Rhythms
Because of who we are in Christ, we live differently. Our rhythms are normal, everyday routines that are transformed because of our gospel-identities.
Listen. We believe that the words God speaks to us actually sustain our lives, so we want to listen to Him through reading his word and praying, for he knows what is best for us. We also want to listen to people, hear their stories, and help them understand how their stories are confronted and changed by hearing the story of God.
Bless. Jesus Christ is the God-promised blessing we see in Scripture; therefore, as Jesus’ people, we are to be agents of blessing. Friend and foe alike, we are to seek the good of others, loving them and telling them about the ultimate blessing they can find in Christ alone.
Eat. As a church, we want to share meals together often as a reminder that we come to God’s table empty and hungry, and he must be the one to provide. We see meals as a way for deep fellowship to happen among believers, as well as a means for reaching out to our neighbors who might not know Christ.
Celebrate. Everyone celebrates something. As believers, our celebrations are redeemed because we have been enabled to genuinely celebrate what is actually worth celebrating: God. The church can have a reputation for being a killjoy, when in reality we should be rejoicing more than anyone else on the planet.
Suffer. We are told in the Bible that if we follow Jesus we will suffer, enduring all sorts of hardships and trials. As a church we are told that if “one member suffers, all suffer together.” When we face trials, we want to suffer differently than the world, knowing that “God works all things together for the good of those who love him.”
Work. Work has been a rhythm of human life since the world began, even before the Fall. Of course, because of sin, work is now painful, laborious, and we often see little yield from hours upon hours of toil. Nonetheless, work is a good gift from God, and we must allow the gospel to redeem that (large) part of our lives as well.
Rest. This is a daily ritual every human being shares, and we desire to do it in ways that glorify God. Whether we’re relaxing with friends over coffee and conversation, enjoying a favorite hobby, or simply sleeping, we pray that God is restoring our souls as he sustains the universe apart from our efforts.