church: untitled church: untitled

How do we live like we know Jesus? James says, "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds...". This is only possible when we truly know Jesus, not just in concept but through first hand experience. The more we come to know him, the more he informs how we walk and think through every area of our lives. Until we consider every trial pure joy, there is still room for us to know Jesus better.

True fellowship with one another and with God comes when we "walk in the light". One of the ways we live in the light is through confessing the sin that is keeping us in the dark. Though daunting, it is through confession that we receive forgiveness and freedom through Christ’s blood. In Christ, sin isn't the issue anymore - it's what we do with it that becomes the issue. Will we choose to live in the light or remain in darkness?

In John 13, Jesus gives his disciples a new command: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” As the groom to his church, Jesus shows us his standard by going to the cross for us. As his bride, we are to follow his example, but if we depend on our own strength, it is impossible. We must abide in his love, knowing that he is our source and live in light of all he has done for us.

Throughout Scripture, Jesus is referred to as the groom and his Church as his bride. But in today's culture, our vision of marriage is slowly eroding and it can be difficult to understand the weight of what Jesus' covenant to his Church means. We've lost sight of how we, the Church, are to prepare ourselves as the bride ready for him. God is revitalizing a vision of the bride who is solely devoted to Jesus, our groom.

In our modern day, churches can be known for many things: worship, preaching, production, hospitality, etc. As a church, we want to be known for our faith. God has shown us his faithfulness and he is calling us to stand firm in who he has already revealed himself to be. Our only appropriate response is to give him glory, thanks and honour.

When God shows us his faithfulness, we are accountable to let these experiences develop our trust and faith in him. However, our vision can often become clouded through the throws of fear, control and disappointment. Amidst difficult circumstances, let's stand firm and step into a place of maturity in him as we face the disruptions of life.