Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
This entry highlights a third preferred value for us at King Road: “Christ as Centre” – We value Christ as our centre because without surrender and obedience to Him we cannot have true fellowship with God or each other (1 Corinthians 3:11; Hebrews 12:1-2).
“What (or who) is the absolute centre of your life?” This is a big question with an easy “correct” answer for God’s children. Jesus is our centre! I think we’d all agree on that, but the two challenging words that jump out at me in the description above are “surrender” and “obedience.” These are action words which readily provide evidence for our spoken claims by both our actions and our inactions. How would you define these words? Leave a comment with your insights!
Surrender is not easy, nor popular. We battle the independent nature of our humanity daily. We struggle to obey when we’d rather not. There is an ongoing challenge to relinquish our own control as the centre of our lives. All of us struggle with surrender, but we must not give up! The verses above give us encouragement to help each other out, deal with sin, and persevere. As we walk together (true fellowship), we can help each other place Christ at the centre of our lives, our decisions, our entertainment choices, our spending habits, our thoughts, our words, our actions, our…! Christ desires to be the centre of all aspects of our lives, and our congregation.
Join me in singing (and praying) the following: Jesus, be the centre, be my source, by my life, Jesus…be my hope, be my song, Jesus…be the fire in my heart, be the wind in these sails, be the reason that I live, Jesus…be my vision, be my path, be my guide, Jesus.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Biblical Teaching (Part 2) – How good is your memory?
Yes, I know that this entry isn’t dealing with the next of our preferred values (Christ as Centre), but almost immediately after posting the last entry, I had some additional thoughts to share. And then Don stirred more thoughts with his sermon on Sunday (visit the church website and have a listen). He had some interesting things to say about not simply reading scripture, but truly hearing it.
I want to invite us to memorize scripture. Yes, it will take time. No, it won’t always be easy. Yes, anyone can do it (just ask my children). Many of us have several verses memorized, often from when we were younger. But, I’d like us to think bigger picture than that, particularly as adults. What would it take for you to commit to memorizing an entire chapter of scripture? Do I have any takers to join me on this venture? (It’s always easier doing this with others.)
Last fall, I heard someone recite the entire book of Jude (it’s one chapter, in case you’re wondering). Scripture came alive as he recited it…the emotions, the tone, the emphases were somehow heightened because he wasn’t simply reading…and, perhaps some of it was the fact that I was listening more intently knowing that he had put the time and effort into memorizing the text.
We memorize a lot of things…hockey statistics, lyrics to songs, phone numbers and birthdays, so why not add to that scripture? “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
I want to invite us to memorize scripture. Yes, it will take time. No, it won’t always be easy. Yes, anyone can do it (just ask my children). Many of us have several verses memorized, often from when we were younger. But, I’d like us to think bigger picture than that, particularly as adults. What would it take for you to commit to memorizing an entire chapter of scripture? Do I have any takers to join me on this venture? (It’s always easier doing this with others.)
Last fall, I heard someone recite the entire book of Jude (it’s one chapter, in case you’re wondering). Scripture came alive as he recited it…the emotions, the tone, the emphases were somehow heightened because he wasn’t simply reading…and, perhaps some of it was the fact that I was listening more intently knowing that he had put the time and effort into memorizing the text.
We memorize a lot of things…hockey statistics, lyrics to songs, phone numbers and birthdays, so why not add to that scripture? “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Biblical Teaching
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Another of our preferred values at King Road is “Biblical Teaching” – We value sound doctrine, the teaching and application of God’s Word to our lives because without His direction and grace we are truly lost. (Psalm 119: 105; Colossians 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:25; Hebrews 4:12)
Where does one start a conversation about the Bible and the importance of Biblical Teaching? Perhaps I should simply add several more scripture references to those listed above and leave it at that! (Feel free to contact me for such a list.) As we live out the value of depending on God, we must be guided by Him, and one key way God guides us is through His Word. So, I simply ask, how central is the Word of God in your life? We strive to teach the Bible well and accurately, and make decisions as a congregation based on guidance from God’s Word.
As I did in the previous entry, allow me to suggest some questions to stir your thinking and conversations. You might benefit from discussing one or more of these with someone.
- What helps you spend regular time in the Bible?
- What is difficult for you as you strive to read the Bible? (How might we help you?)
- Are you more likely to read the Bible or a devotional book about the Bible? Where is the necessary balance between these two options?
- What parts of the Bible would you like to see more teaching on?
- What insights could you share about scripture memorization?
At King Road, we are committed to Biblical Teaching! So, bring your Bibles and join us as we journey together! Blessings!
Another of our preferred values at King Road is “Biblical Teaching” – We value sound doctrine, the teaching and application of God’s Word to our lives because without His direction and grace we are truly lost. (Psalm 119: 105; Colossians 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:25; Hebrews 4:12)
Where does one start a conversation about the Bible and the importance of Biblical Teaching? Perhaps I should simply add several more scripture references to those listed above and leave it at that! (Feel free to contact me for such a list.) As we live out the value of depending on God, we must be guided by Him, and one key way God guides us is through His Word. So, I simply ask, how central is the Word of God in your life? We strive to teach the Bible well and accurately, and make decisions as a congregation based on guidance from God’s Word.
As I did in the previous entry, allow me to suggest some questions to stir your thinking and conversations. You might benefit from discussing one or more of these with someone.
- What helps you spend regular time in the Bible?
- What is difficult for you as you strive to read the Bible? (How might we help you?)
- Are you more likely to read the Bible or a devotional book about the Bible? Where is the necessary balance between these two options?
- What parts of the Bible would you like to see more teaching on?
- What insights could you share about scripture memorization?
At King Road, we are committed to Biblical Teaching! So, bring your Bibles and join us as we journey together! Blessings!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Dependence on God
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13
One of our preferred values at King Road is Dependence on God – We value God as our source, joyfully celebrating who He is in our worship and prayerfully depending on Him in all things because without Him we can do nothing. (Psalm 104:27-28; Ephesians 1:3-6; Philippians 2:13)
It is not difficult for us to say that we need to depend on God; but the challenge often is for us to live out this reality with consistent regularity in all that we do. So, as I reflect on the need to fully depend on God, I find several questions rattling through my mind that I ask in order to stir some discussion and conversation (add a comment below, send an email, pick up the phone, discuss with someone over coffee…)
- Is it easier to depend on God when things are going well or when faced with challenges? Why?
- What is the balance between depending on God yet doing our part? Which one comes easier to you?
- To what degree is prayer a vital part of your life? Do you have any suggestion or ideas to share that you find helpful in your prayer life?
Dependence on God needs to be an accurate description of God’s children. Our prayer at King Road is that we may model this, both as individuals and corporately. It is never easy relinquishing one’s independence, but there is no better thing than giving everything over to God and simply trusting Him. Blessings!
One of our preferred values at King Road is Dependence on God – We value God as our source, joyfully celebrating who He is in our worship and prayerfully depending on Him in all things because without Him we can do nothing. (Psalm 104:27-28; Ephesians 1:3-6; Philippians 2:13)
It is not difficult for us to say that we need to depend on God; but the challenge often is for us to live out this reality with consistent regularity in all that we do. So, as I reflect on the need to fully depend on God, I find several questions rattling through my mind that I ask in order to stir some discussion and conversation (add a comment below, send an email, pick up the phone, discuss with someone over coffee…)
- Is it easier to depend on God when things are going well or when faced with challenges? Why?
- What is the balance between depending on God yet doing our part? Which one comes easier to you?
- To what degree is prayer a vital part of your life? Do you have any suggestion or ideas to share that you find helpful in your prayer life?
Dependence on God needs to be an accurate description of God’s children. Our prayer at King Road is that we may model this, both as individuals and corporately. It is never easy relinquishing one’s independence, but there is no better thing than giving everything over to God and simply trusting Him. Blessings!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Our Preferred Values
At King Road, we have spent some time over the last months reflecting on how God has led us, who God had made us to be, and what God might have in store for us as we move forward together. Our vision statement is listed on the right of this page (About us).
As part of this, we have articulated our preferred values which highlight who God wants us to be. These values are dependence on God, biblical teaching, Christ as centre, missionary vision, loving relationships, sacrificial service, disciple making, relevance, and empowered leadership. (For a more complete explanation, follow link under the January 17th post below for our ministry model document.)
Beginning next week, I plan to share some thoughts around each of these preferred values. My prayer is that this may cause each of us to reflect on how we are living our lives, both individually and corporately as a congregation. I look forward to you joining the conversation!
As part of this, we have articulated our preferred values which highlight who God wants us to be. These values are dependence on God, biblical teaching, Christ as centre, missionary vision, loving relationships, sacrificial service, disciple making, relevance, and empowered leadership. (For a more complete explanation, follow link under the January 17th post below for our ministry model document.)
Beginning next week, I plan to share some thoughts around each of these preferred values. My prayer is that this may cause each of us to reflect on how we are living our lives, both individually and corporately as a congregation. I look forward to you joining the conversation!
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