Following Christ is what Christianity is all about. Each of us must seriously consider what this means in and for our own life. In addition to considering this in our individual lives, it must also be considered in our corporate life as a church. In this sermon, we’ll explore the place of Core Purpose and Core Values in following Jesus. These values come right from his life and his teaching.

In our day of trial and crisis, true and false leadership is tested and proven. Ultimately, all human leadership falls short, but Jesus is the gate back to life and abundance. He alone is the good shepherd and true overseer of our souls.

There is tension between the safety and rest of staying, and the going out to meet the challenges of our lives. The tension is found at the door. The space between is found in Jesus. It’s hard to know sometime which is the greater need, to rest in our relationship with God, or to occupy ourselves in the work he has called us to do. Jesus invites us into an intimacy with him. During these times of uncertainty we can lean into our loving shepherd and he will show us the way.

Jesus’ desire for us is the same today as it was on the day of his resurrection: to understand what he accomplished for us on the cross and through his resurrection. As Peter writes: “Through Jesus you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” Jesus wants us to have faith and hope in God, that in spite of what’s going on today, God is in control.