The Cross Orlando is a congregation of people living under the reign of God. We gather together regularly, we're working in all sectors of our city and are always looking for ways to better care for each other. But a great first step in meeting us, is to check out these blogs that our folks manage.
I was reminded this week about the simplicity of the Gospel. The central claim Jesus of Nazareth stands for is not hard to understand: there is a God, it’s not you—yet the God is dramatically on your side, as demonstrated by Jesus and his cross. Still, the simplicity of the Gospel does not mean it … Continue reading keep going
Read MoreI was reading today about the authorship of the book Revelation. It’s a somewhat wild book where the author gets a prophetic picture of the end of all things. In considering who the writer of the book was, the commentator mentioned that we have writings from Irenaus, a second century church leader, that it was … Continue reading reading
Read MoreA couple months ago we went roller skating. I was totally into it. We skated a lot when I was growing up. A friend of my dad’s owned a rink so Saturday mornings were spent there often. It’s cool how quickly the feel comes back to you, it’s one of those things your body learns … Continue reading Simple things
Read MoreThis past Sunday, as we considered the reality of the first Easter, it occurred to me that one take away from Jesus’ resurrection could be…that any good may happen. Though he’d spoken about it several times, it still seemed to catch his friends off guard. It was such good news, they had trouble believing it. … Continue reading a specific good
Read MoreLast night a group of us gathered at our church building and ate soup. While we did that, we talked about a time we made a mistake and shared an accomplishment we were proud of. It’s funny how both of those can be hard things to share. It can be tough to own up to … Continue reading wins and losses
Read MoreI skipped my run this morning. There are several reasons/excuses I would like to provide, but they don’t change the fact: I decided there were things besides running on which I should spend the first hours of my day. I don’t regret it, necessarily. But I do miss the feeling I get in the middle … Continue reading new from the old
Read MoreI found myself saying today that growth in life often happens when we’re able to settle into being human; when we can give up the dream of being God. We don’t determine the future, we can’t control the weather or people. Our resources are limited our time is finite our ability is flawed our perceptions … Continue reading Impulses
Read MoreYesterday we kicked off Lent with some focused time for reflection and a meal together. We put together a simple guided prayer experience built around 4 psalms culminating with the imposition of ashes. As I worked on which psalms to include, and what reflection prompts to give, I thought about the traditional words spoken when … Continue reading Lent
Read MoreEvery time I go on a roadtrip, there’s a moment when I’m pulling into our neighborhood where it occurs to me again that I’m just a car ride away from places that feel very different from my daily life. Sometimes, when Friday gets here I have a similar feeling. It’s crazy that one more week … Continue reading roadtrips and fasting
Read MoreI’ve been wearing a jacket that a friend gifted to me almost thirty years ago. It was thrifted when he gave it to me, so I really have no idea how old it is. Simple, classic shape, well-made, warm…I’m into it right now. It’s cool how it still fits, and still works in with the … Continue reading past
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