationship with the Bible this month?
In the third and last movie of the AT THE MOVIES series, we discuss Captain Marvel.
www.thevineaustin.org
Discussion Questions: - What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? - How does the Genesis story makes sense of this world? - Do you think of spiritual warfare, and what do you think of? - Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. What is the relationship between power and weakness? How can we grow in strength? - If our role in this world is to live out Jesus’ words in John 10:10, where do you feel called to extend life where it is being stolen, killed, or destroyed?
In this second week in our series, At the Movies, we take a look at the documentary on Fred Rogers, "Won't You Be My Neighbor". www.thevineaustin.org
For Discussion and Reflection: What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? Why do you believe Fred Rogers has had such an enduring legacy? Read Matthew 18:1-3. How do we become more like a child? What does that mean? Read 1 John 4:7-12. Consider the essential nature of love and the consequences of the lack of love.
Powerful truths are found in our favorite movies. This is why we have the sermon series, AT THE MOVIES. In this first of three sermons, we consider the message of "Green Book".
Series Promo Video https://vimeo.com/347216209
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? What makes racism a sin issue? Read Ephesians 2:13-16. How do you believe the Gospel addresses and confronts racism? Share a picture of vulnerable courage. What is an example of institutional racism you see today? How could you challenge it?
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In this final sermon of the series, Mark shares on the beatitude- "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
Matthew 5:10 www.thevineaustin.org
For Discussion and Reflection: - What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? - How did Mark define “righteousness”. Share an example of how righteousness could lead to persecution? - Discuss the notion of The End of Christendom. Do you see this happening in our culture? What emotions does this bring out of you? - Why might persecution bring about the flourishing and spread of the Gospel? - Read 2 Cor 4:7-18. What words of hope do you see? - Finish in prayer 1) for greater faithfulness in your witness, and for a particular people group or nation who is experiencing persecution in this world.
This week, Mark shares on on the beatitude, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Matthew 5:1-8 www.thevineaustin.org
Discussion Questions: - What questions or thoughts stand out after listening to the message? - Mark defined "purity of heart" as a heart made up of one substance. - Read Proverbs 4:23 and react to the notion displayed in this proverb. - An affirmation from the Covenant Church is to live with a "conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit”. Why is this so important in the Christian life? - How can you grow in your awareness of Christ throughout your day?
Guest preacher, Dieula Previlon, shares on the next beatitude, Blessed are the Peacemakers.
Dieula is the associate pastor at Redeemer Covenant Church in Carrollton, Texas. She's a bivocational minister that also works part time as a licensed professional counselor. She's and her husband have been married 21 years and will be empty nesters as of July 7th, where their twin sons will begin their college careers.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1) What is the difference between the term peacekeeper and peacemaker? 2) Can you name some biblical stories or scriptures of Jesus doing the work of a peacemaker? 3) Do you see yourself as a peacemaker or a peacekeeper? Why or why not?
Matthew 5:1-9 www.thevineaustin.org
Guest Preacher Gideon Tsang shares a meditation on Psalm 8 and explores the relationship between art and the artist.
www.thevineaustin.org
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Reflection Questions: 1. What was a thought or question that stands out from the message? 2. Read Psalm 8. What phrase jumps out to you? 3. How can your experience of being loved drown out the unloving voices in your life 4. What thunderstorms are you experiencing that might bring healing and new life?
Next in the series on the Beatitudes, Mark shares a reflection from "Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy."
www.thevineaustin.org
Reflection and Discussion Questions: • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • Talk about the research done by Robert Kegan on how people change. • Read Luke 10:25-37. What does this story teach us about what matters to God? What does this story teach us about mercy? • Share an experience in your life when you were the recipient of mercy from someone else? • What does it mean to you that God is “rich in mercy”? (Ephesians 2:1-5)
Guest Preacher, Steve Wiens, shares on the beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness..."
For more info on Steve, https://stevewiens.com
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? - What are 2-3 wrongs or injustices that consistently bother you or make you angry? - How do you react to the Lynn Hybels’ quote? “When we are overwhelmed with despair because of what we see in the world, we have two options: we can disengage, and the despair eventually goes away, but we become less human. Or we can engage, but when we do, we need to know that our hearts will break.” - Can anybody share a story of a time they engaged in something that felt wrong or unjust in order to join God in making it right? What was it and what happened as a result (hint: it doesn’t have to have succeeded)? - What role do you think the church should play in engaging in that which is wrong or unjust in order to make it right?
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The third beatitude is "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." In this message, Mark describes different ways of understanding the idea of meekness, and the blessed life it gives. www.thevineaustin.org Matthew 5:5
Discussion Questions: - What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? - Read Matthew 5:1-5. After listening to the sermon, how would you describe meekness? -Who is an example of meekness from the Bible, from popular culture, or from your life? - One of the definitions of meekness is a tamed animal. With this in mind, read Matthew 11: 28-30. How does this describe meekness and the blessing of a meek life? - Out of the four definitions of meekness, which describes meekness you’d like to develop in your life? - If meek people are angered by the right thing, what do you believe Jesus would have righteous anger about today?
In the second Beatitude, we are taught, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4
www.thevineaustin.org
Discussion Questions: What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? One of the prophecies about Jesus is found in Isaiah 61:1-3. How does this passage describe Jesus’ ministry? How did Inside Out depict the problem of withholding mourning? Out of the Four truths of mourning, which do you need to experience more? What are you mourning today?
Jesus' most famous sermon, The Sermon on the Mount, begins with 8 Beatitudes or blessings. The Vine is beginning an 8-week series studying the beatitudes, one at a time. The first beatitude is "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
www.thevineaustin.org
Discussion Questions: • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • When you think of the idea of “blessed”, what comes to mind? • Discuss the meaning of being “poor in spirit”. How would you describe it? • Read Matthew 19:16-30. How does this interaction depict the problem of wealth (both material and spiritual wealth)? • Luke 18:10-14 gives us two extremes. What can we learn from this story? • Where do you feel poor today?
In this last week of this abbreviated Eastertide series, Mark preaches on the story commonly referred to as "The Road to Emmaus." Luke 24:13-35
Discussion Questions: What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? Explain the concept of “liminal space” and why it is an important concept in the spiritual life? Read Luke 24:13-35. What stands out in this story today? How can placing our pain in the larger story of Scripture (as Jesus did with the Old Testament) help us in our journey? Where are you in this story today?
Vine community member Andrew Fike preaches on the hope we have in the resurrection as seen in Jeremiah's letter to the Israelites in exile. Looking at the verses around the popular Jeremiah 29:11, we learn that God has given us a role, a resistance, and a new reality as we trust in him.
As The Vine begins a shorter Eastertide season, we consider the connection between Jesus' resurrection and our doubt.
www.thevineaustin.org John 19:31
Discusion Questions: • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • Has doubt been allowed in your faith tradition? • Read John 20:19-29. Why do you think the disciples were still locked in fear only a week after seeing the resurrected Jesus? • What do you see about Jesus through this passage? • How do you see the relationship between doubt and faith? • If Jesus steps through fear and doubt to be with us, what is a barrier in your mind or heart today?
This Easter, we consider the symbol of a seed and Jesus' promise that, "unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24
www.thevineaustin.org
Discussion Questions: What is a favorite Easter memory? What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? Respond to the notion that Mark shared. “Sometimes in life, things seem buried when in fact through God’s redemption they are just being planted.” What’s the difference? Read John 20:1-18. What image sticks with you from this passage? How does Mary begin to see clearly, and why might that be important? If Easter teaches us that death is followed by a new life, what is an area of your life that you need to see through a lens of faith-filled imagination?
On this Palm Sunday, we consider the practice Jesus taught us- complete, ruthless trust of God. www.thevineaustin.org
Discussion Questions: • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • Respond to the notion that Mark shared- trust is the foundation of our spiritual life with God. Agree or disagree? • Read Luke 19:28-44. The same crowds that praised Jesus would within days turn against Him. What does that teach us about the human condition? • How is the cross of Christ a symbol of trust for Jesus? How is it a symbol of trust for us? • Read and discuss the meaning of Romans 15:13 to this conversation on trust. • Finally, share how God is calling you to grow in trust and pray for one another.
A panel of Vine community members discuss different ways to follow Jesus in loving people in the margins. With experiences from their own lives, we hear about what it looks like to be obedient to Jesus' call to love our neighbors as well as the "least of these".
As we continue in this series, Practicing the Way of Jesus, we consider the topic of HEALING.
Discussion Questions: • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • Share your favorite story of Jesus’ healing from the Bible. • Do you agree with the concept that Jesus wanted to make the whole person whole. How do you see that? • Talk about the 4 considerations. With which do most agree? With which do you struggle? • Close with the opportunity to pray for the needs of healing in your group and our community.
The "cruciform life" means a life shaped by a cross. In this message, Mark shares about the role desire plays in our life and how the call of the cross is perhaps the most counter-cultural invitation we receive from Jesus. www.thevineaustin.org
In this message, we explore what it means that Jesus calls us to "fish for people" and share the Good New of the gospel. The scripture we are looking at is Mark 1:14-20.
The Vine's Lenten sermon series will be PRACTICING THE WAY OF JESUS. In this series, we will consider spiritual habits and disciplines Jesus embodied. This first sermon of this series will be on the practice of observing the Sabbath. Not only does this practice renew our souls, but it also teaches us about the Gospel. www.thevineaustin.org
In this last message on the LIFE OF DAVID, we consider the challenging story of David's destructive choices with Uriah and Bathsheba. This provokes us to consider what it means to be a person after "God's own heart."
2 Samuel 11-12 www.thevineaustin.org
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: * As a group, try to recall and retell the story from this 2 Samuel 11, noting the progression of David’s decisions. * What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? * How does this story depict the nature and power of sin? * What was the wisdom in the way Nathan rebuked David? * Finish by reading Psalm 51. Which line resonates with you?
Guest preacher, Karen Hughes, shares the next installment in our series on the Life of David. This message covers the challenging combination of events that happens when the ark is returned to Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 6:1-16, 20-22 www.thevineaustin.org
It would be impossible to tell the life of David without exploring his conflicted relationship with Saul. In this message, Mark explores the power of jealousy and fear with these two characters.
1 Samuel 18 and 21
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • Where do you see the “us vs them” mentality in your world? • Between fear or jealousy, which has been a greater struggle? • Why do you think David lost the courage and faith he displayed earlier with Goliath? Why is this harder? • Rewrite the story- When David saw Goliath’s sword, how should he have responded? • Which of the 3 questions at the end resonate with you? • Finish by reading Psalm 27.
www.thevineaustin.org
In this second week of the LIFE OF DAVID, we unpack the familiar story of David and Goliath. This popular story can teach us a lot on how to face the giants of our life. 1 Samuel 17 www.thevineaustin.org
We are beginning a series on the life of David. In this first message, David is anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel. 1 Samuel 16 www.thevineaustin.org
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION: • What stands out from this week’s message? • Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and discuss/review key themes. • God doesn’t look at appearance, but sees the heart. How does living in an appearance-driven world contradict the way Jesus viewed others? • God loves to choose the unexpected underdog. Is there a time God worked through unexpected people in your life? • God’s anointing is by his Holy Spirit. What is the role of Spirit in your life? What does it mean that the same Spirit that anointed David is welcomed to you today?
In this third and final sermon of the SEEK FIRST series, we consider the importance of pursuing people. Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 Matthew 18:12-14 www.thevineaustin.org
On this second sermon of the SEEK FIRST series, we consider the importance of discovering self. www.thevineaustin.org
To begin 2019, The Vine is beginning a series called SEEK FIRST with the hopes that we seek what truly matters. In this first of three sermons, Mark shares about the importance of seeking Christ. www.thevineaustin.org
This message from Pastor Ted Thulin continues the Christmas story the Sunday after Christmas. Listen and reconsider the Magi's example. www.thevineaustin.org
As we Unwrap Christmas, we discover the power of Jesus' names. This fourth week in this series focuses on the name WONDERFUL COUNSELOR. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is "Unwrapping Christmas" by considering different names Jesus receives in the Christmas Story. This week, Pastor Mark shares on the name- God Incarnate. John 1:1-3, 14
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In this second week of Advent, we consider the theme of PEACE and the name Jesus receives, PRINCE OF PEACE. What we might discover is the God's peace is surprising, goes deeper than we expect and can change the world. Luke 2:8-20
For the season of Advent, The Vine is beginning a new series called, "Unwrapping Christmas". In this series, we will reconsider the meaning of Christmas by unwrapping four different names for Jesus we find in the Christmas story. This first week, we consider Jesus, Immanuel. www.thevineaustin.org
Pastor Mark shares a message from the fourth and final chapter of Ruth. Ruth 4:1-17 www.thevineaustin.org
In the third chapter of Ruth, we find our Redeemer present in an imperfect love story. Ruth 3 www.thevineaustin.org
Guest preacher, Matt Freeman from Community First!, share this second message on Ruth, chapter 2. www.thevineaustin.org https://mlf.org/community-first https://mlf.org/the-gathering-preview
RUTH - THERE IS A REDEEMER This is the first message in a four-week series on the book of Ruth. In this sermon, we get to know the context, characters, and conflict of the story. We also consider what we do when life goes off script. www.thevineaustin.org
To finish the LIVE A BETTER STORY series, The Vine welcomed our friends from Africa New Life. Pastor Charles shares a message about the two hands of the Gospel (how Jesus' resolution continues to unfold). This message was followed up by a moving version of "Forever" led by a young woman who has graduated from this ministry in Rwanda. www.thevineaustin.org
The ups and downs of a story lead us to a resolution. In this message, Ted shares how Jesus' resurrection changes everything. www.thevineaustin.org
We are drawn to stories of a hero who can save us. In this message, Mark shares about the hero in God's Larger Story and how we can experience true greatness. www.thevineaustin.org
This fourth week in the LIVE A BETTER STORY series, we are considering the narrative element called THE CRISIS. In particular, we are looking at Elijah's moment of crisis and how God showed up for him. 1 Kings 19 www.thevineaustin.org
This is the third week in the series, LIVE A BETTER STORY. This message is on the importance of conflict in the life of a story... and a person. www.thevineaustin.org
Guest and community member, Stefanie Ragsdale, shares on the role of the protagonist in God's Story as she considers the life of Paul and her own story. Acts 9:1-19 www.thevineaustin.org
Live A Better Story is a 7 week series. In this week, we will discuss the nature of the exposition and how Genesis 1-3 teaches us our identity, purpose, and genesis. www.thevineaustin.org
As The Vine gets ready to launch into the Fall, this message reminds us why the Church exists. www.thevineaustin.org
This guardrail reminds us that an aspect of following Jesus is meeting people on their turf, on their terms. www.thevineaustin.org
Church community member, Ron Ragsdale, teaches on the next guardrail- "God loves a teachable spirit." www.thevineaustin.org
The third guardrail in our series deals with how we hope to deal with conflict resolution. "We will keep short, direct accounts of grace." MATTHEW 7:1-5 www.thevineaustin.org
The second guardrail for our community is this statement- "It is a sin to bore people with the Gospel." Listen to Mark share how Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine, teaches us a deeper truth about the Gospel. John 2:1-11 www.thevineaustin.org
This is our first sermon in a series called GUARDRAILS. Guardrails are a set of statements that describe the culture and values The Vine has. In this first sermon, Mark shares on the first guardrail- "There is no better place to plant your life than in God's Word." www.thevineaustin.org
Guest preacher, Zach Lambert, closes out our series on the parables with this study of Luke 7:36-50. This message combines the danger of judgement, the power of forgiveness, and Jesus' Kingdom of grace. www.thevineaustin.org
In this sermon, we are lead by guest preacher, Alex Rahill. Alex is the Director of Church Planting for the ECC. He shares a great follow up on the Parable of the Mustard Seeds with this commentary on the Feeding of the 5,000. Matthew 14:13-21 www.thevineaustin.org
In this sermon on Jesus' parables, Mark talks about the parables of the mustard seeds and the yeast. Also in this sermon, Mark is joined by Brooke Crowder to speak of the issue of child sex trafficking and a ministry called The Refuge. Matthew 13:31-35 www.thevineaustin.org
This is the second week in our parables series, Moral of the Story. We are learning about the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Andrew Fike is our guest preacher this evening. Andrew is a member of our community and works at a local non-profit organization. www.thevineaustin.org
This is the first week in our series on Jesus' parables called MORAL OF THE STORY. In this first sermon, Mark shares about the Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids. Matthew 25:1-13 www.thevineaustin.org
This is the fourth and final week in our AT THE MOVIES series. This Sunday, we discuss THE BLACK PANTHER. Due to copyright law, we could not share the audio from the movie. www.thevineaustin.org
At the Movies is a summer sermon series where we look at popular movies to see the messages of goodness, beauty and meaning that point to the Gospel. In this 3rd message, Ted Thulin preaches on the movie COCO and our desire to be remembered.
This is the second sermon in our AT THE MOVIES series. This week, we are looking at Darkest Hour, a biopic on Winston Churchill's first 3 weeks in office during WWII. www.thevineaustin.org
This is the first week of our June series, AT THE MOVIES. In this sermon, Mark takes a look at the movie, The Greatest Showman. www.thevineaustin.org
This is the fourth and final week in our Philippians series, "Discovering Joy." In this sermon, Cole Ellerbrock shares on Paul's secret to contentment. www.thevineaustin.org
This is the third sermon in our study of Philippians - Discovering Joy. This week, Mark shares from Philippians 3:7-14. www.thevineaustin.org
This is the second sermon in our study of Philippians - Discovering Joy. This week, Mark shares from Philippians 2:1-11, Jesus' life of downward mobility, and His two natures. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is beginning a 4 week series on the book of Philippians. In this first sermon, Pastor Ted is teaching on Philippians 1:1-14 in a sermon called, "More and More".
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This is the third and final sermon in the series WEAK AND STRONG. In this message, Mark shares the call to follow Jesus' model in reconstructing authority. www.thevineaustin.org
This is the second week in a series called WEAK AND STRONG. In this sermon, we consider the unexpected power of vulnerability. www.thevineaustin.org
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
This is the first in a 3-week series called "WEAK & STRONG". In this sermon, Mark shares how a life with Jesus is marked by weakness and strength. www.thevineaustin.org 2 Corinthians 3:12-18
This is Easter, 2018 and the conclusion of our Journey through Lent Series. www.thevineaustin.org John 20:1-2, 11-18
This is Maundy Thursday, Jesus' last night with his disciples. Listen to this meditation as a part of a Maundy Thursday worship service. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is following Jesus' step this Lenten Season. This Sunday, Pastor Mark juxtaposes two stories- the story of the Rich Young Ruler and the Widow's offering. Mark 10:17-23, Luke 21:1-4 www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, TX with the simple goal of following Jesus together. This 4th Sunday in the season of Lent, we consider John 3 which has an obscure Old Testament reference, the most familiar verse in the Bible, and the most important offer.
John 3:14-18 www.thevineaustin.org
This next Sunday in Lent, we consider Mark 6:6-13. In this passage, Jesus send his disciples into the world with power, like-minded people and incredible purpose. www.thevineaustin.org
This is the second Sunday of the season of Lent. In this message, Mark follows up last week's sermon on baptism to talk about the call of Jesus- to lay down one's life. Mark 8:31-38 www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. We are in the season of Lent- the seven weeks leading to Easter. We are going through the lectionary during Lent (which is a prescribed set of scripture churches throughout the world use for each Sunday).
This Sunday we are looking at Jesus' baptism in MARK 1:9-15. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This is the final week in the series, BEST YEAR EVER. This week, we consider the importance of building our year in God's Word. Psalm 1
Don't expect a different year if you aren't willing to take risks. This message shares how risk taking is a spiritual endeavor. Matthew 25:14-30 www.thevineaustin.org
Guest preacher, Leigh Congdon, shares the next message in this series, BEST YEAR EVER. Consider the power and importance of rest. www.thevineaustin.org
Guest Maria Peterson shares a message on the importance of community. This is the second week in a five-week series helping people to have a different kind of year- a year with greater significance, meaning and joy.
This 5 week series is meant to help you have the best year ever. A year full of significance, meaning and deep joy. This Sunday, Mark shares about one of Jesus' favorite questions. John 1:35-42
The Vine is a new church in Austin, TX. This New Year's Eve morning, Cole Ellerbrock (Director of Youth Ministry) shares on the way in which we could see Jesus through the example of Simeon. Luke 2:21-35
The Vine is spending this Christmas season joining the Advent Conspiracy. The Advent Conspiracy is a movement of churches that has the goal of rediscovering the purpose of the Christmas season. This message was the final message in this four part series and given on Christmas Eve. Tonight, we consider the call to love all. Luke 2:8-20
For more information, go to www.thevineaustin.org/advent
The Vine is spending this Christmas season joining the Advent Conspiracy. The Advent Conspiracy is a movement of churches that has the goal of rediscovering the purpose of the Christmas season. This third week, we consider the call to give more. Matthew 2:1-12
For more information, go to www.thevineaustin.org/advent
The Vine is spending this Christmas season joining the Advent Conspiracy. The Advent Conspiracy is a movement of churches that has the goal of rediscovering the purpose of the Christmas season. This second week, we consider the call to spend less. 1 TIMOTHY 6:6-10, 17-19
For more information, go to www.thevineaustin.org/advent
The Vine is spending this Christmas season joining the Advent Conspiracy. The Advent Conspiracy is a movement of churches that has the goal of rediscovering the purpose of the Christmas season. This first week, we consider the central task of worshipping fully. Luke 1:46-56
For more information, go to www.thevineaustin.org/advent
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This is the third week in our series on prayer as Mark teaches the commandment to pray without ceasing... John 15:1-4 , 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This is the second week in our series on prayer as Mark teaches from The Lord's Prayer. Matthew 6:5-13 www.thevineaustin.org
Join The Vine in this three week series on prayer. This week, Ted Thulin shares a beginner's guide to prayer.
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas with the goal of following Jesus together. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This is the fifth and final sermon in a series called Monuments. This week, we consider Joshua's final moment with Israel and a monument of an enduring legacy. Joshua 24. www.thevineaustin.org/monuments
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This is the fourth sermon in a series called Monuments where we consider five monuments in the Old Testament and our life. This week, we consider Israel's moving into the Promise Land and crossing over the Jordan River. Joshua 4:1-9. www.thevineaustin.org/monuments
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This is the third sermon in a series called Monuments where we consider five monuments in the Old Testament and our life. This week, we consider Moses and his encounter with a burning bush, God's new name, and a call to go to Egypt. Exodus 3. www.thevineaustin.org/monuments
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This is the second sermon in a series called Monuments where we consider five monuments in the Old Testament and our life. This week, we consider Jacob's name change, a mysterious wrestling match and the blessing of a limp. Genesis 32:22-32 www.thevineaustin.org/monuments
The Vine is a new church in Austin, TX. This is the first week in a new series call MONUMENTS where we explore the meaning of five different monuments in the Old Testament and in our lives.
This week, Sandy Kress joins Pastor Mark Charbonneau to consider the monument of the stars in the life of Abram.
www.thevineaustin.org/monuments
This is the third week in the series called IT'S COMPLICATED. In this message, we consider God's purpose for friendship. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Tx with the goal of following Jesus together. This is the first week in a new series called ITS COMPLICATED where we talk about three types of complicated relationships in our life. This first message is on Godly Romance. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This is a bonus podcast episode where we share about our plans for the fall! www.thevineaustin.org
This is the 4th and last week in the sermon series, BLESS. This week, we consider the power of serving others.
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The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This is the third week in our series, BLESS. This week, we consider the practice of eating together and how Jesus used the table to teach us about grace. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, TX with the goal of following Jesus. This message is the second in our sermon series, BLESS. Today, we consider listening with care as we study the example of Jesus in Luke 18:35-43. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin with a goal of following Jesus together. This is the first week in a new series called BLESS. This week we consider the first practice, beginning with prayer. www.thevineaustin.org/bless
The Vine is a new church in Austin with the simple goal of following Jesus together. This is the last in our sermon series, Stranger Things. Ellen Johnson is our guest teacher as she shares from 1 Kings 19. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This sermon is from Exodus 17 where we find a trial, a staff and a banner. www.thevineaustin.org *Sorry for the bad audio quality.
The Vine is a new church in Austin, TX with the purpose of following Jesus together. This week, we welcome guest teacher, Gideon Tsang. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This Sunday's sermon in our series, Stranger Things, is given by community member, Ron Ragsdale. In Genesis 38, we learn something profound about righteousness. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. We are in the middle of our summer series, Stranger Things, where we are discussing some of the weirder passages in the Old Testament. This week, we study Ezekiel and his bizarre prophetic work in Ezekiel 4. www.thevineaustin.org
The next week in The Vine's series, STRANGER THINGS, we discuss the peculiar story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This is the first sermon in a new series called STRANGER THINGS where we look at some of the most bizarre stories in the Bible. This week, we discuss the story of Balaam and his talking donkey.
The Vine is a new church in Southwest Austin. This week, we conclude our series on hope as we consider the identity we have to be salt and light. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Southwest Austin with a simple goal of following Jesus together. This week, we look at the well known story of sisters, Mary and Martha as we seek to live in the tension of both their examples. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in SW Austin. Our goal is to follow Jesus together, and this sermon shares how the experience of community will effect our hope. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a church in Southwest Austin. This is the fourth sermon in our series call THE HOPE EFFECT. This week, we consider how using our strengths grows hope. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This is the third week in our series, The Hope Effect. We are discussing the power of the present and how the past and future can be used to drain our hope. www.thevineaustin.org
This is the second week in our sermon series, The Hope Effect. This week we consider how raising our expectations grows hope within us. Bible Passage: 2 Kings 6:8-23. www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in SW Austin. This is the first week of a new series, The Hope Effect. This week is the first foundation to experience hope; FILL YOUR SOUL.
The Vine concludes our series, Soul Detox, by discussing the toxin of fear in our life. For more info, go to www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Austin, TX. This Lenten series is called, Soul Detox. Listen to this recording to consider the toxin of people pleasing.
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas with a simple goal of following Jesus. This is a lesson on the soul toxin of unforgiveness in this series we call SOUL DETOX.
The Vine is a new church in Austin, TX. This week, guest preacher, Alan Graham, continues our series called Soul Detox.
The Vine is a new church in Austin, TX with the simple goal- following Jesus together. Join us as we consider the problem of busyness in our series, SOUL DETOX.
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. We are in our series, Soul Detox, where we consider what is holding us back from full health. This week, we consider the problem with ingratitude.
The Vine is a new church in Austin, TX with the simple goal of following Jesus together. This is the first sermon in a new series called, Soul Detox. This week, we consider the problem of control.
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas with a simple goal of following Jesus together. This sermon is the end of our series, Beginnings, where the author of the book shares about the power and promise of baptism.
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas with the simple goal of following Jesus together. This week, we consider the final day of creation, the day of rest.
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas with the simple goal of following Jesus together. We hope you enjoy the sixth sermon in this series Beginnings as we explore God's created intent in our lives.
The Vine is a new church in Austin Tx with the simple goal of following Jesus together.
The Vine is a new church in Austin, Texas. This is our third week in our series called Beginnings.
The Vine is a new church community in Austin, TX. Our current series is called Beginnings as we are exploring the promise can make all things new. www.thevineaustin.org
Beginnings is a 8 week long sermon exploring the promise that Jesus can make all things new. This week, we are looking at Day One- the Creation of Light.
Listen to the last sermon in our series, Visions of a Savior. In this sermon, we explore the example we have from the Magi.
The Vine is a new church in Austin, TX with the vision of following Jesus together.
This is the fourth Sunday in Advent. The Vine in Austin Texas is in the middle of a sermon series, Visions of a Savior as we discover how to follow Jesus in the midst of our longings.
This is the third sermon during this season of Advent. Our series, Visions of a Savior now takes us to the story of the shepherds.
The Vine in Austin, TX is looking at individuals vision of a savior during the season of Advent. This sermon consider's Mary's life and example.
This sermon, The Final Table, is a part of a sermon series at The Vine. Our sermon series, At the Table, studies the way in which Jesus uses the table to teach us about grace. More info at www.thevineaustin.org
Pastor Ted Thulin shares the third sermon in our series "At The Table: A Series on Grace". www.thevineaustin.org
The Vine is a new church in Southwest Austin.
This is the 2nd sermon in our series exploring how Jesus uses the table to teach us about grace.
Mark Charbonneau offers the sermon on John 2:1-12.
This is the first week in a new series- At The Table. We will have six weeks considering six moments where Jesus teaches us about grace around a table. Matthew 9:9-13; Jesus creates an unexpected table with Matthew.