At Calvary North Bay (CPT), we have as a fundamental conviction that God is at work in the world and that knowing Him (being a disciple of Jesus Christ) affords us both the privilege and duty of evidencing and proclaiming the Good News of His Kingdom come near.
Three key statements:
God is AT work in the world.
There is an optimism that shapes what we say. At Calvary, we are retraining the tendency towards pessimism (from seeing the worst) to faith (seeing the redemptive hand of God at work). Instead of defaulting to “Look what the world has come to!” We would rather praise God and declare “Look WHO has come into the world.”
Colossians 4:2 encourages us to, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
We are on the lookout for what God is doing! God IS at work in the world.
God works IN us.
Recognizing "God at work in the world" has taught us that God IS at work in our midst. We BELIEVE God IS transforming us. This is a TOGETHER thing.
Paul reminds the Corinthians that, “17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Co. 3:17-18).
As a family of BELIEVERS, we never want to overlook the powerful work of God in us now. TOGETHER we DISCOVER (in real time), that God’s mercies are new today. We anticipate tomorrow’s revival and are grateful for today’s revival.
We are on the “look-in” and “look-out” for what God is doing!
God works THROUGH us.
We are convinced that experiencing the grace of God changes things. I have a saying: God's grace changes us with remainder. At Calvary, we are convinced that God richly pours into our lives, and this lavish gift (that we have received, are receiving, and will receive) is “yet with remainder.” We have not, and will not, and cannot overwhelm God’s self-giving with our need of Him. His grace at work in us necessarily reaches beyond us to the needs of the world around us. This is a fundamental quality of God’s love, mercy and grace (Romans 5:5). Therefore, His love in us, motivates and empowers our SERVE TOGETHER and His love through us is the Subject of our TELL TOGETHER.
Together we believe that what God pours in us, is sufficient for us and invariably works through us – this is the nature of the work of the Spirit.
We are a “throughway” for what God is doing!
Values
TOGETHER WE BELIEVE
Scripture:
"And without faith it is impossible to please HIM, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Hebrews 11:6) .
First, we believe in God. As it relates to us, faith is our starting point.
Our believing however is contained within the truth that God first believes in us.
“6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, how much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:6-11).
The equation: (God is real) + (He is actually pursuing us [and has been since the beginning]) = God is findable! We think this is Good News! Our pursuit of God therefore is invariably an encounter with Jesus. TOGETHER we BELEIVE, and this is awesome in the fullest sense of the word. We approach the pursuit of God expecting HIM.
Believing this way is an optimism that informs everything we do. God is at work in the world, not the least of which God IS at work in Calvary North Bay (CPT)!
Because BELIEVING in God is first, the Gospel and its implications is our priority at Calvary. In fact, the gospel witnessed is the chief way God is rightly revealed (and therefore rightly BELIEVED upon).
The apostle Paul in Romans 1:14-17 states,
"16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 1:14-17).
Believing in God is the antecedent (first) step to believing God. “Belief in” is not the end. At Calvary, “BELIEVE” is dynamic, progressive and communal. Not that we add to the gospel (God forbid!), rather, the gospel adds to US! We become under the glory of HIS grace!
Paul describes this process as “from faith for faith.” Passion to please God is misguided sentimentality if it is divorced from the gospel witnessed. Together WE speak, live and evidence the GOOD NEWS.
In Pentecostal terms, it is Spirit word and Spirit deed. At Calvary, we are keenly aware that this life we receive in Christ, is an in-step journey with the Holy Spirit.
Believing is more than mental assent, it is confessional sojourning. Believe happens when “correct talk” informs and is informed by “in step with the Spirit walk.”
“16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law…25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:16-18; 25-26).
We are passionate about the gospel because HE is passionate about us, and He is passionate about others.
“In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Eph. 1:5, 6).
“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Lk. 12:32).
God loves more than just the church. John tells us that the death of Jesus Christ is evidence, not that He loves the church (which He does), but rather that He loves the world.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16).
We therefore afford everyone the same opportunity we have enjoyed, enjoy daily and will enjoy in eternity. With regard to BELEIVE, our faith is bound to love and directed towards the Lord Jesus and our neighbours.
“4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the]saints; 6 and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. 7 For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother” (Phil 1:4-7 - NASB).
Not unlike Paul’s witness of the saints in Philippi, our Believe is bound to love, and both are necessarily directed Godward and neighbour-ward. Our love for the Lord Jesus extends to people and our faith in the Lord Jesus gives us cause to Believe in each other. Said differently, because we love and believe in Jesus Christ, we love and believe in each other! Love is both the genesis and the ultimate expression of our BELIEVE. Love is a matter of faith (and vice versa). LOVE makes substantial what is otherwise just sentimental. As a people of faith, TOGETHER we become (Colossians 3:16).
Notice how BELIEVE was expressed by the BELIEVERS TOGETHER Acts 2.
42/ The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, cultivation of unity, their meal, and their prayers. 43/ Awe overtook everyone. The apostles became the agents of numerous portents and miracles. 44/ All the believers remained together and shared everything. 45/ They would sell their goods and property and distribute the proceeds to everyone on the basis of need. 46/ Every day they met together in the temple and ate in homes, taking their food with happy and sincere hearts 47/ that were filled with praise to God. Everyone approved of them, and the Lord increased daily the number of those who were being saved together.
TOGETHER WE DISCOVER
Having believed in God, we can believe God.
At Calvary North Bay (CPT) we endeavour to seek His Kingdom and His righteousness first (Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”), ever discovering that He is faithful and that He does reward those who seek Him. Our process of DISCOVERY is first and foremost “holding fast to the gospel.”
The apostle Paul writes,
“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve” (1 Cor. 15:1-5 CEV).
You might say, “Calvary people have never gotten over being saved.” Paul makes it clear, the Gospel warrants reminding. It is of first importance not just with regard to our initiation into the family of God (i.e. from a past tense perspective); rather, the gospel is also of first importance in the “simple present sense” (i.e. the place “in which you stand”) and also of first importance in a “present continuous sense” (i.e. as to “our being saved”). Everything that we discover about Christian spirituality is inextricably tied to the good news of the kingdom. In essence Christian discovery is real-time good news discovery. The implications of the Gospel are lifelong and so is its appreciation in every sense of the word. As a body of believers we refuse to have spiritual myopia and somehow minimize the grandeur of the gospel.
The Discovery process is relational: Together We Discover
We would never deny that the scripture has personal application. I would however argue that though its application may be personal at times, this application happens best together in community. I would also argue that the personal application of the scriptures has corporate implications and therefore is never truly private. Paul writes Ephesians 3:14-19,
“14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
This of course needs to be applied and appropriated by individuals but never in isolation, rather by design it must be applied and appropriated in the context of a community of faith. Togetherness functions as the medium for discovery. Notice the plurality of Luke’s description in Acts 2:42 of the Spirit community.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
The believers devoted themselves to fellowship because the Holy Spirit brought them into community: the deepest level of spiritual union that is life in-Christ. By the Spirit they were united to God in Christ and to one another. Together these people had personally experienced the blessing of God’s self-giving. They had come to experience together the outpouring of the Holy Spirit: the renewal of life; joy freedom, and power in the Spirit; a new awareness of being the people of God. The togetherness that was their miraculous experience was appropriate to the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of love and fellowship.
At Calvary North Bay (CPT) we long to discover the person of God in this way.
The Discovery process involves Calling and Answering
Jeremiah 33:2, 3 states,
“The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard: 2 “Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: 3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
God calls believers to call on Him to answer. To put it differently, we answer His call to us by calling on Him. The result is discovering those things He has hidden for (not from) us. Prayer is essential to the process of discovery. Our conversations with God alone, invariably find expression in our relationship together. What God is saying to individuals becomes our testimony together. A failure to pray is a failure to relate to God and each other. Together we can measure what is being said in the safety of fellowship and appreciate the AHA moments created by the whispers of the Spirit. We anticipate awakenings that nurture honesty (between God, you and others) and calls for obedient action. We take seriously Paul’s counsel to be devoted to prayer “…being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).
A failure to pray is a failure to relate. It is more than just an impediment to discovery, it is a neglect of the gospel we have both received and in which we stand, it is also the neglect of the gospel in which we are being saved. This is a great loss!
The Discovery process is Identity impacting
John 1:41-45 states,
“40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).”
Jesus knows who we are and what we can become! The truth about us is twofold. We are HIS (i.e. who He has made us to be) and because we are HIS we are becoming who HE is making us to be. Therefore we celebrate that DISCOVERY is a process. At Calvary we want to be known as we are (authentic), and as we become (accountable). We acknowledge the sanctity of the process (DISCOVERing is sacred). TOGETHER we discover who He is making us to be.
As to the sacred nature of becoming, Philippians 2:12-13 states,
"12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
God’s creative agency is nothing less than His person. Our sanctification involves the Holy Spirit at work on our imperfection. He refuses to be arm’s length from our Spiritual progress and so do we.
The Discovery process is Yielded and Spirit(ed) (A “Spirit-word” and Spirit-deed endeavour)
1 Corinthians 2:9-13 states,
“9 But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’ 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.4”
The process of Discovery is a Spirit(ual) discipline
“Discover” is a function of the Spirit from first to last; our spirit pressed into His Spirit (God the Holy Spirit). Notice the apostle Paul clearly identifies that comprehending and apprehending that which “God has prepared for us” (v. 9) and has “freely given us” (v. 12) is an impartation and application of the word (v. 13). Interpreting spiritual truth to those who are spiritual necessitates handling Spirit-words reverently, both in its expression and reception (communication). Both the preacher and the listener are yielded to the Spirit and thus “together spiritual”.
The Discovery process makes our Praise Vibrant
Having discovered and discovering Him anew in his word causes in us “gladness and sincerity” and elicits from us vibrant praise! In praise, the depth of our knowledge is evidenced and all at once, together in the mystery of communion with Him, we know and are known. Our life both reflects the constancy of God’s goodness & majesty, and the constant work of the Spirit in our lives, ensuring the application of the benefits of the Gospel in us. This is the chorus of our lives! Psalm 147:1 states,
“Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!”
Discovering My Service - TOGETHER WE SERVE
At Calvary North Bay (CPT), we do not serve to garner God’s favour; rather we serve because we are blessed and highly favoured. We do not serve others to get to God; rather we serve others because we belong to God.
Paul writes in Romans 7:6,
“But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
Life in the “new way of the Spirit” is life at the call of the Spirit (not the other way around). The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-10,
“8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
We are convinced that a servant without service is not a servant at all. At Calvary we believe service is firstly a directive from God (Ephesians 2:10), and ultimately directed to God (Colossians 3:23-24) but invariably finds its expression in service with and to people. This of course is only as we exchange the spirit of narcissism for the Spirit of Christ. The spiritual discipline that is “serving together” takes seriously the following two principles:
· Jesus’ example
“[Jesus] emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant” (Ph. 2:7 [GWT]).
· Paul’s advice
“Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand” (Ph. 2:4 [Msg}).
Key Scripture Verse:
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Eph. 4:11-12
In a sense the Bible teaches:
The Pastors are the adMinisters.
The People are the ministers.
The key principle: My service is determined by my make-up.
What God made me to BE determines what He intends for me to DO. I will understand the purpose I was created for when I understand the kind of person I am (and becoming sanctified to be). This is the secret of knowing God's will for my life!
God is consistent in his plan for each of our lives. He would not give us inborn talents and temperaments, spiritual gifts, and all sorts of life experiences and then not use them! By reviewing and studying these factors, we can DISCOVER OUR SERVE, the ministry God has for us.... the unique way God intends for us to SERVE Him.
The two results of discovering the ministry I've been shaped for are: fruitfulness & fulfillment.
Together We SERVE at Calvary:
Step One: Belong
Belonging is the context to becoming at Calvary.
Step Two: Assess
In community you learn about your God-given SHAPE.
Step Three: Consult
In community you are assisted in finding a meaningful (fruitful and fulfilling) place of service, your ministry fit.
Step Four: Serve Together
Find a group of people serving and join them.
Step Five: Invite others to join you (Belong, Assess, Consult, Serve Together).
The key focus:
At Calvary North Bay (CPT), regarding SERVE, our focus is twofold: YOU (SINGULAR) and YOU (PLURAL; in partnership; works of service in relationship).
TOGETHER we encourage others to join in ministry (inviting to serve with). Together we are “ministry” oriented vs. “task” oriented.
Borrowing from the Purpose Driven model of ministry, we focus on Five Personal Factors that have combined to “shape” the "real" you. By identifying the specific traits, you possess in each of these areas, the ministry God has designed you for will become crystal clear!
+ One = Success is doing what God made me to do Together with others.
TOGETHER WE TELL
Not unlike our SERVE, we do not TELL to garner favour with God; rather we TELL because we are blessed and highly flavoured.
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).
Jesus’ last word to His disciples, just prior to his ascension was essentially, “Wait for power (The Pentecost Experience), then as you go (as my empowered witnesses), disciple all nations” (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8).
It was at this point in history “witness” became the vocation of the Church (and it has not changed – and never will until Christ returns).
Disciples are “sent ones.” Disciple is both a noun and a verb (We are disciples only as we disciple).
The disciples were to continue the messianic mission of Jesus. Not unlike those first disciples, as disciples of Jesus today, we are “sent” just as Jesus was sent by the Father.
John 20:21-23 states, “21 Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven’.”
The Great Commandment (Matt. 22:36-40), Commission (Matt. 28:19-20) and Promise (Acts 1:8) can be summarized as “Tag. You’re it.”
The obvious question is, “Sent for what?”
God the Father, sends God the Son (in/by/through the Spirit) to carry out and complete the work of healing and reconciliation (and destroying the works of the devil); God the Father and the Son send the Holy Spirit, who gathers, empowers, and sends the confessing community (in/by/through the Spirit) as God’s missionary people to be Christ’s witnesses.
As disciples we are sent to tell and show.
Like Jesus, and the first disciples, we are to speak and demonstrate the Good News powerfully. It was said of Jesus,
"He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people” (Lk. 24:19).
St. Luke, in the book of Acts, continues his narrative;
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven.”
The implication is that what follows is all that Jesus continues to do and to teach by the Spirit of God, through the people of God (in powerful words and deeds)!
John the revelator records that both,
“17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” (Rev 22:17)
John puts it this way because the task of TELLING is the Spirit endeavour of the Church. Consider 1 John 1:1-4.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. (1 Jn 1:1–4)
TELL is our PREDISPOSITION! We should have to “temper” our “tell”, not stir it up. Doesn’t this text exemplify someone who has had an encounter with Jesus? A genuine BELIEVER!
The apostle Peter informs us that telling is a way by which we honour Christ.
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (1 Pe 3:13–17)
Secret association is no association at all (Matthew 10:33; Luke 12:9). TELLing is our PRIVILEGE.
Not only is it our privilege to tell others about Jesus,
Telling is a prescribed to understand what we BELIEVE.
"4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ" (Phm 4–6).
You show me someone whose worship has waned, faith has faded and devotion has diminished and I will show you someone who has not told the story of their faith.
TELL is EDUCATIONAL
Telling requires wisdom because we are giving answers to people who are “wondering.”
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Col 4:5–6)
TELL is TIME LIMITED!
Telling is a GIFT and TRUST from Jesus.
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Co 5:18-21)
What will we do with this trust?
We all have a story to tell. In fact, we all tell a story. The million dollar question is, “What genre is the narrative your living?”
Three key statements:
God is AT work in the world.
There is an optimism that shapes what we say. At Calvary, we are retraining the tendency towards pessimism (from seeing the worst) to faith (seeing the redemptive hand of God at work). Instead of defaulting to “Look what the world has come to!” We would rather praise God and declare “Look WHO has come into the world.”
Colossians 4:2 encourages us to, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
We are on the lookout for what God is doing! God IS at work in the world.
God works IN us.
Recognizing "God at work in the world" has taught us that God IS at work in our midst. We BELIEVE God IS transforming us. This is a TOGETHER thing.
Paul reminds the Corinthians that, “17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Co. 3:17-18).
As a family of BELIEVERS, we never want to overlook the powerful work of God in us now. TOGETHER we DISCOVER (in real time), that God’s mercies are new today. We anticipate tomorrow’s revival and are grateful for today’s revival.
We are on the “look-in” and “look-out” for what God is doing!
God works THROUGH us.
We are convinced that experiencing the grace of God changes things. I have a saying: God's grace changes us with remainder. At Calvary, we are convinced that God richly pours into our lives, and this lavish gift (that we have received, are receiving, and will receive) is “yet with remainder.” We have not, and will not, and cannot overwhelm God’s self-giving with our need of Him. His grace at work in us necessarily reaches beyond us to the needs of the world around us. This is a fundamental quality of God’s love, mercy and grace (Romans 5:5). Therefore, His love in us, motivates and empowers our SERVE TOGETHER and His love through us is the Subject of our TELL TOGETHER.
Together we believe that what God pours in us, is sufficient for us and invariably works through us – this is the nature of the work of the Spirit.
We are a “throughway” for what God is doing!
Values
TOGETHER WE BELIEVE
Scripture:
"And without faith it is impossible to please HIM, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Hebrews 11:6) .
First, we believe in God. As it relates to us, faith is our starting point.
Our believing however is contained within the truth that God first believes in us.
“6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, how much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:6-11).
The equation: (God is real) + (He is actually pursuing us [and has been since the beginning]) = God is findable! We think this is Good News! Our pursuit of God therefore is invariably an encounter with Jesus. TOGETHER we BELEIVE, and this is awesome in the fullest sense of the word. We approach the pursuit of God expecting HIM.
Believing this way is an optimism that informs everything we do. God is at work in the world, not the least of which God IS at work in Calvary North Bay (CPT)!
Because BELIEVING in God is first, the Gospel and its implications is our priority at Calvary. In fact, the gospel witnessed is the chief way God is rightly revealed (and therefore rightly BELIEVED upon).
The apostle Paul in Romans 1:14-17 states,
"16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 1:14-17).
Believing in God is the antecedent (first) step to believing God. “Belief in” is not the end. At Calvary, “BELIEVE” is dynamic, progressive and communal. Not that we add to the gospel (God forbid!), rather, the gospel adds to US! We become under the glory of HIS grace!
Paul describes this process as “from faith for faith.” Passion to please God is misguided sentimentality if it is divorced from the gospel witnessed. Together WE speak, live and evidence the GOOD NEWS.
In Pentecostal terms, it is Spirit word and Spirit deed. At Calvary, we are keenly aware that this life we receive in Christ, is an in-step journey with the Holy Spirit.
Believing is more than mental assent, it is confessional sojourning. Believe happens when “correct talk” informs and is informed by “in step with the Spirit walk.”
“16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law…25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:16-18; 25-26).
We are passionate about the gospel because HE is passionate about us, and He is passionate about others.
“In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Eph. 1:5, 6).
“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Lk. 12:32).
God loves more than just the church. John tells us that the death of Jesus Christ is evidence, not that He loves the church (which He does), but rather that He loves the world.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16).
We therefore afford everyone the same opportunity we have enjoyed, enjoy daily and will enjoy in eternity. With regard to BELEIVE, our faith is bound to love and directed towards the Lord Jesus and our neighbours.
“4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the]saints; 6 and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. 7 For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother” (Phil 1:4-7 - NASB).
Not unlike Paul’s witness of the saints in Philippi, our Believe is bound to love, and both are necessarily directed Godward and neighbour-ward. Our love for the Lord Jesus extends to people and our faith in the Lord Jesus gives us cause to Believe in each other. Said differently, because we love and believe in Jesus Christ, we love and believe in each other! Love is both the genesis and the ultimate expression of our BELIEVE. Love is a matter of faith (and vice versa). LOVE makes substantial what is otherwise just sentimental. As a people of faith, TOGETHER we become (Colossians 3:16).
Notice how BELIEVE was expressed by the BELIEVERS TOGETHER Acts 2.
42/ The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, cultivation of unity, their meal, and their prayers. 43/ Awe overtook everyone. The apostles became the agents of numerous portents and miracles. 44/ All the believers remained together and shared everything. 45/ They would sell their goods and property and distribute the proceeds to everyone on the basis of need. 46/ Every day they met together in the temple and ate in homes, taking their food with happy and sincere hearts 47/ that were filled with praise to God. Everyone approved of them, and the Lord increased daily the number of those who were being saved together.
TOGETHER WE DISCOVER
Having believed in God, we can believe God.
At Calvary North Bay (CPT) we endeavour to seek His Kingdom and His righteousness first (Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”), ever discovering that He is faithful and that He does reward those who seek Him. Our process of DISCOVERY is first and foremost “holding fast to the gospel.”
The apostle Paul writes,
“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve” (1 Cor. 15:1-5 CEV).
You might say, “Calvary people have never gotten over being saved.” Paul makes it clear, the Gospel warrants reminding. It is of first importance not just with regard to our initiation into the family of God (i.e. from a past tense perspective); rather, the gospel is also of first importance in the “simple present sense” (i.e. the place “in which you stand”) and also of first importance in a “present continuous sense” (i.e. as to “our being saved”). Everything that we discover about Christian spirituality is inextricably tied to the good news of the kingdom. In essence Christian discovery is real-time good news discovery. The implications of the Gospel are lifelong and so is its appreciation in every sense of the word. As a body of believers we refuse to have spiritual myopia and somehow minimize the grandeur of the gospel.
The Discovery process is relational: Together We Discover
We would never deny that the scripture has personal application. I would however argue that though its application may be personal at times, this application happens best together in community. I would also argue that the personal application of the scriptures has corporate implications and therefore is never truly private. Paul writes Ephesians 3:14-19,
“14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
This of course needs to be applied and appropriated by individuals but never in isolation, rather by design it must be applied and appropriated in the context of a community of faith. Togetherness functions as the medium for discovery. Notice the plurality of Luke’s description in Acts 2:42 of the Spirit community.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
The believers devoted themselves to fellowship because the Holy Spirit brought them into community: the deepest level of spiritual union that is life in-Christ. By the Spirit they were united to God in Christ and to one another. Together these people had personally experienced the blessing of God’s self-giving. They had come to experience together the outpouring of the Holy Spirit: the renewal of life; joy freedom, and power in the Spirit; a new awareness of being the people of God. The togetherness that was their miraculous experience was appropriate to the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of love and fellowship.
At Calvary North Bay (CPT) we long to discover the person of God in this way.
The Discovery process involves Calling and Answering
Jeremiah 33:2, 3 states,
“The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard: 2 “Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: 3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
God calls believers to call on Him to answer. To put it differently, we answer His call to us by calling on Him. The result is discovering those things He has hidden for (not from) us. Prayer is essential to the process of discovery. Our conversations with God alone, invariably find expression in our relationship together. What God is saying to individuals becomes our testimony together. A failure to pray is a failure to relate to God and each other. Together we can measure what is being said in the safety of fellowship and appreciate the AHA moments created by the whispers of the Spirit. We anticipate awakenings that nurture honesty (between God, you and others) and calls for obedient action. We take seriously Paul’s counsel to be devoted to prayer “…being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).
A failure to pray is a failure to relate. It is more than just an impediment to discovery, it is a neglect of the gospel we have both received and in which we stand, it is also the neglect of the gospel in which we are being saved. This is a great loss!
The Discovery process is Identity impacting
John 1:41-45 states,
“40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).”
Jesus knows who we are and what we can become! The truth about us is twofold. We are HIS (i.e. who He has made us to be) and because we are HIS we are becoming who HE is making us to be. Therefore we celebrate that DISCOVERY is a process. At Calvary we want to be known as we are (authentic), and as we become (accountable). We acknowledge the sanctity of the process (DISCOVERing is sacred). TOGETHER we discover who He is making us to be.
As to the sacred nature of becoming, Philippians 2:12-13 states,
"12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
God’s creative agency is nothing less than His person. Our sanctification involves the Holy Spirit at work on our imperfection. He refuses to be arm’s length from our Spiritual progress and so do we.
The Discovery process is Yielded and Spirit(ed) (A “Spirit-word” and Spirit-deed endeavour)
1 Corinthians 2:9-13 states,
“9 But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’ 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.4”
The process of Discovery is a Spirit(ual) discipline
“Discover” is a function of the Spirit from first to last; our spirit pressed into His Spirit (God the Holy Spirit). Notice the apostle Paul clearly identifies that comprehending and apprehending that which “God has prepared for us” (v. 9) and has “freely given us” (v. 12) is an impartation and application of the word (v. 13). Interpreting spiritual truth to those who are spiritual necessitates handling Spirit-words reverently, both in its expression and reception (communication). Both the preacher and the listener are yielded to the Spirit and thus “together spiritual”.
The Discovery process makes our Praise Vibrant
Having discovered and discovering Him anew in his word causes in us “gladness and sincerity” and elicits from us vibrant praise! In praise, the depth of our knowledge is evidenced and all at once, together in the mystery of communion with Him, we know and are known. Our life both reflects the constancy of God’s goodness & majesty, and the constant work of the Spirit in our lives, ensuring the application of the benefits of the Gospel in us. This is the chorus of our lives! Psalm 147:1 states,
“Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!”
Discovering My Service - TOGETHER WE SERVE
At Calvary North Bay (CPT), we do not serve to garner God’s favour; rather we serve because we are blessed and highly favoured. We do not serve others to get to God; rather we serve others because we belong to God.
Paul writes in Romans 7:6,
“But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
Life in the “new way of the Spirit” is life at the call of the Spirit (not the other way around). The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-10,
“8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
We are convinced that a servant without service is not a servant at all. At Calvary we believe service is firstly a directive from God (Ephesians 2:10), and ultimately directed to God (Colossians 3:23-24) but invariably finds its expression in service with and to people. This of course is only as we exchange the spirit of narcissism for the Spirit of Christ. The spiritual discipline that is “serving together” takes seriously the following two principles:
· Jesus’ example
“[Jesus] emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant” (Ph. 2:7 [GWT]).
· Paul’s advice
“Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand” (Ph. 2:4 [Msg}).
Key Scripture Verse:
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Eph. 4:11-12
In a sense the Bible teaches:
The Pastors are the adMinisters.
The People are the ministers.
The key principle: My service is determined by my make-up.
What God made me to BE determines what He intends for me to DO. I will understand the purpose I was created for when I understand the kind of person I am (and becoming sanctified to be). This is the secret of knowing God's will for my life!
God is consistent in his plan for each of our lives. He would not give us inborn talents and temperaments, spiritual gifts, and all sorts of life experiences and then not use them! By reviewing and studying these factors, we can DISCOVER OUR SERVE, the ministry God has for us.... the unique way God intends for us to SERVE Him.
The two results of discovering the ministry I've been shaped for are: fruitfulness & fulfillment.
Together We SERVE at Calvary:
Step One: Belong
Belonging is the context to becoming at Calvary.
Step Two: Assess
In community you learn about your God-given SHAPE.
Step Three: Consult
In community you are assisted in finding a meaningful (fruitful and fulfilling) place of service, your ministry fit.
Step Four: Serve Together
Find a group of people serving and join them.
Step Five: Invite others to join you (Belong, Assess, Consult, Serve Together).
The key focus:
At Calvary North Bay (CPT), regarding SERVE, our focus is twofold: YOU (SINGULAR) and YOU (PLURAL; in partnership; works of service in relationship).
TOGETHER we encourage others to join in ministry (inviting to serve with). Together we are “ministry” oriented vs. “task” oriented.
Borrowing from the Purpose Driven model of ministry, we focus on Five Personal Factors that have combined to “shape” the "real" you. By identifying the specific traits, you possess in each of these areas, the ministry God has designed you for will become crystal clear!
+ One = Success is doing what God made me to do Together with others.
TOGETHER WE TELL
Not unlike our SERVE, we do not TELL to garner favour with God; rather we TELL because we are blessed and highly flavoured.
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).
Jesus’ last word to His disciples, just prior to his ascension was essentially, “Wait for power (The Pentecost Experience), then as you go (as my empowered witnesses), disciple all nations” (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8).
It was at this point in history “witness” became the vocation of the Church (and it has not changed – and never will until Christ returns).
Disciples are “sent ones.” Disciple is both a noun and a verb (We are disciples only as we disciple).
The disciples were to continue the messianic mission of Jesus. Not unlike those first disciples, as disciples of Jesus today, we are “sent” just as Jesus was sent by the Father.
John 20:21-23 states, “21 Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven’.”
The Great Commandment (Matt. 22:36-40), Commission (Matt. 28:19-20) and Promise (Acts 1:8) can be summarized as “Tag. You’re it.”
The obvious question is, “Sent for what?”
God the Father, sends God the Son (in/by/through the Spirit) to carry out and complete the work of healing and reconciliation (and destroying the works of the devil); God the Father and the Son send the Holy Spirit, who gathers, empowers, and sends the confessing community (in/by/through the Spirit) as God’s missionary people to be Christ’s witnesses.
As disciples we are sent to tell and show.
Like Jesus, and the first disciples, we are to speak and demonstrate the Good News powerfully. It was said of Jesus,
"He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people” (Lk. 24:19).
St. Luke, in the book of Acts, continues his narrative;
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven.”
The implication is that what follows is all that Jesus continues to do and to teach by the Spirit of God, through the people of God (in powerful words and deeds)!
John the revelator records that both,
“17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” (Rev 22:17)
John puts it this way because the task of TELLING is the Spirit endeavour of the Church. Consider 1 John 1:1-4.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. (1 Jn 1:1–4)
TELL is our PREDISPOSITION! We should have to “temper” our “tell”, not stir it up. Doesn’t this text exemplify someone who has had an encounter with Jesus? A genuine BELIEVER!
The apostle Peter informs us that telling is a way by which we honour Christ.
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (1 Pe 3:13–17)
Secret association is no association at all (Matthew 10:33; Luke 12:9). TELLing is our PRIVILEGE.
Not only is it our privilege to tell others about Jesus,
Telling is a prescribed to understand what we BELIEVE.
"4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ" (Phm 4–6).
You show me someone whose worship has waned, faith has faded and devotion has diminished and I will show you someone who has not told the story of their faith.
TELL is EDUCATIONAL
Telling requires wisdom because we are giving answers to people who are “wondering.”
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Col 4:5–6)
TELL is TIME LIMITED!
Telling is a GIFT and TRUST from Jesus.
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Co 5:18-21)
What will we do with this trust?
We all have a story to tell. In fact, we all tell a story. The million dollar question is, “What genre is the narrative your living?”