This past weekend we had the privilege of hearing from Todd Lester. Todd works for Be In Christ Canada, the fellowship of churches we are grateful to belong too.

Todd used his time with us to teach through the three values Be In Christ Canada has chosen to reflect and live out: BELOVED, BELONG, BECOME. These values are very much connected to our own values at The Village: DISCOVERY, STORY, COMMUNITY. Can you make the connection?

Below are scriptures Todd used to walk through these values. Take some time to read them, pray through them, and see how God challenges you through them.

SOMETHING TO BUILD YOUR LIFE ON…

Matthew 7:24
Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds
a house on solid rock.

I AM BELOVED BY GOD

Ephesians 1:4-5
Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us … and it gave Him
great pleasure.

1 John 3:1
See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us his children, and that is
what we are!

The early church theologian, Augustine, wrote: “God loves each one of us as if
there was only one of us to love.”

I BELONG TO GOD’S FAMILY

Romans 12:5
So it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to
each other.

Hebrews 10:25
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage
one another…

In community you are…SAFER…STRONGER…SMARTER

1 Peter 4:9
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

I AM BECOMING LIKE JESUS

Ephesians 5:2
Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.

Matthew 9:36
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were
confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

– – – – – – – – –

small(er) group questions:

How are these values connected to the gospel, the good news of Jesus?

God loved and chose us before he knew us (Ephesians 1). How does that make you feel?
What do you make of the Augustine quote?

Which scripture speaks to you most about community and belonging? Why?

One of our favourite words at The Village is becoming – what do you think it takes for us to be challenged and grow, while at the same time being patient when we’ve yet to arrive at the place we want to be?

Which one of the values do you resonate with more? BELOVED? BELONG? BECOME? Why?