The dual nature of Jesus is central to Christian belief. We believe Jesus was 100% human and 100% divine. It is as difficult to understand this concept empirically (1+1=1) as it is to believe in the trinity (1+1+1=1). But claiming the full humanity and divinity of Jesus allows us to have a full relationship with God, who through Christ is both greater than us and is deeply connected to us.   HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps Reflection Questions: 1. Do you tend to have a “high” or “low” image of Jesus?   2. What significance does the full divinity and humanity of Jesus have for you?   ..read more

The doctrine of the trinity is one of the most essential tenets of the Christian faith. It is also the hardest to explain and understand rationally. By claiming our belief in the triune God, we not only allow for the mystery of God’s nature and activity; we also discover how to fully live a trinitarian life, the way God intends.   HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps.com Reflection Questions: 1. What are the hardest questions about the faith that you wrestle with?   2. What is your favorite image of the trinity?   3. How will you live a trinitarian life this week ..read more

Walking was the most common form of transport in both the Ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman World. Roads were important facets of the landscape; they enhanced travel, promoted safety and commerce, and improved connections between communities. Many biblical references use the image of a road or path as a metaphor for the faithful life. Discipleship is about taking the journey, one step at a time. HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps Reflection Questions: 1. What landscape are you currently in? 2. What does setting God’s ordinances before you look like in your life? 3. How can you choose faithfulnes ..read more

Rivers and streams in the Bible symbolize places of refreshment and nourishment. Elijah was fed by a brook. Jesus was baptized in the river. The Israelites found hope when God parted the Jordan for them so they could enter the Promised Land. Psalm 1 describes the law of God, which enables a person to be planted like a tree in water. We all need times of encouragement that can come from meeting God at the river. HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps Reflection Questions: 1. Among the 1000s of decisions you make everyday, can you think of a time where you felt really close to God, certain that you were on ..read more

The heavens declare the glory of God, says the Psalmist. Often throughout the Bible, the skies symbolized the promise and hope of God. The skies contained a rainbow that signified an end to the flood. The pillar of fire and cloud in the sky led the Israelites through the exodus. And in 1 Kings, Elijah instructed his servant to look into the skies for a sign of the end of the drought. That cloud, the size of a human hand, was enough to remind people that God’s promise and provision were imminent. HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps Reflection Questions: 1) Which of the three parts of Psalm 19 do you mo ..read more

The wilderness and desert are two of the most common natural landscapes in the Bible. Psalm 107 captures how the desert can be a place of loneliness, stress, and anxiety, which are common experiences for us today. But just as every biblical figure who entered the wilderness discovered, the desert is also a place to experience God’s presence in a new and profound way. HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps Reflection Questions: 1. What are your most vivid memories of being in a desert? 2. Which of the four metaphors in Psalm 107 best describes what you are struggling with? 3. Do you believe that God love ..read more

Just as there are mountaintops in life, so there are valleys. The most famous reference to a valley in the Bible is in Psalm 23, where it depicts the long shadow of grief and loss. This service invites us to name our grief and loss, and points us toward healthy ways to process that grief and find hope. HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps Reflection Questions: 1. What valleys are you experiencing right now?   2. How will you shift from talking about God to connecting personally with God?   3. How will you remember that God is with you ..read more

In Mark’s Easter gospel, the power of the resurrection through Christ can redeem the lingering guilt and shame of our yesterdays, the real time struggle and suffering of our present days, and the fear and anxiety of our tomorrows. God’s resurrection power is timeless, resilient, and always with us. HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps Reflection Questions: 1. What boulder-type burdens are you carrying today?   2. Where have you seen evidence of God’s love at work in your past? In your present?   3. In what way will you move forward and claim the new life God is preparing for your future? &nbs ..read more

 The story of Holy Week begins with shouts of Hosanna, but by week’s end, those shouts become cries to murder Jesus. Holy Week is an invitation for us to locate ourselves in the story, and ask, as the old hymn says, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps HydeParkUMC.org/Easter Reflection Questions: 1. For what reasons are you praying “Hosanna” today?   2. How might your daily prayer time include both verse 24 and 25 of Psalm 118?   3. How will you participate in the services and observances of Holy Week this week ..read more

Jesus compared his imminent death on the cross to the burial of a seed, which is necessary in order for it to spring to new life. Likewise, once we are willing to have Jesus put to death the sin in our lives, we can be raised to new life in Christ. HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps Reflection Questions: 1. What is the most challenging aspect of these  words of Jesus  for you personally?   2. Who has modeled for you servanthood and self-sacrifice?   3. What are the “little deaths” that you are experiencing right now? How might they be the gateway to new life ..read more