St Kentigern’s Church
An introduction to
Christian faith
This introduction is best read on-screen with an internet connection so you can watch the video clips which go along with each section.
You’re encouraged to read, watch and consider a few pages then get in touch with Grant Barclay to talk through your thoughts and ideas. This is not to
check your answers are right, but to help you put in your own words what you think about what you’re read and watched.
Ethics and Jesus
Christian faith is a way of understanding what is right
and what is wrong and offers insights into how we make
moral decisions about what to do as individuals, in
groups together and as whole societies.
A Theory of Christian ethics
(or, what principles do Christians use to decide what’s right?)
Some moral laws matter more (Jesus speaks of the ‘greatest commandment’).
Sometimes you can’t obey all moral laws simultaneously; disobeying lesser ones is okay.
There’s no blame in having to make difficult moral decisions if you keep the most important
one(s).
Moral guidance comes from God through the Bible - if it’s interpreted
well.
Christian social policy think-tank
Church of Scotland
Church & Society Council
Deciding and living together
This isn’t just about theory, but about life. Do you think it might be better to belong with people who are
trying to live the same way? What would a community like that look like? How might it
help you?
Christian Ethics
Christian faith is a way of understanding what is right
and what is wrong and offers insights into how we make
moral decisions about what to do as individuals, in
groups together and as whole societies.
Can we decide well
enough?
Reformed thinking (that’s what our church goes
by) takes the view that no human being is perfect.
That idea is technically called total depravity but it
doesn’t mean that everyone in church or outside is
totally depraved! It does mean that we can’t be sure in
any situation that we are making the absolutely correct
moral decision. We might not know enough, we might
have an interest which makes us biased, or we just
might not be able to decide among a number of
options. So there needs to be a way of
deciding how to decide.
Deciding right & wrong
We decide
for ourselves
We have an internal sense of right Instead of trusting ourselves, we
and wrong, so why not just use that? could trust our upbringing, culture
However, how do you know that’s and society. People as a group know
right, or you’re not being influenced what’s right and wrong. Or do they?
by other things. And how do we Have we made such a good job of
operate if people have things? Is there really one view
different senses of right which holds good all the
and wrong?
Gathering together
‘One Christian is no Christian, for we were meant to
be together.’
Faith grows and is acted out with other people
(otherwise it’s only beliefs) in worship and
groups for thinking or action.
Christians gather to
worship
There’s something ‘together’ about being a Christian.
It’s not possible to be truly Christian alone. Christians
worship God together. You don’t go to church simply
for what you get out of it, but what you give to
others and to God together with others. It’s
completely different from a self-
service culture.
Freshchurch
Some Sundays we have informal times of sharing in
small groups, exploring a whole range of ideas and
activities associated with Christian faith.
The Morning Service
The service at 11.15 is traditional worship in the
Church of Scotland fashion. Our praise is mixed, there
is usually a sermon and we celebrate the sacrament of
the Lord’s Supper formally three times a year.
Tuesday Afternoon Worship
We hold a service on Tuesday afternoons once each
month at 1.45pm especially for those who find it harder
to get out and about.
Start the Day with God
On Tuesday mornings we have half hour times of quiet
reflection and either spoken or quiet prayer.
Banner Group
Our banner Group meets regularly to design and create
new banners which enrich the worship in our church.
Gathering and Jesus
‘One Christian is no Christian, for we were meant to
be together.’
Jesus wants his people to be together, and promises
to be together with them. These are important
for our Christian faith.
Jesus promises
his presence
Jesus promised that where two or three were
gathered in his name, he would be present with them.
Gathering ‘in his name’ probably means for the
purpose of worshipping or serving him. Christ’s
promised presence is separate from any sense
of being good, clever or successful.
Jesus is present
Matthew chapter 18
What is the Church?
people together following Jesus
What did Jesus say?
Some of Jesus’ teaching about right and
wrong ranks amongst the most
famous things anyone has said.
Here are some of
Do you know what the Bible says about
Christian ethics website
Have you come across Christians applying the Bible’s
Are you comfortable that people in good conscience
Are you part of a community where
Do we really have to decide?
For a long time a problem was seen in the fact that if God knew
everything and could do anything, the existence of evil meant God
either couldn’t solve evil or didn’t care enough to solve it. Is God as
caring as Christians say, and as powerful as they believe? Alvin
Plantinga developed a way of thinking about this which help us us
see that the decisions we each make have a part to play.
Our culture Look to
decides God
If God told us, we would be more
sure it was right, and we would all at
least have the same source. But would
we understand it the same way, and
would we be committed enough
to obey when it was difficult?
time?
Christians gather to serve
It’s so much easier to serve others when you’re
doing it as part of a team. Working with others bring
challenges about getting on, and how we each do things,
but on the whole it’s really enriching. Many people
have found serving Christ by serving others
through church has enriched their lives.
Local schools
We are involved with all the non-denominational
schools in New Farm Loch. The Minister leads
assemblies in Silverwood and New Farm Primaries and
leads the chaplaincy team at James Hamilton Academy.
Messy Church
We run times for mums and preschool children on
Tuesday afternoons which include a chance to learn
choruses and hear a Bible story.
Other groups
We allow other groups within our community to use
our premises for the good of the neighbourhood and
everyone who lives here.
Coffee and Company
The Library is open every Wednesday afternoon from 2
until 3.30 for members of our community to pop in,
have tea and coffee and a chat.
The Howard Centre
Many people from our congregation help with a wide
range of events at the Howard Centre, a new outreach
to the whole of Kilmarnock.
Weddings and funerals
The congregation pays the Minister who conducts
services for weddings, funerals and at other times.
Our Town videos
Two local ministers made some videos of things people
in Kilmarnock are doing to help others.
People serve through Jesus
The work Christians do for others means they
take part in the ministry of Christ in the world. Not
only is Jesus with them, but their work is in Jesus’ name
and so they’re taking part in Jesus’ ministry in his
world today. This includes all kinds of service
including all sorts of practical and faith-
based things.
Pathfinders
This is an organisation for boys in primaries 1 to 3,
aimed at helping boys to know Jesus and to follow him
in their lives. Pathfinders+ is a similar format for boys
in the remainder of primary school.
Girls’ Brigade
The Company attached to St Kentigern's is part of the
much larger, world-wide organisation which aims to
help girls become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
There is a structured programme of activities and
events within and outside the church.
Woman's Hour
This provides fellowship and interesting meetings for
ladies, usually on Monday evenings with other events
throughout the year.
Women of Worship
Meeting on the first Sunday evening of the month, this
time of worship and fellowship allows us to address
issues of particular relevance to women in the
congregation.
Frendz!
Along with other local churches we offer a once a
month Saturday-morning Christian club for young
people of primary and early secondary age.
Young People's Group
This aims to develop the spiritual lives of young people
12-17 by meeting on Sunday evenings. to talk and think
through important questions about life.
stkentigern.org.uk
God, Jesus and us
What happened to Jesus?
Scottish Charity SC001324 Journeys need signposts. Christianity looks to Jesus as
the principal signpost about God. Some journeys have The central fact of Christianity and the early Church was the
guides who travel with you. Christianity understands resurrection of Jesus. Whether you believe that might depend on
Jesus as God and as present with us by his what you think about God and how God connects to our world. Tom
Spirit, who can be perceived by faith to Wright, Bishop of Durham, explains in this video clip what the effect
be with us always. of the resurrection of Jesus had on the people who first followed
him. The question for us is: what do you do about the death
and resurrection of Jesus?
Do you believe it?
The resurrection of Jesus
Connected with God and Jesus: human and divine Live Life. Follow Jesus
others through Holy Spirit Exploring Christian spirituality Serving Jesus by being a part of his people together
together and individually Serving Jesus Vows of membership
When you join the church you make certain promises.
These are the goals we want to reach and ways we get
Contemplative Living faith is directed at following Jesus. It’s not just there.
The Prayer-Filled Life: about holding beliefs in common or joining an Within ourselves They’re what we aspire to, not what we fall away from.
Sermon on the Mount intimacy with God and depth of organisation with others. There’s a strong sense of A ‘lively faith’, a ‘strangely warmed heart’,
following a person, someone we cannot directly They are mainly about you saying publicly:
Matthew chapter 5 Jesus at the centre spirituality.
a personal relationship / friendship with
that you believe and trust in God and accept his
Over to see but can sense. Jesus Christ. forgiveness and new life; and
Charismatic
It’s not only Jesus’ death, but his life that deeply influences you... that you promise to make your faith stronger and
The Spirit-Empowered Life: follow Jesus in the world.
Christians. What he taught is still thought very important by
many people today. His miracles of healing people and exorcising the charisms of the Spirit and wor-
What do you think of Jesus? And Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Do you believe in one God, Father, Son and
demons seem strange to us, but they caused many people to follow ship.
The Beatitudes what do you think is the relationship “Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our Church. We Holy Spirit; and do you confess Jesus Christ as
him. The discussions, sometimes arguments, he had with people at the Evangelical between Jesus and you, and between are fighting today for costly grace. Cheap grace means your Saviour and Lord?
Temple and the conversations he had with his friends and people he The Word-Centred Life: you and other followers of Jesus? grace sold on the market like stuff worth nothing. ... If Jesus is a Saviour, we must need to be saved from
met on the way have become part of our culture. The life, proclaiming the good news And what difference do you plan something. We’re saved from godlessness and distance
Parable of Good Samaritan Grace without price; grace without cost! The essence from God which is called sin. We’re also pardoned all
death and resurrection of Jesus are central to Christian Social Justice this shall make in your life? of grace, we suppose, is that the account has been paid
Luke chapter 10 faith. the things we’ve done which are sinful. So Jesus is a
The Compassionate Life: in advance; and, because it has been paid, everything Being involved gives us Gaining this sense of Saviour. But he is also someone we trust and obey. So
justice and shalom in society can be had for nothing.... Cheap grace means grace as a access to loads of belonging and growing he is also Lord.
doctrine, a principle, a system. ... In such a Church the resources to help our in faith, knowing more
Holiness Do you promise to join regularly with your
The Virtuous Life:
world finds a cheap covering for its sins; no contrition spiritual lives to grow about Jesus and fellow Christians in worship on the Lord's day?
is required, still less any real desire to be delivered Coming together regularly to worship is important
personal moral transformation from sin. Cheap grace therefore amounts to a denial of and flourish. Services, Christianity and past
Good Samaritan service to God.
Incarnational the living Word of God, in fact, a denial of the small groups, personal followers all helps us to
The Sacramental Life: Incarnation of the Word of God.” study and other church give our lives to serve Do you promise to be faithful in reading the
Parable of sheep & goats Christianity - in three minutes! Bible and in prayer?
making visible the life of the spirit Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again events help our faith. God, often by serving These are things we learn by doing, so there’s no time
Luke chapter 10 and again and again, the gift which must be asked for, others. like the present to start.
the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is
costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace Do you promise to give a fitting proportion of
because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly your time, talents and money for the church's
because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it work in the world?
How much is Jesus, and sharing Jesus’ values, worth to
Sheep & Goats gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it you?
Keith Green condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner.
God and us What’s our ‘picture’ of Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Do you promise, depending on the grace of God,
Over to you... Son: “ye were bought at a price,” and what has cost Making a difference to confess Christ before all people, to serve him
God? Action in our lives, in our families, in your daily work, and to walk in his ways all the
Christian faith is a journey finding out what God is Proving or showing that there is a God is a dead-end. All you can do is live as God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace
working in our communities, contributing days of your life?
like, what God has to do with humans, and how thinking though there is a God; Or of course live as though there isn’t. It’s a cop-out to live because God did Faith in Jesus isn’t only for Sundays!
important ethical issues? not reckon his to our society, praying for and supporting
about our relationship to God influences or helps us ‘maybe as if there might be’ a God. In practice, that’s often living as though there isn’t one. It’s for all of life!
Son too dear a and enabling change world-wide to push
to think about how we relate to other people. If you do live as if there is a God, how you live depends on what you think God is like.
message to modern ethical issues? price to pay for Christ’s kingdom forward along with At the service when you take these vows, you
Even living ‘as if’ is a big step, one that Ben Elton finds almost impossibly difficult: many other Christians everywhere.
our life, but answer “I do” to each of them.
“I'm only an atheist insomuch as... Traditional religion seems to me extraordinarily banal. It is self-evident
can have different views? that the universe is a glorious mystery, because even the greatness of science comes back to: 'What came delivered him up
You’re also encouraged to write out beforehand
before the Big Bang? Nothing.' But that humanity has been able to convince itself that it can take the glories of for us. Costly and to say in front of the congregation why you
people are trying to live grace is the
the universe and then imagine a God that looks like us, imagine its personality, imagine the communications are taking this step of faith and commitment in
ethically? we're having with it - directly - strikes me as, at the very best, arrogance beyond belief. So, you know, I'm an Incarnation of following Christ. This is a big ask, but it can be
atheist when it comes to a God with a human personality with whom we can personally communicate, God. helpful for you and other people.
Radical discipleship
describe, look at the history of and consider the future of. Obviously, if you want to define 'God' as the
mystery of the universe before which we should have some real sense
of our own smallness and take some view of our actions based on
that, then I'm all for it; but the one who listens to prayers - I
Does God exist? don't believe in that.”
Serving God’s kingdom What about you?
Ben Elton in Third Way magazine We think that church is about giving and taking
Another picture of Christ at the centre
God? Christian faith invites people to give their time and Receiving
resources, and use their skills, to promote the kinds of We’re aiming to provide meaningful, enjoyable and at
things we understand God wants (healing, learning, Among each other times challenging worship services on Sundays and at
Not everyone finds it so hard. Gene Robinson suggests a way of other times for church members and people we serve in
faith, and others). Good and godly relations, unity, seeking
living ‘as if’ so that you can discover it’s true. justice for all, encouraging deeper faith, our community.
We are trying to create a place of welcome and peace
caring as Christians
“If someone came to you and asked, ‘What must I do to be saved?’, how would you Over to where friends may be found and God discerned. To this
respond? end we offer a range of activities to help people think
you... and reflect on Christian faith and to nourish their
I would say, probably: ‘Believe that God loves you beyond your wildest imagining, and
begin to live your life as if that were true.’ I think it transforms your life dramatically if you spiritual life.
You probably wouldn’t be around
believe that. ... I would go on to say that I believe that Jesus is the perfect revelation of
church if you believed there was no
A statement of belief Giving
God and of God’s will for us. Take a look at what he said, what he did and how he lived The Church of Scotland is part of the Church round the world; all We believe that it is in giving that we really receive, so
his life and that’s the way you will discover most clearly what God’s attitude is toward God. However what you think of God “The Church of Scotland, as part of the followers of Jesus together. “Catholic” means “universal” and through the church there are opportunities to serve
you and what God’s will is for you. is probably pretty important. What the holy catholic does not mean the Church of Scotland is a Roman Catholic God and other people. We have quite a bit going on
do you think God is like, and how Church (which, though the largest part, is only a part of the ourselves and we welcome interested and enthusiastic
Doesn’t that circumvent repentance and the cross?
does that influence how you or universal Church, Church of Jesus). people who would like to get involved in a range of
No, I don’t think so. It is painfully obvious to all of us that we are sinful, we
don’t live up to what God would have us do and be. The cross represents think you might discover worshipping one God, Father, ways. We think that service is for God’s kingdom and
the lengths to which God was willing to go to save us from a life that more about Son, and Holy Spirit, The Church worships God who is Father, Son (Jesus) and Holy not solely our congregation and so we are very pleased
Reasons for thinking Spirit. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit together are known as the when we are able to allow members of our congregation
is captive to sin and death. Jesus accomplished
God exists
affirms anew its belief in the Gospel Trinity. serve more broadly in other projects across Kilmarnock.
Evil ... and God something on the cross that changed the of the sovereign grace As part of the Church of Scotland we try to keep in
world completely. touch with some bigger issues and get involved in these
and love of God, This is what the Church understands the “Good News” (Gospel)
Gene Robinson in of Jesus is. It is based on the love of God which is greater than where possible. We encourage our members to
wherein through Jesus Christ, his consider serving themselves in one of the many Christian
anyone can control. Central to the Good News is that Jesus really
ministries currently around, including formal ones for
only Son, our Lord, incarnate, lived, died and rose again.
which selection, training and review are required. We
crucified, and risen, Everyone who admits their life isn’t the way God wants, and who
think that financial giving is an important part of worship
and service and encourage members to reflect on their
he freely offers to all upon wants to live God’s way, can be sure their separation from God giving to God through St Kentigern’s.
repentance and faith, has been taken away, can be sure they have been given new
spiritual life by God and be sure that they shall always belong to
Over to you...
the forgiveness of sins, renewal by God for ever.
the Holy Spirit, and eternal life, These people have a job: to work for Jesus so that the Good
News is made alive here and across the world so that other
We all do a little of each of these Christian faith: a big picture and calls them to labour in the people come to know Jesus as Lord.
three things. Maybe, though, it’s good to Here’s my attempt to show the really big picture of Chris- Making a difference fellowship of faith for the
step back and think. How much of each tian faith on one page. advancement of the kingdom of God God’s message is contained in the Bible, which is why we read it. It Making a difference
suits you - and is it down to what suits you, The central aim, I think, is to be closer to Christ at the cen- 3 tells us what God is like, it tells us who Jesus is and why he came, Action in our lives, in our families,
anyway? Action in our lives, in our families, working in throughout the world. and it tells us what principles to live by. Reading, understanding
tre, both within ourselves and among each other God and us working in our communities, contributing
What are God’s principles, how do you What do you think of this? What’s missing? What would
our communities, contributing to our society, The Church of Scotland and living by the teaching of the Bible is very important.
to our society, praying for and supporting
understand them and what weight praying for and supporting and enabling change acknowledges the Word of God,
you say differently? Does this help you think about faith? Christian faith is a journey finding out what God is There is another document, the Westminster Confession, which is and enabling change world-wide to push
do you give them? world-wide to push Christ’s kingdom
like, what God has to do with humans, and how thinking forward along with many other contained in the Scriptures of the an orderly account of the things some Christians believe. Christ’s kingdom forward along with
However, not all of it is now acceptable to many people in church, many other Christians everywhere.
about our relationship to God influences or helps us Christians everywhere. Old and New Testaments,
Thinking and discovering
so only those parts which are at the core of the faith still apply.
to think about how we relate to other people.
to be the supreme rule There is anyway a freedom to believe things which are not at the
to of faith and life. core of Christian faith.
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Ethics d Serving God’s kingdom
an
Christian faith is a way of understanding what is right Christian faith invites people to give their time and
and what is wrong and offers insights into how we make Within ourselves resources, and use their skills, to promote the kinds of
moral decisions about what to do as individuals, in A ‘lively faith’, a ‘strangely warmed heart’, a things we understand God wants (healing, learning,
groups together and as whole societies. personal relationship / friendship with faith, and others).
Jesus Christ.
Prayerful reflection Prayer is... Prayer isn’t...
Christ at the centre ‘The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; Looking or feeling smart, or holier, or more
Affirming the presence of God in our midst.
I have come to give life in all its fullness.’ Being honest to God about our hopes, dreams and ‘spiritual’.
Christians gather to learn 11 Among each other fears. Twisting God’s arm.
Everyone learns alongside other people and 9
Gathering together Good and godly relations, unity, seeking Prayerful reflection Making the effort regularly to be open to God, Faith, hope, love and joy in realising more deeply Making our conscience feel better (or less bad).
church is no different. It can be daunting, at first you ‘One Christian is no Christian, for we were meant to justice for all, encouraging deeper faith, ‘The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; stepping back to think about life in the light of Doing something because we’re forced to do it.
God’s concern for our concerns.
can feel a bit out of it or unsure, and at times it’s hard God’s Word and Spirit.
Doing
be together.’ caring as Christians I have come to give life in all its fullness.’ Doing what Jesus and his disciples did. Getting involved in weird, wacky or
work. It’s also really rewarding, challenging and it outlandish stuff.
warms your heart to think about God and what Making the effort regularly to be open to God,
other people think about important Faith grows and is acted out with other people
stepping back to think about life in the light of
issues of faith and life. (otherwise it’s only beliefs) in worship and
God’s Word and Spirit.
groups for thinking or action.
Question Mark
This is a series of six or seven meetings where we get 7 Different ways to pray Praying is varied
Reading the Bible If prayer’s like breathing, there are different ways to Praying’s not just about asking God
together and ask honest questions and try to work out ‘Your word is a light for my feet
some honest answers. pray like there are different ways to inhale. Some of for things. Generally, praying includes:
and a lamp for my path.’ What’s this diagram showing? the more frequently used ways are these... Prayers of adoration and worship
Live life. Follow Jesus The key source of knowing God and God’s intentions Each oval itself is a big area, explained in the follow-
and hopes for humanity. It’s good to tell of God’s greatness, perhaps by
We offer a series of meetings exploring Christian ing pages, but this gives a really broad view, I think. using words from the Psalms, or from hymns both
spirituality together and individually. It’s rich, complex and open to different
The three upper ovals are maybe where we’re head- old and new.
interpretations whose application may
Bible Study Groups ing. The three lower ovals are the main church- Quiet reflection
change.
We run two streams of Bible studies on alternate based ways we are helped to get there. Usually alone, people make themselves available to Prayers of confession
weeks to allow you to learn in a traditional setting or God as they read passages from the Bible, or hymns, or
explore faith from a more contemporary perspective. There’s a place for saying that we have gone wrong,
We also partner with other churches, for example to spiritual poems. Sometimes this starts with quietly though there is a danger we circle down into a spiral of
be involved with Alpha Courses. saying a prayer, seeking discernment for God’s weakness and despondency. It’s maybe also not a great
Reading the Bible What is it? presence and leading. idea to identify the weaknesses of others, or to be
Ignatian spirituality
Stepping Forward ‘Your word is a light for my feet A collection of 66 different short books. excessively personal in a group prayer setting.
From time to time we run groups where people can and a lamp for my path.’ Big split between Old and New Testaments.
explore together films they’ve seen or books they’ve The key source of knowing God and God’s intentions Written over period of about 800-1000 years. Prayers of thanksgiving
read, or discuss current issues from a Christian point of and hopes for humanity. Set almost completely in Israel/Palestine
view. It’s rich, complex and open to different Contains history of Jewish people, songs, I think God is probably pleased when we’re
interpretations whose application may
Led prayer pleased, and especially delighted when his
challenges to faith, story of Jesus and children stop to recognise and revel in God’s
Praise, prayer and Study Gatherings Can we trust the ancient Bible? Often in worship services someone speaks as
change. letters from his followers. goodness. It’s good to count our blessings,
There are chances to meet others for conferences, everyone prays. This is usually something prepared, it
prayer meetings at bigger events locally in Kilmarnock, might follow a structure, and might include and a prayer time is a place to name
or in Glasgow, or sometimes tapping into national Praying in church? those blessings one by one.
everyone saying the Lord’s Prayer.
organisations.
Why is it important?
How is it used?
Enables us to understand God.
It’s read directly and it’s talked about
It makes you think: conversation between you & it.
It’s principal way of accessing Jesus’ life & teaching. Open prayer
The story’s complex but engrossing. In informal small groups people may pray together for
Some people read it straight off the page.
It reflects much real life. issues as they arise or as people feel they should pray
Others see it just as illustrating truth.
It has hugely influenced our culture. about them. It’s less structured than led prayer,
Many Christians think truth from God can be
but still done in a group. Praying together
discerned from studying it. What’s the Bible’s significance to
(Australian) culture?
Kilmarnock: our town
How can I do it? Prayer and Jesus Prayer is for individuals
Different approaches Jesus encourages private prayer that’s not
What the Bible says (’scripture’) is thought There’s tons of stuff- good and bad! Teaching on prayer
What can we learn from Jesus about praying? boasted about. This is personal, regular, prayer in
about alongside how people think (‘reason’) and what Here are some suggestions which you can access to Matthew chapter 6
Jesus started the church help you get to grips with understanding the bible so
secret where we open ourselves up to a God who
Jesus called people together to follow him. He people in church have thought for a long time already knows us better than we imagine and cares
(‘tradition’). This paper helps explain how these three you can read it with understanding.
didn’t ask individuals to believe alone. This pattern of for us more than we can tell.
believing and belonging is a strong and long-lasting things sit together - and how, sometimes, they
pattern which continues with congregations and don’t!
denominations. By joining the church, you are
saying to the world that you’re part of
Jesus’ people today.
The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer is a team event Matthew chapter 6
Praying as Jesus taught
How do you see it? Reading the Bible: Jesus prayed with his disciples, in his church, and
The chances are the Lord’s Prayer started as
in front of thousands. So his followers meet together
by Savitri Hensman a Guide short prayers Jesus regularly used with his disciples.
to pray in all sorts of places - and discover that God
by Grant Barclay They learned, remembered, and joined these together.
answers prayers!
We repeat the Lord’s Prayer in worship; people say it
Early Christians pray-
New Testament literature course privately and its themes can inform how we pray
more generally. ing
at Yale University
Acts chapter 4
Church of Scotland website
The Bible and Jesus Where is Jesus? Jesus in OT
For Christians, Jesus is the central figure of faith
Jesus was born after the Old Testament, but he The world was created as God We start by focusing on God.
and therefore the central figure of Scripture. is the eternal second Person of the Trinity. Some spoke (words) so the world was Our prayers are for what God
However, that doesn’t mean the answer to every people see Jesus implicitly in the Old Testament, others created through the eternal Christ. wishes, not what we want. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name;
question has to be ‘Jesus’. Knowing how our see predictions about him, and others see the Old The three visitors Abraham spoke Jesus is part of the team
We pray and work and look for Thy kingdom come,
understanding of Jesus relates to the whole Bible Testament, which Jesus knew very well, as with are sometimes thought the Christians understand their prayers aren’t perfect,
God’s kingdom coming. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;
is important. providing a background for Jesus’ Father, Son and Holy Spirit. but are able to be heard by God through what Jesus
Heavenly life is a pattern for earthly Give us this day our daily bread,
teaching. has done. So prayers are often offered ‘through Jesus’
living. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors;
We look for God to meet our or ‘in Jesus’ name’ to remind us that Jesus makes
St Kentigern’s website And lead us not into temptation,
present needs. praying to God possible.
But deliver us from evil;
We seek God’s forgiveness and let For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
go of all we hold against others.
Jesus is central Jesus foretold in For ever. Amen.
What or Who Old Testament We seek protection and strength
Jesus’ teaching makes little sense without the against enemies of all sorts
is the Word? background of OT history and beliefs. The Gospel writers frequently make Amen
The term ‘the Word of God’ (sometimes without a connections between Jesus’ teaching We remember who is on control,
The rest of the Bible hinges on the life of Jesus. now and always! This is Hebrew for ‘so be it’. It’s a way of emphasising
capital at ‘word’) is used loads in our church tradition. It The Acts and letters of the New Testament describe or actions and OT events. Bibles
our being sincere when we pray, or lending our
can mean two slightly different things, and it’s the earliest followers of the Jesus of the Gospels. often have this in footnotes.
support when others pray, and it comes at the
sometimes not clear which one is being meant. Jesus makes the Bible hang together. Isaiah 53 is often applied
end of prayers.
to Jesus.
Jesus uses OT
Jesus quotes the OT and accepts
Jesus as the Word it but challenges the strict, literal
AND John’s Gospel starts by saying that the ‘Word
interpretation used by religious
was made flesh and lived among us.’ Word here
leaders in his day. Sometimes he
means that in Jesus, and in Jesus alone, God perfectly
broadens or extends it.
shows people all that God has always been and all that The end of the Word?
God feels for humanity and all that God wants
for people. Jesus is God’s Word.
Sermon on the Mount
Matthew chapter 5
The Bible as the Word
The Bible’s understood as communicating, in
words, truths about God and from God. So the Bible
is God’s Word (God’s communication) but given What is clean
through people’s words in particular times and places. and unclean?
The weight you give this idea of setting affects Debate is very much alive! Matthew chapter 15
how you interpret the Bible as God’s Spong on ‘terrible texts’ in Bible.
communication