ConneXus Blog

By Julia Fowler, Worship Arts Pastor

Haven't you wondered from time to time how in the world individuals like Paul and Silas had the wherewithal to sing while bound in chains? How could Stephen remain so calm and focused to confront the Sanhedrin council knowing he would not escape them with His life? What gave Esther the courage to confront the King to save her people, the Jews—how could she be resolved to say, "If I perish, I perish" and her life be worth taking the risk? And then Paul, writing in Acts 20:22-24, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."  I believe their strength and dedication to the end was a direct result of their commitment to Godliness.

I want to define Godliness for you in this simple way. Godliness is devoting oneself to Holiness inside and out. It is devoting ourselves to purity and consecrating or setting ourselves aside for sacred use! In Paul's first letter to Timothy (who was a young pastor) he writes these important words: "Have nothing to do with godless myths (godless teachings or philosophies) and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly" (I Tim.4:7). Paul knew this was the key to enduring! He goes on to say that physical training is of some use but that training ourselves for godliness is profitable or good for EVERYTHING!  This makes me think of the Olymics, having just come through the weeks of competitions and events that individuals spend years upon years training to participate in.  While their medal may bring them prestige for the moment what will their efforts achieve for them after this life?  This is the point Paul is making when he writes to Timothy.  It's the things of God that will sustain and be useful to us both now and forevermore.

It is also our church leadership's desire to see you develop further towards Godliness. It is our responsibility and our privilege to help guide you down a path that leads to a Biblical understanding of these truths. This is the sole reason we have been obedient to alter our Sunday evening ministries: to help you develop your knowledge of the Word, the Lord, His character—your behavior and attitudes—in other words, to become more like Him. ROOTED ministries focus specifically at providing you with godly teaching that directs you towards Godliness through DISCIPLESHIP.

This is what we're asking of every person at New Hope. Commit to pursuing Godliness and commit to start that journey by attending one of the evening courses starting Sunday, Sept.14 at 6:00 pm.

Here's all you need to do to begin: 1) Commit to join one of the Sunday Evening 6-Week Study groups. 2) Pray about which course/group you should join. 3) Sign up for the course you've selected at the ROOTED table in the foyer. 4) Be faithful to attend and participate in the full program.

I trust that as co-leaders and ministers on the Worship Team that you will find great joy by committing to support this ministry on Sunday nights.