The Life of Christ is the DNA of the Church

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• Jesus is at the Center "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.  And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champian who initiates and perfects our faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

• His Church is a COMMUNITY "And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.  They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity - all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved."(Acts 2:44-47)

• A Community Gathered around the Word - (Jesus prayed) "Now I am coming to you (Father).  I told them many things while  I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.  I have given them your word.  And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world.  I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.  They do not belong to this world any more than I do.  Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.  Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.  I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth."    (John 17:13-19)

• A Community Guided by the Spirit - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23)

• A Community Devoted to Peace and Justice -  "You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say, love your enemies!  Pray for those who persecute you!  In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:43-45)

• A Community on a Mission for God - "Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something." But Jesus replied, "I have a kind of food you know nothing about." -- "Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other. Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work." (John 4:31-34)

This is the DNA of a New Testment Church.  All through history these values have shaped and given definition to the movement Jesus came to mobilize.  When the Church has failed to exhibit these values, it has been weak and anemic.  When the Church has been shaped by these values, it has been a force for good and for God in every age and in every culture.