Follow Jesus and Help others to follow him.

These words of Paul bring clarity to the call of following Jesus. To begin the journey, we must first receive Christ.

This is the gift of grace. Jesus has done all the work necessary to qualify us into God’s kingdom. Once in the kingdom, God wants us to continue living in Christ.

Many of the spiritual disciplines help us enter into this new life. Rest, silence, solitude, prayer, fasting and reading God’s word provide the means by which we experience the gift of grace.

These are not “works” or “laws” that earn us acceptance, but are disciplines to help us enter more deeply into the life of the Spirit. They help us to grow deeper like roots in the ground.

The ground is the kingdom of God that is now in us. They also, like a building, help us to build up our life in Christ. They strengthen our faith muscles as we are taught from God’s word.

The result is an overflow of thankfulness. I liken it to my experience as a long distance runner or playing golf. When I first started learning these two sports, it was not easy.

I had to learn how to run efficiently and swing a golf club properly. I also had to learn a lot about how to manage playing a golf course! Over time these two sports became more enjoyable and I did get better!

Walking the road of discipleship with Jesus is a journey of learning a whole new way of living. The benefits of doing the “work” pays off as we grow into maturity in Christ.

The mission of ERCC is simple and Christ centered. As we are going, make disciples. It is all about following Jesus and helping others to follow him.

As we look back on how God’s grace has worked in us and through us, the result is an overflow of thanksgiving. Thank you Jesus for giving us the promise of your life in the presence of your kingdom!

Pastor Fred