The Christian life begins by looking to Jesus Christ by faith, believing that He is God who come in human flesh and died to take our punishment for sin. The more one discovers who Christ is, the more one will appreciate what He has done and will repent and believe the Gospel. As we begin the Christian life in faith, so we are to continue by faith (Colossians 1:23). The apostle Paul expressed this clearly when he said: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) A life lived by faith means that Christ must live in me and through me.
Let us look at some practical details about what a life of faith is like. Our Lord Jesus Christ is our perfect example of a life lived by faith:
First, His life was lived in complete dependence upon God. Never did anyone so entirely, so unreservedly, so perfectly cast himself upon God as did the Man Christ Jesus. Never was anyone so completely yielded to God’s will. He made the statement: “I live because of the Father” (John 6:57). When He was tempted to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger, He replied “man shall not live by bread alone.” He was so sure of God’s provision that He continued to trust and wait for the Father.
Second, Christ lived in full fellowship with God. Jesus lived in a deep and constant realisation of the God presence. “And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone,” (John 8:29) This also reflected in the Mark 1:35 “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” From Bethlehem to Calvary Jesus enjoyed unbroken and unhindered fellowship with the Father. After the three hours of awful darkness at Calvary was over, He cried “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”
Third, He lived in obedience to God. Faith not only trusts God for the future, but it also submits to His will in the present. Jesus is our supreme example in this regard, He said, “for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” (John 8:29) and “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34) This characterized the whole of His earthly life.
Fourth, a life of faith is a life of assured confidence in the unseen future. It is a looking away from the things of this world, and having our affections set upon things above. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
We are called to emulate Jesus. “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)
This Sunday we meet for worship at 10:30 am. Jim McVicar will be preaching. (He and Anne were the Interim Pastoral couple in 2017-2018)
There will also be a Prayer Meeting before the service at 10:00 am. Do join us!
The next Church Membership Class will take place on Sunday, 11 June. Everyone interested in knowing more about our church is welcome.
Grace be with you,
Bruce Davie, Pastor/Elder