Vision & Values 1 – Son
Devotions - Week 1
Key Scriptures: Ephesians 4:11-16, Matthew 4:19, Matthew 28:16-20, Colossians 1:15-23
This week we have begun a 6 week journey together. A journey in which we will be aiming to remind ourselves of who we are and why we are here!
As part of this journey, our Devotions – both our video and written versions – will take on a slightly different format. They will work closely with the sermons being preached in our venues each week. Their aim will be to ground some of the concepts that we are unpacking in the reality of our daily lives.
Ephesians 4:11-16 tells us that the leadership gifts that Christ gives to his body the church are given to equip and mature believers. When we preach on a Sunday or Online, this is our aim. To open the scriptures in such a way that those listening, those watching, those taking notes (always a good idea!) are not just kept awake, or entertained, but are equipped.
It is likely that preaching in the early church was more interactive than in the 21st century. There would have been discussion, and questioning. A real sense of unpacking truth as a community rather than just observing truth as an audience.
We may not be able to replicate that dynamic in a large gathering on a Sunday, but we can certainly engage in it in our households, our friendship groups and possibly most easily in our Life Groups.
My encouragement to you is to use these devotionals in that way. You can use them to help your personal study in the week – but don’t feel you have to stop there. Use the questions and the ideas contained in this devotional, in as many settings as you can and feel free to feedback questions and thoughts to simon.elliott@everyday.org.uk
As part of this journey, our Devotions – both our video and written versions – will take on a slightly different format. They will work closely with the sermons being preached in our venues each week. Their aim will be to ground some of the concepts that we are unpacking in the reality of our daily lives.
Ephesians 4:11-16 tells us that the leadership gifts that Christ gives to his body the church are given to equip and mature believers. When we preach on a Sunday or Online, this is our aim. To open the scriptures in such a way that those listening, those watching, those taking notes (always a good idea!) are not just kept awake, or entertained, but are equipped.
It is likely that preaching in the early church was more interactive than in the 21st century. There would have been discussion, and questioning. A real sense of unpacking truth as a community rather than just observing truth as an audience.
We may not be able to replicate that dynamic in a large gathering on a Sunday, but we can certainly engage in it in our households, our friendship groups and possibly most easily in our Life Groups.
My encouragement to you is to use these devotionals in that way. You can use them to help your personal study in the week – but don’t feel you have to stop there. Use the questions and the ideas contained in this devotional, in as many settings as you can and feel free to feedback questions and thoughts to simon.elliott@everyday.org.uk
Apply
This week we have introduced the series with some foundations on vision, identity and Jesus. If you have already listened to or watched this week’s sermon, (Everyday Church - YouTube) dig out your notes and take some time to think about and then discuss in your Life Group, or with friends, the following questions:
Spend some time beholding Jesus as he is described in Colossians 1:15-23
Jesus calls us to follow him, to be apprentices in his Kingdom mission (Matthew 4:19, 28:16-20)
The spiritual disciplines of worship, Bible reading, prayer etc are not meant to be the goal of our faith, but they are hugely important in equipping and empowering our faith:
- William Blake famously wrote “We become what we behold” – do you agree?
- Why do you agree (or disagree)?
- Where do you see this principle at work in our modern world?
Spend some time beholding Jesus as he is described in Colossians 1:15-23
- What stirs you or excites you about this description of Jesus?
Jesus calls us to follow him, to be apprentices in his Kingdom mission (Matthew 4:19, 28:16-20)
- What does that look like for you in this season of your life?
- Where do you need others to encourage you in your discipleship?
The spiritual disciplines of worship, Bible reading, prayer etc are not meant to be the goal of our faith, but they are hugely important in equipping and empowering our faith:
- How do you want to grow in your spiritual disciplines in 2023?
- What might that growth look like practically in terms of your time and energy?
This Everyday Devotions was written by Simon Elliott, our Lead Elder.
If you would like to listen to the whole of this week’s sermon on Vision & Values 1 why not download the Everyday Church App or visit our website, YouTube Channel and at our Online Church Services.
This Everyday Devotions is accompanied by a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube Channel.
Follow our Everyday Devotions Playlist for some songs to help you worship God in Spirit and truth this week.
If you would like to listen to the whole of this week’s sermon on Vision & Values 1 why not download the Everyday Church App or visit our website, YouTube Channel and at our Online Church Services.
This Everyday Devotions is accompanied by a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube Channel.
Follow our Everyday Devotions Playlist for some songs to help you worship God in Spirit and truth this week.