To Serve and Transform

The mission statement of City of Hope Church is this, “We exist to serve and transform the Columbia community and beyond with the hope and beauty of Jesus Christ.” We are asking the Lord to give us the grace to die to self, self-indulgence, self-seeking, self-exaltation, and to use us as agents of change for his glory.

It is always interesting to me that during the presidential election season one theme that pervades all candidate debates and speeches is the need for change. Usually, it’s the party opposing the incumbent who makes the loudest cry for change. This year, since there will be no incumbent, clarion call from both sides of the aisle is, “I am the needed agent of change.” “Come and follow me so that I can lead us through the change required to take us out of the problems that plague the nation and back to greatness.”

Without question, we have both the privilege and duty to be engaged in the political process. My only point is that the kingdom of God is not coming in on Airforce One. And the work we’re called to is kingdom work. I like this quote from theologian Gerhardus Vos,

“To Jesus the Kingdom exists not merely where God is supreme, for that is true always and everywhere, but where God supernaturally carries through his supremacy against all opposite powers and brings man to the willing recognition of this.”

What this helps us to know is that our mission is utterly dependent upon the Lord. He may use us, but he’s the one who’s at work carrying through his supremacy and who brings men to the willing recognition of it. Apart from him we can do nothing that will transform one person in our community into a worshipper of the true and living God.

May we take great joy in the reality that our union with Jesus Christ in his death and in his resurrection glory enables us to be about the work of serving and transforming others to the glory of God.

In Christ's love,

Pastor Irwyn Ince