Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the thoughts that the author reflects on regarding dividends from investments?
What is one of the thoughts that the author reflects on regarding dividends from investments?
According to the author, what relationship does increased free time have with age?
According to the author, what relationship does increased free time have with age?
What was Paul's mission before his conversion on the road to Damascus?
What was Paul's mission before his conversion on the road to Damascus?
What significant event occurred to Paul on his way to Damascus?
What significant event occurred to Paul on his way to Damascus?
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At what stage in his life did Paul find himself when he wrote his biblical letters?
At what stage in his life did Paul find himself when he wrote his biblical letters?
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What was Paul's perspective on his imprisonment?
What was Paul's perspective on his imprisonment?
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What significant change did the author experience after moving to the new neighborhood?
What significant change did the author experience after moving to the new neighborhood?
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What lesson did the author take from his experience of living in a cul-de-sac?
What lesson did the author take from his experience of living in a cul-de-sac?
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How did the author's inability to interact with neighbors in the past affect his life?
How did the author's inability to interact with neighbors in the past affect his life?
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What role did the author eventually take on in his new community?
What role did the author eventually take on in his new community?
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What is implied about the importance of knowing your neighbors?
What is implied about the importance of knowing your neighbors?
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What is suggested as a critical action for transforming your neighborhood?
What is suggested as a critical action for transforming your neighborhood?
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What does John Piper say about loving neighbors?
What does John Piper say about loving neighbors?
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What outcome is observed after Bryan's cancer treatment?
What outcome is observed after Bryan's cancer treatment?
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What does the passage suggest about loving God?
What does the passage suggest about loving God?
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How does the author characterize the current social climate in America?
How does the author characterize the current social climate in America?
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What does the author imply is necessary for community leadership?
What does the author imply is necessary for community leadership?
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What is the second greatest command according to Jesus in the passage?
What is the second greatest command according to Jesus in the passage?
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What was one of the first actions taken after Bobbie's cancer diagnosis?
What was one of the first actions taken after Bobbie's cancer diagnosis?
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How did Bryan support the author during his cancer treatment?
How did Bryan support the author during his cancer treatment?
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What initiative did Nancy and the author take to connect with their neighbors?
What initiative did Nancy and the author take to connect with their neighbors?
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What did the path created between the author's home and their neighbor symbolize?
What did the path created between the author's home and their neighbor symbolize?
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How did Rosaria Butterfield's relationship with her neighbors impact her faith journey?
How did Rosaria Butterfield's relationship with her neighbors impact her faith journey?
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What was the primary motive behind the pastor and his wife's hospitality towards Rosaria?
What was the primary motive behind the pastor and his wife's hospitality towards Rosaria?
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What realization did the author have about loving neighbors later in life?
What realization did the author have about loving neighbors later in life?
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Study Notes
The Gun Lap
- Author argues that the "gun lap" (retirement/life after traditional work) is not just free time, but a new assignment.
- This time is an opportunity to make a difference and is more valuable than a dividend.
- Paul is used as an example of purpose in free time, despite being imprisoned, he continued to preach.
The Electric Garage Door Opener
- Author uses the example of his home in Tennessee with electric garage door openers to illustrate how technology can hinder relationships.
- He moved to a smaller, close-knit cul-de-sac and enjoyed a sense of community that led to close friendships.
- The experience taught him the importance of interaction.
The HOA
- Author was elected president of his HOA for 15 years.
- Despite initial challenges, he looks back at this experience with no regret.
- The experience taught him the value of neighborly involvement.
Loving Your Neighbor
- Author emphasizes the importance of loving your neighbor and suggests that this is a commandment from Jesus.
- He uses his experience with Bryan, a neighbor he initially had little in common with, to illustrate the benefits of loving your neighbor.
- They built a deep friendship despite differences, even sharing support during cancer diagnoses.
The Yellow Brick Road
- In Michigan, author and his wife (Nancy) actively engaged with their neighbors, breaking down social barriers and creating strong bonds.
- Nancy’s ministry work in the community provided opportunities to be known, but not necessarily appreciated by neighbors.
- The author's father, who was cordial but not close with neighbors, serves as a contrast to his personal experience.
The Redeeming Power of a Good Neighbor
- Rosaria Butterfield's story is used as an example of the power of neighborly love.
- A pastor and his wife showed love and respect, offering hospitality without seeking to convert her at the time.
- It ultimately led to Rosaria converting to Christianity, demonstrating the power of love to break down barriers.
Rosaria Butterfield and Hospitality
- Rosaria Butterfield practiced hospitality in her neighborhood after converting to Christianity.
- She wrote the book, "The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World"
- The book explores the concept of practicing hospitality in a post-Christian world
Being Intentional with Neighbors
- Men approaching their "gun lap" have more time to devote to their neighborhoods.
- Reaching out to neighbors can be a new adventure during this time.
- Building relationships with neighbors is a worthwhile endeavor.
The Apostle Peter and His Guards
- The Bible describes Peter being imprisoned with two guards.
- The text suggests the guards were chained to Peter rather than the other way around.
- The guards were exposed to Peter's faith and positive influence.
Jesus's Message to Believers
- Peter, in prison, wrote about the importance of submitting to authority, even when facing persecution.
- He also wrote about the power of God protecting believers.
- His message encouraged the soldiers to experience God's grace and peace.
Loving Neighbors Well
- The text emphasizes loving neighbors as a key aspect of Christianity.
- It suggests that loving neighbors can lead to opportunities for sharing the Gospel.
- It encourages being intentional in engaging with neighbors and being a source of support.
Practical Tips for Engaging with Neighbors
- Pray for your neighbors by name.
- Plan a potluck dinner with your neighbors to foster community.
- Offer a short prayer of thanks before the meal.
- Ask engaging questions to get to know your neighbors.
- Be welcoming and host-like during the gathering.
- Text your neighbors afterwards to express appreciation and encourage future interaction.
- Greet your neighbors when you see them, ask how they are, and listen.
- Be a source of support and encouragement to your neighbors, especially during hardships.
Jesus's Example of Loving Neighbors
- Jesus emphasizes the importance of completing God's work.
- He highlights the vital importance of actively loving neighbors as a demonstration of faith.
Gun Lap Prayer
- The author encourages a prayer of commitment to loving neighbors.
- He asks for forgiveness for neglecting them in the past.
- He dedicates his extra time in his "gun lap" to being an ambassador for Jesus in his neighborhood.
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Description
Explore the essential lessons on purpose and community presented in various life experiences. From the significance of the 'gun lap' in retirement to the value of neighborly involvement, this quiz delves into how we can foster relationships and find purpose in different life stages. Reflect on technology's impact on community and the greater good of loving your neighbors.