Living Through Change

So what will the new year hold for all of us? One thing is for certain whoever or wherever we are we will face change to a greater of lesser degree. How we deal with the change is what really matters. Nothing in our lives ever stays the same. We get older and we hope wiser but too often we find ourselves falling into the same traps and routines of the past. In other words we try to solve todays problems using yesterdays failed solutions. The teachings of Jesus of Nazareth offers us all an alternative way to look at life. Jesus speaks of a new confidence that can take hold of a person. A confidence that enables us to engage with the changes of life. During the months of January and February Sanctuary First is going to help us look at the teaching of Jesus and how it has affected and effected people to live through the changes of life. More than that we want our readers to see that Jesus invites us personally to follow him and in doing so, encounter the presence of God in our lives daily. Week One - The Lion and the Lamb - The Self Confidence of Jesus. Luke 3 15-21One thing that is obvious about the life and ministry of Jesus, he seemed to have a deep confidence in who he was and the purpose of his ministry. From a child he was aware of his calling. We read how he could be found in the temple engaging in conversation with those who were his elders, talking with them about the purposes of God. He responds to his mother ‘ Do you not realise i must be about my father’s business” In the early chapters of Luke we are introduced to the baptism of Jesus. In this story Luke reveals God the father’s confidence in Jesus, “ You are my beloved son in whom i am well pleased.” Week Two - The Jesus Manifesto - The kingdom Values - Luke 4. 14-30 Jesus had a plan. He knew what his life was all about. He stuck to the plan. He knew and communed with the Holy Spirit. The presence of God was with him. He wrestled and struggled like all of us with the temptations that come through living in our world. However he didn’t allow himself to be distracted from his mission. He also allowed God’s Word to speak to and through him he was the living word of God. In Luke 4 Jesus outlines his Manifesto to bring about change in the world. He has come to bring health and healing to the outcast and the sinner. His mission was to people individuals being changed trough community. Week Three - God has no favourites - His Holy Spirit is for all. - Acts 2. 14-21 The story of God’s dealings with the children of Israel have often been misunderstood. To be chosen does mean that you are the favourite. Time and time again the god of the Hebrews relates that they are chosen as race to demonstrate the love of God for all. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of this. Abraham is reminded that God’s blessing on him is for all the nations of the world. The prophet Joel speaks of the day when God will pour out his Spirit on all people. Jesus is the new Adam the first of this new humanity. Week Four - United we stand and bring in the changes - 1Cor 12. 12-32 The secret of the Gospel is that God through Christ uses the community of his people to bring about change in the world. Jesus lives on in the Communal life of the Church. God has no favourites in his church. Everyone is uniquely placed to work as part of the body. When we stand united we begin to see the healing presence of Christ change our world. We begin to see the manifesto being put into action.​