(A theological reflection in a great many parts – 16 in all. Don’t worry; it will end eventually)
The Lord is here; his kingdom has come
Part 1: Summary
This is the essence of the Christian faith. It is not primarily a set of principles, a philosophy by which to understand the world or find moral guidance to live your life by. It is not a political programme of action, nor a way of life that brings personal satisfaction. It is not carefully, systematically worked out so that all its elements fit together smoothly in a coherent and consistent package. It is not a faith that makes perfect theoretical sense.
Christianity is primarily an experience of Jesus. Of what God has and is doing in and through the person of Jesus. It is a response to this person. Believers begin with their experience of God in Christ and then try and work out what this means in terms of how they should live their lives. Our faith is based on our beliefs in who Jesus is and what he has done.
In simple terms, this boils down to the belief that in Jesus we have seen God in all his fullness and the belief that in Jesus God has saved us. These beliefs are an intrinsic part of the other fundamental dimension of Christianity, which is a commitment to follow Christ. This basically equates to following his way of life, accepting and living out his teachings, and being true to who he is in terms of living in tune with the love of God that Christ has taught us. However, this is not about extracting a code to live by from the person of Jesus, as though that code can be disembodied. Christianity is an acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
All of this is held within the grace of God, for Christian faith is not primarily concerned with what human beings do, but with what God has done, and what he continues to do in the lives of his children.
Spiritual Devotion 