The church of Christ on McDermott Road

A Christian woman is a holy priest. When she gives birth to a baby, she is (especially in the ancient world) risking her health and her life for the sake of another. She is coming in close contact with mortality (Leviticus 12), but Jesus has defeated and removed ceremonial impurity. So now, a woman can be in the midst of motherhood, both in giving birth and parenting her children, and remain as pure and holy as she was when she came up out of the water of baptism. She serves as a priest, even in the midst of the mess. (Scripture: Proverbs 23:22-25)

The new creation has arrived and we are part of it in Christ. Therefore, we need to learn to see the present world as a place where we don’t belong, because it is passing away. This world around us is a dying and decaying place, filled with mixed-up priorities and empty promises. When we see the world through a  new creation lens, we see that we are aliens and exiles here. (Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-5)

When a person believes the Good News and is born again by the water and Spirit, they become part of the new creation. In a sense, they’ve already been resurrected and are living as a bit and piece of the new creation right in the middle of the old creation. The new creation life is evident through Spirit-empowered good works. When we see ourselves, we need to see ourselves through this new creation lens, believing that we are truly God’s new creation masterpiece. (Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10)

Scripture is that a new heavens and new earth is coming. God will raise the dead and bring about the renewal of all things. Many of the first-century Jews believed this promise and were waiting for this day. However, what they didn’t seem to expect is for the new creation to break out right in the middle of the present creation. That’s what happened on the Sunday morning when Jesus rose, the new creation began. Now that the new creation has arrived, it changes everything for those who believe it. (Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28)

As surprising as it might be to us, the Creator of the Universe loves humans. He created us to co-rule with him over creation, to be his images in the world. So, when he sent his Son to become a human and die to rescue humanity, it makes sense within the overall story. Therefore, if God values human beings this much, how should we think of ourselves and other people? Shouldn’t we see in one another the image of God? You will never see anything more glorious or wonderful than every single human being you encounter. (Scripture: Psalm 8)

 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)

Paul expressed his gratitude for what God had done in the lives of the Thessalonians. He saved them, not just in what they are saved from, but in what they are saved to become. Paul prayed for “our Lord Jesus Christ, and God our Father,” to continue strengthening these Christians. God doesn’t just expect people to do good through their own strength and will. He sanctifies through the Spirit, strengthening and encouraging our hearts, so that we become people whose works and words are good and glorifying to him. (Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)

In his second letter, Paul praised the Thessalonians for their steadfastness “in all [their] persecutions and in the afflictions that [they were] enduring.” Paul said their suffering was making them, “worthy of the kingdom of God.” Suffering is an important part of the process of sanctification. Of course, none of us relish suffering, but if we desire to be worthy of the kingdom, then we ought to “consider it all joy” when we suffer, because it can shape us into kingdom people. (Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5)

The Thessalonians were surrounded by unbelievers who gave their bodies over to “the passion of lust.” They lived their lives in the darkness. But Paul told the Christians that God’s will for them was their “sanctification,” telling them to “control [their] own body in holiness and honor.” They were to live as, “children of light, children of day.” Even though the world around us is in darkness, we are to be living and walking in the light of Jesus’ second coming. When he comes, we will welcome him with joy, because we are anxiously awaiting his arrival. (Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

After Paul was run out of town, he was concerned about the Thessalonians church: Had they been taught enough? Would they persevere through trials and persecution? Would they remain faithful? Finally, Paul received word from Timothy that the church was in deed “standing fast in the Lord.” Paul prayed that they would continue to do so, “so that [they would] be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”