He Sends UsJohn 20:19-29

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What if God was one of us? What stands out for you from the past 10 weeks?

Intimacy / Obedience – Obedience / Intimacy

Made complete by the Holy Spirit

Being Jesus in the world “The Times”, London: “Africa Needs God” – Matthew Parris.

BBC News, Wenzhou, China: “Christian faith plus Chinese Productivity” – Christopher Landau.

1. Given Peace A simple greeting?

Shalom = Hello They were in hiding, fearing the Jewish Leaders (v 19)

Connected to the RESURRECTION Shows them his hands and side (v 20)

Repeats the greeting: Peace [Shalom] be with you (v 21) Angels at birth – “on earth Peace ... on whom his favour rests”

(Lk 2:14)

2. Sent He sends us:

As the Father sent Him (v 21)

Strong emphasis on restoration – forgiveness of sins (v 23) The redemptive work of Christ is essential Must be understood in the fullest sense – not a narrow salvation.

We continue the work He has begun. We are the “body of Christ” (1 Cor 12:27)

The presence of Jesus in the world – the Holy Spirit in us. (1 Cor 6:19)

3. In the Holy Spirit “He breathed on them ...” (v 22)

Echoes of Gen 2:7 – Creation and now NEW Creation.

The Holy Spirit is central to our life in God. He is given to us for our comfort, guidance, empowering,

service, ... Not as a badge of honour (cf 1 Cor 12-14) Not for our own “thrills” – for edification: esp. of the Body (1

Cor 14:12)

Everything is about extending “Shalom” [wellbeing] into the lives of others.

What it looks like ... Understanding how my “secular” life fits in to the will of God:

Telling people about Jesus –vs– extending the Shalom of God Everything I do that adds “good” to the world is part of God’s will Jesus taught. He also healed, fed, forgave, comforted, dined with ...

Sinners!

Doing God’s will in my life –vs– Choosing what I like from the options I must walk in the Spirit – only He can guide me Doing what God lays before me to do.

Advancing the plans of God (for others) – vs – my own advancement Being “in” the world but not “of” the world (john 17:14-19)

What it looks like ...

Understanding my relationship to “the church” “The Church” as a source of edification, support, restoration

“The Church” as an opportunity for service, outreach, mission

How this works out at UC – SERVICE / MISSION: Advent – a special time to bless the

neighbourhood

EDIFICATION: New Year / Lent – 12 weeks in “Experiencing God”

Not just doing “good things” – doing what God specifically wills for us!