Contrast Church

Big idea: we live the given life, not the planned.

The following is a teaching given by Elisabeth Badenhop for Contrast Church’s gathering on Sunday morning, February 16th, 2025.

The biblical text used throughout the teaching is:

• Matthew 5:2-11

 

You do not try to have a poor spirit, but you repent and are a poor spirit.

Formation is a lifelong journey which requires us to shed burdens and sin, while fixing our eyes upon Jesus and his joy.

Radical honesty, rooted in humility and accountability is essential for our personal formation and Jesus’ centered community.

Our group identity in Christ shapes us to live out His values through radical conviction, and removing the destructive shame in our lives.

Relationships rooted in attachment—both to God and others—are the foundation of a community of Jesus followers.

Joy is an essential component of a community of resistance for the formation of our souls.

Radical yeses lead to true peace.

In order to resist the cultural norms and press into the way of Jesus, followers of Jesus should foster a rule of life which serves as a trellis for the soul to flourish.

As we reflect on cultural norms like the idolization of feelings and hurry, we are invited to align our emotions and pace with the truth, self-control, and lifestyle of Jesus.