Rev. Steve Foss

The founder of the New Testament Church was Jesus Christ, Who is still very much in control of its life and stability. Jesus declared to the apostle Peter that His church would be built on the bedrock of faith in Him (see Matthew 16:18). You see, the church you attend may be thought of as “your” church, but only in the sense of one being connected to that body of believers—not in ownership. The rightful owner is Jesus Christ, and He will always be the rightful owner.

The life ministry of Jesus was both relational and situational. Please allow me a moment to explain: Jesus was fully relational with His parents, siblings, apostles, disciples, etc. He was also fully situational in His interaction with others, such as the woman at the well (see John 4:1-42), the centurion (Matthew 8:5-9), the government (Matthew 17:24-27); He paid the taxes due), the lame man (John 5:1-15). There was never a moment when Jesus was surprised or caught unprepared or off guard. He was truly Emmanuel—God with us.

As Christians, we are called to live intentionally in both relational and situational settings. We are guided by the sacred texts to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16-18) in order to be prepared for whatever one may face in life. Walking in the Spirit is to walk as Jesus did—to be the only Jesus some will ever see. In so doing, we present ourselves as light in darkness by displaying love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:21-22). These fruits of the Spirit allow us to have the “right stuff” for living in a fallen world.

Real ministry takes place when believers walk in the Spirit, exercising those powerful gifts given to every believer.