Cultivating Christian Character
A recent strap-line for a Christian conference was local churches changing nations. This may sound a bit grand and ambitious but in fact this may be exactly what we are called to do. Most of us would agree that without a moral vision for our future things look pretty bleak. We can help provide one by understanding the times in which we live and by offering a positive alternative to the current drift of public life.
These first three weeks of the term are devoted to ideas about creating character that can stand in the face of the pressures of our culture. This character will allow us to practice public discipleship that will be seen and recognised by those around us. Local churches are designed by God to be crucibles of discipleship. They are meant to be communities for Christlikeness, so that Christ may be seen and his transforming power known in every place.
The first week looks at the choices that we make, especially the choice to decide to follow God’s ways.
Then we look at the positive effects of the community that we are called into when we are found by God.
Finally we look at how we define who we are by the ways that we treat those around us.
To be effective disciples we must develop a Christ like character. If people can see Him in us then we will be living out our vision of growing as a Christ centred community.
In the week after Harvest on 26th September why not hold a social to invite people along to.
Following September 5th Deut 30.15-end
Choices we make
Welcome
When you are shopping what items do you spend most time choosing?
Worship
Read Psalm 1 together.
God’s longing for us is to be healthy and bear fruit.
Give thanks to God for this picture He paints for those who follow his ways.
Share how following God has brought you blessings in your life.
Word
Read Deuteronomy 30.15-end.
Moses gives the people of God a clear instruction as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
1. What does God demand of His people and what are the consequences? Is it fair for God to make this choice so black and white?
2. Do you think that following God’s way is still the best plan for society?
3. Some think that the dominant god of our nation is consumerism. How true is it that materialism threatens to take God’s place in many lives? What effect does this have for people?
4. In the choices that we make do we consistently choose God’s ways? Pray for each other that we may walk in God’s ways in each and every day.
Witness
Consistent choices cultivate Christian character. How can the choices that we make be a witness to those around us? How can we pass this life on to others?
Following 12th September Luke 15.1-10
Loved into community
Welcome
Can you think of when being part of a team has helped you to achieve more than you could do alone?
Worship
Find the words of Amazing Grace and print them out so all can read them.
Find a version of the hymn to listen to or sing.
Give thanks that it was God who came to find us when we were lost and alone. Pray that God may be at work amongst those around us finding more lost sheep who need to be brought home.
Word
Read Luke 15.1-10, consider how the two stories build a picture of God’s longing for those who are lost.
1. Jesus mixes with the marginalised: the last, the least and the lost. How do Jesus’ stories seek to heal divisions with the grumbling Pharisees?
2. The lost sheep and lost coin are alone when they are lost. Is being returned to be part of a community your experience in being found?
3. Being together builds trust and community. How is God’s love for us central to our shared identity?
4. Share with one or two others, if you can, whether you feel securely found or lost and alone. Pray for each other to know the security of God’s love.
Witness
Being in an authentic community is one of the marks of life in God’s Kingdom. How does commitment to healthy relationships encourage and help us to live out the command to love our neighbours?
Following 19th September Luke 16.1-13
Defining Identity
Welcome
What one thing would you say defines who you are?
Worship
Look at Ephesians 3.14-21. Give thanks that our identity is rooted in God’s love for us in Christ.
Pray for each person in the group that we might know the fullness of God’s love in our lives remembering that all this is only achieved by the power of His Holy Spirit at work within us.
Word
The story of Luke 16.1-13 is about using resources wisely.
1. The manager was about to lose all that he had. Can you think of people in similar situations today? Would they react in a similar way?
2. If we recognise that all that we have is only on loan from God would we behave differently with our money and possessions?
3. Verse 13 is a message to us all, as individuals, a church and a nation. Do we hear the advice?
4. Pray that we might be freed from the slavery of accumulating wealth and material resources so that we might be trusted with true riches?
Witness
How we treat others defines who we are in God’s eyes. Read Amos 8.4-7 which makes it clear that God is concerned about justice for the needy and poor. How can we be more effective in using what we have to make a difference in our world?
Please pray for the Alpha course starting this week.
