Read: 1 Peter 2:4-12
Key Text: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
Reflection: First a confession - this verse contains one of my favorite declarations in the bible. I love the profound truth it communicates and the defiant way it does so. Peter is writing to a small church or churches somewhere in Asia-Minor (modern day Turkey). We don’t know much about them except what we surmise through the themes Peter addresses in his letter. Amongst other things, it seems Peter’s audience were suffering persecution for their faith (1 Peter 4:12-19). They were a minority community in a world deeply antagonistic to the Christian faith and so were struggling to maintain their life. It is into this context that Peter reminds them that they are not defined by what others say about, or do to them. The Church is defined by what God says and does.
First, the Church is chosen by God. Just as God graciously chose Israel, God chose men and women, young and old, rich and poor, Jew and gentile and united them under his Lordship to form a radically new community. (It is important to note that the term ‘catholic’ in the Creed refers to the universality of the Church, not to a particular branch of the Church such as the Roman Catholic Church) Second, the Church is transformed by God. We who were once enemies of God are now his friends, serving as priests in the court of King Jesus. Third, the Church is set apart by and for God. We live in, but not of this world. We march to the beat of a different drum. And fourth, the Church belongs to God. The Church exists for the glory of God alone.
The Church has been gifted this unique and wonderful identity for a singular purpose; that we might declare the wonder, majesty and glory of God that we have experienced ourselves through Jesus Christ.
Question: Can you remember the particular vision of Newlife Uniting Church? Or name any or all of our eight core values?
Read: The Basis of Union of the Uniting Church - especially paragraphs 3 and 4:
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