Over the weekend of 6th and 7th August 2011 the Rev Abraham Akih led a faithful group in thinking about this question.
Colossians 1:13-14 “He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.”
Starting with the above text from Colossians 1, he led us through the Gospel of Luke, looking at who we are (or should aim to be) and what we are called to do as Christians.
He spoke of us building a vigorous, joyful, and active community of Christians working in Yeoville to spread the love we share in Jesus, to expand and strengthen His Kingdom.
How can we do this? By following the example of Christ Himself: “Luke’s gospel gives us a vivid picture of the life story of Jesus Christ. It is Part I of a two part history of the Christian church.” Luke’s Gospel teaches us about Jesus Himself..
Acts, which was also written by Luke, and is dedicated to Theophilus, whose name means ‘Friend of God’ or ‘the one who loves God’, is Part II of that history and is the story of the early church: Jesus’ followers putting the teachings of Christ into action to change the world around them (their communities) and the lives of those they met. Our model, therefore, is Jesus Himself, and answering the question “What can we do for Jesus?” is simply done by modeling ourselves daily on Jesus, studying His word and doing the things that He did.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, sent to us as our Helper, we work towards becoming more and more like Christ, focusing on His will for us and for our community.
If we do this, following Jesus’ example in Luke, we will have the impact on the community of Yeoville that Jesus had on His community. What a challenge that gives us!
These are some of the Headings that the Rev Akih looked at, over the course of the two days. Read Luke with these in mind and apply all to yourself. I think you will see and understand Luke’s Gospel in a way you had not seen it or understood it before.
THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN MEMBERSHIP (Luke 1-2)
THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (Luke 3-4)
THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN HEALING (Luke 5-6)
CHRISTIAN ANOINTING (LUKE 7-8 and James 5:13-20)
JOY IN RELATING TO CHRIST AND ONE ANOTHER (Luke 9-10)
THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP (Luke 13-15)
CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP LUKE 17-19
Lord Jesus, help us to be true followers of your way, that our lives might reflect yours and have the impact on our community that You had on yours. To the Glory of God, Your Father and ours, for the furtherance of Your Kingdom on earth, through the Power of the Holy Spirit and for Your sake we ask this. AMEN!
Blessings,
Elizabeth White
Session Clerk St Mark's
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