Salt & Light Begins
May 9, 2008
Beloved in Christ,
This is a time when there is a lot of controversy in the Christian world—and a fair bit of understandable concern with what is taught in the historic Church, notably in one of the world’s most ancient, the Anglican (English) Church, a highly-significant Christian faith, especially to Americans, who might not know that this was the majority faith of our Founding Fathers.
This is a chance to know a classically, but Scripturally faithful and Spirit-led Anglican parish, taught by its rector.
Tomorrow, we begin our spring Salt and Light class–Anglican Christianity 101—in our parish hall Saturdays, 10:30-11:30 AM—running about 12 weeks. Our text, Outline of an Anglican Life, comprises about 15% of the material—but is a great start. This is a class for those who want to know the Lord better in the ancient way—and to explore our common roots with Christians everywhere. If you have been a recent visitor to All Saints and would like to learn more—this is an excellent vehicle to understand how we practice Jesus’ Lordship here—where we came from—and where we are going.
If you have not been to Salt and Light, you are missing a blessing and a real chance to expand your spiritual life. Pray about being part of us—we’d love to have ya!
In Him,
C+
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Riding It Out
May 7, 2008
Bible Reading: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ~ St. James 1: 2-4
Bonus Readings: Deuteronomy 4:29-31; St. John 16:33; Romans 5: 3-4; Romans 8:35-40
The time had come; I had to get into better shape. The voice of “Mr. Bill” echoed in my head: “Ooooooh, noooooo!”
Time was, this was no big deal. A few more miles on the bike, some laps in the pool, some time at the gym. No diet; no analgesic. Some measure of discomfort, but not terrible. “Not so fast, Chip,” my body tells me now. “You’re well past the half-century mark. That’s old for an athlete.” And the phrase “over the hill” springs to mind more and more. But I don’t even remember a hill. But I sure remember those aches and pains. Wish there was another way…but…not! I had to choose if I would deal with the pain, or not.
The Apostles and disciples were in the same situation with Jesus, right after the Ascension, as they were on their way to Pentecost. The time had come for them to belly up to what the Lord was calling them to. It was not what they wanted. And it was beyond uncomfortable. They had to punch through the pain and uncertainty. There was no other way.
They had lived those wonderful, miracle-filled three years with Jesus—seeing God’s power—healing the sick, casting out evil spirits, and even quieting storms. And there was His teaching—Jesus, face-to-face, giving them the Words of Eternal life, directly, in terms they could grasp. It was so comfortable. So easy. Then—arrest, crucifixion, and His death. Comfort gave way to doubt, fear, and pain.
The Resurrection changed it all again. Suddenly, Light was back. They were comfortable again at Jesus’ feet. But then, He spoke about leaving them—and going to the Father. And what was this Comforter the Master was sending? They weren’t comfortable at all, but were in pain again, as they stood, staring at the cloud He rose into. Why couldn’t things just be comfortable and easy?
This is where the workout began in earnest for the disciples. They had to go way beyond their comfort zone, overcoming trouble by doing what Jesus said—and this time, without His face in front of them. God had become invisible again…mystical…supernatural. Punching through their discomfort, they had to trump the obvious trouble around them to just be still and wait. And the answer came, like a tidal wave, on Pentecost. Then they understood Jesus’ words, “…These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” When they received the Holy Ghost, it’s not that their lives suddenly smoothed out—it was that they were now empowered to deal with them with God’s peace through His supernatural Presence.
It’s been said that this life is not a smooth walk, but an unending series of rodeo rides—times when we hang on and ride the bucking bronco out. Pentecost gave us our gloves and spurs for that ride.
Contemplative Prayer: “Holy Spirit, please show me how to find Your Peace in the trials of life—and equip me for my ride.”
Think about it: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ~ Galatians 5:21-23 (New King James Version)
All love in the Beloved,
Chip+
Waiting on the Lord
May 2, 2008
“We can’t force God to follow our schedule, but we can make sure we are ready when he does act.” ~ Dr. Sam Shaw, Jr, Sam Shaw Online
Liturgy Lesson for Ascension: Our Lord Comes
May 1, 2008
Today we celebrate Ascension Day, commemorating our Lord’s ascension to the Father in Heaven. We keep this day—40 days after Easter—because Jesus miraculously ascended 40 days after the Resurrection. This was the final act of His earthly ministry and final demonstration of His divinity, removing all possibility of doubt from the Apostles’ and disciples’ minds and completed His work of Atonement, when He destroyed the work of the Devil—His primary mission among us in His flesh. Ascensiontide lasts 10 days, beginning at Ascension Day, and ending at Whitsunday, or Pentecost. It’s also important to note that He ascended bodily, in a perfected flesh, acceptable for Heaven—as we will one day, as well, since Scripture teaches us that “…where He is, we shall be also” and “…shall be like Him” for we shall see Him as He is. Moreover, our Lord, before He ascended, gave instructions to the disciples, to go wait for empowerment in Jerusalem—setting the stage for the Church Militant’s most powerful day—its birthday, Pentecost. So we should, as the angel instructed the disciples, not stand staring into a cloud, but work expectantly for His return in glory, with a new prayer—Maran’athah (Maranatha), meaning, “our Lord comes.” Come quickly, Lord—establish your Kingdom in our lives, now and, even more, so upon Your return in glory
