Taking Ground

Term 3 Preaching Series

I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

- Phil 3:12-14

Series Overview: 

As we continue to follow Jesus, there is always more to take hold of, to press towards, to take ground in. Such forward movement is rarely gained automatically, nor is it something we should sit back passively hoping for. God often invites us to participate with his ongoing work in our lives, and to actively join with him in taking ground.

In this practical teaching series, we will name some things that cause us to remain stuck or stagnant in our Christian life. We will explore how we can move beyond the things that hinder us from experiencing the ongoing growth and transformation God has for us.  We will also anticipate the ways that such transformation will be observable to others in our lives, including our not-yet-Christian friends and family, and can help point them to Jesus.

Each week is designed to help equip and empower us to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus has taken hold of us. To take ground as we pursue Jesus.

TOPICS

Transform Your Mind

Our thoughts are powerful! They can inform our reality, impact our well-being, shape our character and fuel our actions. Our thoughts and mindsets can help propel us forward in our Christian walk, or they can undermine the work of God in our lives and keep us stuck.

This week we look at what it means to experience ongoing transformation through the renewing of our minds. 

Fuel Your Affections

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  We know that what we set our heart on, we go after. The things we are passionate about, we protect and prioritise. It’s little wonder then that Jesus warns of the dangers of love grown cold.

This week we look at how we can fuel our love for God in ways that will overflow and sustain us through lifetime of following Jesus.

Purify Your Walk

The writer of Hebrews encourages us to throw us the things that hinder our progress in the Christian walk, especially the sins that can so easily entangle us. We get it! It is hard to press forward in faith whilst being stuck in sinful patterns we know Jesus has died to free us from.

This week we look at the importance of repentance, confession and accountability in the Christian life, as means of grace to help untangle us.

Embrace Your Calling

Imposter syndrome is that persistent, internalised fear of being exposed as a fraud. Like Moses at the burning bush, so many of us struggle to accept “who, me?!” when God calls, yet the Scriptures record God’s history of equipping the called (not calling the already equipped).

This week we look at what it means to courageously to step into our giftings and callings with the empowering presence of God.

Cultivate Your Feed  

We are constantly bombarded by all manner of images, words, music and messages… not all of which lead us closer to God. In fact, much of what we can read, hear, watch or talk about can do just the opposite.

This week we look at the power of intentionally cultivating what we consume (and what we choose not to), and how filling our eyes and minds with the things of God will increase our ability to encounter God in the midst of everyday.

Nurture Your Home

What is Jesus’ vision for your home life and closest relationships?  With so much demanded of us outside of the home and in the running of our households, what are we investing into our homes as places of renewal and transformation?  

This week we look at how to pursue a Jesus-centred home, exploring how we can intentionally invest in the rhythms and relationships of where we live.

Set Your Pace

Dallas Willard famously diagnosed hurry as the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. We know this to be true! When we find ourselves constantly busy, distracted, stressed and hurried, there is very little space left to be present with God or with the people God places before us.

This week we focus on sustainable rhythms, rest and the Biblical principle of Sabbath.

Know Your Enemy

The Bible is very clear on the reality of spiritual darkness, oppression and opposition. There is a real spiritual enemy set on undermining the work of God in our lives. We are wise to be aware, discerning and ready to stand firm.

This week we look at the reality of spiritual opposition, and how we can be equipped to walk in increased victory and in our God-given authority as his children.