Vicars Letter - 16 June 2023

Kia ora All Saints Whanau,

I am still reeling from the message that Summer gave us on Sunday. It was a powerful and challenging message and if you have not heard it then I suggest you go have a listen here.

This week we are going to be talking about love but in particular what we love and what we don't love. It is challenging and as I have been putting the sermon together I have been confronted by the message myself.

I have been moved particularly about the commandments. Jesus' interpretation of the commandments (Matthew 22:37-40):
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Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

What has struck me is a sense that we need to love God again!
I think about our mission here at All Saints - Passionate disciples devoted to Christs kingdom transformation. Are we passionate disciples of Christ?

If I was, I would be overflowing Jesus everywhere in my life.
If I was, I would be sharing the good news with everyone because it is good news to me too.
If I was, I would not be a lost brother but one who cares for the Father, not just his things.

I am so thankful that God is gracious to me and to all of us - when I don't love him completely. When I love the things of this world more than him. This Gospel series we are doing has renewed my mind about his core truths of the gospel. I pray that it might also renew yours as we dive deeper into it.

In the past two weeks we have heard:
- The Gospel is about being distinctive in the city and seeking the best for the city.
- The Gospel is about loving God, and receiving the Grace given to us.

This week we are looking at the Gospel being about Loving God first!

A couple of reminders from me:

• 10pm prayer started this week and is a great way to end out the day. You can also jump on at 6.30am or 10am. See our prayer page to find out all the info.
• We are in house churches this week if you are at the 10.30am service.

Have a blessed week
Nga mihi,
Andy