Journeys: The Way in is the Way on | Steve Ballard at 7pm | 13 September 2020

13 September 2020 - 7pm Service

Journeys: The Way in is the the Way on

This Sunday, we continue our preaching series Journeys: People of the Way with a message from Steve Ballard, our Young Adults leader.

The Christian life is a journey. It has a beginning, a destination, and things to do, accomplish, and grow in on the way. The early Church was called ‘The Way’ - it implies a way of life, not just a once in a lifetime decision. What does The Way look like?

Remember, our 11am service is also looking at this topic, and Philip Jinadu shared a message with us. Check it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Introduction:
Is becoming a Christian a process or a precipitate moment of decision?

Some people speak as if all that matters is for a person to pray the 'sinner's prayer', secure a place in heaven and that's the job done. Christians are the sum of people who have prayed that prayer and that's all that matters. Others see Christianity as a lifelong journey of discipleship changing from one degree of glory to another!

Of course, I would say, it is both and! It is often a process of hunger for God, which leads to a decision to make Jesus Lord and initiates a life of discipleship. Hence Alpha is both a process but has moments of invitation in it. Sadly, some people seem to stop growing or even go backwards. Maybe the ingredients that help us find God help us to carry on growing in relationship with Him.

The Way in is the Way on:

Read Galatians 3.

1. What things led you to follow Jesus? How conscious were you of your need for 'salvation', of God to help you get free from things too strong for you, and for you to become the best version of you possible? How important is an ongoing awareness of your need for the grace of God in your life?

2. What are the tools that help a Christian grow? How do you use them?

3. What were your spiritual foundations as a new follower of Jesus? How have they helped your ongoing journey of faith? Did you have any 'spiritual parenting'? (c.f. Ephesians 4: 11-13)

4. Hebrews 5:11-14 talks about Spiritual food. What is your spiritual food? Do you feed regularly- can you describe how?

5. Galatians talks about 'beginning with the Spirit.' How do you understand the work of the Holy Spirit in helping you both begin and continue in the Christian life?