Bishop Richards report
Being a person and church of life and hope
An atmosphere of life and hope has a dramatic affect on people.
When life and hope is present it changes the atmosphere, and it changes congregations and people.
In Acts chapter one we see a great reminder of how Christian hope comes to life.
Life and Hope comes from focussing on Jesus who lives
Soon after Easter what changed the disciples from despair to joy, from concern to hope, was they focussed on the fact that Jesus is alive, he had risen from the dead. (check out Acts 1:3), and God through St Paul in Romans 6:4 reminds us that because Jesus has risen, we also have a new life. So as Christians it is the fact that Jesus is alive that has a tremendous impact on our lives. Instead of focusing on the problems and challenge we face in our current situations, like the disciples, we transform into people life and hope by focussing on the living Jesus.
Life and Hope comes from relying on the Holy Spirit
Often, we want to be self-reliant, do things our own way, from our own perspective or to copy others, however what is key for the first Christians and for us to have life and hope, is to rely on the Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit. The first disciples were told to wait until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit before doing anything, but once they received the Holy Spirit they were to live as witnesses of the life and hope Jesus gives to everyone, everywhere (check out Acts 1:4-8). Now often I am asked how I get the Holy Spirit today? In simple terms it is about being connected to God. God has and is constantly giving us his Holy Spirit every time we engage with Him and what He is doing through His Word (that is why bible engaging practices like worship and bible studies are important).
Life and Hope comes by getting on with sharing the life and hope we have in Jesus
In Acts 1 there are 3 instances where the early Christians are potentially distracted from being God’s witnesses of life and hope by wondering about when God will act Acts 1:6-8, by remaining focussed on Jesus going to heaven Acts 1:10-11, and by focussing on what has gone wrong see Acts 1:12-26). The same is true for us, it is easy for us to be distracted away from being witnesses of Jesus and the life and hope he gives, by putting our energies and thoughts into what might be or the things that have gone wrong. Some time ago when I visited a smaller congregation who seemed to have a life and hope, I asked how did you become like this …one lady said it is quite simple, I think most of us have given up focussing on what has gone wrong, who is at fault and what might happen, and instead we are living with our main focus on reflecting the hope and love Jesus gives us and others.
Being a person and being a congregation that focuses on Jesus and the life and hope he gives is our key calling. Everything else we do as Christians and as a church is about reflecting that we have life and hope because of Jesus.
Consider
- When you read the bible, come to worship and attend a bible study take notice of what God is doing, especially for you and everyone else.
- What does it mean for you to focus on the hope and life Jesus gives you?
- How might God be calling you and your congregation to live as people who have life and hope in Jesus?
Bishops visits to New Zealand
September/October 2025 – New Zealand wide visit and Church Workers conference.
Congregational leaders, pastors and anyone needing to speak to me can contact me on+61418303406 or richard.schwedes@lca.org.au to arrange a meeting either via phone or Teams.
Bishop Richard Schwedes
May 2025
Sydney
