I do not think that any of us yet knows what this [Christian discipleship] will involve.  We have accepted for too long the position of a voluntary society among other such societies, conceived of as alternative options within a religiously and ideologically neutral society...The church can never settle down to being a voluntary society concerned merely with private and domestic affairs.  It is bound to challenge in the name of the one Lord all the powers, ideologies, myths, assumptions, and world views which do not acknowledge Jesus as Lord.  If that involves conflict, trouble, rejection, then we have the example of Jesus before us and his reminder that a servant is not greater than his master.

Lesslie Newbigin, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society

You did not choose me but I chose you.  And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.  

Jesus, The Gospel of John

Worship must equip us for that [gospel] mission with a deep vision of the extravagant splendor of God.  Rather than being "a vendor of religious goods and services" that cater to people's tastes, the Church is called to be "a body of people sent on a mission." 

Marva Dawn, A Royal "Waste" of Time

Paul speaks far more often of Christians being 'in Christ' than of Christ being 'in Christians.' It's important to see our individual experience within the larger picture of our membership in God's family in the Messiah, within the worldwide plan Paul [writes in this letter]. 

N.T. Wright, Ephesians Study Guide

Order of Worship, November 14 2010

Grace Presbyterian Church