The mature believer welcomes and cares for strangers. Much more than entertaining friends or hosting a nice meal, this is about helping those in need, especially those outside your familiar circle.
Church leadership matters because Jesus cares. When He restored Peter, Jesus’ thoughts were fixed on the care for His sheep. Christ loves His church. Shepherding is an excellent work, for it reflects the heart of Christ that seeks the spiritual welfare of His flock.
Even though the original design of male leadership was marred by sin, it is restored in Christ. In Him we learn godly leadership, and the church exhibits godly submission, becoming a signpost of God’s will for male leadership.
The church is the means and the end of discipleship on earth. This purpose of our Lord was meant to include, not exclude, women. This was Jesus’ way and it was also the way of His apostles. Paul followed this same pattern and directs women to be leaners (disciples), not teachers.
As the planets orbit the sun, so we order ourselves around our object of worship, the Lord. He is the radiant sun and we the muted planets; He the center, we the periphery. We spotlight the God of majesty, and fade into the background. His glory sparkles and shines like jewels on the crown.
Instead of the offerings and ceremonies of the old covenant which were a shadow of the good things to come in Christ, the church as God’s redeemed community is to draw near to God with holy hands and good works.
Children of God should have their Father’s heart in them. His Spirit within us should drive us not to personal comfort and ease but to blood-earnestness to lead others to reconciliation with God.
