Recap Week 2: Generalizing the Questions

This week and next will focus on moving our discussions and personal thoughts into a package that could be shared with entire groups of Christians and would be adopted by them all. In other words, what are things that all Christians would agree on as far as "What's the least we can do?"

Then more specifically for the Utica church of Christ, how can we communicate the process of the past several months to the rest of the congregation that has not been coming on Wednesday nights and participating in this Bible study?

Recap Week 1: Personalizing the Questions

Through "the least we can do" study, we have focused on three main areas: the least we can do, core values and everyday practices.

The least we can do often resulted in answers that were bigger and broader concepts of how we should live this life in response to God's command and love.

For example: "be willing to give up anything that might come between me and God."

Core values look at the beliefs and ideals that are most important to us. In order to actually do, "the least we can do," what values are essential?

Example (in keeping with the example above): If I am going to be willing to give up material possessions, I must value simplicity. If I am willing to sever relationships and commit to ridding myself of bad habits, I'll have to value God's wisdom.

Everyday practices are the "least we can do" concepts broken down into "easy" assignments. So if the least we can do is eat a six foot long partysubmarine sandwich, the everyday practice might be to take one bite.

Example (in keeping with the example above): Reflection. I can read and pray Psalm 139:23-24 ²³ Search me, God, and know my heart; 
   test me and know my anxious thoughts. 
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me, 
   and lead me in the way everlasting.

Keep in mind the everyday practice is just one "bite." It may not fully accomplish the least we can do concept but it will be a start in the direction. It will be one piece of the puzzle.

The idea here is that each individual would be able to develop a goal or two that are manageable tasks that will for them be "the least they can do"

What is it for you?

The Lost Week: Whats TLWCD to imitate God?

Ephesians 5:1-2
¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

What's the Least We Can Do to reach the lost?

This week we looked at Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8 and Colossians 4:2-6 to see the least we can do to evangelize and make disciples.

July 13, 2011 - What's the Least We Can Do? In the home and at work?

For this week we looked at Ephesians 5:21-6:9 and Colossians 3:18-4:1 to see the least we can be doing in the home and at work.

TLWCD to enter God's Rest...

This Wednesday we looked at 3 Scriptures: Hebrews 3:7-19; Hebrews 10:19-25 and I Thessalonians 5. Again we asked the question... What's the least we can do?   to enter God's rest... to enter the Most High place... to be a child of the light/day?
Step 2 of the exercise forced us to come up with some things that we can do as everyday/any day, practical, real-life activities for God.
The results of the 3 groups/3 Scriptures will be posted as replies to this post.
Feel free to add your own thoughts, comments and questions!

Everyday Practices for Luke 9 and 14

OK. This past week we re-examined Luke 9:57-62 and Luke 14:15-35 to see how we could translate those Scriptures (the least we could do) to follow Jesus into everyday practices. This proved to be a difficult task as many of us were able to identify common themes and concepts but had a more difficult time with the concrete.

Some things I remember from Wednesday... please add your own ideas
1. Make yourself available to God and to serve others
2. Invite (bring, drag) ALL people to the feast/banquet of the Master
3. Pray for wisdom, guidance, clarity, etc. (Psalm 139:23-24)
4. Seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)
5. Read the Bible

What's the least you can do to follow Jesus? What does that look like in your everyday life and practices?