The Gospel According to You

I'm preparing a message about how the degree to which we live satisfied in Christ is the degree to which we point a spotlight on the reality of Christ. People who aren't interested in God probably aren't going to read the Bible - why would they? - but even though they don't read any of the 66 books of Scripture they are likely to read us; which means we're kind of like the 67th book of the Bible....feels a bit heretical but go with it for a bit....

People will notice the degree to which God is enough for us, the extent to which we rely on Him and not pseudo-functional saviours like money, people, work and "stuff".  If our real security and hope lies in places other than Christ then how precious does He look?    But when we live dependent upon Him, when we show by our lives that He is enough then we display, in admittedly somewhat flawed ways, His goodness, power, love and glory.

The Gospel According to You

If none but you in the world today

Had tried to live in the Christlike way

Could the rest of the world look close at you

And find the path that is straight and true?

If none but you in the world so wide,

Had found the Christ as his daily guide

Would the things you do and the things you say

Lead others to live in the blessed way?

Ah! Friends of the Christ, in the world to-day

Are many who watch you upon your way,

And look to the things you say and do

To measure the Christ in standard true.

Men read and admire the Gospel of Christ

With its love so unfailing and true

But what do they say and what do they think

Of the Gospel according to you?

You are writing each day a letter to men;

Take care that the writing is true,

It's the only Gospel that some men may read - 

That Gospel accrording to you.

How the Bible Disciples Us

A great little quote from Anthony Billington, Faculty Leader at LICC:

All of Scripture "disciples" us in how to think and feel and live: 

Laws disclose his will for how we should relate to him and to each other, and how our life together should be ordered
Narrative tells of his gracious plan being worked out through the ages and our part in it
Wisdom shows what it is to fear him in all areas of life
Prophecy challenges us to fulfil our responsibilities as his covenant people
Gospels proclaim the centrality of Christ in his plan of redemption, providing a kingdom-and-cross-shaped pattern for living in the process of doing so
Letters instruct those who are "in Christ" to grow up in him as we serve each other and live in the world
Apocalyptic trains us in how to hope as we look forward to the renewal of all things.