Author: Tom

“C’mon, Let’s Do This” – Mark 1:29-45 (video script)

Written by Tom on . Posted in scripture. Leave a Comment

We’ve been going through the Gospel of Mark and I’ve been reading chapter 1:29-45.

Here’s 3 things you need to know from that passage.

 

[See the video here]

 

Firstly, the deeply transformative work of the kingdom that Jesus is seeking to bring about doesn’t thrive in the hype.

In verse 34, “he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.”

The hype is a hindrance to the real work of transformation.

 

Secondly, that transformation that Jesus is seeking to lead us into is so vital and so urgent and so challenging that to uncover it requires focused and diligent pursuit of prayer.

In verse 35 Jesus exits himself, gets up early, goes to the mountain, and prays.

Prayer is the doorway to the real work of wonder, of relational richness, and of life change.

 

And the third thing you need to know about this passage is that Jesus is a trustworthy leader in this journey of transformation.

The kingdom goal he is chasing is soaked through with compassion and generosity.

In Verse 41, Jesus responds I do, “I do choose,” I choose to do this. A willingness to care and to give is part of this journey of transformation.

 

And so my challenge, and your challenge is:

  • Firstly, to find a deeper place to live from within, below the hype of life.
  • Secondly to guard and prioritise creative practices of prayer as a matter of urgency.
  • Thirdly, to embrace compassion and generosity towards others as we go.

PURSUE DEPTH
ACTIVATE PRAYER
EMBRACE COMPASSION

we are here.

Written by Tom on . Posted in Uncategorized. Leave a Comment

Student Soul is an expression of church for young adults here in Dunedin. It was started in 2002 as a way of empowering Dunedin students to live faith-filled, passionate and healthy lives.

Our main focus points are to grow in social energy as a community and to grow in personal transformation as people. We see these as two sides of the same coin. Because on the one hand, doing life together is part of what it means to be human; and on the other, each person is unique and individually significant.

Those two points shape the main idea of our gatherings, on Sunday nights at the Salmond chapel, and at other times too. We get together expecting to grow. We expect to be empowered. We expect to be challenged and stretched. We expect to have encounters with joy.

There’s a number of ways through which people can be involved: through a leadership development stream, music teams, creative service activities on campus; or via attendance at our worship gatherings, small groups, social events, or camps. However it happens, our goal is resourcing spirituality among students; helping you to discover your true worth.

If you need us, we’re here for you 😀