River City Church - Smyrna, GA
Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
Josh continues our series of talks explaining what we mean by "We All Go Together" and encourages us to step into being present with Jesus. Whether we are reading Scripture, going to church, meeting in small groups or whatever we are doing along our spiritual journey, the point of all of it is to meet with Jesus -- to be present with Jesus. He is the destination. For example, the point of Scripture isn't to bring us to a room or a building, but to be present with Jesus in community. Some questions to consider: What are things that may hinder me from being present with the RCC body? Who around me needs encouragement? Do I need some encouragement from others in the body?
Josh shared a quote from Dr. Cheryl Bridges Johns related to deconstruction that many try to engage alone instead of in community: "A few words about deconstruction. In order to move out of toxic environments it is often necessary to exert power of 'I' and stake one's claim over against repressive systems. Once the power of 'I' is gained, it is especially hard to let go of it, especially when the 'I' is wounded. We can become trapped in our power of deconstruction and find ourselves in what Mark Taylor calls, 'amazing grace' -- endless possibilities and no closures. A life of mutual display, but one fearful of common values, common stories. Longing for community but afraid it may harm us. In such a world, everything can be deconstructed -- except the 'I.' We protect the wounded self. But who wants to live in this wilderness? The way out is not going back. It is going deeper. Deeper into the call of Christ to 'come and die.' The paradox of the 'via negativa.' 'All to Jesus I surrender' may seem like call to return to a life you struggled to be free from. It's not, because it offers true freedom. Freedom to love and be loved. Ending with a quote from T.S. Eliot: 'The only hope, or else despair, lies in the choice of pyre or pyre.' "
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