Triple A's of Discipline

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SUNDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2018

Ephesians deals with topics at the very core of what it means to be a Christian—both in faith and in practice, it invites us to continue our journey of “Shema” - hearing and responding to the invitation and challenges God is placing on our hearts as individuals, households and as a community.

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‘Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.’ - Ephesians 5:1-8

Way of Love

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SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2018

Ephesians deals with topics at the very core of what it means to be a Christian—both in faith and in practice, it invites us to continue our journey of “Shema” - hearing and responding to the invitation and challenges God is placing on our hearts as individuals, households and as a community.

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‘Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another,forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.’ - Ephesians 4:31-5:2

This morning we explore the beginning of Ephesians 5, where once again we are greeted by a therefore which makes us ask—what is it there for? This is Paul’s pivot into explaining the specific instructions on what a life of love looks like.

The way of love is defined by two relationships and holds within it the tension of those  - seen most clearly in the description in John 1 of Jesus - the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have seen his glory - the glory of the Father - full of grace and truth.

This way of love is defined by two markers: GRACE and TRUTH…

Unity and Maturity

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SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2018

Ephesians deals with topics at the very core of what it means to be a Christian—both in faith and in practice, it invites us to continue our journey of “Shema” - hearing and responding to the invitation and challenges God is placing on our hearts as individuals, households and as a community.

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Over the past six weeks we have been taking our time delving into each of the five gifts that Jesus gave the people of the church (APEST) in the hopes that together we would each discover more about our own personal giftings, as well as gain a renewed appreciation and understanding of the giftings in those around us.

Ephesians 4 says: ‘So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.’

Today we look at the three relationships each gifting need to grow in maturity.

The shepherds get to play...

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SUNDAY 09 SEPTEMBER 2018

Ephesians deals with topics at the very core of what it means to be a Christian—both in faith and in practice, it invites us to continue our journey of “Shema” - hearing and responding to the invitation and challenges God is placing on our hearts as individuals, households and as a community.

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Today we continue our series “Everyone Gets to Play” Where we have been exploring the five gifts described in Ephesians 4 as given by God to each one of us.

 At its core, those gifted with a Shepherd heart create and maintain healthy community, promoting the common good, encouraging people in the faith and ensuring the welfare of people as well as the broader society in which the community abides.

Shepherds pay close attention to their immediate environment, noticing details about people and the state of the community. They have strong empathetic attitudes and heightened capacities for meaningful friendships and relationships.

They know the names, stories and details of the people in their care. They desire cohesion and unity and find it hard when people leave the community - for good or not-so-good reasons. 

People matter to shepherds - even and especially the most unlikely, most vulnerable and unseen ones.

The teachers get to play...

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SUNDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2018

Ephesians deals with topics at the very core of what it means to be a Christian—both in faith and in practice, it invites us to continue our journey of “Shema” - hearing and responding to the invitation and challenges God is placing on our hearts as individuals, households and as a community.

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Today we continue our series “Everyone Gets to Play” Where we have been exploring the five gifts described in Ephesians 4 as given by God to each one of us.

The teaching gift is about practical wisdom and philosophical understanding joined together.

A teacher will be focussed on helping people to see how God wants them to see and experience the world. They bring truth to people to shape and form them

They are similar to prophets and apostles in that they deal with ideas that shapelife.  They are interested in the board comprehension and systematic understanding - and don’t always carry a huge amount of urgency.  There is always more to learn and progress, no matter how small is progress.

Teachers can not teach what they do not know and cannot lead where they will not themselves go - they want ideas to be grounded in real life - they want transformation.