Jesus at the centre-3

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This article is an extract from my short book, Jesus, Disciple, Mission, Church (JDMC). The bite-sized piece below is roughly two percent of the book. This article completes our deeper look at the first forgotten way.

Everything is holy!

Make those ‘ordinary’ things holy! Every part of the Tabernacle was holy, not just the impressive parts, but every little thing. (Exodus 40:9) If we are truly a temple built of living stones, we are all marked as holy, set apart for the Almighty’s exclusive use. (Ephesians 1:13) How can you make cleaning, shopping, work and study holy? Sometimes we think of holiness in terms of what we avoid doing. Instead, begin to think more positively in terms of what you do.

Even the things that give us the greatest pleasure can be enjoyed in his presence, with his blessing and in gratitude. Sometimes we regard these things as worldly, and of course they can be if we misuse them. But they can (and should) also be brought into the place of holiness, part of the kingdom. Think of nothing as apart from him.

Worship is much more than singing songs and praising the Lord, it’s also a matter of obedience. Worship is living lives that honour Jesus, it’s gratefully offering our world back to him. As you read the Bible pay attention to what constitutes worship and allow that learning to reshape how you define and practice worship.

In particular consider the everyday. How do you love the Lord, the creation, and other people (how do you treat them), consider your obedience, are you willing to spend time in Jesus’ company?

Not only should Jesus be at the very centre of our lives, he should also not have to share that place with anyone or anything else.

Discuss or consider – Do you reserve certain activities for use only in church? What are they? They might include prayer, worship and communion; is it possible to take these activities out into society? If not, why not? If so, how?

Put the gospels first

Measure everything you do against what Jesus taught. And to get to grips with that teaching, read and think about the parables and topics like prayer, money and the kingdom; go through the Sermon on the Mount thoroughly. (Matthew 5:1-7:29) Do your best to absorb these truths into your daily life and expect to be deeply affected by them. (Check my post from 24th June 2013 for more on this.)

Reading the gospels on a steady cycle is one idea, aim to read a section every day. If possible read the same passages as other people you know so you can talk about what you read and share insights. Get as many people as possible to join in. Study one of the gospels in depth from time to time. Studying a gospel can be done together or it might be made the topic for a teaching series.

When you read other parts of the New Testament, read them with the life, words, actions and nature of Jesus as the framework. Let Jesus be the source of light that makes the entire New Testament clear to you. And when you read the Old Testament books, look for Jesus there as well. Interpret everything with Jesus’ teachings and actions in mind.

Discuss or consider – Talk together about practical ways you might spend more time in the gospels. They focus on Jesus and they’ll help you do the same. What could you do individually? Even better, what could you do together?

Taking it further

Spread the benefits. If you found this session useful, encourage others to try it.

Where will you take this next? Make some notes about things you have decided to do and goals you want to achieve. Make a list of questions you want answered. Check out the extra information below. Come back and revisit this section from time to time.

Discuss – What is the most important thing you have learned during this
part of the guide? Different things may stand out for different people.
Which of the ideas here and those of your own could you begin to put into
practice? (Don’t bite off more than you can chew! But make sure you
actually make a start on something.)

More sections of JDMC

Introduction – JDMC, what does it contain? – Using JDMC – how to approach it

Working together in six ways – Intro and Way 1 – Ways 2, 3 and 4 – Ways 5 and 6, six ways

Way One, Jesus at the centre – Jesus at centre 1 – Jesus at centre 2 – Jesus at centre 3

Way Two, Becoming disciples – Disciples 1 – Disciples 2 – Disciples 3

Way Three, Outward and integrated – OutAndInt1, OutAndInt2

Way Four, Gifts for building – GiftsForBuilding1, GiftsForBuilding2

Way Five, A living organism – LivingOrg1, LivingOrg2

More sections will appear here…

The work of the Spirit – Intro – Jesus, disciples, outward – Gifts, living, community, help

Other church leaders – Intro, bishops, elders – Deacons, pastors, priests

Last words – The end can also be the beginning

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Read the book

This was extracted from Jesus, Disciple, Mission, Church (JDMC), pages 15 and 16. Download the whole thing or read it online – GetJDMC.scilla.org.uk

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If you enjoyed this or found it useful, please like, comment, and share below. My material is free to reuse (see conditions), but a coffee is always welcome!