This week in chapel, Dr. Rik Stevenson preached from Mark 15:21, and he emphasized that Simon having to carry the cross of Christ demonstrates that as Christians we are called to get dirty and, like Christ, carry a cross that is not our own. A man or a woman who carries the cross with Jesus is co-laboring and commissioning with Christ. Dr. Stevenson outlines five key points of being commissioners with God.
- The body of Christ is not a monolith, but rather it is a diverse body of members from all over the world.
- We have to travel in order to get to the mission.
- Christianity is not a clean sport, and it requires us to get dirty at times.
- We are to bear the dirt and to let others recognize that our lives were dirty too.
- Lastly, every time we look at the cross, we are to see ourselves as equals. For there is equity at the foot of the cross.
Listen to the full sermon below.
https://soundcloud.com/grand-rapids-theological-seminary/dr-rik-stevenson
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Rik Stevenson is currently an adjunct professor of history and part-time faculty in Area and Global Studies at Grand Valley State University. He received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in African and African American Studies, and his areas of interest include Middle Passage, Diaspora Studies, Slave Ship Maritime Studies and Archaeology.
