How can I make the most of the rest of my life Alpha Course session 10 How can I make the most of the rest of my life

Rapping up Today your first year in the fellowship is coming to an end; also the end of your academic year. This evening we also finish the Alpha Course; 10 lessons + 3 lessons about the Holy Spirit; tonight there is time to draw conclusions. Summer Some of you will spend some time this summer in China. Others will stay here over the summer. We offer a summer program for those students who stay here. New academic year In about 6 weeks we’ll welcome new Chinese students during and after airport pickups. In the fall we’ll have different groups: first year students and second year students

chameleon butterfly Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold As followers of Jesus we are called to be different/distinctive

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2). '所以弟兄们，我凭着　神的仁慈劝你们，要把身体献上，作圣洁而蒙　神悦纳的活祭；这是你们理所当然的事奉 。 不要模仿这个世代，倒要借着心意的更新而改变过来，使你们可以察验出甚么是　神的旨意，就是察验出甚么是美好的、蒙他悦纳的和完全的事。’ (罗马书 12:1-2)

The renewing of our minds is an ongoing process, which we need to pursue. We need to break with the past, which may not have been an honor to God. We need to let our life be filled with the Holy Spirit, again and again.

This statue we saw this week in the cathedral of Nantes, France. It shows the apostle Peter. Remember that he denied Jesus 3 times on the day before the crucifixion. Therefore the crow is at his left foot. But he also leans on a rock with his right hand, and he has keys in his left hand. Jesus said about him: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Let’s look into a great passage written by Peter.

'For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ‘ (1 Peter 3:13-18) '如果你们热心行善，有谁能害你们呢？ 就算你们要为义受苦，也是有福的。“不要怕人的恐吓，也不要畏惧。” 只要心里尊基督为圣，以他为主；常常作好准备，去回答那些问你们为甚么怀有盼望的人， 但要用温柔敬畏的心回答。当存无愧的良心，使那些诬赖你们这在基督里有好品行的人，在毁谤你们的事上蒙羞。 如果　神的旨意是要你们受苦，那么为行善受苦，总比为行恶受苦好。 因为基督也曾一次为你们的罪死了，就是义的代替不义的，为要领你们到　神面前。就肉体的方面说，他曾死去；就灵的方面说，他复活了；’ (彼得前书 3:13-18)

Let’s watch Nicky Gumbel’s video