The traditional cry of Easter Sunday is “Christ is
Risen.” It is a cry that resounds down
through the ages. Death is
defeated. Sin is no more. A new era has been ushered in. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “so then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new
creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!” The reality is that in Jesus Christ we are new
people. We are no longer trapped by the
way of living of the sinful world. We
are free from”…… sexual immorality, moral
corruption, doing whatever feels good, idolatry, drug use and casting spells,
hate, fighting, obsession, losing your temper, competitive opposition,
conflict, selfishness, group rivalry, jealousy, drunkenness, partying, and
other things like that” (Gal 5:19 – 21).
Instead we are free to live with “love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control” (Gal 5:22, 23).
Yet part of the reality of living in this era is that we can
still be trapped in the ways of sinful living and fail to always and fully
express the fruit of the Spirit. It is
the grace of God that forgives us when we fail and the grace of God that allows
us to forgive others when they fail us.
It is also the grace of God that leads us deeper into resurrection life.
For this reason our church has adopted a purpose of Growing
Disciples who Exalt, Explore, Embody, Engage.
Our purpose commits us as a church and individuals to continually grow
more like Christ, leaning evermore into resurrection life and away from life
that is apart from Christ. Primarily
growing as a disciple is learning to be more like Jesus. To be transformed in our thinking, our
attitudes and our behaviour to reflect Jesus in the person that we are. This is to love others as he loved them. To always forgive others who sin against us. It is to rely fully and completely on the
Spirit for inspiration, encouragement, courage and compassion. It is to be developing the pattern of always
choosing the Christian way, over and above any other way. It is a growing pattern of surrender of our will
and life to that of Christ in us.
Our congregation has identified four disciplines through
which we grow.
1.
Worshipping frequently and regularly, where we shrink
our magnificent egos and reflect on the wonder and majesty of God.
2.
Being part of an Explore group where, in the context of
healthy relationships, we apply the bible to our everyday living.
3.
Having at least one area of service where we look
beyond our own needs and serve others as Christ has served us.
4.
Developing an intentional relationship with a
pre-Christian so that they can be led to life in Christ.
These four disciplines are not extra activities to put into
our lives. They are means of grace
through which we become more like Christ and enter more deeply into the mystery
of the truth that Christ is Risen.
Grace and peace
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