Freedom-House
The church ought to be a freedom-house. The best measure of that isn’t how high the steeple is or how deep the endowment runs, but how many people here are being made free.
The church ought to be a freedom-house. The best measure of that isn’t how high the steeple is or how deep the endowment runs, but how many people here are being made free.
What is the church? The answer is right there in the story of Pentecost! God intends for the church- the people and where we gather- to be a Power-House!
Spirituality is a complex of practices and values concerned with the divine urge for our freedom. Spirituality is about being set free.
The Spirit arranges a meeting between Philip, a follower of Jesus, and an Ethiopian. Philip hears him reading a passage from the prophet Isaiah and wonders if he understands.
The Spirit arranges a meeting between Philip, a follower of Jesus, and an Ethiopian. Philip hears him reading a passage from the prophet Isaiah and wonders if he understands.
“God revives my soul…,” says the psalmist. Meaning, relationship to God through worship, study, prayer, fellowship, service and awe will animate and enliven us.
Jesus said, “Peace be with you,” to his friends after the Resurrection. Their response was terror as if seeing a ghost, doubt and joy. Then Jesus creates peace he commends with three simple moves: look, touch and what’s for lunch?
Way back in the first chapter of John’s gospel, John gives away the ending of his book, he says “The light shone in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” That is our Easter gift.
From his Friday to ours and because of his Friday take heart, you have a Friday Friend! “To trust God in the light is nothing but trust him in the dark that is faith.”
It’s time to ask ourselves, what kind of friend are we to Jesus? The actual Jesus. Maybe friendship with Jesus looks like us simply refusing the temptation to make him in our image.