Willow Creek Community Church holds to a core belief that people matter to God. They matter to us, too. With an understanding that Jesus Christ came to earth to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10), But Jesus went beyond a mere rescue mission; he transformed lives. Jesus came to redeem this broken world, and it is on this core belief that Willow has built its mission statement: to turn irreligious people into fully devoted followers of Christ. Willow is committed to carrying on Christ's mission by reaching out to those who are far from God, coaching those who follow Christ by equipping them for their spiritual journey, and unleashing unprecedented levels of compassion and justice into our broken world. Weekend messages are a key component in reach out to others and encouraging and inspiring them along their spiritual journey.
New Testament Professor, Dr. Gary Burge, concludes the series The Wisdom of James.
Many of you asked me how you could see again the remarkable painting of Christ before Caiaphas the High Priest. The painting was completed in 1617 by Gerard van Honthorst (1590-1656) and today is in the National Gallery, London. You can see it at this link. You can also purchase a copy of it as we did. This is available at the National Gallery/London and other fine art web sites.
The virtue list that I recommended comes from Aurelius Prudentius Clemens who lived in the 5th century AD. He was a priest and well-known poet/song writer. His small book, "The Battle for the Soul" (Psychomachia) circulated for over 1000 years as a guide to Christian virtue. We should have this list of seven inscribed on our hearts as a time-tested guide to building Christian character. The list: chastity/modesty (vs. lust)
temperance/self control (vs. gluttony)
charity/generosity (vs. greed)
diligence/discipline (vs. sloth)
patience (vs. anger)
kindness (vs. envy)
humility (vs. pride)
