Holding All Things In Common

Session 4.16 for April 15, 2012

In Acts 4:32-35, we read about the early church’s selflessness in giving and sharing with their Christian brothers and sisters. In the Lenten and Easter season that we have just experienced, we recognize that our Savior gives all for us. In the Acts 4:32-35, we see a church who gives and shares everything in the spirit of Christ. In our lives today, we often compartmentalize faith – confession in Lent, celebration at Easter and Christmas, praying on Sundays, and service on summer mission trips. Our church families are often not the people that we actually even care about. We are scared to open ourselves up or give our all. The early church was excited and bold to share their faith and lives with one another.  

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

To toggle between the hi-def and standard-def versions, click the "HD" on the video.

FaithElement Bible Background 4.16 from FaithElement | FaithLab on Vimeo.

Scripture: Acts 4:32-35

Session Pages

FaithElement offers several flavors of Bible study, all based on the same scripture passage for the day. Click on an approach to download the PDF of that session page.

Mental

Mystic

Media

Create

Youth

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Media

“Get Together” – The Youngbloods
“Solidarity” – Five Iron Frenzy
“Border Song” – Elton John
“As One” – Curt Siffert

Youth

Charlie Brown

Mystic

"Stone Soup"

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth

The Rest of The Story

Session 4.15 for April 8, 2012

In Mark 16:1-8, we read about these three women who went to attend to Jesus’s body after his crucifixion.  Mark 16:8 ends with these women fleeing from the tomb in terror and amazement.  If we were faced with the same circumstances as these women, we would likely react in a similar fashion.  For the women and for us, it is an incredible and terrifying display of God’s power to see an angel or realize that a person has come back to life after dying. On Easter day, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.  Yet, we are so used to telling the story that it has become banal instead of amazing or terrifying.  We want to reach into the story and tell the frightened women, “wake up!  This isn’t scary – it’s great.  Jesus is alive!”  Yet, we are the ones who need to wake up to God’s majesty and power.   

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

To toggle between the hi-def and standard-def versions, click the "HD" on the video.

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Session Pages

FaithElement offers several flavors of Bible study, all based on the same scripture passage for the day. Click on an approach to download the PDF of that session page.

Mental

Mystic

Media

Create

Youth

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Media

Easter Song” – Keith Green
“Christ is Risen” – Matt Maher
“Easter Songs for Children”
“Easter is Coming”
Pipe Organ Music for “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"
Lyrics for “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"

Youth

Tommy Boy
What is Easter

Mystic

“Someday” by Nichole Nordeman
Fortunately, Unfortunately

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth

Hosanna!

Session 4.14 for April 1, 2012

In Mark 11:1-11, we hear the story that is behind our celebration of Palm Sunday. Our celebration of Palm Sunday may leave us with the picture of a grand procession announcing the entry of Christ. The real kingly procession, however, is simple and humble featuring Jesus entering Jerusalem on a mere colt with a ragged bunch of disciples. Once again, Jesus shows people that they can do things a different way. Jesus’ way challenges the status quo and reminds us that power can be harmful to those who have little power. Jesus’ way shows us that those who come in the name of the Lord are the ones who are blessed – not the ones who have all of the power or prestige.  

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

To toggle between the hi-def and standard-def versions, click the "HD" on the video.

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11

Session Pages

FaithElement offers several flavors of Bible study, all based on the same scripture passage for the day. Click on an approach to download the PDF of that session page.

Mental

Mystic

Media

Create

Youth

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Create

"Hosanna" by Hillsong United

Media

“Palm Sunday” – The Gospel of John
“Palm Sunday” – The Skit Guys
“You Lay Down” – Terry Taylor
“Peace on Earth” – U2

Mental

 Life of Jesus - First Century Context of Palestine (Israel)

Mystic

 "Whale Rider"

Youth

Prospective Student

Fantastic Four

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth

God's Grace

Session 4.13 for March 25, 2012

In Jeremiah 31:31-34 God tells the people that God is going to make a new covenant.  This new covenant will be written on the hearts of humanity.  This type of covenant is not just an outward way of acting but a part of the actual fabric of humanity based God’s everlasting faithfulness, love, and forgiveness.  

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

To toggle between the hi-def and standard-def versions, click the "HD" on the video.

FaithElement Bible Background 4.13 from FaithElement | FaithLab on Vimeo.

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Session Pages

FaithElement offers several flavors of Bible study, all based on the same scripture passage for the day. Click on an approach to download the PDF of that session page.

Mental

Mystic

Media

Create

Youth

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Media

“The New Covenant” – Esther Mui
“Wedding Dress” – Derek Webb (Live)
“Forever Mercy” – Altar Boys: “Forever Mercy”
“Loved and Forgiven” – The Lost Dogs: “Nazarene Crying Towel”

Youth

Courageous

Mystic

Metronome
“My Offering,” by Nichole Nordeman

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth

God's Healing

Session 4.12 for March 18, 2012

In Numbers 21:4-9 we learn about the complaints of the Israelites as they wondered in the desert.  They had their basic needs provided for, yet they complained to God for a better life.  Sound familiar?  In our world, we often complain of a hard life, and we definitely don’t live in a harsh desert.  This passage reminds us that God does not necessarily take away the trials or discomfort.  Rather, God offers us healing in the midst of our pain.  Jesus is our provision in the desert that provides us with hope and comfort even in the midst of sin and death.  

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

To toggle between the hi-def and standard-def versions, click the "HD" on the video.

Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9

Session Pages

FaithElement offers several flavors of Bible study, all based on the same scripture passage for the day. Click on an approach to download the PDF of that session page.

Mental

Mystic

Media

Create

Youth

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Media

 “So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt” – Keith Green
“The Israelites” – Desmond Decker
“Business English - Complaining & Disagreeing Politely and Effectively”
“John Cleese – How To Irritate People: The Job Interview”

Youth

Conan O’Brien Video
We were Soldiers

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth