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Regina, SK
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We are living through a time that will change our lives forever. However, there is an event even greater. The cross of Christ stands at the centre of history and the world will never be the same again!
Not for one second does Jesus suggest loving an enemy is easy. But, that doesn’t change the fact that it is exactly what he has called us to do. So, the disciple of Jesus needs to have the attitude that being like God (the cross) is more important than hating my hate for another.
We live in a world of words designed to influence us according to different agendas. It’s tempting to use our own Christian words to do the same. But, to do so would be to do violence to others. Our attitude needs to be nonviolence—we will speak simply, trusting God.
Marriage represents our most intimate relationships: relationships with God and with each other. So, our attitudes towards marriage mirror these other relationships. The attitude Jesus disciples must have is not to treat those relationships lightly by casting them away. Instead, we need to want to protect each other.
Our culture tells us that its okay to look as long as we don’t touch. But, the disciple of Jesus knows that looking will lead to touching. So, the disciple maintains the attitude that our relationship with Jesus is the most important thing—too important to fool around with.
One key attitude adjustment disciples need is to let go of grudges and being right. We need to prefer instead to swallow our pride so that our relationships can be restored.
We believe that authentic worship is everything that honours God. Worshiping God is the greatest fulfilment of our vocation to be bearers of God’s image. Worship is an individual and corporate whole life offering which is grounded in our regular gathering for that purpose. Worship is about God first and last.
We believe that prayer is essential to following after God. Like Jesus, we need frequent times when we are seeking God for a reaffirmation of our identity as God’s people and a reminder of our mission. Like Scripture, prayer is a major discipline for our corporate body.
We believe that God has gifted his body of believers, men and women equally, for the work of discipling and mission. Every believer has been equipped by God’s Spirit to build up the body and/or to do works of service for the world. Everyone is encouraged to discover their gifts and share them to the best of their ability.
We believe that God is transforming us into the image of his Son. This means that we are intentionally submitting ourselves to be re-formed through daily practices that lead to spiritual growth. We also recognize that at the heart of our mission as a church, we are to disciple others through those same daily practices.
We believe the community called church is a new family. This means we intentionally invite people to become a part of our life together. As well, we foster an environment in which we openly share what is happening in our lives with each other and seek to respond to each other with love and concern. We also seek to be a place of healing for all people.
We believe that mission is the reason for the church’s existence. Scripture describes God’s great mission to redeem and renew all of his creation, particularly humanity. God has called us to participate in that mission, in the power and under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Being Scripture Centred is important for our church life, but if we are not putting Scripture at the centre of our personal lives then the value doesn't mean much.
With the arrival of the Wise Men Jesus is revealed as king. And, as Jesus is revealed through the resurrection, we receive the revelation that we too will be changed to be like him. The corruptible will be swallowed up by the incorruptible.
What are we waiting for? We are waiting for God’s plan of salvation to be completed through Jesus Christ. At Christmas, we are declaring that the king has come and is coming again to put the world right and to put it under God who will then be all in all.
John tells us the Christmas story with a twist, but the light is the same. That light has broken in and lives with us. As a result, we can now live with him. He has given us the right to become children of God.
There are things that are a part of our lives while we wait for the completion of our salvation. Some of those seem really dynamic and important right now. In fact, some of those things can have all of our attention. What should be our priority is love. With love those other things will have their proper place in our lives.
This Sunday our children and youth will lead us in exploring the Nativity through drama. Pastor David will explore Mary's song as it sums up the joy of Israel and the world.
As we wait, Jesus doesn’t call us to a cloistered life. We are a people on mission, so we are to have a posture of seeking the good of all people, even over our own rights. In this way we are to imitate Jesus who gave up equality with God.
At a time of year when we can purchase and possess anything we want, which promises at least temporary happiness, aren’t we foolish to be a people who wait? Yes, we are. We are fools for Christ because He alone is the wisdom of God. In this way we are a signpost to our neighbours. The tools we need for waiting are patience and humility.
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