Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 5:17
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!
Thought for the Day: Too often we think of following Jesus in terms of escapism, or what some might refer to as departure theology. It is all about surviving or enduring this world so that at some point we can go somewhere else and be with Jesus. This kind of theology has always existed within Christianity, but especially in times where great persecution has seen Christians die without any sense that circumstances on this planet will change. It makes sense in that context. But the teachings of scripture are less about escaping and more about engaging and transforming the current reality. In fact, Paul makes a shocking statement when he says, “new things have arrived!” For Paul, Jesus broke into an old, broken, hateful, greedy and sinful world and brought with him a new reality. It does not come with marching armies who simply conquer as was common in Roman thinking. Instead, it is revealed in acts of mercy and sacrificial love, most beautifully witnessed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The question for all of us is whether our lives continue to give witness to a new creation or the old creation?
Prayer: Provide me the ability to see opportunities to serve you this day, O Lord of a new creation. I seek your spiritual strength so that my life may give witness to things that are not always deemed of value in this current world. It is in the name of your vision-caster, Jesus Christ, that I offer these words of prayer. Amen.
SPECIAL ANOUNCEMENT
Tomorrow — Sunday
Board Meeting
10:10am in the Chapel
Congregational Gathering
4:00pm in the Activity Room
