O God the Holy Spirit,
Thou who dost proceed from the Father and the Son,
Have mercy on me.
When thou didst first hover over chaos,
order came to birth,
beauty robed the world, fruitfulness sprang forth.
Move, I pray thee, upon my disordered heart;
Take away the infirmities of unruly desires and hateful lusts;
Lift the mists and darkness of unbelief;
Brighten my soul with the pure light of truth;
Make it fragrant as the garden of paradise,
rich with every goodly fruit
beautiful with heavenly grace,
radiant with rays of divine light.
Fulful in me the glory of thy divine offices;
Be my comforter, light, guide, sanctifier;
Take of the things of Christ and show them to my soul;
Through thee may I daily learn more of his love, grace, compassion, faithfulness, beauty;
Lead me to the cross and show me his wounds, the hateful nature of evil, the power of Satan;
May I there see my sins as
the nails that transfixed him,
the cords that bound him,
the thorns that tore him
the sword that pierced him.
Help me to find in his death the reality and immensity of his love.
Open for me the wondrous volumes of truth in his, ‘It is finished’.
Increase my faith in the clear knowledge of
atonement achieved, expiation completed,
satisfaction made, guilt done away,
my debt paid, my sins forgiven,
my person redeemed, my soul saved,
hell vanquished, heaven opened,
eternity made mine.
O Holy Spirit, deepen in me these saving lessons.
Write them upon my heart, that my walk be
sin-loathing, sin-fleeing, Christ loving;
And suffer no devil’s device to beguile or deceive me.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
THE SPIRIT’S WORK
Monday, November 17, 2008
Christianity Explored
January 2009 @ Christ Community
This could be what you’ve been praying for. An opportunity for you to bring along your friend(s) to a place where they are NOT required to pray, sing, or give. A place where they ARE allowed to ask honest questions. We are running a course that has been used effectively in London for 10 years and is beginning to help churches in the United States. Here are some FAQ’s about Christianity Explored.
Questions from potential participants
Q. Who is Christianity Explored for?
A. Christianity Explored is for anyone who wants to investigate Christianity informally with a group of other people. Whether you have previous experience of Church, Christians and the Bible, or none at all, this course is for you. Everyone is welcome - from the most sympathetic Sunday schooler to the convinced atheist. We will respect your background, culture and beliefs. Tell us as little or as much about yourself as you feel comfortable.
Q. What goes on?
A. A meal is usually provided at the start of the evening (typically 7pm), so don't worry if you have to come straight from work. The course is normally run in several groups of six to nine people, and after briefly discussing the course material from the week before, there is a talk or DVD on the theme for that week. Then the groups discuss any questions that have arisen, and the evening ends at about 9pm. Of course, if you'd like, you're welcome to stick around a bit longer for a coffee to discuss any further issues you might have. And you can ask any question you want, at any time during the course.
Q. How long does the course last?
A. The course runs for 10 weeks, including a weekend (or day) away, when you can explore other areas such as the Bible, the Holy Spirit, prayer and the church.
Q. Can I pull out if I want to?
A. Of course you can.
Q. How much does the course cost?
A. Nothing - but some courses might ask for a small contribution towards any food provided.
Q. Do I have to bring anything?
A. No, all course materials are provided.
Q. Is it 'churchy'?
A. We hope not. It's not a church service. There's no praying, singing, or clapping, and you won't be asked to read aloud.
Q. Am I going to get preached at?
A. Each evening includes a talk (or DVD) designed to explain an aspect of Christian belief and to stimulate discussion. Hopefully you'll find it challenging and amusing. The group leaders will facilitate discussion and try to answer questions.
Q. Do I have to speak in the group?
A. Not if you don't want to. You are welcome to come and just sit and listen.
Q. How is Christianity Explored different from other courses?
A. The focus on Mark's Gospel, with its emphasis on who Jesus was, what his aims were, and what it means to follow him, makes Christianity Explored quite different.
Q. Why is the course run?
A. Christians count it a real privilege to explain the truth and relevance of the Christian message. We don't have all the answers but believe that we have exciting news to share about Jesus Christ.
Key Dates:
Sunday December 7 Leaders’ Lunch Meeting (all interested welcome!)
January 2009 kickoff
To learn more:
www.christianityexplored.com
January 2009 @ Christ Community
This could be what you’ve been praying for. An opportunity for you to bring along your friend(s) to a place where they are NOT required to pray, sing, or give. A place where they ARE allowed to ask honest questions. We are running a course that has been used effectively in London for 10 years and is beginning to help churches in the United States. Here are some FAQ’s about Christianity Explored.
Questions from potential participants
Q. Who is Christianity Explored for?
A. Christianity Explored is for anyone who wants to investigate Christianity informally with a group of other people. Whether you have previous experience of Church, Christians and the Bible, or none at all, this course is for you. Everyone is welcome - from the most sympathetic Sunday schooler to the convinced atheist. We will respect your background, culture and beliefs. Tell us as little or as much about yourself as you feel comfortable.
Q. What goes on?
A. A meal is usually provided at the start of the evening (typically 7pm), so don't worry if you have to come straight from work. The course is normally run in several groups of six to nine people, and after briefly discussing the course material from the week before, there is a talk or DVD on the theme for that week. Then the groups discuss any questions that have arisen, and the evening ends at about 9pm. Of course, if you'd like, you're welcome to stick around a bit longer for a coffee to discuss any further issues you might have. And you can ask any question you want, at any time during the course.
Q. How long does the course last?
A. The course runs for 10 weeks, including a weekend (or day) away, when you can explore other areas such as the Bible, the Holy Spirit, prayer and the church.
Q. Can I pull out if I want to?
A. Of course you can.
Q. How much does the course cost?
A. Nothing - but some courses might ask for a small contribution towards any food provided.
Q. Do I have to bring anything?
A. No, all course materials are provided.
Q. Is it 'churchy'?
A. We hope not. It's not a church service. There's no praying, singing, or clapping, and you won't be asked to read aloud.
Q. Am I going to get preached at?
A. Each evening includes a talk (or DVD) designed to explain an aspect of Christian belief and to stimulate discussion. Hopefully you'll find it challenging and amusing. The group leaders will facilitate discussion and try to answer questions.
Q. Do I have to speak in the group?
A. Not if you don't want to. You are welcome to come and just sit and listen.
Q. How is Christianity Explored different from other courses?
A. The focus on Mark's Gospel, with its emphasis on who Jesus was, what his aims were, and what it means to follow him, makes Christianity Explored quite different.
Q. Why is the course run?
A. Christians count it a real privilege to explain the truth and relevance of the Christian message. We don't have all the answers but believe that we have exciting news to share about Jesus Christ.
Key Dates:
Sunday December 7 Leaders’ Lunch Meeting (all interested welcome!)
January 2009 kickoff
To learn more:
www.christianityexplored.com
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