We had to pretend to be something we were not, in order to control how others perceived us.

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 

It is in our weakest moments that Jesus does some of his strongest work

Genesis 25:25–26

The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau. After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. 

Genesis 27:18–19

He went to his father and said, “My father.” “Yes, my son,” he answered. “Who is it?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game so that you may give me your blessing.” 

• Masked people default to hiding and running because wearing a mask is a juggling act that quickly gets out of control. 
• Masked people display a fake version of who they are and the result is the real version has to go into hiding.

We want to reach spiritually hungry people and introduce them to a personal relationship with Jesus and an active role in healthy Christian community.

Are we asking God and people to affirm our masks instead of our true selves?

Genesis 32:24–26

. . .  and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 

Genesis 32:27–28

The man asked him, “What is your name?” 

Genesis 32:27–28

The man asked him, “What is your name?”

“Jacob,” he answered.

“Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.”

Your mess can be blessed, but not your mask.

Romans 5:6,8

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. . .But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

• Remove your mask with God.
• Remove your mask with yourself.
• Remove your mask with others, only after the first two