A few years ago, I was having lunch with a friend of mine. I asked him how he was doing and he said he was “great.” He then asked me how I was doing. I hesitated at first but then I answered honestly. I was doing it tough and so I told him about it. … Continue reading Authenticity
Perspective
Imagine a group of people seated in a circle with a small table in the middle. Let’s now put an object on the table – a vase. Here are three very important observations: First of all, no one sees the vase exactly the same. In fact, everyone sees it differently and has a unique perspective … Continue reading Perspective
The Call to Obey (Pt.3)
The Importance of Motivation In our relationship with Jesus, it is important to realize that he does not begin with the call to obey. He calls us to come, to follow, to believe, to abide and over time he calls us to also obey. The order is important. It is similar in any relationship. God … Continue reading The Call to Obey (Pt.3)
The Call to Obey (Pt.2)
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
The Dignity of Work
"Most of what Jesus said and did took place in a secular workplace in a farmer's field, in a fishing boat, at a wedding feast, in a cemetery, at a public well asking a woman he didn't know for a drink of water, on a country hillside that he turned into a huge picnic, in … Continue reading The Dignity of Work
International Women’s Day
Today is the centenary of International Women's Day - a day of global celebration for women each year on March 8th. Read more about it here. Women are a wonderful part of God's creation - something he called "very good." Some people say that man was created first, so males are superior. Other's say that after creating … Continue reading International Women’s Day
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)