Imago Dei: Reflecting Jesus in All of Life
God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him.
-Romans 8:29, The Message
As Cornerstone continues preparations for a new comminity centre style facility in the not-too-distant future, one of our main priorities is to lay strong biblical/theological foundations for personal and congregational transformation. Only as we remain close to Jesus can we become the kind of people that will impact the greater community and the world for Christ (John 15:1-17). With this in mind, Cornerstone's 2011 Ministry Theme will be Imago Dei: Reflecting Jesus in All of Life. Imago Dei is a Latin term that means "image of God." Having been created in God's image (Genesis 1:26-28), we have also been redeemed to reflect the likeness of his Son (Romans 8:29), who himself is the express image of God (Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:3). Scripture makes it clear that for the sake of the world, we are called to reflect the image of Jesus in every aspect of our lives-- work, family life, friendships, body and soul care, the stewardship of our time, talent and treasure, and so on (Colossians 3:23-24).
Our sermon series and key ministry initiatives throughout the year will focus on what it means to stay close to Jesus so we can reflect his image and likeness in all areas of our lives. We will begin 2011 with a series that explores what it means to be made in the image of God, and the tremendous implications of this for the direction our lives should take and for the choices we make each and every day. Then, for the remainder of the year. we will focus on what it means to reflect Jesus in all of life by "participating in the divine nature." In this in-depth series, we will spend about one month on each of the virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:3-9. Along the way. we will offer a variety of resources and opportunities that will help you assess and take ownership of your spiritual growth and development, as God shapes you to more brightly reflect Jesus all areas of your life.