I’ve listened to this sermon 3 times already and it’s only Wednesday… Darrell’s words are kicking my butt!! Thanks Jesus!!
When I feel like there is a lack of joy in my life...I need to start reflecting on the “plus” that I am adding on to Jesus’s cross and resurrection. The only way we can truly understand and live the gospel is if it is Christ plus NOTHING. The pluses only rob of us joy. I am thinking now… what are the pluses I often cling to: Jesus + good relationships, Jesus + working hard, Jesus + self-image, Jesus + worth/approval/etc. from people, even Jesus + church!! I am encouraged by the point Darrell makes about Paul knowing that having joy is the byproduct of joy (Christ) having US! Knowing Jesus → Jesus knowing us → Joy being in us. Christ plus nothing. Help me turn my pluses into minuses Jesus!!!
I also am reflecting on fellowshipping in Christ’s suffering and what that means in this culture today. To be united in Christ is to be united in him in his death and life. As he suffered rejection, Satanic attack, a broken heart for a broken world… so might we. I’ve been thinking a lot about uniting with Jesus in his broken heart for our broken world. There’s this tension in me (feelin’ the tension Mirm…) about our world today and how I am supposed to respond to the brokenness. I know that there is a lack of trust in Jesus that appears in my heart and also a desire to complete the good works that God has started on my own. This part of the sermon brought me some interesting peace - to feel brokenhearted for our broken world is to actually unite in Christ’s suffering with him!
When I feel like there is a lack of joy in my life...I need to start reflecting on the “plus” that I am adding on to Jesus’s cross and resurrection. The only way we can truly understand and live the gospel is if it is Christ plus NOTHING. The pluses only rob of us joy. I am thinking now… what are the pluses I often cling to: Jesus + good relationships, Jesus + working hard, Jesus + self-image, Jesus + worth/approval/etc. from people, even Jesus + church!! I am encouraged by the point Darrell makes about Paul knowing that having joy is the byproduct of joy (Christ) having US! Knowing Jesus → Jesus knowing us → Joy being in us. Christ plus nothing. Help me turn my pluses into minuses Jesus!!!
I also am reflecting on fellowshipping in Christ’s suffering and what that means in this culture today. To be united in Christ is to be united in him in his death and life. As he suffered rejection, Satanic attack, a broken heart for a broken world… so might we. I’ve been thinking a lot about uniting with Jesus in his broken heart for our broken world. There’s this tension in me (feelin’ the tension Mirm…) about our world today and how I am supposed to respond to the brokenness. I know that there is a lack of trust in Jesus that appears in my heart and also a desire to complete the good works that God has started on my own. This part of the sermon brought me some interesting peace - to feel brokenhearted for our broken world is to actually unite in Christ’s suffering with him!
Christ plus nothing!! Kapow!! Molly, this is such a great reflection and thought -- one that I will most likely be repeating to myself this week. Christ plus nothing! Thank you for your thoughtful response.
ReplyDelete"To feel brokenhearted for our broken world is to actually unite in Christ's suffering with him!" Such a great insight Mols that we were actually meant to feel this way, created to care and be moved by brokenness so as to see our great need for a Savior. Thanks for the reminder, Mols.
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