Confessing Christ Jesus!
Confessing Christ Jesus is in essence what the life of the Christian is about. The question was posed to Peter and the disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” And Simon Peter answered and said: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew16:15-16. That was Peter’s confession of faith. That is our confession of faith as well.
As the school year comes to a close and congregations are thinking about what they will be offering this fall to help their members to be “confessing Christ Jesus,” now might be the time to think about hosting a Witness Workshop. You can host one of these on either a Saturday or a Sunday.
Why would a Witness Workshop be beneficial for your congregation? The theme verse which I incorporate is I Peter 3:15 where we read: “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to every one who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” We are always having to give a defense or explanation for what we believe. This happens not only with unbelievers but also with believers in other churches who no longer are willing to say that the Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God!
Daily we sin and hence daily to confess our sins and God forgives them. The life of the Christian is one which lives daily from one’s baptism. We are reminded as we begin each day in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, that we were baptized into that name and into the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. What comfort that gives us.
Our lives are complete in Christ Jesus. Jesus has done it all for us. Paul wrote: “For in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the heard over all rule and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10. The Witness Workshop connects the completeness in Christ Jesus to that which we have received in our baptism.
When I presented this Witness Workshop at the congregation where I am a member, someone commented that the reference to the two kinds of righteousness was too heavy. There are two kinds of righteousness which I do talk about, “active,” and “passive.” Passive righteousness is that which is “given to us.” It is the righteousness of Christ Jesus received and bestowed through the waters of Holy Baptism. We do nothing but “receive.” On the other hand, the “active” righteousness is the righteousness of God acting through us as we serve our neighbor through our good works. Understanding the differences is helpful and comforting to the believer.
You can call me at: 319-373-2112 or email me at: deanrothchild@lcmside.org to set up a Witness Workshop for you congregation. I am honored to serve you in this capacity.
