The Sovereign Architect of our Reformed History
Well we’ve started a new year, 2026, and for some reason, in some way, under some form of guidance and influence, we find ourselves here, in this place, at this time. We are part of a Presbyterian church in an island nation at the bottom of the world. Some of us were born here in Aotearoa, some have immigrated here, some of us have roots here stretching back well over a century. Some of us have grew up as Presbyterians, some came from other denominations, and some of us grew up in families that didn’t go to church, and yet here we are, together, part of this particular family bringing with us our own history and traditions and grappling with what it is to be a Christian.
As you know, I was born here in New Zealand, an Auckland boy. My father a Presbyterian minister, both he and I are graduates of Knox College. I also spent time in a Presbyterian school, St Kents, so there is some Presbyterian heritage in my history. Some might say, "Well, no wonder you’re here," and I’d say, "Well, my history is just a small part of it." I wouldn’t continue to be here without spending time thinking about what it is to be a Presbyterian, without thinking about what Presbyterians have traditionally professed and believed. More than anything, and I think this is true for most of us, we wouldn’t be here unless we have to some degree, grappled with what it is to be a Christian. That’s what I feel led to focus on this year, a deep dive into our Reformed Heritage, as Presbyterians, but more importantly, as Christians.
This year will be a year of discovery where we systematically explore our faith, the robust, beautiful and historically grounded doctrines that have shaped who we are as Presbyterians in Aotearoa New Zealand. We have found our way to this church somehow, and we add to this church with our own histories, but also with God-given gifts and talents. But do we know what we are a part of? Do we know the rich theological heritage of this church? Our church did not just appear out of thin air; it has a history that stretches back to the Scots who established a church for settlers here. Our heritage goes back before them to giants of the Reformation like John Calvin and John Knox. It goes back to the Apostles that we read about in our bibles today, and ultimately to the first verse of Genesis, “In the beginning God…”
This is our heritage, and this theological grounding has been lost for many of us. There is much here that will be challenging, but I think it’s in the struggle of what we believe that we get a clearer picture of the God of Scripture. I’m hoping that you will fall deeper in love with that God, but there is also the risk of you being like the rich young ruler, who stood before Jesus, God incarnate, and then walked away, choosing comfort and security in this life over God and His eternal gift. I pray that will not be the case for any of us as we embark on this journey this year. I pray that there will be rich and fresh revelation of who God is and who we are in light of our amazing and loving God. We begin this week with God’s Sovereignty, one of the foundational doctrines of the Reformed faith. This is the idea that God is at the heart of history, of our lives, homes, and is the primary agent of salvation. Our passage is Psalm 127 so take a moment to read it and dwell on it. Carolynn and I are still away but our love and prayers are with you all.
Look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Many blessings.
Josh
