My Core Beliefs
Discipleship is teaching people to observe the commands and teachings of Jesus. The whole history of the Church is based on people passing down revelation and wisdom, for the next generation to follow. The Apostle Paul writing to Timothy said,
“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:13)
A few weeks ago I undertook an interesting exercise. I was thinking about the pattern of sound teaching that I have had, and if I were to summarise these to pass on, what would that be? I created a list of the specific themes that I have been taught that I feel like God has given to me to share. I assume that different people will have a different mix of core beliefs and values that God has given them to share with the body of Christ.
As I completed my list I realised that most of my teaching and preaching falls inside each of the following core beliefs/values. Inside of each of these points, I have numerous tools, thoughts and practices that have shaped my life and that I think would be useful for others as well.
I encourage you to do undertake the same exercise and see what you come up with. What has God given you to share with others? Below is a summary of what I am passionate about and what I believe God has given me to share with others…
Value 1: Enjoying God. We can know and enjoy God. Having an intimate relationship with God is the first priority of our life of which everything else flows. As we know God more, His love, joy and peace flows to and through us more and more. Following Jesus, no matter the cost, is the greatest privilege and adventure.
Value 2: Jesus Centred. Jesus reveals the Father and shows us what God is like and therefore what it means to be made in the image of God. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the purest picture of God and our final authority in matters of faith and practice including the revelation of the immense love God has for every human being. All revelations of God past and future must submit to the revelation of God the Son.
Value 3: The Good News. Because of the great love God has for us, Jesus is restoring all things, making all things new, and making all things right. Jesus called this the Good News of The Kingdom. Jesus has freed us from slavery to sin, death and the devil and through His atoning work all people may know God and the fullness of life He intended for us.
Value 4: Already Blessed. God loves us first. Jesus has included the entire human race in His death and resurrection. God uses the Community of the People of God, Suffering and God Encounters to transform our minds so that we can participate with this gift. The direction of the Christian life is from glory to glory to glory.
Value 5: The Mission. As the people of God, we have a divine purpose to see the goodness of God spread throughout the Planet. We are commanded, called, and compelled to love like Jesus, and to declare and demonstrate the good news of the Kingdom of God with signs and wonders. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do this with love and power.
