about this weekend…

May 18, 2012

Have you ever seen a dramatic re-enactment of the ascension? You know what I’m talking about, right? When Jesus floated up to heaven 40 days after His resurrection, they had to find an appropriate label for an incredibly strange sight. Seems “The Ascension” has stuck.

I’ve witnessed grown men in heavy make-up and questionable beards hoisted into the air with groin challenging harnesses and hardly hidden cables. The whiz of the winch lifting “Jesus” into the curtains and rafters of a theatrical stage is also a fun memory for me. Although sometimes it all seems to compromise, just a wee bit, the glory surrounding the real Jesus and his ascending back into heaven.

But… how did Jesus float away? Where did he go? How far away is heaven? What kept him from burning up as he soared through layers of atmosphere? Have you ever asked those scientific, geographical, and physics-bent questions about the ascension? Fun to do, but in the end we are talking about Jesus here.

In the first century, there were so many questions about Jesus, his resurrection, ascension, and authority. Categories of believers starting forming by their differing belief systems. The Essenes, Zealots, Sadducees, Pharisees, Gnostics, and others were groups formed around their opinions about Jesus.

I wonder if we do the same? Do we subdivide into neat categories to explain our differences in opinions, theologies, and commitments to Jesus? In the categorizing, do we ever just lose sight of… Jesus?

One of Jesus’ best friends, John, wrote a letter to simply-yet-powerfully point people back to Jesus. On Sunday, we’ll be taking a look at I John 5:6-12. It’s an incredible passage of scripture that has great relevance for you, someone who has drifted, others who question, those who categorize, and those far from Jesus. It’s all about Jesus.

In other words, this will be a really good Sunday to bring a few folks with you for a great look at Jesus.

Fittingly, this Sunday is also dubbed “Ascension Sunday” in the great 50-day trek through our prolonged celebration of Easter. We’ll be 40 days into a season of Easter, and I don’t think you want to miss this one.

I’ve been challenged and excited in preparing our final message of Easter before we gather for our FIA Prayer Walk on May 27th.

Kyle and Megan will be rockin’ the band. They’ll be bustin’ out “Because He Lives” one more time. Hasn’t it been wild hearing the singing on this song as we’ve gone old school to capture some great lyrics and worship?

Can’t wait! The waters of surrender and baptism will be stirred. Hope to see you at 8:30 or 10:30.

For Jesus’ Fame,

Upcoming Events
Serious Leadership Class
Tonight!  May 20, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Sticky Faith (6 week conversation)
May 21, 6:30pm-8:00pm

FIA (Faith in Action) ONE VOICE Prayer Walk
Next Week!  Meet at CCC at 9:00am

Just Like Elijah Series
Starts June 3, 8:30am & 10:30am

Kudzu Groups
Sign up here!

Weekly Giving (5/13/2012)
$13,244.00

Weekly Need
$23,000.00