Prelude to Following Jesus to the very end

What do you believe concerning the Holy Catholic Christian Church?

I believe that the Son of God, out of the whole human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, defends, and preserves for himself, by his Spirit and Word, in the unity of the true faith, a church chosen to everlasting life. And I believe that I am and forever shall remain a living member of it.

What do you understand by the communion of saints?

First, that believers, all and everyone, as members of Christ have communion with him and share in all his treasures and gifts. Second, that everyone is duty-bound to use his gifts readily and cheerfully for the benefit and well-being of the other members. 

What do you believe concerning the forgiveness of sins?

I believe that God, because of Christ’s satisfaction, will no more remember my sins, nor my sinful nature, against which I have to struggle all my life, but will graciously grant me the righteousness of Christ, that I may never come into condemnation. Lord’s Day 21

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:1-6

There is a big difference in knowing about, and knowing personally with a view to doing what God says, ‘Lord I give you a blank cheque – what ever the cost, with You
fill in the number.’ Whatever the cost, I want to glorify your holy Name!

The unity of the church is demonstrated by the fellowship of like minded people who together make the same commitment to glorify God. This commitment is made possible because having read the same book, knowing the grace of the same God,
loving the same God, having the same faith and union in the same God, we share the same hope! Lord our prayer together is: to do whatever it takes, whatever the personal cost, to GLORIFY YOUR NAME. This is the aim and goal of each member of the Church. This is our goal no matter what our age or situation is. Our age or situation in life may affect what it is possible for us to do, but our struggle, our wrestle with God is to know His purpose for our life today.
We need one another.
We are a body the body of Christ, called to follow our head, Jesus Christ.
We are called to imitate Him.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. Revelation 21:1-7