Please note that the Conservative Friends Gathering will be held June 11-13. Contact either Nanquakernh@gmail.com or philandsharon04.01@sbcglobal.net for a full agenda including Zoom link information. Also see: https://ohioyearlymeeting.org/programs/wider-fellowship-of-conservative-friends/
This fifth session starts out with a review of the previous four sessions. While examining the last session, Henry reads the preface to George Fox’s Journal on repentance. This becomes a segue to the need to take up the Inward Cross of Christ. Henry discusses the “ego”, it’s origins, meanings and that the traditional Christian term is the “self”. A reading from Genesis reviews the story of the Fall in the Garden of Eden. A reference is made to a nineteenth century Quaker publication “A Guide to True Peace” to help explain the main issue of pride and hubris. The opposite of arrogant pride or hubris is humility. Henry discusses the origins of the word “humble”. A reading from the second chapter of Philippians highlights how Christ was totally humble. A discussion with participants reminds us of the role humans have (and should have) in the hierarchy of creation. [I have forgotten what may have been said there]. In the exploration of “self”, the negative and positive aspects of self are listed. A comment of Jesus in Matthew 10:38 shows the importance of taking up the Inward Cross in order to be united with Christ. An clarification of “denying one’s self” as meaning "renouncing one’s ego" is presented. Also discussed in taking up the Inward Cross of Christ is the necessity to crucify or execute those motions within us that keep us from God. Participants became involved in an exploration of how we need God to help us attain this goal. Also delved into are some of the temptations of “the World”.
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