Neuroscience tells us - the human mind can actually resist truth about oneself. This phenomenon is called mutual pretense in the medical field. Everybody desperately needs to be covered - desperately wants to be covered - has to be covered, to keep people from seeing who we really are. What Adam & Eve used as fig leaves in Genesis 3, we use as social media, larger homes, smiling families, and education today. Anything to create a veneer on the outside that covers the shame and guilt we fear when we are exposed. While the natural mind may be hostile to truth, the spiritual person is called to turn toward it all costs. This is called repentance or confession. This is one of the first things Jesus begins to preach … Ethos is a life-giving community committed to keeping Jesus at its Center. Our vision is to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did so that we may love all people in Jesus' name. EthosOH.com Small Groups: EthosOH.com/Community ServeColumbus.org

In Johns gospel, Jesus said; “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” In these words, Jesus’ promise of peace does not guarantee the absence of trouble or pain. In this message, we will talk about the paradox, the presence, and the peace discovered in Jesus’ words. We oftentimes ask ourselves, if God is so good why is there so much pain in this world. But the reality is, that Jesus’ promise of peace does not guarantee the absence of trouble or pain. Rather we are called to understand that life offers both still waters and valleys of death (Psalm 23). And in that, holding on to the truth that God is the connection point within those two places. And valuing God’s presence over provision, knowing that He is with us, that is what God is good at. “He makes me like down in green pastures. He leads me besides still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:2-4 (ESV)- Ethos is a life-giving community committed to keeping Jesus at its Center. Our vision is to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did so that we may love all people in Jesus' name. EthosOH.com Small Groups: EthosOH.com/Community ServeColumbus.org

Does anybody enjoy ‘waiting’? Red lights, long lines, commercials & ads during your favorite TV show or sports team, slow service at a restaurant. These are all a bit trivial in the grand scheme of life. But what about waiting on unanswered prayer, or a bad habit to finally be defeated, or a spouse, job, health? We don’t have a theology for waiting well. We certainly have an unhealthy and unbiblical theology for wanting everything now. Isaiah 30:18 (NIV) tells us;  “So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.” How do we learn to ‘wait well’? ​ Ethos is a life-giving community committed to keeping Jesus at its Center. Our vision is to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did so that we may love all people in Jesus' name. EthosOH.com Small Groups: EthosOH.com/Community ServeColumbus.org

In “Celebration of Discipline”, Richard Foster wrote, “God takes this ‘useless’ discipline, this ‘wasted time’, to make us His friend.” When we are quiet enough to hear God’s affirming voice, it becomes much easier not to fall under the spell of the opinions of others. The primary purpose of solitude is simply to be more present to God. In solitude we discover that the one who made us and loves us most wants to be our friend. He is the prize. ​ “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength. But you were unwilling.” Isaiah 30:15 Ethos is a life-giving community committed to keeping Jesus at its Center. Our vision is to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did so that we may love all people in Jesus' name. EthosOH.com Small Groups: EthosOH.com/Community ServeColumbus.org Speaker: Dr. Tammy Smith

Scripture teaches, “don’t be anxious. Just pray.” Maybe we don’t because prayer comes with plenty of reasons to be anxious. Prayer itself makes us anxious because it uncovers fears we can ignore as long as we don’t engage deeply, thoughtfully, vulnerably with God.” Tyler Staten “This is the way it is with spiritual disciplines – they are a way of sowing to the Spirit. The disciplines are Gods way of getting us into the ground; they put us where he can work within us and transform us. By themselves they spiritual disciplines can do nothing; they can only get us to the place where something can be done by God.” Richard Foster “Celebration of Discipline” 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT) - Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” Ethos is a life-giving community committed to keeping Jesus at its Center. Our vision is to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did so that we may love all people in Jesus' name. EthosOH.com Small Groups: EthosOH.com/Community ServeColumbus.org

When we think about the good news of Jesus, two approaches in the form of a question come to mind. There are two contrasting questions that form our shift today from making converts to making disciples. Question 1: In a ‘Conversion Centered Gospel’ one might ask “If you were to die tonight, would you go to heaven?” Question 2: In a disciple centered gospel one might ask “If you knew you were going to live forever, what kind of person would you like to become?” The second question focuses on a process of growing toward Christlikeness. One question is just concerned with getting us to heaven. The other is concerned with who I am right now and who I am becoming. This is what we call discipleship or spiritual formation which is the development of a heart for God. Ethos is a life-giving community committed to keeping Jesus at its Center. Our vision is to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did so that we may love all people in Jesus' name. EthosOH.com Small Groups: EthosOH.com/Community ServeColumbus.org