The Choice Is Yours

Guest teacher Jonathan Martin continues our recent series exploring scripture and the unique insight of theologian C.S. Lewis. Drawing from The Great Divorce, Jonathan considers the ways that our will exists in tension with God's will for us, and how we're called to submission and release. 

Text

Matthew 6.10

Luke 22.42

“There is no other day. All days are present now. This moment contains all moments.” 

-C.S. Lewis The Great Divorce

“I wish I had never been born," she said. "What are we born for?" "For infinite happiness," said the Spirit. "You can step out into it at any moment...”

“If we insist on keeping Hell (or even earth) we shall not see Heaven: if we accept Heaven we shall not be able to retain even the smallest and most intimate souvenirs of Hell.”

“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, in the end, "Thy will be done." All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. Those who knock it is opened.”

Reflection

Jonathan asked you to literally hold, with clenched fists, that which you're holding on too tightly, and then release. How can your week be marked by a rhythm of release, trusting God to hold these tensions? 

Worship Set

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

Be Thou My Vision

Jesus Paid It All

Jesus Is King

This Is My Father's World

Rock Of Ages (When The Day Seems Long)

Benediction