Living in the Likeness of Christ: Fulfilling Our Divine Mission (03/02/'24)

Living in the Likeness of Christ: Fulfilling Our Divine Mission "Emulating Christ: Living Our Divine Purpose through the Gospel" underscores the paramount importance of mirroring Jesus Christ's actions and teachings in every aspect of our lives. Through the Gospel of Christ, we are called to a profound journey of transformation—one that requires us to align our deeds with the divine example set by Jesus. This alignment is not merely an aspirational goal but a fundamental duty entrusted to us, reflecting the responsibility we bear in our era, akin to the mission carried out by Jesus. The essence of our calling is deeply rooted in humility, service, and obedience, as exemplified by Christ's life, death, and resurrection. As Philippians 2:5-8 eloquently articulates, adopting the mindset of Christ—who embraced humility and servitude—is crucial for our spiritual journey. This path is further illuminated by 1 Peter 2:21, which explicitly urges us to follow in Jesus' footsteps, acknowledging His suffering as a blueprint for our own conduct. Moreover, the Great Commission, as detailed in Matthew 28:19-20, not only highlights our duty to spread the Gospel but also to disciple nations, teaching them to observe Christ's commandments. This mission is empowered by the promise of Jesus' perpetual presence and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as John 14:12-17 reveals. The Holy Spirit empowers us to undertake greater works, guiding us in truth and enabling us to live out Christ's commands. Galatians 5:22-25 reminds us of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, through whom the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control become manifest in our lives. Living by the Spirit, we are called to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires, striving to keep in step with the Spirit's guidance. In conclusion, our journey of emulating Christ is not a passive endeavor but an active pursuit of divine purpose. It demands a conscious effort to understand and execute our heavenly duties, guided by the Holy Spirit. Without this understanding, the pursuit of Christ's intentions remains elusive. Thus, embracing our role in God's kingdom and adhering to the path laid out by Jesus and empowered by the Spirit, we can fulfill God's grand vision for humanity. Pastor Steven G. Lee (March 2, 2024)