From the Mountains

Belinda and I have enjoyed the mountains of Colorado this week. What a glorious part of God's creation! We are grateful for our host's - and to God, whose beneficence has allowed us this restful time away.

This week has helped me, as well, with final preparations for a four week message series I plan to deliver at ParkwayHills, titled, "He Is Risen, Indeed!" The four messages - taken from the gospels - will deal with "Who Christ Is" (17th), "What Christ Came to Do" (24th and 31st), and "What His Resurrection Means To Us"- Christ followers and Church (April 7) for, if ever there was a time when our world needed to hear of our LORD, it is now.

All this is to say that I was 'caught' and 'in agreement,' by a quote yesterday from the newly elected leader of the Catholic church, Pope Francis 1.  He said, "We have to avoid the spiritual sickness of a self-referential church ...".  His point, that the Catholic church must not fall victim to self referencing but rather accept the reference point Christ has called us to, is well made - and I commend him for both his statement and the context. As well, we, the Church (made of all true believers in Christ) must never forget this, ourselves. By the same token we should not move to a culturally-referential view either, something equally as dangerous. By 'culturally-referential,' I mean something other than cultural relevance. For we certainly want to be relevant to our culture.  But, we must do so remembering our relevance comes from the gospel - then out.  Our point of reference, and my point, is that Christ - not the world nor even the Church, but Christ alone - is the foundation upon which we build - always.  Mankind is fallen, lost in sin, and Christ is the means whereby we must be saved. Therefore, we must never weary, then, both of looking out (beyond ourselves to others) and pointing up (referencing Christ to man and man to God through Christ).

I do pray you each have enjoyed your week, just as Belinda and I have. Too, as we return, we covet your prayers.  Not just for us, but for this wonderful 'church on the parkway' about to celebrate her 24th anniversary of being part of His work pointing others to Christ.  May this be ever so - through to this Easter and beyond!

Till Sunday, then


Pastor Sam