True Freedom May 17th, 2013
I read an interesting article this week: “The Gospel of Gatsby and Draper: What if the self-made man wakes up one day and hates himself”. As the title suggests, it’s a look at the worldview of Jay Gatsby (of the Great Gatsby) and Don Draper (of the TV show Madmen). Both men despise their upbringing/family of origin and have created a new life/name for themselves. They are successful by every standard of the world, yet they are empty. These men are talented and driven and while their accomplishments are commendable, they remind us that happiness is not found in the sum of our achievements. These men love and worship themselves over and above anything else – a path that never leads to fulfillment.
The following quote from the article really stuck out to me:
Freedom…is about finding yourself in the steady, unrelenting, knowing, freeing gaze of someone who knows you—you, the you that you despise—and who is glad to be near you, who loves you anyways. Freedom, at its core, is about love, is inextricable from love, is love.
Wow! I think we all long for that kind of freedom/love. That’s exactly the kind of love that God has for us.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.
-Ephesians 2:4-5
May you know the unconditional, steadfast love of God. May it bring hope, healing, and freedom in the deepest parts of your heart.
Grace,
Chris
Thank You! May 10th, 2013
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
My family and I have been so very blessed by our church living out this verse! The past 3-4 weeks have been challenging to say the least. In the midst of this challenging season, we’ve experienced the love and care of so many of our ACC family. Things like a phone call, txt, note, or card to let us know that you’re praying for us have lifted our spirits and reminded us that we’re not alone in this. A home-cooked meal and a brief visit have kept us well-fed and provided much needed interaction with good friends. People generously giving of their time and energy to help Lisa with our kids have made it possible for me to return to my ministry here at church. Some have helped research car seats, provided gifts, gone shopping for us, and the list goes on and on. As I write this post, I’m overwhelmed! Thank you!
The verse above mentions the “law of Christ”. That’s a reference to John 13:34 where Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” In the next verse, Jesus says the result of this kind of love is that the world will know that we are his disciples. As you’ve helped carry our burden, you’ve expressed love in tangible ways and given our world a testimony of the power of the Gospel.
Well done church! Thank you for loving and caring for my family!
Grace,
Chris
Augustine Nailed It! May 7th, 2013
“If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself. “– St. Augustine
Truth: God’s word is not a smorgasbord where you pick and choose.
Truth: As we approach God’s word it stands to judge us – not vice-versa.
May God give each of us the mindset and attitude of James 1:27
So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
Peace,
Dave
Managing Our Dream April 29th, 2013
For my weekly blog post I’m sending you to someone else’s post: Jim Rodgers of Church Building Consultants. Please check it out here:
He writes about us!
Our managed dream will be materializing very soon!
Peace,
Dave
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