From the Rectors Desk

Jesus responds: "On this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." Our foundation is a Person of Jesus, not a platform for us to showcase our skills or prowess. Not politics, not culture wars, not algorithms. The Church stands because Jesus is Christ. Revelation comes from the Father. “Flesh and blood did not reveal this to you.” In an age of influencers and opinions, we still need the Spirit of God to reveal Jesus to our hearts. We have authority in Christ Jesus. That is the key to the kingdom. That means we get to declare forgiveness, truth, and hope in a world that’s bound by fear and confusion. Without this confession, we have activity without power. 

THE FUNCTION — HOW WE COMMIT Romans 12:1-8

Paul picks up right where Jesus left off. If Matthew 16 is about believing right, Romans 12 is about living right. " I appeal to you therefore, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform to this pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Then Paul talks about gifts: prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy. For the 21st Century Global Church: Worship is now daily to clearly define who we are. Not just on Sundays. Living sacrifices must reflect on our jobs, in our families, in our relationships, also in how we use our money, power or influence — all of it is worship for the world to see something unique in us as Christians.Transformation over conformity of the things of the world. The world wants us to copy its anger, its division, its clout-chasing, etc. God wants our minds renewed so we can discern His will. Unity in diversity. One Body, many gifts. No one does everything alone in God's kingdom. The prophet needs the giver. The teacher needs the mercy-giver. The Global Church only works when we stop competing and start complementing. Without this commitment, we have theology without practice.

Who we are: Church built on Christ = How we live: Church as living sacrifices. Gift: Keys of the Kingdom = Different gifts according to grace. Enemy: Gates of hell = Enemy: Conforming to the world.

Result: Jesus builds = Result: Body functions together.

Jesus gives and instructs us with the confession: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Paul admonishes us for the Godly conduct: "...On the basis of God's mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship" (Romans 21:1). You can’t have one without the other. In the 21st Century we are tempted to either: Confess without committing — we know doctrine but our lives look like the world. Commit without confessing — we do good work but we’re not clear about our intentions that Jesus is Lord. The Global Church needs both, that is, Confession and Commitment.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS FOR US: 

Confession - Can I clearly say "Jesus is the Son of the living God and Lord of my life"? Is He the centre of my home, my life, feed, my conversations? 

Consecration: What area of my life am I still conforming to the world instead of offering my life as a living sacrifice? 

Contribution: What is my gift? The Body of Christ needs it. Stop hiding it. Serve, give, inspire and lead, encourage, show mercy — as unto the Lord.

The world might be asking "Who is Jesus?" As in Matthew 16 with those asking who Jesus is. But it is also very important we ask with Jesus Christ at the centre, "What will you do with giving yourself as living sacrifice?" Like in Romans 12. The 21st Century Global Church will be strong when we answer both: We confess Christ as Lord, and we commit our lives as living sacrifices.That’s a Church the gates of hell can never stop!

Thanks be to God. Amen.