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The work of the cross in fasting
6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? (Isaiah 58:6-7,…
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Week Four: The affection of Christ and experience
Exodus 33-34 is a place of wonder for me. I am sounding old… and I realize it’s because I AM… but I begin sentences with: “Back in the day…” I catch myself and then realize, well, yes, they were “back in the day.”
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The cross is the difference
“The cross is ‘irreligious’ because no human being individually or human beings collectively would have projected their hopes, wishes, longings, and needs onto a crucified man… Christianity is the only major religion to have as its central focus the suffering and degradation of its God.” (Fleming Rutledge, The Crucifixion)
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If the cross is at work, it is noticed
“Here is an important distinction with far-reaching implications for Christian behavior. The deeds of Christians in this present time — however insignificant they may seem, however ‘vain’ they may appear to those who value worldly success — are already being built into God’s advancing kingdom. In other words, Christians do not simply look tot he cross of Christ with prayerful…
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Week Three: The Affections of Christ and the Rhythm of the Church Calendar
A reason, among many, I have come into the Anglican Church is the church calendar. It reminds me that the Kingdom “calendar” is not our civic calendar. Churches won’t be commemorating civic holidays in a church service. (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, etc.) It is a reminder that we are not on the same page as the world… and…
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The wonder of the Cross
“Worldwide Christianity faces a portentous array of challenges. Many voices from within the church are calling for a complete recasting of the foundations to suit the new era. This is often accompanied by expressions of disdain for those who still find the traditional forms a source of vitality. The traditionalists, on the other hand, are frequently discovered doing variations on…
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Week Two: The Affections of Christ and Consistent Prayer
Being drawn into the affections of Christ demands consistency. We need consistent attention to the Word. Constant attention to the basics, such as the Sermon on the Mount or Psalms, allows us to have a path to drawing us back to the place of seeing Christ.
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Week One: Learning the affections of Christ
My challenge from the Lord: lean in and listen. While I want to read yet another book on the affections of Christ that draws me in devotionally, the Spirit has challenged me to lean in myself and write out what I am learning. Be brave.
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The affections of Christ
We approach Lent and that is always a reflective time for me. Yet, as we draw in, I am struck by a hunger that keeps calling me… and I keep ignoring.
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Where the Kingdom is found
The Gospel reading this past Sunday was Luke 6:17-26. It’s a place in Jesus’ teaching where you are to be warned: “Buckle up, buttercup.”
