At our PCC meting in November 2005, we decided on a mission statement for the Church which not only proclaims our belief in the Lord Jesus, and our mission to the world to proclaim Him, but also to walk in His Light. The text chosen is from John 8:12 ‘Again Jesus Spoke to them, saying “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

As a Church we are saying we exist to proclaim our Lord Jesus Christ, as the light of the world. As a pilgrim people at Emmanuel, our mission statement also lays responsibilities and duties on us. Our Lord just as he spoke to the first disciples and the people around him that he is the light of the world is speaking those same words to us.

Before we can proclaim this simple truth, we must believe it. The question you have to ask yourself is do I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the light of the world? I pray that your answer is yes, that I believe our Lord is the only light of the world.

It is only when we believe in this simple truth and continue in the word of our Lord, that we will be set free from all that separates us from Him John 8:31-32. Until we are free in Christ, we can never be in his light, whilst continuing to live in darkness.

It isn’t just those who don’t believe in the Lord, who are in darkness, it is also those who profess Him as nominal Christians, who are not obedient to his words that live in darkness. It is only when we totally commit our lives to Him who made us and follow him do we have a part in Him. Let us begin to walk in the light Ephesians 5: 8-20, and leave behind all that is alien to the Holy Spirit of God in us and around us.

As followers of Christ we are duty bound to share His light with others and isn’t this our Lord’s great commission to all who believe in Him and call them selves Christians Mark 16: 15 ‘And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole of creation”

At Emmanuel our mission statement, which we are all called to breathe and live is to proclaim the Lord Jesus as the only light of the world, to preach and proclaim His gospel to everyone around us and the world at large.

The question is, are you ready to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ? Or do you believe it is not worth doing. Whatever your decision remember John 8:12.

May our Lord Jesus grant you the grace, love and strength to do his will and honour him with your life in His love and mission to His creation. May you live in the light of Christ.


In Dominie

Canon Ade.

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