In the theme of "We Value New Life", Ps Steu speaks about Grace and Truth. Jesus dealt with people with tremendous grace but also in complete truth. The two go hand in hand not one or the other.

Ps Steu quotes 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NKJV), "Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new".

As a church, we value NEW LIFE - unpacking this..

• We value the truth that everyone who accepts Jesus as Saviour is a new creation in Christ! Their once-dormant spirit is awakened and made alive to God.
• We value the truth that old things have passed away and all things have become new.
• We value the truth that we stand right before God because of His mercy and grace - not because of our works or performance.
• We value the truth that God has called us to live as new creations; He has called us to walk in righteousness, as God’s holy and set-apart people.

Its important to see oursleves as God sees us...Our ability to walk as new creations starts by accepting what God has done; seeing ourselves as God sees us. This involves letting go of the old and taking hold of the new!

Ps Steu then spoke about some situations in scripture where Jesus spoke to people with the utmost Grace but also in Truth....The Woman at the Well for example, the Prodigal Son...It is God’s mercy poured out through Jesus that welcomes us into His presence in the father’s arms.

As a church, it’s time to up our game when it comes to seeing people as God sees them. For those who are still lost, can we be ready to welcome them into God’s House with the same love and mercy that the Father showed his son in Luke 15? (The same love and mercy that our Heavenly Father showed us!).

Can we commit to being a ‘house of mercy’ rather than a ‘court of judgment’?

Ps Steu ends this challenging message with a prayer...

Dear Father, I accept that I cannot live up to your perfect standard, and I turn away from my sin. Thank you for sending Jesus to pay the price for my sin. I believe that You forgive me and make all things new. I surrender to you and want to take your path for my life. So please fill me with Your Spirit and empower me to live a life that honours You. Thank you for loving me! Amen.