Gateway Church Austin

Training vs Trying

Training vs Trying

Training vs Trying

One of the key aspects of learning to manage and even overcome our anxiety requires us to bring others into our fight. God calls us to do life deeply and authentically with other Christ followers, so we can experience the hope found only in community. What does it look like to invite others into our pain and fears so that we never have to battle alone?

Overcoming anxiety may feel impossible at times. The struggles we experience may seem like mountains too tall to climb. But what if we could be so practiced in habits of mind that anxiety and fears have no chance to take hold?

We have become an increasingly anxious people and developed many habits that can keep us mired in anxiety. But God gives us the groundwork to develop good habits that will help to alleviate those anxieties and bring us peace. Finding God’s peace—one that “transcends all understanding”—requires trust in Him. Do you trust God to remove your anxiety and bring you peace?

Anxiety is at epidemic levels in our society, and for many of us, it is a daily struggle. Coming in various forms, from frivolous worries to debilitating anguish, our experiences may seem unavoidable. But what could be behind all this anxiety, and where can we find hope for true freedom?

When a new year draws near, many of us associate this time with an opportunity to start anew. But often we fail to first explore and acknowledge the roots of the issues that rob us of the freedom we are seeking. How can we look to our pasts to ensure we create strong foundations for our future?

One of the best things about the weirdness of Austin is that it gives us permission to not be perfect. This Christmas, forget about your quest to take the perfect family photo, buy the perfect gift, or act like a perfect person. Instead, feel welcomed to come as you are, as we remember the weirdest Christmas in history and learn how an unlikely King promises peace for us all.

When some people think of God, they conjure up images of an iron-fisted man who binds us with rules and punishes us when we don’t follow them. But God actually desires a life full of joy for all of us. How can we discover and maintain joy in our lives, and how can God use that joy to change the world around us for the better?

We live in a world that often makes us believe taking is best and giving will leave you coming up short. But God demonstrated to us that His economy is one of abundance, where we never have to worry that we won’t have all that we need and more. But believing that you can give instead of take requires trust. Do you trust in God’s example of giving?

Jesus was born into poverty and scandal. He came into the world amidst the stench of animals and their manure. He died as a common criminal on a Roman cross. He taught about the love of God, did miracles that some believed, and others doubted. Forty days after his death, he only had 120 followers left. His life should have done nothing to alter the course of human history, and yet no one has had a greater impact. What impact will you have with your life? Are you willing to impact the world around you like Jesus? We explore these questions as we look at How Jesus Changed the World. http://www.gatewaychurch.com/Challenge/

Although we may all have a great many individual differences, coming from diverse walks of life and having unique life experiences, there are also commonalities that tie us all together. One of those is a desire for connection and the need to feel known and accepted. God offers these amazing gifts, and He invites us to take advantage of them. How will you respond to His invitation?

Encounters with Jesus usually lead to distinct responses, whether positive reactions or negative reactions on our part. But with the knowledge that Jesus is a God that fully sees us and still offers love and grace, even through the difficulties of vulnerability, it is hard to ignore an encounter with Him. How will you respond to God, knowing that He sees you and has compassion for who you are and all you go through?

In our highly divided political climate, many of us have heard that we must vote red, or we must go blue, to be Christian. We tend to attack those who do not think like us and support our values, and thus have reduced God to a set of behaviors and policies. In contrast, what does it really mean to not only know God, but to experience Him on a deep, relational level?

Our stories create a picture for others to see how God enters our lives and brings healing, meaning, and connection, rather than the rules and condemnation we sometimes associate with Him. But how do we face down our fears of others’ reactions and explain how God has freed and empowered us?

To love others well means to serve them. But oftentimes, our own agendas and skewed priorities can get in the way of our putting others first and serving them with a happy and humble heart. What will it take for us to serve others like Jesus did?

God’s greatest commandments were to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. That kind of selfless love for others is a love that engages—one that meets others where they are and is intentional. But what might loving our neighbors, co-workers, and friends in this way really look like day-to-day?

It is often much easier to talk than to listen. Listening actively and engaging in other-centered communication can be a real challenge. However, Jesus showed us that listening is a key aspect to making people feel truly valued and loving them well. How could listening help you better love and care for the people around you?

There are people we encounter everyday, at work, in our neighborhoods, or even in our own home, that may seem happy or content. But many of the people around us suffer with a deep feeling of loneliness—a lack of connection that isn’t always readily detectable from the outside. God demonstrated a love that cared about such connections, and He wants us to continue to intentionally demonstrate that love. How can you show you truly care about those around you?