Come Back Stronger
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The tension of living a spiritual perspective in a human reality is real. Whilst we 'believe' in Jesus, his death, resurrection and rule, it can be hard to know how to live it out, now. By looking at the book of Ephesians, this message lifts the lid on the unseen reality and shows us how to practically put one foot in front of the other in the every-day realities of life.
Examining the beginning of Ephesians 2, Mark identifies that as Jesus ascended so did we, abandoning self-focus and stepping into the freedom of self-forgetfulness for God’s glory.
As we celebrate Pentecost in a context like we’ve not experienced before, we are reminded that Spirit comes to give life and make holy, that which has been disrupted, destroyed and formless.
Acts 1 tells of Jesus’ ascension. In His ascension, Jesus reveals not only His full identity and mission but, by extension, both our true identity and mission is established.
Every one of us experiences shame and sometimes it can cut so deep we have either consciously or subconsciously disqualified ourselves from participating in God's work. Sarah brings us to a tremendous grace and hope by showing us both the normality of shame and the power of the resurrection. Through the life of Peter, we see a man encountering the deepest level of shame only to become the man whom God used powerfully to kick start His Church.
Jesus revealed himself to Mary after His resurrection in John 20, during this in-between time, Mark suggests that we too have the opportunity to seek, receive and step into a new revelation of who Jesus is and what He is inviting us into.
As we reflect on the in-between the time of the cross and the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, we are called to have the agony of the cross shape us in order for the Spirit to flow through us.
In order to come back stronger, we must first acknowledge our weaknesses and deep need for Christ by abiding in Him.