May 2019

We are still in Easter, called to be Easter people.  And what are Easter people?  We are like those first women who “go and tell” that Jesus is risen! When people ask what I believe about Christianity and the Gospel, they often temper their request:  “Please, keep it simple.”  While in Tanzania, a Peace Corps volunteer asked me to describe my belief, “in ten words or less.”  

My response?    Not if/then but because/therefore --- Because Jesus lives…..

A pastor friend who accompanied me, chimed in:  We’re all jerks.  God loves you anyhow.

I have put some members in our community on the spot.  “In ten words or fewer,” I asked, “how would you proclaim the gospel?”  “If need be, you may include a clarifying sentence.”

Here’s what they had to say: 

Throughout the Bible, God empowered ordinary, reluctant sinners to do extraordinary things.   -Kathy Foulks

Selfless, unconditional grace, love and forgiveness for all – at all times and places.  -Lisa Mensinger

Thank you for what I have been given.  May it be enough for the road ahead.  Onward.  -Louise Nelson

Grace: "Apathy is perceived poorly, it doesn't matter because of Jesus"  -Christian Mogren

Could you have asked a more complex and yet simple thing?  -Chandler Bursey

“Nevertheless [Luther’s “dennoch”], God IS real.  Resurrection IS.  Grace IS.  The Music goes on — so, get with it.”  James Gardner with some clarification: 

And it continues to baffle me why Jesus said that it is now “better” for us that the Holy Spirit is now within in new depth and clarity — I would have asked Jesus to be right beside me (a walking Wikipedia of “answers” and an ATM — Santa Claus — for any needed goodies).

Instead, we walk a walk of Faith, in Grace, because of Christ, as conveyed in Scripture, to the Glory of God.

And your response?

“Always be ready to share the hope that is within you,” writes the Apostle Paul.

In the meantime, it is enough to proclaim:

Christ is risen!

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