Real Lasting Life
About this blog
Ray Jones is the Coordinator for Evangelism for the Presbyterian Church (USA). He has served the church as a pastor for twenty-five years. He has a heart for helping people grow in the love of God in Jesus Christ. This growth always includes our words and deeds. He is married and has two grown daughters. He has experienced training and education at Furman University, Columbia Theological Seminary, the church, and through living in the world.
Recent posts
- The Engine of the Church
- My Witnesses
- Witnessing Communities
- The Ministry of Making Disciples
- A New Creation
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A New Creation
Imagine what could change if the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection was allowed to shape and inform all areas of our lives. The Apostle Paul writes that we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old life no longer defines us. We are set free from all that holds us captive and for God's mission of healing the world.
I was working with churches in Shenango Presbytery over the weekend and was reminded again of the beauty of our life together and the power of our mission. One of the participants asked me if I realized the significance of the Psalmist's words that God has removed our sin as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12)? Now, I must admit that I learned something very new. I did not acquire this learning in college nor in seminary. It was learned in the body of Christ. He went on to tell me that if you travel from north to south, you will eventually travel north again. But if you travel east, you will never head west. Wow! As far as the east is from the west, our sin is removed. That's huge. What a powerful promise of being set free! We are free from the power of sin and for the mission of God.
When this good news penetrates our hearts, we live as a new creation. When people see us and taste of our life together, they taste of and see the goodness of God.
- Posted at 2:42 p.m.
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