The Fruit of Repentance

Session 4.51 for December 16, 2012

During the Advent season, we are busy preparing for Christmas – presents, decorations, and laying out our manger scenes. Yet, John’s idea of preparing for Christ’s coming to the world is an entirely different matter. John reminds us that Jesus is much more than a sweet baby born into a dirty manger. Jesus grew up. Jesus called for repentance and action. As we prepare for Advent, we are not preparing for a little bundle of joy. Rather, we are preparing for a savior who will baptize the world with the Holy Spirit and fire, a God who calls us to take action and share the news of hope with the world.

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

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

Scripture: Luke 3:7-18

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.

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Media

The Wire
How to High-5
One-Upsmanship — (There is a comical reference to breastfeeding in this clip)

Youth

Talladega Nights
My Dinner With Andre

Mystic

Dave
Les Miserables

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth

A New Power in Town

Session 4.50 for December 9, 2012

In today’s session, in the second week of Advent, we hear John the Baptist’s voice quoting ancient Scripture from Isaiah in Luke 3:1-6. John reminds his listeners that we can make our paths straight through repentance. We prepare for the Advent of Christ by turning our lives towards God and away from the world.

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

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

Scripture: Luke 3:1-6

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.

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Media

Geek Test — (This clip has two instances of ‘damn’ but they are passing and not glaring)
Repent — (Some passing references to drug use and drinking, but in a comedic setting)
Natural State

Youth

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth

Life in Death

Session 4.49 for December 2, 2012

In Jeremiah 33:14-16, we are reminded that God shows up even in the darkest of times and there is hope for the future even when our present shows only pain. As we begin the first week of Advent, this is an important message – when we are broken, God is present to bring us to wholeness. When the darkness seems overpowering, God is light. Today, we will explore the words of Jeremiah 33:14-16 to see how we can have hope in the midst of rough times.

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 4.49 from FaithElement | FaithLab on Vimeo.

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16

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.

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Media

Nothing Will Stop Me
Plant the Seed
Let it Grow

Youth

3 Day test
Charlotte’s Web
The Life of Pi

Mystic

Romeo and Juliet
Nicole Nordeman’s, “Someday”

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth

Power In Truth

Session 4.48 for November 25 2012

Today’s text is John 18:33-37. It is the scene in which Jesus stands before Pilate on trial for accusations of treason. Jesus answers these accusations by flipping the traditional view of royalty and power. Jesus shows Pilate and readers today that true power comes only through truth and God’s kingdom.

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

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

Scripture: John 18:33-37

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.

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Media

Power?
Whole Truth
THAT is Power

Youth

The King and I
The Lion King
Schindler’s List

Mystic

The Story of Malala Yousafzai

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth

Nothing is Permanent

Session 4.47 for November 18, 2012

In Mark 13:1-8, we hear Jesus speaking to the disciples about the end of the world. Often, we hear this text as a guide for how to recognize the end of the world. Or, we just dismiss Jesus’ words as something that does not happen to us. One message is clear, though. Jesus is reminding the disciples not to put their faith in temples, buildings, and stones. These things, while seemingly solid, are still fleeting and temporary in light of the power and permanence of God. Today, we put our faith and attention in so many things that we take for granted as a permanent part of life – technology, cars, electricity, our church buildings, even our families and friends. Yet, Jesus reminds us that even the strongest human built foundation is fleeting in comparison to God’s permanence.

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

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

Scripture: Mark 13:1-8

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.