At our Community Groups (CGs) this week we looked at something of an ‘inventory for Christians’ – a non-exhaustive list of components of the Christian life. The idea behind the list is to recognise that life as God’s people is holistic or multi-faceted, and growing in our relationships with Him isn’t uni-dimensional or simplistic.
There were 3 categories to measure our growth by:
- Character (spiritual formation) – developing in personal godliness, and thus reflecting the heart of a Christian character
- Knowledge (theological formation) – developing a Christian mind based on a working understanding of the Bible
- Skills (ministry formation) – developing skills and an attitude of Christlike service
…and a common element of stunted character growth for our CG members was prayerfulness. It was great to see lots of us wanting to grow in this. I myself have been a bit of a silly duffer for many months – knowing that I pray best when prompted by a personal prayer schedule, but not having an updated one to work (or pray) from – because of my own tardiness in putting a fresh one together. So last night at CG was the perfect opportunity to do so, and my prayer life has already benefitted! I used it this afternoon to pray from and it helped my brain enormously to have something concrete to work from and concentrate on.
Does that mean I’m left-brained? I think it might. So I thought if I shared my left-brained praying method with you, other left-brainers out there might similarly benefit. Hope this works –
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A family member |
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A Christian friend eg. From church, CG, a 1-on-1, your pastor! |
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A friend who doesn’t know Jesus eg. a colleague, neighbour, uni mate |
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A Christian group or ministry eg. 5:17 church, your CG, 5:17’s leadership, a missionary organisation |
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Someone or something else |
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It looks a bit clumsy here, but you get the idea. Just fill it in for the week – all 7 columns and 4-5+ rows – and voila, a personalised, specific, other-person-centred prayer schedule.
As for prayer points – what a great act of service to ask someone what you can pray for them, or make up some prayer points – based on the plethora in God’s word. :)
I love the following story:
During a British conference on comparative religions, experts from around the world debated what, if any, belief was unique to the Christian faith. They began eliminating possibilities. Incarnation? Other religions had different versions of gods appearing in human form. Resurrection? Again, other religions had accounts of return from death. The debate went on for some time until C. S. Lewis wandered into the room. “What’s the rumpus about?” he asked, and heard in reply that his colleagues were discussing Christianity’s unique contribution among world religions. Lewis responded, “Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace.” Only Christianity dares to make God’s love unconditional.
Philip Yancey, What’s So Amazing About Grace?, p 45
If grace is at the heart of Christianity, why is it that so many of us struggle with the whole concept of grace? What is grace? How do we receive it? And how do we grow in it (as 2 Peter 3:18 states)?
We’re not alone in asking these questions. Some first generation Christians misunderstood the true grace of God too. That’s why the Apostle Peter wrote two letters: the first, a brief letter of encouragement to stand firm in the true grace of God; the second, written on his death-bed, his last words to the Church.
In a couple of weeks time, there will be a free seminar, run by Queensland Theological College. Its Principal, Bruce Winter will give four talks on I and II Peter:
- Focus on the future
- Focus on doing good
- Focus on living and dying well
- Focus on the Word of God
This is a highly recommended event. It’ll be held at Creek Road Presbyterian Church, corner Creek and Fursdon Roads, Carina from 9:30am to 3:15pm. Morning tea will be provided, but BYO lunch.
It’s a free Seminar, but please register beforehand by sending the organisers an email at info@qtc.edu.au.
Thanks Murray for setting up the new Resources page. The reason for this page is Ephesians 4:12-13 (ESV): to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.
A number of people have asked us for book recommendations. Have a look at the Recommended Reading post for a list of good books to help your spiritual growth. If you have any further suggestions, post a comment!
