The way of a Disciple: Become like Jesus

As a pastor, I often find myself reflecting on the incredible ways God works within our lives, calling us into deeper relationship and transformation. This past Sunday was a poignant reminder of that transformative journey, both for me and for our congregation at QFMC.

We began our service with an invitation to "make a joyful noise," and it was the perfect way to set the stage for celebrating the vibrant, living faith that we cherish. Worship is not just about singing hymns; it's about aligning our hearts with the divine purpose God has for each of us. This alignment requires us to delve deeper than mere ritual or routine; it calls for genuine transformation.

One of the highlights of our service was exploring a treasured scripture that has captured my heart—Romans 12:1-2. Here, the Apostle Paul encourages us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, to be transformed by renewing our minds. This is true worship. It reminded me that being a disciple of Christ is not just about what we do on the surface, but who we become beneath it. Transformation is not merely a shift in behavior but a profound change of heart and mind, guided by the Holy Spirit.

The reflection led us to consider how our world tends to shape us superficially, pushing us toward shallow conformity. But Jesus calls us to be deeply transformed, to let His life be formed within us. It's not an easy path, and it challenges our natural tendencies, but the reward is a life that truly reflects Christ.

A particularly moving moment was witnessing the baptism of Molly Richardson. Her testimony was a powerful reminder of God's relentless love and transformative power. Watching her publicly declare her faith and celebrate her new life was a living testament to the very themes we are exploring—surrender, transformation, and renewal.

As we continue this journey together, I am reminded of the importance of intentional practices like Sabbath and prayerful reflection. These are not mere luxuries but vital rhythms that ground us in our faith, allowing God to do His deep work within us. They teach us the art of listening, of pausing long enough for God's spirit to shape us into His likeness.

As we move forward, may we each strive to embrace our spiritual formation with intentionality. Let us seek to be with Jesus more deeply and allow Him to transform us from the inside out. Our mission goes beyond just doing good works; it lies in becoming Christ-like so that His love can shine through us to the world.

I invite you to continue with us in this journey, to explore the depths of what it means to have Christ formed in you—so that together, our lives become living stories of His grace and power.

Blessings,