Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?
27th of February - 11am Service
Toxic ! | Romans 12:1-2
It’s not difficult to accumulate and develop unhelpful thinking patterns and it’s very difficult to get rid of them. Our brains are designed to be able to remember, meditate, focus, and even obsess! God also designed us to be peaceful, joy filled and empowered people. The bible is full of commands, encouragements and advice on what to think about, how to find peace and how to tackle our rebellious thinking, calling us to ‘be transformed by the renewing of the mind’. Many people in our church family have found freedom and hope in tackling toxic thinking patterns.
Some examples of toxic thinking: Fearing rejection - Requiring perfection - Justifying bad behaviour - Fearing failure and avoiding risk - Viewing self as a victim - Shifting blame to other people or circumstances - Envying others - Worrying about things outside of your control - Making happiness about circumstances - hiding our true feelings - self- rejection etc
The pattern of this world ( Romans 12: 1) What are the patterns of this world that shape our thinking? Broad subject but home in on what affects mental health ( eg stress,
competitiveness, comparison, envy). What does our culture value? Are upbringing & role models a kind of pattern too? How do we conform to the patterns? Is there a ‘pattern’ of the kingdom?
The renewing of the mind ( 12: 2) What does a renewed mind look like? What NT examples are there of people around Jesus who experienced this? (Eg Zacheus /Mary
Magdalene /Peter- striving/fear/shame). In Jesus ministry many teaching moments were about bringing kingdom perspectives to ‘worldly mindsets’ and often peace, happiness is mentioned as an outcome ( eg Matthew 6 sermon on the mount)How do things like humility, repentance, trust, acceptance & gratitude help with renewal of the mind? .Ever wished you could switch off your brain? Studies show it is possible by meditating to change thought patterns and linked emotional states - science catching up with the bible’s 3000 year old wisdom.
Be Transformed: (12: 2) What is the transformation? Does it apply to mental health? What are we aiming at? One question people have is are there some people who are vulnerable to
ongoing mental health pressures? What does Jesus’ John10: 10 promise mean for them? The rest of the passage (3- 16) paints a beautiful picture of a caring church community - full of faith, humble and grounded in love, a place to be held by community whilst journeying towards health and wholeness - how are we doing and what are our challenges? Can we hold out for freedom through power and truth encounters, whilst loving one another and hanging in there with people?
Resources: Great article : New Scientist - The Brain and Worry LIVE NO LIES - John Mark Comer WWW.WHOLEMINDS.ORG.UK