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Jesus had a better way and it was the way of grace. He wanted to teach us how to live according to these Unforced Rhythms of Grace. We begin with the Shema.
In the second of our two services on the theme of Starting Fresh, Fran spoke to us this week about finding the 'unforced rhythms of grace' in our day to day lives.You can join in our services by visiting us in person at One Church Brighton, Florence Road, Brighton, or by heading to our YouTube channel.If you'd like to know more about One Church Brighton, head to onechurchbrighton.org, or, if you'd like to get in touch with us, email info@onechurchbrighton.org.
The word “Unforced” speaks of something that feels natural or effortless. It is made from the prefix “un,” which means “not,” and the word “force” which refers to pressure. Pressure is what one experiences when they feel obligated. Therefore, the word unforced means not pressurized or without obligation, no exertion necessary. The definition of this word perfectly captures the kind of relationship God desires with every single one of His children. He desires a relationship that is exempt from pressure, exertion, and obligation. He desires an unforced relationship.
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Sermon OutlineGod takes from us the arrythmia of anger.God resolves in us dissonance of desire.God tunes our hearts to sing His praise.Questions on Hebrews 13:1–8Do you think desire is a good thing in and of itself? Why or why not?Consider this quote from CS Lewis: "Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” What is Lewis suggesting about our desires?How does the image of a "choir" reshape your image of the Christian life? In what areas of life do you find yourself operating as a soloist?Who are the "strangers" in your life? What would it look like for you to love the stranger?Resources ConsultedGareth Lee Cockerill, The Epistle to the HebrewsHarold Attridge, The Epistle to the HebrewsOrigen of Alexandria, Homilies on the PsalmsPope John Paul II, "Undocumented Migrants"C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, and Other AddressesThe Tallis Scholars, Spem in AliumFor the music nerd: False Relations in Renaissance MusicQuestions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker ().
A message from Pastor Donn Dirckx. Delivered on 24 August 2025 at Hope City Church.Song used: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-lo-fi-chillhop-beat-background-music-133473/
Today's episode will help us understand the importance of rest and Sabbath in disciple-making, as well as the impact of burnout and how to counteract it through sustainable rhythms of life. Join Discipleship.org at one of our fall events: https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/ The Deeper Walk Experience | Franklin, TN | Aug. 15-16, 2025: https://deeperwalk.com/sp/dw-experience-franklin/ Discipling Men | Dallas, TX | Sept. 11, 2025: https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/dallas-2025-regional/ The Discipleship Gospel | Oceanside, CA | Oct. 9, 2025: https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/2025-west-coast-conference/ Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr The Importance of Sabbath: Finding Rest in Disciple-Making In this episode of the Disciple Maker Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into a vital but often overlooked aspect of disciple-making: the practice of Sabbath. They share personal stories and insights on how incorporating rest and healthy rhythms into daily life can prevent burnout and lead to more sustainable ministry work. Drawing from both personal experiences and biblical principles, the hosts emphasize how taking regular Sabbaths can help maintain spiritual and mental health, foster deeper relationships, and ultimately strengthen one's ministry. Tune in to discover how to balance work and rest effectively and why this balance is crucial for a thriving disciple-making journey. Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Beginnings 01:03 The Importance of Sabbath in Ministry 03:00 Personal Testimony: Burnout and Recovery 06:12 Implementing Sabbath Practices 09:23 Cultural Rhythms and Work Ethics 11:31 Balancing Work and Rest in Ministry 14:39 Reflecting on Life Choices 15:24 The Unforced Rhythms of Grace 16:04 The Importance of Rest in Discipleship 17:03 Balancing Work and Rest 19:00 Sabbath as Resistance 19:52 Real-Life Examples of Sabbath 23:25 The Modern Pace of Life 26:12 Encouragement for Restful Living Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ Join us for our 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ See Below for a longer description: In this episode of the Disciple Maker Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael humorously start off by discussing the challenges of kicking off the podcast seamlessly. They segue into an important discussion on Sabbath and rest. Josh shares his personal experience with burnout from a grueling work schedule in India, emphasizing the importance of regular rest to avoid mental, physical, and spiritual exhaustion. They highlight that Sabbath isn't just an Old Testament concept but essential for sustainable ministry and overall well-being. The need for ministry leaders and everyone to balance work and rest is underscored, promoting a lifestyle that counters societal pressures of constant busyness and productivity. By setting boundaries and maintaining healthy rhythms of life, Josh and Jason advocate for a balanced approach to ministry and personal life. The episode calls listeners to evaluate their own rest practices and integrate meaningful Sabbath practices to prevent burnout and enhance fulfillment and effectiveness in both life and ministry.
In 2023, we spent six weeks looking at Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan—a Samaritan man traveling along the road from Jerusalem to Jericho and finds someone lying on the side of the road—robbed, beaten, and left for dead. Instead of continuing on his way (like the priest and religious man before him), the Samaritan gets off his donkey, cleans up the battered man's wounds, and takes him to an inn where he can recover. The Samaritan didn't have to do any of this. But he does because that's what our faith calls us to do—to get off our donkey and care for others, particularly those in need. We've brought back this “Get Off Your Donkey” series as a way to remind ourselves that sometimes, faith-in-action looks like meeting immediate needs, and other times, it looks like advocating for others and doing the internal work of rethinking assumptions and preconceived notions. This time around, we're exploring our United Methodist social principles. These principles aren't church law, but they represent the prayerful efforts of the United Methodist Church to speak to contemporary context. They call each of us to engage with the world around us, and to live like Jesus—compassionately working for justice for each and every one of God's creations. This week, we are taking a look at how our faith calls us to honor our mental health.
SGIGE267 Living From The Unforced Rhythms Of Grace Life is fast paced and we are usually not good at ‘slowing down'. Enjoy this meaningful conversation onlearning to live from the peace of Christ in us. Learning to live from a place of rest. Watch Today's Episode onYouTubehttps://youtu.be/9b9AWpVu8YAhttps://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelZenker Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/still-growing-in-graceWeekly Blog: https://mikezenker.blog/ Donatetoday and help keep this going: In CANADA: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XHQ9UTBPTKDPW In the USA: https://eschurch.com/donate - check the ‘GROWINGIN GRACE' box Growing In Grace Canada ContentYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKfv-9uArQHIzcebDIyS8F3nj2MF_FV-H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growingingraceministriescanada Web: www.growingingrace.caSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AvFWO7epyVeIuNf5WHFRD Grace Awakening Network weekly Program 9:30pm EST: https://www.gantv.com/ GAN ‘On Demand': https://watch.gantv.com/categories/102/still-growing-in-grace Guest Info And LinksRichard Murray: https://thegoodnessofgod.com/Bill Thrasher: https://www.facebook.com/groups/444411502587439 Fred Young: https://eschurch.com/ Randy Elstrott: https://www.randyelstrott.com/ Mike Zenker: www.hopefellowshipycc.comYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelZenker
Learning under King Jesus gives us true rest for our weary souls. Key Scriptures: Matthew 11:28-30 NLT Connect with us & let us know you are listening and how we can pray for you... https://www.pursuitnazarene.org/online-connection-card
Sunday 26 January - Unforced Rhythms of Grace - Part 3 by South West London Vineyard
Sunday 19 January - Unforced Rhythms of Grace - Part 2 by South West London Vineyard
Sunday 12 January - Unforced Rhythms of Grace - Part 1 by South West London Vineyard
Unforced Rhythms of Grace Pt. 3 | Pastor Marion Dalton | Bethel Harvest Church In this powerful sermon, Pastor Dalton dives deep into the concept of God's abundant grace and how it's the only sufficient virtue in life. Power, money, and position all fall short in the face of life's challenges, but God's grace stands firm, offering all-sufficiency and abundance for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).
"Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways, and you'll discover that I'm gentle, humble, and easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me.” — Matthew 11:29 TPTI've been on a journey, seeking to understand God's unforced rhythms of grace. This week, that journey took me through the release of a new digital course. Instead of succumbing to the pressure of working 12 hours a day, I embraced a new rhythm: spending late afternoons playing golf with my husband. This choice to balance work and play brought a refreshing change. God wants to give rest to our souls, but it's up to us to choose it. I've been having deep conversations with God about life-work balance, and prioritizing time with Jesus through prayer, reading His Word, journaling, and walking in nature. These practices have become essential for the well-being of my soul. Simplifying my meals, like baking chicken and making a salad, has also contributed to this better balance.On top of it all, my golf game has seen remarkable improvement. Just yesterday, I chipped in a ball on hole 12, found myself mostly two-putting, and figured out my driver alignment. On a par 3, I hit my 7 iron onto the green and made par. These moments have been a testament to God's goodness. Join me as I share these insights and more, exploring how to integrate faith, work, and life in a way that brings true rest and refreshment.If you want to check out my 100 days of Creating with God course click here: https://stan.store/sarathurman/p/100-days-of-creating-with-god
How do we become resilient disciples of Jesus? Gavin Bennett shares a vision for how a Rule of Life can shape us and our communities into people of love. He challenges us to resist the temptations to make a Rule of Life about control, busyness, duty, or enthusiasm, and instead encourages us to lean into the invitations of the Spirit and Jesus's easy yoke.Key Scripture Passage: John 15v1-5This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Spencer from New York, New York; Macy from Atlanta, Georgia; Jenni from Portland, Oregon; Todd from Fabius, New York; and Judy from Fort Worth, Texas. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
Why a Rule of Life? Tyler Staton explains the why and the what behind a Rule of Life, outlining the biblical, historical, and practical roots of this practice. He argues that a Rule of Life is essential for us to preserve the new wine of God's grace in this cultural moment with new wineskins. Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 9v14-17, Psalm 56v12-13, Acts 2v42-47.This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Joe from Huntsville, Alabama; Joshua from Columbus, Ohio; Caleb from Crystal, Minnesota; Jessica from Challenge, California; and Tanner from Moncton, New Brunswick. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
What does it look like to witness in our culture? Tre' Giles walks us through three ways to witness to others: spoken love, supernatural love, and sacrificial love, and challenges us to live our lives in a way that demonstrates the good news of Jesus to others.Key Scripture Passages: Acts 1v8; Colossians 1v12-14; Matthew 3v16-17; Matthew 9v9-13; Luke 23v38-43This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Josh from Lubbock, Texas; Ernest from Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Carl and Aline from Plantation, Florida; John from Scarborough, Ontario; and Shannon from Charleston, South Carolina. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
"Sabbath rest empowers resurrection work." In a world filled with burnout, exhaustion, and shallow indulgence, Tyler Staton argues that Sabbath is a practice to reform our relationship with work and rest - helping us work with God and receive rest as a gift from him. Highlighting the scriptural foundations and formational purpose of this practice, he highlights the future hope that we live into as we stop and rest.Key Scripture Passage: Genesis 2v1-3; Exodus 20v8-11; Exodus 31v17; Deuteronomy 5v12-15; John 7v21-24; Psalm 127v1-2This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Jon from Odessa, Texas; Nickie from Kansas City, Missouri; Katie from Portland, Oregon; Catherine from Medford, Massachusetts; and Amy from Arlington, Virginia. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
Are our hands so full of money that we can't receive the generosity of God? Gavin Bennett argues that how we handle money is key to our apprenticeship to Jesus. He shows us that when our generosity is rooted in God's generosity, we can more fully step into our role as stewards of the resources God's entrusted to us. Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 13v44-46; Matthew 6v24; Matthew 15v15-22; Matthew 19v16-26This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Colin from Houston, Texas; Tyler from Ankeny, Iowa; Allison from Altamonte Springs, Florida; Jason from Allen, Texas; and Rebecca from Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
What if serving others is more rewarding than we think? Bethany Allen argues that we often only consider the costs of service, but rarely consider the deeper rewards it brings: lasting joy and fulfillment. She not only encourages us to see and sacrifice for one another in service, but also offers us five principles to guide as we serve.Key Scripture Passage: Luke 10v25-37This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Cory from Akron, Ohio; Paul from New Castle, Indiana; Katie from Westfield, Indiana; Michael and Amanda from Austin, Texas; and Skylar from Scottsdale, Arizona. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
What does not eating have to do with following Jesus? Tyler Staton breaks down the "why" of fasting: how it can help us focus on what's most important, give us freedom from idols in our lives, and grow us in compassion for others. Key Scripture Passages: Romans 12v1This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Goolam from Claremont, South Africa; Andrew from Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; Carli from Chandler, Arizona; Casey from Juliette, Georgia; and Keith from Rockwell, North Carolina.Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
"You can't follow Jesus alone."John Mark shows us the essential nature of community in our walk with Jesus: how God adopts us into his family and the role our brothers and sisters play in our formation. He concludes with an encouragement to be intentional in finding community, and when we do, to put down deep roots. Key Scripture Passages: Mark 1v16-20; Mark 3v13-19; Mark 3v32-35; Romans 8v15; Ephesians 2v15-20This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Daniel from Hillsboro, Oregon; David from Yorba Linda, California; Aarti from Beaconsfield, Australia; Melanie from Flower Mound, Texas; and Kim from Keller, Texas.Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
"When you're waiting, you're not doing nothing. You're doing the most important something there is. You're allowing your soul to grow up. If you can't wait, you can't become what God created you to be." - UnknownIn a world that is full of noise and activity, solitude is deeply uncomfortable for many of us. Yet it's core to the way of Jesus. Tyler explores the importance of solitude in our apprenticeship, slowing us down to God's pace and giving us hope in the waiting. He ends with practical examples of how to create rhythms of solitude in our everyday lives.Key Scripture Passage: Psalm 131This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Mackenzie from Charlotte, North Carolina; Dy from Tulsa, Oklahoma; Luke from Redding, California; Matthew from Sherwood, Oregon; and Gina from Asheville, North Carolina.Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
Why are the Scriptures so confusing? Tim Mackie and Tyler Staton discuss how our intuition about what the Bible should do - that it's supposed to tell us about what's true, good, and God's voice - are correct. But these intuitions without the right tools to read can destruct our faith more than they construct it. Together, Tyler and Tim show us how to approach the Scriptures with the right tools, and read it like a story: one that leads us to Jesus.Key Scripture Passage: Psalm 1v1-3This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Amy from Fort Wayne, Indiana; Claire from Madison, Mississippi; Cheyenne from Charlotte, North Carolina; Michele from Plymouth, Minnesota; and Beth from Fort Worth, Texas.Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
"Prayer is the soil where every other spiritual practice grows."Tyler teaches on the pervasiveness of prayer in every facet of our spiritual walk and its importance in our growth. He challenges us to pray like we believe that God hears and answers. Key Scripture Passage: Hebrews 5v7This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Gillian from Forest Hills, South Africa; Jeff from Ann Arbor, Michigan; Evan from Olympia, Washington; Christa and Jim from Goodyear, Arizona; and Andrew from Woodstock, Ontario. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
What is the "yoke" of Jesus? Tyler Staton breaks down Jesus's invitation, helping us to experience the joy and life of Jesus as we follow in his ways.Key Scripture Passage: Matthew 11v28-30This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Emily from Lakewood, California; Abraham from Omaha, Nebraska; Eli from Bois D'Arc, Missouri; Steve from Portland, Oregon; and Samara from Lausanne, Switzerland. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
The 9 core practices for the way of Jesus are practiced sustainably in our lives through the ancient way of a rule of life—becoming a community of love through Covenant Community. From John 15v1-5. With Gavin Bennett.
The 9 core practices for the way of Jesus are practiced sustainably in our lives through the ancient way of a rule of life—a vow to express Jesus' vision continuously. From Matthew 9v14-17.
A community of hospitality in a culture of hostility through the practice of witness. From Acts 1v8. With Tre' Giles.
A community of rest in a culture of hurry and exhaustion through the practice of sabbath. From Genesis 2v1-3.
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Discover the transformative power of grace in shaping behavior and fostering personal growth. I delve into the reasons behind our actions and offer a solution for change. By embracing the unforced rhythms of grace, as taught by Jesus, we find freedom from despair and the belief that improvement is beyond reach. Join me in this journey...
A community of contentment in a culture of consumerism through the practice of generosity. From Matthew 13v44-46.
A community of justice, mercy, and reconciliation in a culture of injustice and division through the practice of Service. From Luke 10v25-37.
A community of holiness in a culture of indulgence and immorality through the practice of fasting. From Romans 12v1.
A community of love and depth in a culture of individualism and superficiality through the practice of community. Mark 1v16-20.
A community of peace and quiet in a culture of anxiety and noise through the practice of solitude. From Psalm 131.
Becoming a community of courageous fidelity to orthodoxy in a culture of ideological compromise through the practice of scripture. From Psalm 1v1-3.
A community of communion with God in a culture of distraction and escapism through the practice of prayer. From Hebrews 5v7.
Intro teaching to our new series "Unforced Rhythms of Grace." From Matthew 11v28-30.