At the Crossroads of Light and Shadow: A Transformative Intersection of Gospel and Empire (06/01/'24) -Statement

At the Crossroads of Light and Shadow: A Transformative Intersection of Gospel and Empire At the crossroads where night meets day, where light and shadow softly play, lies a place where truths converge and hidden meanings emerge. Empires rise with might and pride, their worldly powers amplified, yet in their shadows, there is a tale of fleeting glories bound to fail. The gospel shines a different light, a beacon in the darkest night. Its truths, though they may seem like fiction to the world, hold a deeper belonging for all. From the empire’s perspective, the gospel appears as mere fiction, a tale without a place or plot. But through the lens of sacred grace, the empire’s power finds its true place. In the shadow of the cross, empires crumble, revealing their cost. The gospel’s truth, a burning flame, transcends all power, wealth, and fame. Without the encounter of the cross, we remain blind to the deeper truths and our destiny. Both light and shadow reveal the essence of what is truly real. At this crossroads, we must decide to see the world with open eyes, to embrace the gospel’s gentle call, and to let the shadows fade away. In this meeting of the two, we discover a fresh and true perspective—a world where light and shadow blend, where empires and gospels transcend their earthly bounds. In this convergence, we find a new understanding, a transformative vision where the gospel and empire intersect, illuminating the profound truths that shape our reality. Let us embrace this perspective, where light and shadow coexist, revealing the deeper essence of our existence. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 1, 2024)