What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? How can you give it a go? What are the next steps for you, however long you have been a follower?
“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
Matthew 5 v 48 – The Message
We like to try and keep it fairly simple: God loves you.
We all feel there are things wrong in our lives, that need to change. That doesn’t stop God loving us. We do our best to draw on his help to sort things out as we journey together and with him. We don’t have to sort things out before we start. What are the next steps for you?
What helps us in our journey?
Prayer – see our thoughts on having a go and learn to pray by praying.
The Bible – why not start with the New Testament and one of the gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke or John? Focus on Jesus. What do you learn about him and from him? Is there a message for you? Perhaps use one of the free online bibles (biblegateway) and a modern translation maybe The Message, New Living Translation)Have a go with a daily reading – we might use Lectio 365, the free ‘app’ from the 24*7 Prayer movement. If you’ve been a Christian for a long time why not make the New Testament the next book you read cover to cover.
Acts of kindness. How can you love others- what about simple acts of kindness – at home, work, with neighbours; work for justice and joining in mission?
Rhythms of Grace is a simple framework for discipleship that we try and use.
Spiritual journal – you might want to try keeping a journal. Many of us find its a good way to pause, reflect and learn. This blog post provides some really helpful thoughts on how to do it.
Some books we’ve been reading recently you might find use are……
Retreat / pilgrimage. Many of us try and fit in a retreat or pilgrimage once a year. There are so many major Christian festivals to explore – consider: Spring Harvest; New Wine, Greenbelt; Wild Fires. More locally, we have the wonderful resource of Scargill House at Kettlewell in the Yorkshire Days offering a wonderful variety of short retreats and welcoming you into the life of a Christian community for a short stay.
As well as journeying on your own, why not join a Kairos Community as a way to share your journey with others. There are opportunities to listen to each others stories and support each other on the journey. There are opportunities for prayer. Each Kairos Community also has specific activities working for justice and mission.
As Kairos we also engage in mission and work for justice in various ways. There are many opportunities to learn as you go.
other links…