What we are about has to do with Jesus

This is quite true, but what about Jesus?

There are two options that churches commonly take, when it comes to the centrality of Jesus as their mission: Either Jesus is firstly your example, or he is firstly your Savior.

I propose that if these are in the incorrect order we will get many things wrong! So what is it?

What do you see as the central teaching that Redeemer Lutheran Church is to be about, guiding all the decisions that we make? Is Jesus firstly our example or is he firstly our Savior?

If we see as our central foundation Jesus as example we will start with the understanding that we have the capability to “be good” and follow the plan. We are just not sure the direction. The “Jesus as primarily our example” perspective views the main point to the Christian faith as making bad people moral! So then set up Jesus standards, just for one day. Try to live them:

All from Matthew 5,

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”

48 “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
If you view the primary teaching of our church is to help Jesus to be the example for us to follow you will become very disappointed with the people around you and then eventually, hopefully, yourself!

Jesus is our example but he must be something else first, our Savior! In the Small Catechism there is a great little section called: “Christian Questions and Their Answers”

I have included the first 6:

1. Do you believe that you are a sinner?
   Yes, I believe it. I am a sinner.
2. How do you know this? From the Ten Commandments, which I have not kept.
3. Are you sorry for your sins? Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned
   against God.
4. What have you deserved from God because of your sins? His wrath and displeasure, temporal death, and eternal damnation.
   See Romans 6:21,23.
5. Do you hope to be saved? Yes, that is my hope.
6. In whom then do you trust?
   In my dear Lord Jesus Christ.

What is clear from the way these questions and answers view the Christian faith is that Jesus is not firstly our example, but firstly our Savior!

We are not about making bad people moral, but about making dead people alive!

Lord Jesus may your saving love guide and direct all decisions that we make and permeate every aspect of our life together as your church in this place!