A friend of mine recently wrote this on Facebook: “When Jesus promised ‘abundant life’ to His followers, that includes the most excruciating agonies and the most ecstatic joys with everything in between, between now and going home with Him. Thank You for abundant life, LORD!”

I couldn’t agree more. In a day when governments, academic institutions and even some churches are claiming that life can be devoid of the “agonies”, those who cling to the scriptural text know differently. As the Apostle Paul says, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Phil. 3:10).

At Christchurch, we want to know Christ – a Christ who doesn’t relieve us from the struggles of being human in a fallen world, but rather a Christ who has overcome that world, and who glorifies Himself through His people as they wrestle with the powers that control this world. And it’s a hard struggle – not at all for the timid, or for the subspiritual Pollyanna who would say “peace, peace!” when peace is yet to be established.

January 6th marked the beginning of Epiphany – the season where we look closely at the life, ministry and teachings of Jesus. It’s time to put the cuddly Christmas card sentiments away for the year (they were fun, weren’t they?), and dive right back into the thick of the battle, where Jesus leads us toward the redemption of all things, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

If you want to learn more about this Jesus, come join us. If you know Christ, and are looking for a community that embraces fully the call of God to be His change-agents in this fallen world, we welcome you as well.

People Jesus Liked. For the several Sundays (through Feb. 14th) we’ll continue looking at stories from the scriptures that challenge us to engage with people different than ourselves. Jesus loved criminals, the immoral, the sick, the shady, the political, the less-than-brilliant, the victims. Do we? Our prayer is that, by the end of the Epiphany season, our heart for others will grow through this time in His Word.

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us! (1 Jn. 1:3)

God’s best to you all,

Bill