Hello my friends, Jimmy Greene writing to let you know some of the things that have been on my heart and mind these past few weeks. I recently returned from a much needed vacation with the family and sabbaticaling (if thats a word) father. The combination of the waves, sun and sporadic 10-12 mile runs on winding canal roads culminated in quite a relaxing atmosphere. My heart is filled with joy to be back in Frederick and to continue my work here with the adult and youth praise teams.
Some exciting things are coming your way to a Grace Community Church (of Frederick) near you...Saturday the 14th will feature another Toast and Jam opportunity for musicians in the church. See the bulletin for more info. In addition, August 14th will also feature a worship night from 7-9. The praise team will be worshipping in the FLC, come and join us! This will not be a structured "by the book" service. Our only agenda will be to praise and worship the living God. Amen!
To my shame, I recently watched Iron Man 2. I cant honestly say the film was worthy of the $3.25 ticket price at the Holiday Cinema theatre (one of the best kept secrets of Fredrick). As I frantically searched to take something away from this action packed, melodramatic film, my efforts were continually thwarted by Robert Downey Jr.'s over-inflated ego.
Then, redemption...One line in the movie caught my unwavering attention (and ensuing scrutiny). The Russian antagonist exclaimed after a "thwarted" attempt at taking Iron Man's life that, "If we can make God bleed, people will stop believing in him." This struck me as odd because our God DID bleed and that is why we believe in Him. One of the many mysteries of the gospel involves what has been often called the God-Man. How could God, a fully perfect, omnipotent, omnipresent being inhabit and dwell inside man who is temporal and finite. Although some questions require faith, as the answers may not be readily accessible, I am reminded of God's tremendous love, compassion and humility to undertake such a feat. Why didn't God summoned a great host of angels to protect Him while the Romans proceeded to torture and crucify submit to death?
This question of a fully competent/powerful and equally submissive, compassionate, loving God has eluded philosophers like Nietzsche and Marx who argued that passivity in this regard would be a sign of weakness. In the world of Nietzsche and Marx, the "real" men are completely self-referential and only concerned with their personal gain. On their account, the mere thought of a God who would humble Himself to the cross, to die for sinners and enemies is not only baffling, it is lunacy.
However, Jesus' actions were not for the benefit of the Son. What these thinkers fail to see is that Christ was operating out of His tremendous love and compassion for us. The chasm that man had created between himself and God was only rectified by the sacrifice of a truly perfect Lamb...Jesus. My friends, although God was completely powerful on the cross, He was perfectly submissive to the will of the Father. He did this for us.
Stay strong in the faith my friends.
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