In this message, Pastor Ed reminded us that when Jesus becomes our King, God becomes our Father and we become co-heirs with Christ.

The significance here is understanding sonship. The idea that in the ancient near-eastern Hebrew tradition, the eldest son would receive the double portion of the estate. The sons were the ones with power, authority, position and inheritance. Now, we ALL (including women) have the ability to become sons of God. It’s not that the women change gender, it’s just that in the rule and reign of God, there is neither male nor female anymore and that all the rights of inheritance of the first born son are made available to everyone who makes Jesus their King. This is HUGE! Christianity is a massively liberating message for women.

When we understand Jesus as King and God as Father, we will understand the following -

• It is important that we, both individually and as a church don’t make decisions as if we lack anything.
• We need Jesus as King for freedom and for sonship.
• We need Jesus as King in our church because we are an army needing direction and leadership.
• The world needs Jesus as King to rule over it and make it right.

Keep an eye out for Part 3 on Monday!

Pastor Ed has just finished preaching a series on the topic of “The World Needs Jesus”. Coming up to Six Hot Weekends, this is a timely and powerful reminder of the importance of introducing people to Jesus. In the Old Testament, there were three main ‘offices’ that people were called to in leading the people of God – the Prophet, the Priest and the King. In these messages, Pastor Ed talked about the importance of these roles, what they mean for us, and most of all, how Jesus is the perfect Prophet, Priest and King for us today.

Over the next couple of weeks, the Monday and Wednesday blog posts will recap those messages as we lead in to Six Hot Weekends.

So here’s Part 1.

In the first message of the series, Pastor Ed spent the whole time explaining the importance of understanding the simple truth that the world really does need Jesus.

No matter what you do in this life, ultimately, without Jesus, life is eventually meaningless. The individual and the world has no hope or greater purpose outside of living for Jesus. So those of us who call ourselves Christians need to remind ourselves of this great need and should work to share the gospel with those in our world.

If Jesus loved us enough to come to earth as a man, we ought to be prepared to go to the mission field across the street, in our workplace or school etc. to share the gospel with people.

Ultimately, the truth is that the Church has already won the battle. The outcome is decided. But, unfortunately, the other side is that the Devil has succeeded in many ways by making so many of us ineffective for the gospel. Here’s how he does it and here’s what we need to be aware of:

1. Our own humanity, especially our selfishness, our need for safety and comfort, and the ‘one day when…’ attitude that says I’ll do it one day, or I need training first. The truth is, for each of us, now is the time.
2. Our damaged relationship with God. Sin, guilt, worry among other things all contribute to a contaminated relationship with God. His side of things is perfect, but oftentimes we bring these things into our side of the relationship and struggle to understand that we now have free access to the Father.
3. Our damaged relationships with each other. This includes distrust, envy, comparison, especially when it comes to following the leaders and authority God has placed in our lives.

In summary, we shouldn’t be fighting ourselves, each other, or our vision. We should be fighting together, side by side for the sake of the gospel.

Check out Part 2 here!

The world needs Jesus! My world needs Jesus! Your world needs Jesus!

Jesus is the only answer to the issues and problems all of us face day-by-day, week-by-week and the answer to those life issues that seem so hard to crack! As we totally trust in Him and follow His call and pattern things get solved one by one, attitudes get changed and the future turns slowly more and more hope filled.

I am so excited for the up and coming season of church life. The next few weeks bring some of the country’s best communicators and church builders, and one international hero of the faith. Each and every week will bring something that will change your life, your outlook on life and view of God. Don’t miss them and bring as many people as you can!

How do you love people? Bring them to hear about Jesus!! It’s going to be good!!!

- Ed