IDEAL
I recently listened to a 5 minute podcast where the speaker spoke about IDEAL. The first letters of the words Identity, Design, Expansion, Alignment and Love made up the acronym IDEAL. I thought I might take this word and look at it through the lens of Jubilee Church.
Identity
Identity in Christ is a cornerstone of Jubilee Church. It is important that we know our identity in Christ. It’s important to renounce the lies that the devil would have us believe and accept the truth of what God says to us and about us.
There are several talks on this website about Identity. Here’s a link to the most recent one at the beginning of our Foundations series. In addition, Rob has very recently talked about how Satan tries to make us believe lies about ourselves and how we should Stand Firm in our identity.
Discipleship
Discipleship is a mainstay of Jubilee Church. It is important that we become disciples and that in turn we disciple others. This was Jesus’ final command to his disciples and to us.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
You will find many podcasts on this website regarding discipleship. These links will help you to find them. Discipleship: part 1, part 2 and part 3.
Encounter
We regularly hold encounter evenings of thanksgiving, praise and worship. However we expect to meet with Jesus on Sunday mornings as a church or at a midweek Lifegroup. We also expect to encounter Jesus in our own personal prayer times.
There are many stories in the Bible of encounters with God – starting with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and concluding with God’s people gathered in His presence in the New Jerusalem. The four Gospels describe the accounts, too many to mention here, of the many people who met with Jesus and the dramatic effect it had on their lives.
Adrian Horner, a visiting speaker, talked about how encountering God’s love leads to a relationship with Him.
Authenticity
Authenticity is one of our five culture words. Our church culture is based on five values: family, passion, courage, honour and authenticity.
It is impossible to separate authenticity from courage and honour. In order to be authentic and have authentic relationships we need courage to be open about our strengths, imperfections and failings. We need courage to be vulnerable and to gain acceptance. Courage to allow ourselves to be seen by another as we really are – without fear of ridicule, shame or rejection. None of this is possible without the culture of honour – knowing you are honoured by others who are committed to drawing the best out of you
Light
Jesus came to be light in the darkness. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
God’s intention for us is that we know our identity in Him, encounter Him and become disciples and disciple others. As we build authentic relationships with those around us we will be showing Jesus’ light in the world.
During his Sermon on the Mount Jesus tells his listeners and us: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. Matthew 5:14-16
Rob talks about this passage in his talk: Kingdom Influence: You Are Light.
IDEAL
Identity Discipleship Encounter Authenticity Light
