Gateway Fellowship

Johnathan Quatela's ministry is to serve those who serve the state of Delaware through governmental leadership.He likes to say, "Government is God's idea. Politics is what happens when people insert their own agendas into it."

This is a reflection on the nature of faith. It tries to work out some implications of what James says in chapter 2 of his letter when he tells us, "Oh you say you believe in one God? Well guess what? The demons believe, but they tremble."Real faith isn't about what we claim to agree with, but what we stake our lives on. This truth cuts two ways:1. If we say we believe, maybe we're wrong.2. If we say we don't believe, maybe we're wrong.

Jay talked about the process God allows us to take to make mistakes, learn, and find our way, with God involved and orchestrating things in a way we couldn't anticipate. God does this because he knows us, knows what we need, and loves us deeply.

Mark 6:46 “He went up on the mountain to pray.”Where are your meeting places? What role does beauty play in your prayers? What are your habits?

The Wednesday evening group helped me process a text from a friend.Then we talked about the question, "What is holiness?"

A real hero bleeds, fails, and grows, because the line between good and evil isn't out there, us and them, but much closer.

Danielle identified and responded to some common lies we're tempted to believe, and corresponding truths from God.

Was Jesus racist? What is the children's bread? And other questions...(from Mark 7:24-30)

What voices are we listening to?

This chat is about the leftovers in the multiplication of food miracles. It's about how we deal with leftovers historically vs now, and it's about what Jesus wants to do with broken people, and the broken pieces of our lives.Also, cheese is amazing.

47 When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. 49 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."51 Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. (Mark 6:47-52 NRS)

After Jesus raised a little girl from the dead one town over, we read in Mark 6 that he couldn't do any mighty works in his hometown because of their unbelief. What's up with that?

43 After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, 44 saying to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter. (Mark 1:40-45 NRS)

“They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and NOT as the scribes.” (Mark 1:22)

Why were people drawn to John the Baptist?What are some negative associations with the word "repent?"What repentance isn'tWhat repentance isWhat are 6 elements of a great apology?Is repentance easy or hard?This is based on Mark 1:1-8

We're designed to run on the fuel of:The goodThe beautifulThe true

2 Peter 3 seems as relevant as ever.

It isn't enough just to avoid the wrong things (empty and sweep the house). In order to live the abundant life we are designed to crave, we have to "fill the house."The question I keep considering is, "How do we do that?"

People don't do what's most logical, we do what we believe will make us feel good. Science, psychology, and marketing all verify this, and it makes us often confused by our own choices and the choices of others.How do we leverage this insight for our thriving?How does this impact our approach to God and inviting others to the life of faith?

This talk is based on Galatians 3:14."He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."