Why are we here?

December 29, 2022

Why are we here?  It's not a question of how we were created or why you are reading this blog.  It is why are we here, Christians, followers of Jesus Christ in 2022 (almost 2023)?  

We just celebrated the birth of Jesus, and that was more than 2023 year ago. How is it that we are here as believers 2000+ years later.

PEOPLE SHARED THE STORY OF JESUS!

That is why we are here.  We heard the story of Jesus that was shared with us, a story that has been shared over and over and over.  And we are telling the story to people so they too can know Jesus and the power of life offered in living a life in Christ.

As people who worship with the people of Ascension, this account of the ascension of Jesus the Christ is powerful as we delve into our mission--"As an open and progressive congregation, we boldly make Christ's vision known."  

Luke 24:44-53

Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

In the book "You are Witnesses of These Things" by Craig and Chelsey Satterlee, they write this text consists of four movements modeled after what the risen Christ said to the apostles immediately before the ascension:

    1) Jesus opens our minds,

    2) Jesus names us as witnesses,

    3) Jesus sends the promised Spirit, and 

    4) Jesus commands us to stay before we go.  

Also consider this text from Romans 10:12-15:

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. ¹³For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ 14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? ¹⁵And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ 

If we do not tell the story, who will?

Beginning Sunday, January 8 a group of people will gather at 9:15 a.m. to discuss the book written by Bishop Craig Satterlee and his daughter Chelsey.  Books have been ordered but if you would like one, check if I have an extra or you can order one from Amazon yourself.  

I also hope to write weekly conversations for us all to consider as we continue to witness to the story of Jesus so that others may believe. Whether you read the book or not, I hope you will consider the conversation starters and share in the conversation.  (But reading the book is helpful as well--it isn't long and it is easy to read!!)

To reflect and comment upon:

1) Recall a time when someone told you about or reminded you of Jesus.  Who was that person and what did they say?

2) What, if anything, makes you uncomfortable about talking about Jesus?

3) What, if anything, excites you about talking about Jesus?

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