When one receives the words of the apostles as God’s word, something happens. They join Christians all over the world including Judea in imitating Christ. There is a common bond in the church universal and it is the incarnation, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We all become followers of Jesus Christ and it is no longer our ethnic or cultural norms that hold sway. It is the one we imitate.

This is a very important notion for Paul. He believed strongly in the efficacy of the gospel and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. The word of God is able to shape Christians into a recognizable mold because of the one they all imitate. That is what it means to have one faith, one baptism and one Lord.

So someone will ask the question: How does one become an imitator of Jesus Christ and the churches in Judea? They first receive the good news that calls on all people to turn from sin and put their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. They also invite the Spirit of God into their lives to change them and work in them daily. Then they dedicate themselves to Christian discipleship. This involves following the steps of Jesus Christ in study, prayer and action. Nothing is done without reference to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Imitating the Lord is an awesome responsibility. It involves pain, suffering and joy. It also involves having the master by our side through it all.

Let us imitate Christ.

Blessings,

Brother Seth