"We can glorify God and serve others through the workplace, business, community projects, government and artistic endeavour. Above all, we litter the world with communities of light, inviting people to submit to the lordship of Jesus and enjoy His grace. Our interest in mission starts with our own neighbourhood and extends to the end of the earth." p. 78
Despite occasional frustrations at the lack of breadth and depth to the theology, I have enjoyed reading this book. It is a book designed to ground you, and so planted firmly in the gospel, to inspire, challenge, and guide you in growth. This final part of the book examines different aspects of living a gospel-centred life: decisions, relationships, friends, horizons, possessions and suffering. In reading this I not only think about the areas in my life which need change, but also kept thinking about people who are striving to live lives where Christ Jesus and his lordship and God and his glory are primary.
I think of a friend who works part-time and looks after her one-year-old, all the while opening her house to both her Church community and people in need, often at personal cost. I think of another friend who owns and runs his own business and has directed company profits to supporting Christian ministry. I am reminded of the couple from a previous church who moved from comfortable and cool inner suburbs to outer suburbia to love and serve their Church family and to share Christ within their new community.
None of these people are in paid Christian ministry.
And neither is Regina.
Regina attends the evening service at my church. I was struck when reading this book and reflecting on various people I knew about how Regina had been living out a gospel-centred life. For the previous two years she has been studying theology part-time and working as a social worker part-time. She was also volunteering one or two days a week to helping out with church, either with administration or with pastoral care.
I interviewed Regina specifically for this blog, and in doing so discovered that her story is really what Gospel-centred Life is all about. She came to know the grace of God bestowed on her through Jesus Christ and that good news changed her and continues to change her. She has seen God at work through other Christians: meeting up one-on-one with an older woman at church to read the Bible and pray, and working closely with the ministry staff helped her to see the care these people had for their church family, and how they put God first.
She went to Bible College because she saw the value in learning deeply from God’s word in the same way she had spent time studying to become a social worker, wanting to be able to have answers to the hope she has in Christ and developing her own understanding of the Bible. She continues to want to work in the secular world as she sees how important it is to have Christians in the workplace, but was willing to take a pay cut and willing to quit her previous job when part-time work was no longer made available for her. She doesn’t see what she has done as “giving up work” and, in fact, eschews such terminology. In her mind she hasn’t given up anything, but gained things in loving and serving her Church family.
I am greatly encouraged by Regina's story, but mainly because it points to Christ and his lordship over her life. Her story is every Christian's story. It is the story of a life that is transformed by grace, which is lived in community, declaring Christ’s lordship over the world, for the glory of God.
“Give thanks to the LORD; proclaim His name!
Celebrate His deeds among the peoples.
Declare that His name is exalted.
Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things.
Let this be known throughout the earth.” (Isaiah 12.4-5)
Showing posts with label Gospel-centred. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gospel-centred. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Road-testing resources: Gospel-centred Family
We thought it would be helpful to occasionally look at a different resource as it has been used in a real situation.
Anna Cox and Emily Cole have kindly answered a few questions on Gospel-centred Family by Tim Chester and Ed Moll.
1. Who used this book?
A church women's Bible study group. All mums to 1-3 children, 0-5 years of age.
2. Why did you decide to use this resource?
The book was given to me (Anna) and my husband and I found it encouraging and helpful for our own lives as parents. The book has mini-Bible studies and reflection questions at the end of each chapter so it lends itself to doing in a Bible study group. We were all young mums and had lots of questions about the whys and hows of parenting so Emily and I hoped everyone would find it helpful and it would be a good launch pad to discuss many of the issues and concerns we have as Christian parents.
3. Did you stick to the format in the book, or did you make changes? Why? What were they?
We read through 2 chapters each week. The format of the book has some mini-Bible studies before each chapter and then some reflection questions at the end. We did all the Bible studies as it was great to begin each theme/issue with a basis in God’s word. After that we’d read the chapter, stopping at different times when there was something we wanted to particularly discuss or point out. We didn’t do all the reflection questions – there are many of them and so we just picked the ones we felt were most appropriate for our group and beneficial for discussion.
4. How did your group respond to the material? What worked? What didn't work?
Everyone responded really positively to the book. When there were things said in the book we didn’t necessarily agree with we were able to discuss these and share our own experiences and opinions about different aspects of Christian parenting. In the Introduction it reminds us that “there are biblical absolutes, but at the level of principles rather than processes. Good parenting is not about adopting certain techniques. It’s about living as part of God’s story and letting God’s good news shape your values, attitudes and behaviour.”. The book is not meant to be an absolute guide as to how Christians should parent their children, but rather a useful reminder of God’s promises and love for us and how these can shape our attitude towards raising children in as godly a way as possible.
5. Would you recommend it to other groups? Why?/why not?
Yes, we would recommend it. The book was clear, practical and easy to read and promoted good discussion within the group without requiring any prior biblical knowledge. The main thing that we all took away from it was a good perspective on parenting. Often, parenting books can be filled with practical ways of getting your children to eat their peas and carrots or sleep through the night. In Gospel-centred Family we’re reminded of the fact that we are all under grace – our children and us as parents as well, and this can shape what matters in how we discipline and what we teach our children about the world and about God.
Anna Cox and Emily Cole have kindly answered a few questions on Gospel-centred Family by Tim Chester and Ed Moll.
1. Who used this book?
A church women's Bible study group. All mums to 1-3 children, 0-5 years of age.
2. Why did you decide to use this resource?
The book was given to me (Anna) and my husband and I found it encouraging and helpful for our own lives as parents. The book has mini-Bible studies and reflection questions at the end of each chapter so it lends itself to doing in a Bible study group. We were all young mums and had lots of questions about the whys and hows of parenting so Emily and I hoped everyone would find it helpful and it would be a good launch pad to discuss many of the issues and concerns we have as Christian parents.
3. Did you stick to the format in the book, or did you make changes? Why? What were they?
We read through 2 chapters each week. The format of the book has some mini-Bible studies before each chapter and then some reflection questions at the end. We did all the Bible studies as it was great to begin each theme/issue with a basis in God’s word. After that we’d read the chapter, stopping at different times when there was something we wanted to particularly discuss or point out. We didn’t do all the reflection questions – there are many of them and so we just picked the ones we felt were most appropriate for our group and beneficial for discussion.
4. How did your group respond to the material? What worked? What didn't work?
Everyone responded really positively to the book. When there were things said in the book we didn’t necessarily agree with we were able to discuss these and share our own experiences and opinions about different aspects of Christian parenting. In the Introduction it reminds us that “there are biblical absolutes, but at the level of principles rather than processes. Good parenting is not about adopting certain techniques. It’s about living as part of God’s story and letting God’s good news shape your values, attitudes and behaviour.”. The book is not meant to be an absolute guide as to how Christians should parent their children, but rather a useful reminder of God’s promises and love for us and how these can shape our attitude towards raising children in as godly a way as possible.
5. Would you recommend it to other groups? Why?/why not?
Yes, we would recommend it. The book was clear, practical and easy to read and promoted good discussion within the group without requiring any prior biblical knowledge. The main thing that we all took away from it was a good perspective on parenting. Often, parenting books can be filled with practical ways of getting your children to eat their peas and carrots or sleep through the night. In Gospel-centred Family we’re reminded of the fact that we are all under grace – our children and us as parents as well, and this can shape what matters in how we discipline and what we teach our children about the world and about God.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Part 2: Gospel-centred perspectives
We want to make contracts with God, but the gospel tells of a more wonderful story of a Father who loves us and saves us.
We want to live independent lives where we use our freedom to serve ourselves, but the gospel gives us a greater, better freedom in Christ where we love and serve others.
We want to achieve things for ourselves on our own terms and often fail spectacularly or quietly, but the gospel shows us how the Holy Spirit has, can and will change lives.
We want to live quiet and safe lives, but the gospel points us to lives that will involve risks and a future in heaven which far outweighs them.
In this section of the book I was reminded how the gospel shapes our perspective in many areas, but in particular, I was reminded how the gospel challenges my cultural assumptions and needs to be the lens through which I look at the world, rather than the other way round.
I have been delighted and challenged in reading something that is so straightforwardly gospel-focussed. It is a delight to reflect on God's goodness to me in his Son. To think about that in terms of my past, my present and my future. But then I am also challenged as I see how I have lowered my gaze, how my thinking is awry and how my own heart is so easily choked by weeds.
In reading this section of the book I was challenged to think particularly about how I make decisions. This has been something I have been thinking about for a while (in fact, my only New Year's resolution this year is to think about how to use my freedom in Christ to love and serve others, Galatians 5:13). I have been struck by just how intentional I have to be in order to make decisions with reference to others, not just my husband or children, but to my church family as well.
This particular topic made me reflect more on notions of individualism (and again, the lack of depth to the chapters is the particular weakness here) whereupon I came across this helpful article by Don Carson: http://thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/contrarian_reflections_on_individualism looking at some of the gospel benefits of individualism and surveying some of the arguments against.
The example which Timmis and Chester give is of decisions in regards to leaving churches, particularly of people in ministry leaving. Now, I am aware that individual situations are always more complex than what can be covered in a book like this, but I still think that the principle is correct here. That is, that because we are a community of believers, because we do things not for ourselves, but for the benefit of others, we need to be careful when we leave our churches that we are not doing it just because it seems to be a good decision for ourselves. And while the authors make special mention of people in ministry here I would say this is a principle for all of us.
I find that where we are (Sydney) we are literally spoilt for choice for good evangelical churches. Even in areas like South-West Sydney, despite there being fewer, there are still some excellent churches to choose from. It can be easy to leave a church that is struggling in numbers, under-resourced in staff, has average music and move up the road to the vibrant new church in the sparkling new building. We have a choice. We need to be wise. We need to seek the good of others (Philippians 2: 3-4). Sometimes it may come down to practicalities, but even then the manner with which we leave will show the depth of our understanding of this principle. Cut and run? No way.
Leaving church is only one aspect of this. I need to be thinking about my relationships with my church family when I make decisions about my leisure time (or exercise time), planning when to take holidays (how to avoid too many Sundays or Bible study days away), being inclusive and welcoming, generosity, making time to care for others...
At the start of the year life for me is already beginning to feel rushed, pressure is on to commit to a variety of things. I have been reminded to consider my relationships with the family that God has brought me into when making my decisions. I’m going to commit to my New Year’s resolution and seek to use my freedom.
We want to live independent lives where we use our freedom to serve ourselves, but the gospel gives us a greater, better freedom in Christ where we love and serve others.
We want to achieve things for ourselves on our own terms and often fail spectacularly or quietly, but the gospel shows us how the Holy Spirit has, can and will change lives.
We want to live quiet and safe lives, but the gospel points us to lives that will involve risks and a future in heaven which far outweighs them.
In this section of the book I was reminded how the gospel shapes our perspective in many areas, but in particular, I was reminded how the gospel challenges my cultural assumptions and needs to be the lens through which I look at the world, rather than the other way round.
I have been delighted and challenged in reading something that is so straightforwardly gospel-focussed. It is a delight to reflect on God's goodness to me in his Son. To think about that in terms of my past, my present and my future. But then I am also challenged as I see how I have lowered my gaze, how my thinking is awry and how my own heart is so easily choked by weeds.
In reading this section of the book I was challenged to think particularly about how I make decisions. This has been something I have been thinking about for a while (in fact, my only New Year's resolution this year is to think about how to use my freedom in Christ to love and serve others, Galatians 5:13). I have been struck by just how intentional I have to be in order to make decisions with reference to others, not just my husband or children, but to my church family as well.
This particular topic made me reflect more on notions of individualism (and again, the lack of depth to the chapters is the particular weakness here) whereupon I came across this helpful article by Don Carson: http://thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/contrarian_reflections_on_individualism looking at some of the gospel benefits of individualism and surveying some of the arguments against.
The example which Timmis and Chester give is of decisions in regards to leaving churches, particularly of people in ministry leaving. Now, I am aware that individual situations are always more complex than what can be covered in a book like this, but I still think that the principle is correct here. That is, that because we are a community of believers, because we do things not for ourselves, but for the benefit of others, we need to be careful when we leave our churches that we are not doing it just because it seems to be a good decision for ourselves. And while the authors make special mention of people in ministry here I would say this is a principle for all of us.
I find that where we are (Sydney) we are literally spoilt for choice for good evangelical churches. Even in areas like South-West Sydney, despite there being fewer, there are still some excellent churches to choose from. It can be easy to leave a church that is struggling in numbers, under-resourced in staff, has average music and move up the road to the vibrant new church in the sparkling new building. We have a choice. We need to be wise. We need to seek the good of others (Philippians 2: 3-4). Sometimes it may come down to practicalities, but even then the manner with which we leave will show the depth of our understanding of this principle. Cut and run? No way.
Leaving church is only one aspect of this. I need to be thinking about my relationships with my church family when I make decisions about my leisure time (or exercise time), planning when to take holidays (how to avoid too many Sundays or Bible study days away), being inclusive and welcoming, generosity, making time to care for others...
At the start of the year life for me is already beginning to feel rushed, pressure is on to commit to a variety of things. I have been reminded to consider my relationships with the family that God has brought me into when making my decisions. I’m going to commit to my New Year’s resolution and seek to use my freedom.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Part 1: Gospel-centred change
Imagine yourself in a change room in a women’s clothing store. There is a bit of a queue forming and only two stalls. One of the women using one of the stalls comes out wearing one of her selections. She stands looking at herself in the mirror for several minutes. Focussed. Unflinching. Refusing to acknowledge that there is a queue of people waiting. She goes back into the stall, comes out with another selection and repeats the process, all the while the queue growing and patience diminishing.
In your thought life, in your emotional life, in the things you spend your time doing, who is at the centre? Where is your gaze directed?
Gospel-centred Life shows us for what we are and looks at how the gospel, placed where it should be at the centre of our lives, should shape our focus. Not on ourselves, but on Christ. The first part of the book examines the ways in which the gospel changes us for a life for God and others and a life of change and miracles.
It was good to think about what I was and what I still tend towards. I am prone to standing in front of the mirror (while a literal case can be made, I’m meaning more metaphorically here). It is all too easy to allow to creep into my life and my thinking a priority and focus on myself. Social media, print and television media, advertising, shopping centre architecture all propel me towards a resolute, unflinching gaze in the mirror. And like Ovid’s Narcissus, this form of self-love will only lead to death.
Timmis and Chester helpfully direct my gaze towards Christ: “If my life is primarily about me, then Christianity is substantially less than the inside-out, upside-down revolution that Christ died to achieve. Jesus promised that the truth would set us free. In breaking the hold of sin in our lives, He has done precisely that. Loving self is the cruellest of all slaveries: it promises everything and delivers nothing. Loving God and others is the most liberating of all freedoms: it promises everything and gives us more than we can ever imagine.” (p. 15)
Hebrews 12:1-2 directs my gaze not to myself, but to Christ. It smashes the mirror. There is no room for such passivity when we are to “run with endurance the race that lies before us”.
So, how will this focus shape me TODAY? How will seeking God’s glory and the needs of others impact on what I think, speak, do? Well, this week it is praying and striving to be someone who forgives and forgives and forgives. To be generous towards others as my heavenly Father has been generous towards me.
This month is a little different for EQUIP bookclub as we’re looking at three books instead of one. While we’ll focus on Gospel-centred Life, we’ll also be road-testing Gospel-centred Family and having a brief look at Gospel-centred Marriage.
Gospel-centred Life is short. It is also simple (deceptively so), with its conversational tone and easy-to-read format. But in attempting to convey (often complex) gospel truths in a simple manner, means that questions are inevitably raised which, because of the condensed form, are either treated superficially or left unanswered. Despite this I felt that in its pithiness the book was able to focus the reader in on some very important things and say them clearly.
Last year I read Gospel-centred Family and loved it for it’s pithy focus on how the gospel should and can impact family life, moving from principle to practical example. So I was quite excited to read Gospel-centred Life. Although not as ground-breaking for me as Gospel-centred Family it is an important book, dealing with things that all Christians should know. My impression is that it would be a great book to give to a new Christian.
About this month’s contributor: Siân likes reading and loves God.
In your thought life, in your emotional life, in the things you spend your time doing, who is at the centre? Where is your gaze directed?
Gospel-centred Life shows us for what we are and looks at how the gospel, placed where it should be at the centre of our lives, should shape our focus. Not on ourselves, but on Christ. The first part of the book examines the ways in which the gospel changes us for a life for God and others and a life of change and miracles.
It was good to think about what I was and what I still tend towards. I am prone to standing in front of the mirror (while a literal case can be made, I’m meaning more metaphorically here). It is all too easy to allow to creep into my life and my thinking a priority and focus on myself. Social media, print and television media, advertising, shopping centre architecture all propel me towards a resolute, unflinching gaze in the mirror. And like Ovid’s Narcissus, this form of self-love will only lead to death.
Timmis and Chester helpfully direct my gaze towards Christ: “If my life is primarily about me, then Christianity is substantially less than the inside-out, upside-down revolution that Christ died to achieve. Jesus promised that the truth would set us free. In breaking the hold of sin in our lives, He has done precisely that. Loving self is the cruellest of all slaveries: it promises everything and delivers nothing. Loving God and others is the most liberating of all freedoms: it promises everything and gives us more than we can ever imagine.” (p. 15)
Hebrews 12:1-2 directs my gaze not to myself, but to Christ. It smashes the mirror. There is no room for such passivity when we are to “run with endurance the race that lies before us”.
So, how will this focus shape me TODAY? How will seeking God’s glory and the needs of others impact on what I think, speak, do? Well, this week it is praying and striving to be someone who forgives and forgives and forgives. To be generous towards others as my heavenly Father has been generous towards me.
This month is a little different for EQUIP bookclub as we’re looking at three books instead of one. While we’ll focus on Gospel-centred Life, we’ll also be road-testing Gospel-centred Family and having a brief look at Gospel-centred Marriage.
Gospel-centred Life is short. It is also simple (deceptively so), with its conversational tone and easy-to-read format. But in attempting to convey (often complex) gospel truths in a simple manner, means that questions are inevitably raised which, because of the condensed form, are either treated superficially or left unanswered. Despite this I felt that in its pithiness the book was able to focus the reader in on some very important things and say them clearly.
Last year I read Gospel-centred Family and loved it for it’s pithy focus on how the gospel should and can impact family life, moving from principle to practical example. So I was quite excited to read Gospel-centred Life. Although not as ground-breaking for me as Gospel-centred Family it is an important book, dealing with things that all Christians should know. My impression is that it would be a great book to give to a new Christian.
About this month’s contributor: Siân likes reading and loves God.
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