The Purpose of this Study Series…

For the next four months, we as a church will study and apply sixteen vital Christian commitments to our way of living. There are distinctive character traits of Christ that are naturally lacking in our lives unless we purposely make them part of our lives. These character traits are what make us “peculiar” in this world, but pleasing unto God.

Character, in simple terms, is the foundation of a person’s life that holds them up under pressure, and during the “storms” of life. If there is no “character” in a person, they will find themselves lying for almost no reason, or quitting, or ignoring promises that they so easily make. A weak character in a Christian is a mockery of the Lord Jesus Christ who was faithful, and is our solid foundation upon which we build our lives!

Another word for character is integrity. This is the Bible’s word for Character. It simply means “whole” and complete. A Christian who has integrity, is not uncertain of what is right to do, but instead knows what God says to do, and does it, without any doubt or regret. People who live by their integrity, live clean and pure lives, and have no “hidden agendas” – they seek only to honour and obey the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ Himself IS Character, and IS the believer’s foundation, but what He taught us in the Bible must be lived, or it is worthless and vain.

This Study Series seeks to equip every believer with the tools to effectively live by character, instead of by feelings; to decide to do right, when everyone else may be doing wrong; to trust that God’s way is best, in spite of the opinions of the best human authorities this world has to offer!

Prepare to be surprised at just how little “character” you currently have, but don’t give up. God saved your soul to make you like His Son. Let Him mould and fashion you, one trait at a time as you yield to His firm hand in your life!

Pastor Ledbetter