Some of the things that God may be calling us to do as we use the Inner disciplines, may be included in the Outer disciplines, to which we now turn.
We look at Service in Matthew 20:16-28 (Thu 30 May) and John 13:1-15 (Sun 2 June) as an antidote to our demanding culture. Those who are willing to wash the feet of others, and those who are willing to have their feet washed will be invited to do so in our all age communion. I hope, that this will inspire us to be more disciplined about our service to others.
We look at Simplicity in Luke 12:13-21 (Thu 6 June) and Matthew 6:19-33 (Sun 9 June) as an antidote to our consumerist culture. I hope that we will become more disciplined in simple living as we take to heart Jesus’ teaching about the birds of the air and flowers of the fields.
We look at Submission in Ephesians 5:21-33 (Thu 13 June) and Mark 8:34-38 (Sun 16 June – Fathers’ Day) as an antidote to our individualist culture. I hope that we will become more disciplined in voluntarily submitting to others, and finding this liberating.
We look at Solitude in Luke 5:12-16 (Sun 23 June) and Matthew 14:12-23 (Thu 27 June) as an antidote to our noise filled culture. I hope that we will become more disciplined about spending time away from other people, computers, television and all that distracts us from inner stillness.
We summarise our look at the Outward Spiritual Disciplines using Philippians 2:1-13 (Sun 30 June), working out our own salvation with fear and trembling.