In today's world, can Christianity penetrate all areas
of our secular lives? Can it live there? Can it grow there? Can it
transform the world in a way that is more fruitful than the past, yet in
keeping with the times? Those in the Via de Cristo movement think so! Via
de Cristo proposes no new type of spirituality - only a simple method
through which one's grace-filled life may in a natural loving way, be
lived and shared with others.
The purpose and intent of Via de Cristo is to provide a means whereby
each of us can become increasingly equipped with the power of God's grace
to be an effective servant in the body of Christ.
The Via de Cristo is a method for spiritual renewal, proclaiming the
truth and grace of Jesus Christ. This is effected through the power and
work of the Holy Spirit. We believe that we cannot by our own reason or
understanding believe in Jesus Christ our Lord or come to Him but as the Holy
Spirit calls us through the Gospel, enlightens us with His gifts, and
sanctifies and keeps us in true faith (Luther's Explanation of the Third
Article).
As an instrument of renewal, Via de Cristo is ONE of MANY methods
available to the church today to help RENEW the faith that is already a
gift to believers. Via de Cristo weekends are intended primarily
for baptized individuals who already know Jesus Christ as their Lord and
Savior, and seek to be renewed and strengthened in their relationship with
Christ and the people around them. Via de Cristo provides a
particular method for living out our renewed faith, for spreading the Good
News, and for being active servants in the work of God's kingdom.
Laypersons are encouraged to strengthen their partnership with their
pastor, to be "extensions," building up the body of Christ. The
focus of Via de Cristo, therefore, is on the local church .... your church
and my church - to supplement what we learn in our own congregation,
equipping us to help strengthen and renew the faith of other Christians
and, through them, their family, congregation and the environment in which
they live, work and play. Through the use of this method we are encouraged
to persevere and grow in our faith, to become an effective channel of
God's love to others, and to strengthen a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ.
All activity during the Via do Cristo weekend, including the talks
and meditations, is undergirded with prayer and total dependence on God.
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