If we could sum up our mission as the body of Christ in Ottawa, it could be done with one simple statement: leading others into a growing relationship with Christ. Let’s take an in-depth look at our mission.
Leading Others - Our Lord had a simple mission: to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). But it was not His mission alone, as His followers were charged to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). If seeking the lost was the mission of Christ and the New Testament church, then why should the church today be different? It shouldn’t. The Ottawa church of Christ is committed to sharing the gospel, which is the message of the redemptive work of Christ, to this community and the city of Ottawa. However, this is not accomplished by merely telling others what they need to do, but leading them: planting them with the word of God, giving others the opportunity for good works, and surrounding them with experienced Christians.
Growing relationship – Jesus Christ did not die for us in order that we not live for Him. Many believe or make Christianity to be a ritualistic religion, filled with meaninglessness and redundant acts which yield no fruit in one’s daily life. While there is certainly nothing wrong with “religion,” Christ wants us to know Him on a level that reaches past a mere intellectual realization of who Christ is, to a heart felt devotion for Christ leading to one loving Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Mk.12:30-31;
Christ – John 14:6 records Jesus saying “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” For one to be able to stand before God in a favorable light, one must do so through Jesus Christ. Peter and John would attest that “there is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12). He alone is “the Lamb of God who comes to take away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Therefore we do our best to lead ourselves, one another, and the lost to Christ.
In meaning of names, see Genesis genealogies; Ruth - the Gospel of
In the consistency of the use of the number 3. see Acts in NT Books.
In the breakdown of books, into a matrix, 9 sections, see Gen. Jam. Rev.
The template of the Holy Spirit helps you to understand what it takes to cause the fruit to develop in your life. ie Love comes from trusting His Word.
The template of the Holy Spirit when placed on a book of the Bible helps you to see different lessons concerning the individual fruits.
The template of the Holy Spirit guides you into asking the right questions of the vtext, teaching the relevancy of the Word for you today.
The genealogies are evidence for God's superior intelligence.
The consistency of 3's throughout OT & NT proves one author.
The patterned outline of the books, shows consistent purpose in writings
A great aid in memorizing whole books based on concepts.
Prevent you from bogging down in text when teaching others.
Give a clear overview of a book to those you are teaching.