City Life Starter

Background: We are going through a series on the values of our church. In order to help us think about these values, our City Life Houston Starter Team will answer questions related to each specific value. Let’s see how they do!

Authenticity

Tell us something that you are working through in your faith right now?

Being present with Jesus and relying solely on His grace in my weakness.

Generosity

When has someone’s generosity toward you or how you have been generous towards another changed how you see God?

My mom’s generosity to me in her prayers and active love in spite of my sinful tendencies, has changed how I see God as my Father.

Excellence

(2 parts) What is one verse that has inspired your walk with God this year? Now, write the shortest reflection and application you can possibly do with the verse stated above.

Romans 8:29-30 AMP. You need both verses for cohesion.

29 For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers. 30 And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity].

Paul wrote this to the Roman church to reassure them of God’s everlasting commitment to His purpose for our redemption, even during suffering. The preceding verse (v. 28) is often quoted and is wonderful but if we stop there we risk missing out on the following gem:

God is steadfast to our salvation, sanctification, and future glorification in the Lord Jesus, because this was his plan for us from eternity past. He foreknew us, predestined us to become like Jesus, called us, has justified us, and will glorify Himself through us. It’s God’s unassailable destiny for believers, no matter what we walk through.

Creativity

Write a paragraph using the words, City, Life, and Houston, but that makes no mention of the church.

No matter where you go within Houston limits, you’ll discover the city bursting with the most diverse people, animals, and plant life. We just need to pay more attention.

Diversity

(2 part Question) Given that we have a diverse church as well as a diverse writing team, what stands out to you most about being a part of this team? Why should someone read what we write compared to other Christian blogs?

The range of professional and personal experiences on the writing team is sheer beauty. The different writing styles are like facets of a diamond. The light hits differently from the different angles.

Boldness

I’m not afraid to answer these 6 questions…

1) What’s something about your faith you used to be embarrassed to admit, but aren’t anymore?

That I believe that God really spoke all creation into being.

2) The one area of weakness in your writing?

Run-on sentences.

3) Your favorite pizza topping is…?

Pineapple. Yes, it belongs on pizza.

4) What was the last thing you watched on your TV before answering this question?

Marble Hall Murders.

5) You write the best when…(place and time?)

On a rainy day, in the nook of my sectional.

6) If you had to choose a place to live outside of Houston, where would it be? (Has to be within the U.S.)

Savannah, Georgia.