We want to be a community that consistently lives what we believe.
It’s clear from the New Testament that the earliest followers of Jesus didn’t simply pass along a set of beliefs. They also offered a new way to live.
These five practices flow out of our core values, and serve as guidelines for a way of life that best helps us live in and share the kingdom of God. (They also form a convenient acronym—CABLE.)
We invite everyone in the Engedi community to participate in these practices, and to enjoy the new kind of life that they bring.
Care for the poor and the vulnerable.
We care for the poor and the vulnerable by praying, serving, giving our time and money, and getting a better understanding of the needs of others. We meet the needs of those who need us.
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
James 1:27
Acknowledge our journey with others.
On a regular basis, we invite others into how we’re really doing. We are honest, open and vulnerable, with the good and the bad. We join others in their journeys. We walk through life together.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24–25
Bless our world with contagious love and grace.
We bless those around us by extending God’s love through concrete deeds of kindness. God has loved us, so we will love others; God has blessed us, so we will bless others.
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’”
Genesis 12:1–3
Listen for God’s voice and learn from His Word.
Learning takes place as we spend time reading the Bible—especially the gospels, which teach us about Jesus. We also read other Christian books or devotional material. And we create space for silence so we can hear what God has to say.
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
Ecclesiastes 5:1–2
Eat with others outside our normal social circle
Each week, we share a meal or coffee with someone we don’t normally spend time with. In this way we show the hospitality of Christ to those around us.
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Hebrews 13:2
