Dear Faith Family,
Eleven years ago, on this day, we had our first official "Gathering" as Christ City Church. It was, like this year, an oddly early Easter Sunday, which, as a side note, might explain why we are a bit odd?! Anyway, on that day, a handful of people who had been complete strangers up to a few weeks prior came together in celebration of the life we shared in Jesus' life, committing to share our daily living with Him by simply holding fast to the words and way of Jesus in our time and place. I'm quite proud to say that over a decade later, we are still at it; praise the Lord!
It's probably no surprise that The Letters of Lent have me reflecting on what Jesus would say to our faith family on this marked day. I think Jesus would affirm our faithfulness to life together in His words and ways, steadfastness to the simplicity of life orbiting Him. Yet, similar to "the church in Pergamum," amid our resoluteness, there remains in me and us a seductive voice saying:
"Are Jesus' words and way really enough? All you need for daily provision, to live a whole and holy life? Enough to become all you long to be?"
Today, on our anniversary and amid our Lenten journey, we have the opportunity to discern the deception of that voice, open our ears to what the Spirit says to Christ City Church, and believe again for life today that, indeed, Jesus gives us all we need to participate and prosper in His kingdom as witnesses in His work through our unique lives. For, as Jesus said once, He says to us again,
To the one who conquers
I will give some of the hidden manna,
and I will give him a white stone,
with a new name written on the stone
that no one knows except the one who receives it.
(Revelation 2:17)
I am grateful for the life we share and for the Word that cuts out the decay and cultivates life full and forever. May we continue to hold fast and solely to what He gives today, again tomorrow, and for all time. To Him be the glory in Christ City Church throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Love you, faith family! God bless.