People are often searching for a place where their deepest spiritual concerns will be addressed honestly. A place where they will be welcomed into a community that shares a common vision. No jargon, no hype. Real people trying to discover who God is together. Church of the Ascension is a new congregation that meets in Elmhurst. Our services blend the ancient and the contemporary and our goal is to present a clear and thoughtful message about what it means to be Christian.
Untrue Story #1:
God only loves us when we’re good.
People live with the assumption that God’s love is conditional – our behavior therefore determines how God feels about us.
I think this derives from our immersion in a world where performance yields acceptance. Ours is a performance based culture.
The difficulty stems from the fact that it is fair that our actions be evaluated – but not our identity. This distinction is easily blurred.
Don’t be alarmed – although the unexpected has occurred.
Don’t be afraid – although in some ways the resurrected Christ ought to be feared. This man is stronger than death itself.
The resurrection of Christ means so much, is so tremendous – I’ll be expanding on it in the weeks to come. But let me leave you with one small application. The innocent sounding statement in Mark's Gospel, 16th chapter, 7th verse:
Ever hear the phrase, “Today is the first day of the rest of my life?” Perhaps you’ve used it. The sentiment of that phrase likely loomed large in the minds of the men and women who were left behind after Jesus’ death.
These dear women from the Gospel of St Mark (18:1-8) get up early on a Sunday morning, the first day of the week; It’s the first day.They head to the tomb. They need to do something - even if it’s just embalming the dead. That provides some comfort, some peace. They loved this man, Jesus of Nazareth.
I believe that God’s intention is for us to have adequate material possessions. There is equal misery for those who lack provision and for those who try to make a life out of provision.
It is important to understand what Simplicity is not:
Simplicity is the most dangerous of the disciplines for it easily opens us to pride and judgment.
To attempt to arrange an outward life-style of simplicity without the inward reality leads to deadly legalisms.
So how does one begin to cultivate a simpler inner life?
I think the best way to develop changes in the heart in this regard is make a commitment internally and then allow new patterns/practices in our lives continue to transform our inner disposition.
Simplicity of speech: truthful and honest talk.
Simplicity of position: no longer lust for status, the credit, etc.
