Vision & Accountability Team Archives
Members: Cheryl Martin (Chair), Frank Kandel (Vice-Chair) CoraLyn Turentine (CR1), Mark Stocksdale (CR2), Carol Bixler (CR3)
Pastoral Representatives: Brian Bither, Craig Oury
(For more records, consult the file cabinet upstairs across from the copy machine.)
Jesus is Lord!
“Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:9-11
Jesus is Lord! This is the earliest Christian creed. Before there were denominations, before there were Church Councils, before Christianity was even an established religion, followers of Jesus were recognized by their proclamation that “Jesus is Lord!” At Shalom Mennonite Church, we still believe that this is the most important creed. For us, this creed has at least three meanings:
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Theologically, to say, “Jesus is Lord,” is to acknowledge that Jesus of Nazareth is the Word of God made flesh, the God of the universe. We can know who God is and what God is like by looking at Jesus. This is the basis of our worship.
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Politically, to say, ”Jesus is Lord” is to pledge allegiance to Jesus over against every other entity that claims lordship. We can cooperate with other organizations and governments, but only to the extent that they allow us to be faithful to the gospel. This commits us to a certain political, social, and economic way of living.
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Personally, to say, “Jesus is Lord” is to offer one’s own life to Jesus. It is not enough to go to church or to support Christian policies, but we must give all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength to God through Christ. This is the source of our salvation. If we did not make this proclamation, then the rocks themselves would cry out. So we join Christians throughout the world and across time in declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord!
