Jesus is both Saviour and Lord As we take the journey of following Jesus, along the way we start to see who Jesus really is. When Jesus was on earth, there were many opinions as to his identity. Some thought he was Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets back from the dead (Matt.16:13-15). Peter … Continue reading The Call to Obey (Pt.2)
The Call to Obey (Pt.1)
This year our focus at CityLife Church is simply on following Jesus. We have been reflecting on Jesus’ call to come to him (Matt.11:28-30), to follow him (Luke 5:27-32), to believe him (John 20:19-31) and to abide in him (John 15). As we respond to his call, we begin to know Jesus better and we … Continue reading The Call to Obey (Pt.1)
Random Thought #7: Love over All!
7. Love over all! For all of the many things and activities we will be involved in this year, let’s remember that LOVE (for God and people) is to be primary! Remember the Ephesus story. This was a church that experienced an unprecedented revival (see Acts 19). It was a church 'on fire.' Yet as … Continue reading Random Thought #7: Love over All!
Random Thought #6: Exiles over Kings
6. Exiles over Kings. A theological reflection ... We are now living and ministering in a different environment and we need to think differently in response to this change. Here are some thoughts from Walter Brueggemann's insightful book, Cadences of Home: Preaching Among Exiles where he encourages us to rethink various church models through Scripture: 1. … Continue reading Random Thought #6: Exiles over Kings
Random Thought #5 – Stories over Numbers
5. Stories over Numbers Like most churches, we have a lot of important numbers that we count and look at (attendance, salvations, baptisms, partners, volunteers, leaders and giving). However, we must continually remind ourselves that it’s all about the PEOPLE! The Bible is a story about God and people and their journey together. It contains numbers … Continue reading Random Thought #5 – Stories over Numbers
Random Thought #4 – Practices over Beliefs
4. Practices over Beliefs We BELIEVE at lot of good things! Most churches have an orthodox "Statement of Faith" and many have articulated an admirable list of "Core Values." However, we must go beyond this. Beliefs are very important but we must move to ensuring that practices flow out of those beliefs. We must bridge … Continue reading Random Thought #4 – Practices over Beliefs
Random Thought #3 – Being over Doing
3. Being over Doing Yes, we will be DOING a lot this year! However, who we ARE speaks louder than what we SAY or what we DO. It affects HOW we go about what we do on a daily basis. Qualities such as gratitude, joyfulness, enthusiasm, and willingness are vital. The psalmist says, "Serve the … Continue reading Random Thought #3 – Being over Doing
Random Thought #2 – Relationship over Task
2. Relationship over Task All of us will have a LOT of tasks and projects to DO this year. I love tasks. I even have a task list when I am on holidays. I love ticking off checkboxes next to completed tasks. I thrive on achievement. But I also realise that DOING must flow out … Continue reading Random Thought #2 – Relationship over Task
Random Thoughts #1 – Presence over Programs
At our first church staff meeting in early February this year, I shared 7 Random Thoughts relevant to our ministry this year. I think that we are in a significant season of change. Transition and shifts are taking place at every level of our world, our church and our personal lives. There is a growing degree … Continue reading Random Thoughts #1 – Presence over Programs
Dealing with DOUBT (Pt.2)
Jesus’ instruction to Thomas was "Stop doubting and believe." Jesus calls us to develop a permanent attitude of openness and trust toward Him – not just to be open to him and trust him on any one occasion, but to be like this ALL the time. Yes, at times the Christian life is a lot like walking in the … Continue reading Dealing with DOUBT (Pt.2)
Dealing with DOUBT (Pt.1)
Have you ever had doubts? Here's a thoughtful quote ... “I think the trouble with me is lack of faith. I have no rational ground for going back on the arguments that convinced me of God’s existence: but the irrational deadweight of my old skeptical habits, and the spirit of this age, and the cares of the day, … Continue reading Dealing with DOUBT (Pt.1)
WAKING UP: a Helpful Metaphor for Understanding Christian Conversion
What happens when you wake up in the morning? For some people, it's a rude and shocking experience. Off goes the alarm and they jump up in fright, dragged out of sleep to face the cold, cruel light of day. For others, it is a quiet, slow process. They can be half asleep and half … Continue reading WAKING UP: a Helpful Metaphor for Understanding Christian Conversion
Jesus said “Come …”
As we read through the story of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew we see that: Jesus shares his Messianic message about the kingdom of God (Mt.5-7), he engages in a ministry of miracles and signs (Mt.8-9), and he commissions his disciples to participate in his mission (Mt.10). The crowds still follow but … Continue reading Jesus said “Come …”
A Season of Prayer
Many individuals, groups and churches begin the year with a season of prayer. I think it is a great idea. Our church begins a 14 day period of prayer beginning today. We are encouraging everyone to take some additional time aside to pray - personally, with their family or in their small group. We are … Continue reading A Season of Prayer
Jesus and Prayer
Here are a few insightful comments from Jesus about prayer ... When you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, … Continue reading Jesus and Prayer