This new season of life.

In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.
 This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No—but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ’s presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can.
2 Cor 2:14-17

For the last couple of months, I have had the tremendous opportunity to teach bible to an amazing group of juniors and seniors at Linfield High School. With every class, I have always begun by teaching about the Creation ( Gen 1-2 ), Fall ( Gen 3) and redemption ( The rest of the scripture ).
     It is amazing to see the look on students faces as they look at Adam and Eve's sin which include:
- Questioning the goodness of God
- Experiencing shame and guilt
- Covering themselves against God and each other
- Blaming God and each other
- Death

The students realize that what Adam and Eve did is exactly what they do, and for the first time they see the truth of scripture in their own lives. As they see their rebellion against God, they see the need for the promised child of Gen 3:15. The child who would come to reverse the curse.

     Jesus is precious for those that know whom they were, and where they came from. For those that believe that he is the promised redeemer, and give their lives over to him and his rule, we begin to experience the redemption promised. We see God as good. We see our guilt and shame taken away. We experience a growing transparency with God and each other. We see reconciliation take place between God and us, and with each other. We begin to experience an eternal quality of life here and now that will only grow in intensity throughout eternity.

     God is calling, and redeeming a people for himself that are zealous to see his kingdom established here on earth. As these people gather together, they are known as the church of God, and it is through the church that God makes his manifest wisdom known to the world ( Eph 3 ). These gathered people respond to God's Covenant of Grace, and they live together in such a way that makes the world take notice.

     I am thankful beyond belief for the opportunity given to me to start a new church of a redeemed covenant people, who will live together in such a way, that we will be the aroma of Christ wherever we go. Starting November 14th, 2010, we will be gathering a core group of brothers and sisters to begin this process. Pray for us, and pray for me, since I feel so inadequate for this task. I take comfort in knowing that I am not the only one who feels this way ( 2 Cor 2:14-17 ), but my confidence needs to rest not in my wisdom or gifting, but the source of those gifts, God.

May God be pleased to reveal his Son through us!

Love you all,

Sabo Cortez