Easter is the season of HOPE. The message of Easter is that the way of being in Jesus, the way of living the new resurrected life is through participation. The original metaphors of the faith found in the New Testament and early church are old metaphors that need to be made new. The Easter Season is the time to recapture some of these old metaphors and make them new and fresh. The primary metaphor for the Easter season is the church as the resurrected people living a resurrected spirituality. Because of Easter we are in union with Christ.
Please join over 80 churches for Sharefest ( www.ShareFestOKC.org ) this Saturday, April 19th from 9-3pm. We will be gathering in front of KAMP's (NW 25th & Classen) at 9am to receive instructions and group assignments. Each group will be assigned one side of a street to accomplish whatever is necessary to "BEAUTIFY" it. This will happen through mowing, tree trimming, limb removal, litter clean up, and planting flowers, etc. Please bring whatever equipment and supplies necessary to tackle these projects and leave the neighborhood surrounding KAMP's looking a bit more like heaven on earth.
This Sunday, April 20th is the Fifth Sunday of Easter: Ministry of the Church. Beginning with the fifth Sunday of Easter, there is a decide shift in the Easter emphasis. We know the time between the resurrection and the ascension was a time of teaching. Luke informs us that Jesus appeared to his disciples "during forty days...speaking about the kingdom of God" (Acts 1:3). Here is the shift. Jesus know that he had to prepare his disciples for his ascension and return to the Father. He had to address the question of how he would continue to remain present with them and guide them in his physical absence. Jesus prepares his disciples to BE the church, his body, the continued presence of Jesus in the world. Jesus taught his disciples that "the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Now the disciples and soon the church had to learn how to become ministers of the people, following the example of their Good Shepherd.
I look forward to being the church with you this Saturday and then celebrating with you on Sunday at KAMP's. Tommy Bailey will be with us to lead the worship celebration.
Experience The Shift.
Ben.
4 comments:
OK, I'm sure you said it, but it went over my head. Not that hard to do. (grin)
What's the shift?
that's awesome man. have fun this weekend working. i'll try to make it if i can, but i'm with you in spirit. have a great morning at sharefest!
The shift - preparing his disciples for his departure. Preparing them to receive the ministry of the church. To BE the body of Christ. John 1:14 - The word took on flesh and blood and dwelt among us. In the Message version - God took on flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. God continues to take on flesh and blood it just looks a lot like you and me because increasingly we look a little more like Him.
Jude (my patron saint) is the Saint of Hopeless Hope ... what I like to call 'Hope Anyway.'
Example: Jesus trusted his friend to stay true to him, he didn't stay true, but He understood why ... that was the Justification.
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