Greater confidence in our identity.

We’ve celebrated and rested over Christmas, we’ve launched into the year with 3 days of prayer and now here we are, in 2017.  As we’ve prepared, partied and prayed over the last few weeks I’ve become increasingly convinced that God has things he wants to teach us about identity.

Who is God?  Who are we becoming?  These are questions I think we should be seeking answers for right now.  Not because we are completely uncertain about our identity or our calling, but because God wants to deepen our certainty, renew our purpose, inspire us for more.

Who is God?  What is the Father really like – the God we can’t see but are shown perfectly in Jesus?  How would a greater revelation of God’s love and power affect the way we saw ourselves, affect the pressures and plans we put on our lives?  Over the last year I’ve learned this summary of God’s nature from some other people planting communities of discipleship and mission.  It’s called the 4Gs.

God is great, so we don’t have to be in control.

God is good, so we don’t have to look elsewhere for satisfaction.

God is glorious, so we don’t have to fear others.

God is gracious, so we don’t have to prove ourselves.

Perhaps there is one of those phrases that the Lord particularly wants to do some work on with you right now.  I believe God has much more to show us about this question of identity.  Over the next term our preaching at central gatherings will be digging deep into this whole theme.

We find the answer to every question about identity as we look at Jesus.  He is the one who reveals God to us, he also shows us what we can become.  We are communities of followers committed to his mission.  Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.  Let’s get together in gatherings and communities to seek Jesus.  Let’s keep sharing Jesus with as many people as will listen!

You can find out a little more about the 4Gs here.