Attitudes of Discipleship

Romans 16:25-27

Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him.

I am filled with joy and hope for the things that God has in store for us here at RLC and ISJ. The ELCA has named the 1st quarter of the 2012 church calendar as attitudes of discipleship. I see how hope and fear fills the air for both congregations. In the past twelve months there has been a growth in connectedness between both faith communities. This has been done through intentional interaction of the people who have responded to the invitation. There is openness amongst the people and our sense of call has been raised to a new level. It is through the focus of the Holy Spirit that we can be transformed into our new life. And in this new life we are filled with boldness to respond actively for those in need.

We begin our journey by listening to Jesus and answering the call before us at RLC and ISJ. Mark 1:17, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” In the gospel of Mark we see how the disciples take no time to delay or ponder. We too sense an urgency to act because past procrastinations have contributed in part or in whole to the challenges we face nowadays. But just as the fisherman responded to the call of Jesus, we must respond in kind. Jesus is calling us to serve and follow him but he is also calling us to invite others to learn about Jesus. Here RLC has given ISJ a call. We are responding to this call and we can see the fruits that are being produced.

Brothers and sisters, the time to act is now. Let our actions speak louder than our words as we welcome the New Year, working toward strengthening our commitments and our relationship with one another. May the Lord bless us all and give us the confidence to respond to this call. We must strive towards the call of having an attitude for discipleship, a heart for unity and a desire for service. Amen

Pastor Carlos