concrete | the skinny series guide

concrete

the Skinny Series Guide

the things we build upon

2 THE SKINNY SErIES guIdE | dIaloguE cHurcH

The Skinny Series Guide and its contents here out were developed by Dialogue Church, Muncie, Indiana. Some rights reserved. Part of this publication, including content and graphics, may be reproduced and distributed with permission granted by the aforementioned organization.

It’s not that we’re totally worried about copyrights, but we’d just like to know who, where, and why people are using our stuff.

Permission requests may be made via email, [email protected].

All scriptures referenced and used are from either the New International Version published by Zondervan or The Voice New Testament.

Published by Dialogue ChurchMuncie, Indiana 47305http://www.dialoguechurch.us

Copyright © 2010 Dialogue Church

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3THE SKINNY SErIES guIdE | dIaloguE cHurcH

Why did Michelangelo leave a separation between the fingers in his painting?

This small detail is located in the center of the image, making it very noticeable. One theory analysts have come up with explains an invisible electric shock pass-ing through God’s hand and into Adam’s. This is called the “Frankenstein Theory;” how God gave life to Adam. Looking at the entire image, we can see that the shape of the red cloth surrounding God is in the shape of a human brain. The frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and brain stem are obviously outlined. This could also account for the theory that God is reaching out to Adam to give humanity divine wisdom or even free will.

One of the most popular theories is called “The Mirror Theory,” and it has nothing to do with what is in the gap between the fingers but what is not in the gap. This painting is called “The Creation of Adam (1510),” and it ac-companies many other scenes from the book of Genesis on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Since the Bible tells us that God created man out of his image, many assume that Adam is trying to mirror the image of God. As God reach-

es out toward Adam, Adam reaches up toward God. Though, it doesn’t seem like Adam’s trying very hard. God’s arm is completely outstretched and it even looks like He is anchoring Himself on the shoulders of an angel. Adam’s just chillin’ on a rock, limply placing his arm in front of him. He even has a strong foundation to stand on and he can’t motivate himself to move closer.

Maybe Michelangelo was onto some-thing, using the placement of the arms, not necessarily the spacing. If God created us in His image and gave us life, he would want his creation to know Him. God, in all of His wisdom, would grant us free will so that we can come and know Him.

God continues to speak to His creation and give humanity the tools to reach Him. Like Adam, we don’t make much of an effort to meet our maker in the way He intended.

God has given us so many tools to know Him better. The Bible, church, even other people can help us get to know God.

He’s reaching out for us. It’s time we reach out for Him.


THEskinnYSo what’s the deal with

anyways?

The Skinny is a tool to help you find out how His plans and dreams fit your life.

The concept is simple. If God is speak-ing to us today, we want to do more than simply listen—we want to join the conversation.

We want to do more than hear and obey. We want to listen and interact. We need more than the message —we want to know the messenger.

The Skinny is a collaborative tool to help you discover the longing in your soul.

How amazing would it be to understand what god was thinking?

It moves through three phases:

1. Connect to God’s truth and beauty.

2. Center your life on love.

3. Create hope in a broken world.

The world is waiting on you to live your best life. God is speaking, and He is invit-ing you to join the conversation.

Creation of Adam, Michelangelo Sistine Chapel (Vatican, Rome) 1510


1. PrayAsk God to help you hear His voice and for insights into His thoughts on your life.

1. Do More than ListenAs you hear the message from God’s Word, learn to listen for God’s voice. Listen with your heart.

What did He say?

How did you feel when you heard the message?

What images ran through your mind during the teaching?

2. Write it DownI know that you think you’ll remember, but you won’t. So write it down.

During the teaching, take some notes. Use the space provided each week, your favorite Moleskin, or the back of a gum wrapper, but write down what you hear God saying. (this guide is highly recommended!)

Sketch. Write some song lyrics. Make a list. Whatever method works for you; get your thoughts down on paper.

Where do you see God’s truth and beauty?connect

In what ways can you center your life on love?center


2. ImagineWhat would your world be like if you lived God’s story? Look for ways to see the truth and beauty of God in all the areas of your life. Balance your life by placing God’s love in the middle of everything you do:

Home» family, relationships, finances, children.

Work» occupation, school, co-workers, time management, diligence.

Play» times of reflection, contempla-tion, hobbies, family outings, sports.

Giving» humanitarian projects, church efforts, helping others, prioritizing your-self above others.

1. ConverseSit down with a friend and share how God has impacted your life. Look for areas of growth. Share your accomplish-ments and your failures.

2. PostGo online to Dialogue Church at www.dialoguechurch.us and click on The Skinny. Share your thoughts on this week’s conversation in the comments.

3. Open MicUse creativity and share your story! Make a few notes about things you could share at the next Open Mic.

What happened as you began to live God’s Word? How has your life changed? What are you doing to make the world a better place?

Open Mic follows every teaching series usually on the last day. Keep a lookout for specifics.

How can we use what we’ve learned to bring hope to this broken world?create


ConnectMain Scripture or Verse:

Notes»

ARe yOU STUCK? Here are some questions to get you thinking:How is God speaking through this message? What is He trying to teach you? What truth or aspect of beauty is God saying here? How did you feel when you heard the message?

Date

Message Title

week oNE


CenterPray» what are some things you’d like to pray for this week?

Imagine» How will you use today’s message as you center on love in your...

Home:

Work:

Play:

Giving:

CreateWrite what you shared with a friend, The Skinny Online, and what you would like to share at Open Mic.



Notes»


Date

Message Title

week Two




Home:

Work:

Play:

Giving:




Notes»


Date

Message Title

week THrEE




Home:

Work:

Play:

Giving:




Notes»


Date

Message Title

week four




Home:

Work:

Play:

Giving:


The only way someone will know your story is if you share it.

My Story »

Something I learned about myself »

Something I learned about God »

Helpful scriptures or verses »

Be a part of the family.open mIc

concrete | the skinny series guide

Documents

image of god

creation of adam

dialogue churchmuncie

mirror theory

entire image

frankenstein theory

theory analysts

gods arm