GraceCom UK Denominational Conference 2018 - Guest Speaker Dr. Gary Deddo
Introduction and Testimonies
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Gary Deddo: Presentation 1
(Above) Dr. Deddo delivers the first of two presentations on the subject of Whole Life Discipleship, entitled, Worship and Witness: Life as if Jesus is Lord of the Church
Dr. Deddo began by saying that Biblical Revelation is the foundation for faith—both the living and written Word of Jesus Christ. As every word in the English dictionary is made up of the 26 letters in the alphabet, so topics in theology are based on the basics of the Gospel. We live in two relationships: vertical—God and us, which is a Worship relationship; and horizontal with each other, which is a witness relationship, and indirectly also a worship relationship from God. We live out who we are and whose we are in the ‘theatre of God’s glory’ as Calvin calls it. We were created to worship and witness. C. S. Lewis commented that natural good cannot become all God intends on its own but it was made to ‘run on God’ as a car runs on petrol. In our whole life discipleship, we love God with all our heat, mind and soul and our neighbour as ourselves (Matthew 22:37). We witness to the world out of love. It should not be Church versus the world—a relationship of antagonism, us and them but a witness of love (for the people not their sins). When we witness in the world we are ‘FOR’ them but not ‘of’ them. A witness declares what is not known, they are not arrogant, self-righteous or secretive. This then becomes WORSHIP+=WITNESS. |
Gary Deddo: Presentation 2
(Above) Dr. Deddo continues to enlarge on the concept of Whole Life Discipleship in his second presentation, entitled, Worldview And Vocation: Life As If Jesus Is Lord Of All.
In this world we need grace and peace (Galatians 1:3-4). Genuine love, but abhoring what is evil (Romans 12:9), not taking vengeance, (verse 2), not being overcome with evil, but overcoming evil with good. We live between the times of Christ’s advent—between his first and his second coming. Our identity is in Christ (Romans 5:7). In this time we supplement or feed our faith with virtue, knowledge, tec. and with agape love as we find in 2 Peter 1:5-7. Verses 8-9 tell us that these keep us from being unfruitful and ineffective as we witness as Whole Life Disciples, living as if Jesus is Lord of all. . Gary Deddo serves as assistant to the president and theological advisor at Grace Communion International
Dr. Deddo received his initial and formal biblical and theological training from Fuller Theological Seminary receiving a Master of Divinity degree. He served as a campus minister with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship for 20 years before becoming an editor at Inter-Varsity Press. He continued his theological studies at Kings College of the University of Aberdeen, under the direction of Rev. Prof. James B. Torrance and was awarded a Ph.D. degree in systematic theology. His doctoral research was revised and published as a book; Karl Barth's Theology of Relations: Trinitarian, Christological and Human (Peter Lang, 1996). |
James Henderson and commissioning
James Henderson is National Ministry Leader for Grace Communion International in the UK and Ireland. He also serves as European Missions Director
Recommended Reading:
Developing A Christian Mind: Oliver Barclay
Having a Christian mind is considered important in the New Testament - Jesus himself told us to give attention to it.
But what exactly is a 'Christian mind'... and how does it work in practice? Oliver Barclay's Developing a Christian Mind provides that reference point. Relational Preaching: Greg Scharf
Relational Preaching is a guide to help achieve greater depth in your preaching through developing a stronger relationship with the Lord, with Scripture, and with your listeners. Its message is direct and down to earth. Its style is devotional and prayerful. Preachers around the world will be blessed as they join the author in soaking themselves in Scripture and reflecting on what these Scriptures mean for them.
The Church and Its Ministry: Gary Deddo
In this 12-part essay, Dr. Gary Deddo explores the nature of the church and its ministry, with an eye toward equipping its members for the work of ministry.
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