Message: The Journey of Faith Through the Ages (06/23/'24)

Message: The Journey of Faith Through the Ages Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, I invite you to reflect on the profound journey of our Christian faith from its humble beginnings to its present state. Our journey begins in the first century, by the tranquil waters of Galilee. Here, a community of believers, humble and pure, gathered with hearts bound by a common love and hope. Their faith, nurtured in simplicity, was a gentle bloom in the shadow of the lake where their spirits found room to grow. As Christianity spread to Greece, it entered the realm of philosophy. In this land of thinkers and scholars, our faith intertwined with the quest for knowledge and the hunger for truth. Simple beliefs expanded into profound thoughts, seeking to understand the divine through reason and wisdom. The journey continued to Rome, where Christianity transformed into an institution. Mighty and grand, it stood as a fortress of doctrine and creed, with structures and rituals that defined its presence. In the marble halls of power and reverence, faith became an edifice, solid and enduring, yet distant from its humble beginnings. From Rome’s stronghold, Christianity spread across the seas to Europe, becoming a culture rich with tradition, folklore, and artistry. It wove itself into the very fabric of life, embodying faith in every brushstroke of art, every note of sacred music, and every page of written word. Finally, Christianity crossed the ocean to America, where it found itself amidst the bustling currents of capitalism. Here, our faith became a business, a commodity in the marketplace of souls. Dreams were sold, and the dance of profit and loss intertwined with the sacred. In the pursuit of gold, faith risked losing its essence, becoming a product rather than a profound journey of the soul. Yet, through this vast and varied journey, the essence of Christianity remains. It lives in the hearts where true belief starts, untainted by the trappings of philosophy, institution, culture, or commerce. In the purity of hearts, faith finds its eternal home, ever resilient, ever enduring, a testament to the divine that transcends time and place. Let us remember that no matter where our faith has traveled, no matter how it has been shaped by history and culture, its true essence lies within us. It is in our hearts, in our simple, sincere belief, that the spirit of Christianity thrives. Let us strive to keep our faith pure and unadulterated, a gentle bloom nurtured by love and hope, ever rooted in the divine truth. May we carry this reflection into our daily lives, cherishing the journey of our faith and keeping it alive in our hearts. Blessings to all, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 23, 2024)