The Christian life is not usually an easy life. We follow the crucified Savior so it should not be a surprise when our lives reflect a similar reality. But resurrection is our hope, keeping us encouraged to press onward in our discipleship.

The Christian community, the church of Jesus, is the place where God intends his glory to be visible today. Christian disciples are formed in this community, through the various ways in which God is made known to them. Everyone has an essential role to play for the benefit of the whole family of faith.

How quickly Christians can lose sight of the gospel! Paul was stunned to see how his converts in Galatia were drawing tighter boundaries around the people of God, limiting the freedom that Christ had won for them. He reminds Christian who they truly are: members of God's one family through whom he intends to manifest his blessings into the world.

Christians are to be disciples of Jesus more than anything else. Although we can learn much about Jesus from other Christians, it is Jesus we follow, and it is his fruit we are to manifest. Our task is to remain with Christ, abiding in his love, and joyfully obeying his commands.

Jesus promised that everyone who believed in him would be empowered by his Spirit to advance the blessings of his kingdom throughout the world. That promise was fulfilled when Jesus entered his glory in surprising fashion As the good news of his kingdom spread, his followers found that they were empowered by the Spirit of Christ to proclaim the same message of salvation through Jesus alone.