‘Jesus did not invite people to convert to Christianity…he invited people to apprentice under him to a whole new way of living’
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
Being a follower of Jesus is not about a to do list but an invitation to be with Jesus so that we might become like Jesus and do as he did. Our sermon series for Lent explores some of the practices which can help transform us so that we become more like Jesus. This is not about us adding lots of actions to our lives but about adopting the practices that Jesus had as a response to our love for him and his invitation to be his disciples.
Our series is loosely based on the book Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer (hence the ‘c’ in practicing, not an ‘s’). For those not in a house group who would like to discuss the book or sermon series during Lent, there will be two opportunities to do so in the Vicarage on Monday 23rd February 4pm-5.30pm and Thursday 19th March 7pm-8.30pm. Let Rebecca know if you would like to come. The Lent Lunches at St John’s, Bourne End will include a reflection on the sermon series followed by an opportunity to discuss it and everyone is welcome to these.
Practicing the Way
Sunday 22nd February Apprentices to Jesus
readings: Matthew 4.18-25 and Romans 12.1-1
Jesus invites us to be his disciples which means learning from him how to be like him. This is not about lots of things to do but is rooted in spending time with Jesus.
Sunday 1st March Generosity and Fasting
readings: Luke 19.1-10 and Psalm 63.1-5
The God we worship is a generous God; fasting is one way in which we can focus on how much we have so that we might be more generous towards God and others in response.
Sunday 8th March Prayer and Scripture
readings: Romans 15.1-6 and Psalm 119.9-16
Time meeting God in prayer and reading the Bible are vital if we want to deepen our relationship with him and learn how to live as Jesus did.
Sunday 15th March Service and Witness
readings: John 13.12-17, 34-35 and Acts 10.36-43
We follow Jesus who is shows us what serving others looks like; as we serve others we are not only following Jesus’ example but pointing others towards him too.
Sunday 22nd March Community and Solitude
readings: Mark 1.35-39 and Acts 2.42-47
As followers of Jesus we are part of a community (the Church) but we also need time alone with God. Depending on our circumstances and personality, we will probably find one of these easier than the other, but both are essential if we are to grow as Jesus’ disciples.