Sacred Roots Workshop

Ses s i on 7: L i v i ng i n the Way

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E. Concerning our Gifts and Calling , we receive the gracious gifts of the Holy Spirit’s sovereign supply within our gather- ing of the body of Christ, using God's gracious endowments and benefits which flow from the bounty won through the victory of Christus Victor for the common good, Eph. 4.7-10. F. Concerning Justice and Compassion , we bear witness to the present reality of the reign of God in the world today, in our own display of God’s justice and compassion are the gracious and generous expressions of the Church of God in response to the glorious deliverance and benefits of Christus Victor , Gal. 6.10. G. Concerning Evangelism and Outreach , we proclaim in word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, declaring unashamed the victory of Christ over the powers of evil, the penalty of sin, of its effects in both the curse and death, and his restora- tion of creation through the Father's sovereign will and unmerited grace, Matt. 9.35-38. We celebrate special days, set aside through tradition, hallowed over time, and appropriately celebrated and remembered by many faithful Christians in church every year. Think I’m talking about Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and other holy days of the Church year? Guess again! I’m referring to Independence Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and the myriad other secular holidays that many churches so eagerly celebrate (just insert Bastille Day, Australia Day, or any other holiday if you’re not from the USA). I see no problem in wanting to celebrate the special days of our countries; we are proud to be American, French, Australian, English, or whatever countries we hail from. I believe we should recognize and celebrate this. However, we are also Christians, so why would we not want to recognize and celebrate the life of Christ and the work of God in the world? ~ Jonathan Bennett. The Church Year: Experience the Bible in a Year . Churchyear.net. II. Connecting the Dots: How the Story of Christ’s Victory Gave Rise to the Spiritual Practice of the Church Year