Rhythms: Enjoying God Through Spiritual Disciplines
Carrara
Rhythms #8 - Dwelling in God’s Word
November 27, 2016 • Will Ross
Reading the Word is not an optional additive for the Christian, it must be the cause of our delight! We see in Psalm 1 that the blessed life is found in delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating on it day and night; not to empty the mind, but to fill it with God’s truths. The Rhythm of dwelling in God’s Word is critical for understanding what Jesus has already accomplished for us.
Rhythms #7 - The Shared Life of God’s People
November 20, 2016
The New Testament knows nothing of a ‘personal-Christianity’ that is not also a ‘participational-Christianity.’ While Jesus saves His people from sin, He also saves us into His family. The shared life of God’s people under God’s Word serves as an assault on our self-centredness, a guard against sin’s deceitfulness, a fuel for the long haul, and a demonstration of the gospel.
Rhythms #6 - Living Sent, Making Disciples
November 13, 2016
Christians are a ‘sent’ people. Jesus did not give His followers a ‘Great Suggestion,’ but the Great Commission. Gossiping the gospel and making disciples are the normal rhythms of life for every local church and every follower of Jesus. Because God is a missionary-God, His people share in His missionary-nature.
Rhythms #4 - Silence and Solitude
October 30, 2016
Jesus modelled a pattern of life where he withdrew from the noise of the crowds, to be alone with His Father. The rhythms of silence and solitude are essential to living fruitfully as a Christian. Solitude is not merely being alone; it is being alone with God. Silence is not merely the absence of speaking; it is listening to God. In our frenetic, busy world we need to heed God’s gracious invitation to be still, and know that He is God.
Rhythms #5 - Worshipful, Missional Generosity
November 6, 2016
Generosity is the normal, worshipful overflow of people who have received the grace of God. To the degree we see Christ losing His life for us, money and possessions will lose their grip on our hearts. When the gospel informs our worldview, our attitude changes from “What can I spare?” to “What will it take?”
Rhythms #3 - Worship: Rehearsing and Responding to the Gospel
October 23, 2016 • Darren Dakers
The weekly worship gathering is a gift to the local church. God’s people are called to gather together in worship of Him. In this regular rhythm we enter the story of the gospel as we are captured by God’s mighty works and marvellous worth. As we rehearse the gospel regularly and personally, we find that our affections and actions are reformed into the image of Christ. This is a rhythm our souls need in order to weather the rival liturgies we are exposed to weekly. Worship really matters. It’s about ascribing worth to God; it’s a whole life posture towards glorifying God as utmost in our life. If we don’t get worship right, we slip into sin and idolatry.
Rhythms #2 - Hungering for God
October 16, 2016 • Darren Dakers
While most of us know that fasting is in the bible, not many of us know if Christians should practice it today. Throughout the Old and New testament we find that fasting was a common practice among God’s people. While fasting is not commanded in the New Testament, it is expected, based on Jesus' words in Matthew. Through fasting we seek intimacy with him, humility before him, and eager expectation for his return. Fasting helps us overcome our self-dependence and love of comfort as we learn that our food is to do the will of God.
Rhythms #1 - Enjoying God Through Prayer
October 9, 2016
Right now at this present moment, every single Christian is as close to God as they want to be. God has given His people rhythms of grace (also known as spiritual disciplines), through which they grow in holiness, strengthen their faith, and deepen their joy in Him. God has called His people to a life of prayer, where they enjoy His presence and receive His power. Through Jesus, we have the Father’s ear. And He loves to hear our voice.