Consider this

          We like heroes.   We like people who single-handedly made a difference in the world.   People like Amelia Earhart, Martin Luther King Jr, Terry Fox, Rick Hansen and Chris Hadfield inspire us with their determination and courage.               However, when we stop and think about it we realize that no one really does anything “single-handedly”.   Someone taught Amelia Earhart how to fly.   Thousands marched with Martin Luther King Jr.   Canadians from all walks of life contributed millions to help the causes that Terry Fox and Rick Hansen were promoting.   Several times in his book, Chris Hadfield points out that his success was due to the support that he received from the Canadian Space Agency, NASA and his family.   While it is good to honour “heroes” and to give “honour where honour is due”, it is also valuable to recognize that success is usually born from a community of people.             Interestingly, the value of “community” is seen throughout the course of God’

           When Jesus called to Peter and said “Follow me”, Peter’s response was impressive:   “Immediately (he) left (his) nets and followed” (Mark 1:19).    From that point on, Peter made an impact. He was the first to recognize that Jesus was the Son of God (Matthew 16:13-20).   He stayed when others turned their backs and left. (John 6:8/ Mark 14:29).   Peter put his own life on the line by pulling out a sword and fighting to defend Jesus on the night of his arrest (John 18:10).   In every way possible, Peter was one of Christ’s best followers.             However, in spite of all his effort, Peter ultimately failed.   At Jesus’ sentencing hearing, when Peter was asked if he was one of his followers, he said “no”.   In fact, he said it three separate times (Mark 14:66-72).   When push came to shove, Peter simply ran out of gas.   He could not force himself to do any more.             Several weeks later, after his death, burial and resurrection, Jesus finds Peter and offers him

            I used to have a Wayne Gretzky rookie card.               However, when I was 12 years old I did not like Wayne Gretzky, so I traded the card to my brother.   A few years ago, I remembered that incident, so I went looking for the card. Sure enough, there is was in a box in my mom’s basement.   Now here is the thing:   even in bad shape, Gretzky rookie cards sell for around $250.   Needless to say, that was not a good trade on my part.   I simply did not recognize what I had and so I traded away something valuable for something with almost no value at all.             With that in mind, notice how the letter to the Galatians starts: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel o