W.E. have always appreciated the definition that is commonly misattributed to C.S. Lewis… Humility is not thinking less of yourself but rather thinking of yourself less. Humiliation thinks less of one's self.

Biblical humility focuses efforts for the sake of others… in order to serve and love.

Humility is a choice.

That said, what are some humilities that God gives us a gift that we can receive with humility?

Some formulas for us:

Foolishness = wisdom of the world.

Foolishness = what was preached?

Foolishness now = Christ crucified?!

Yet, Christ = power & wisdom of God!

The new formulas...

Foolishness of God > human wisdom

Weakness of God > human strength

To God be the brilliance.

The world is divided.

Read 1 Cor. 1:10-17.

Divisions answered.

In this small portion of Scripture, we are reminded of the only thing that can bring a divided people together. True community is formed from the common unity: our desperate need for… Jesus.

When conflict inevitably arises, we must begin and end with what we’ve agreed upon. Starting the conversation there brings us back to shared ground... what we’ve already said “yes” to together. And what does that establish? Grounded expectations.

So the question becomes: what expectations should be clearly established in every relationship?

What helps us recognize—and even weigh—truth? Compelling truth? Is it just evidence or proof?

Those matter.

The first Easter invites us to consider eyewitnesses, the lives of the early saints, Scripture, and even non-biblical accounts.

But there’s more. We all carry an inner criteria for truth—the kind we not only believe, but want to follow.

Compelling truth must be good.

Compelling truth must be beautiful.

In history...

the highest goodness is the Crucifixion

and

the greatest beauty is the Resurrection.

NOTE: This Easter message was strikingly shortened from the earlier manuscript. With that, attached is the original manuscript for expanded study.

Where and when do you most experience God’s presence manifest?

Conversely, where and when do you least experience God’s presence manifest?

This sacramental way of living addresses the crying need to experience God as truly manifest and notoriously active in daily life. This stream concerns itself with the relationship between spirit and matter. Expanded, the Incarnational Tradition is a life that makes present and visible the realm of the invisible Spirit. God can be AND IS manifest through material means.

Like every tradition, the charismatic stream… what many call the Spirit-filled life… has its jagged rocks.

At times this has pushed believers into camps, especially when extreme actions (“slain in the Spirit,” “drunk in the Spirit”) or sweeping claims (“name it and claim it,” health and wealth, guaranteed healing) take center stage.

But don’t throw out the water because of the jagged rocks.

God intends to be active in our lives. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, empower us, and unite us as one body.

In the end, there really are no uncharismatic Christians… because the Christian life itself is a life in and through the Spirit.

What separates Christ followers is that we can do great things AND offer Jesus to others. What does it mean to see the one who is hurting and give healing and hope?

As noted a few weeks back, we appreciate Richard Foster's definition of Holiness being a life that functions well Holiness is a life that functions well in a dysfunctional world. Holiness the ability to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done … in order to function well. Knowing the Holiness begins in the heart, holiness is the freedom and capacity of our inner being to respond rightly… in order to function well. This means being “response-able”… in order to function well.

What is the path of holiness?

Contemplative prayer is a quiet, wordless practice focused on fostering an intimate, loving, and experiential relationship with God, often described as a "gaze of faith". Unlike intercessory or vocal prayer, this form of meditation involves stillness, silence, and resting in God's presence, rather than using words to request or praise.

Contemplate.

We look at God.

God looks at us.

We each smile.

Contemplate.