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A New Way

Posted on Nov 30, 2011

God offers us a 'new way' of relating to each other. Jesus called it a 'new commandment'. In addition to loving God and loving people Jesus gives another commandment. In John 13:33 He asks us to love each other. This appears to be a repeat of the previous command found in Matthew 22:39. However it is the next sentence that introduces a new take on 'loving one another'. Jesus says, "Just as I have loved you, you should love each other." John 13:34. He wants us to love others the way He did. Now there's a tall order!

To love each other the way Jesus loves us is impossible! It is imperfect people trying to love all people, all the time with absolute selflessness. Jesus does not stop there. He goes right on to say that this is how the world will know that we are His disciples. Jesus unveils His marketing plan.

To be a disciple, a follower of Jesus must take on a new and radical way of living. It is a life that requires the strength and courage that only God can provide, and is willing to give. It is a way of living that we see modeled in the life of Christ. The first two commandments (love God, love people) we see written in God's Word. The new commandment (love people my way) we see lived out in God's Son. This is the life of a disciple totally dependent on God. This is how Jesus intends to change the world. A new way.

In 2012 the resourcing focus of the North New Zealand Conference will be on the 'new way'. Loving and living just as Jesus did. This year the focus for supporting our churches was worship. Next year it is discipleship.

I invite you to join me in trusting God like we have never done before. It is a challenge of becoming a more radical follower of Christ.

I pray that God's will will be done in our lives as we together build godly leaders who grow healthy Adventist churches that serve our communities with Christ-like love. Thank you for being a part of God's work in this conference this year.

Thank you for your faithfulness that has given NNZC the strongest results in baptisms and tithe returned in the South Pacific Division over the past five years. NNZC also returns the highest amount of tithe back for ministry to the local church in the SPD. NNZC also spends the lowest percentage of tithe on administration. (In fact, other sources of income currently fund administration). We praise God and give Him glory.

As we come to the end of 2011 we thank God for His love and mercy. God is good.

I wish to honor and praise God for the lives of His servants who have been laid to rest in this conference over the past 12 months. May God's healing love be with grieving families and friends.

I also wish to convey sincere thanks and appreciation to teachers and pastors who are retiring or moving to new fields of service. Thank you for your ministry to NNZC.

Thank you to all our churches, schools, Tui Ridge Park, Bethesda and the Adventist Book Centre for joining in the vision of seeing Spirit-filled churches leading our communities to Jesus.

I pray that you will have a restful and refreshing Christmas break with your family and friends.

See you at Big Camp, or in the new year.

- Eddie Tupa'i, Lead Pastor NNZC