Subject: Reflecting on the Depths of Our Faith and Understanding (02/21/'24) < Message

Subject: Reflecting on the Depths of Our Faith and Understanding Dear Friend, I hope this message finds you well and thriving. Today, I've been deeply immersed in thoughts about the essence of our faith and the profound journey we're on, and I felt a strong urge to share these reflections with you, hoping it resonates or sparks a meaningful contemplation in your heart as well. Have you ever considered how our language and senses shape our understanding of the world? They're tools that help us navigate life, yet they also set boundaries on what we perceive as reality. But there's an entire realm beyond what can be seen or felt, a depth of existence that transcends our human constraints. This realm of the unseen and unfelt is where true meaning lies—the fundamental truth of our existence, which, I believe, we encounter at the cross. The cross isn't just a symbol; it's the meeting point of divine love and human frailty, of ultimate sacrifice and profound truth. It challenges us to look beyond the tangible and question what we hold as truth. In embracing the cross, we're invited to let go of our reliance on language and form, which, while useful, are ultimately inadequate to encapsulate the entirety of divine essence. This realization doesn't diminish their value but rather clarifies their role as pointers toward a greater truth, a truth that we find in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus, Christ, and the gospel—none can exist without the cross. It's the cornerstone of our faith, a place of paradox where death leads to life, and surrender leads to freedom. By losing ourselves and looking beyond the forms and phenomena, we embark on the true path, discover the truth, and find life in its fullest. In this journey, the scriptures offer profound insights. Verses like 1 Corinthians 1:18 and John 14:6 remind us of the power of the cross and the unique, transformative relationship we have through Christ. It's a journey of continuous discovery, where we learn to see beyond the immediate, to embrace the mystery of faith with open hearts and minds. As we walk this path together, let's encourage each other to seek deeper, to look beyond the surface, and to find in the cross not just the symbol of our faith, but the very way, truth, and life it represents. Would love to hear your thoughts and reflections on this. With warmth and in shared journey, Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 21, 2024)