There is little in the political, social, and economic systems of the world which offers forgiveness, let alone guarantees it. There is little which champions compassion over commerce or kindness over power. Only Christianity affirms grace upon grace. Only Christianity affirms that no one is a lost cause to God, no matter how much they mess up or lack.
For James, discipleship wasn’t simply about following rules or traditions, or professing faith in Jesus Christ. Discipleship was about identity and action. If you know your God-given identity as a servant of Christ in your mind and heart, then you will act because you have to live out that identity in any and all contexts; it is in your nature to do so.
The Resurrection is not dogma, only to be believed. It is to be experienced. Resurrection means entering the worldly life-consciously, intentionally and with expectancy, for faith expects to meet the redeemer in this world. Faith enters the world with hope.
“It’s God’s choice to invite us into God’s presence, not a reward for achieving the impossible standard.”
“Being of the same mind of Christ throws us into all the mess to figure it out, and I am thankful that we can do it together.”
“What is your thinking about the resurrection? Do you think that it’s a once in a life-time event or it is an ongoing force for the transformation of the world? Can it be both?”
Freedom matters to all of us. And God’s response is, “Yes, I know. You are made for freedom. Let me teach you what that means.”
“The character of Paul’s letter is not just a list of strategies to place band-aids on wounds and problems that arise, but to theologically help a community build a foundation that will cultivate among the people a life together that enables them to take whatever challenges arise and continue to grow together in carrying out […]
“All of us have experienced conflict in our institutions be it religion, family, economics, politics, education, workplace. We know how tired it can make us and we blame the rigidity and inflexibility on the institution itself. We think there’s nothing we can do so we might as well avoid the conflict, keep our mouths shut and our heads down and do our thing as much as we can get away with. Let the institution be the institution.
That is NOT what took place in Acts 15. ”
https://www.facebook.com/popchurch.org/videos/195317855893603/
But why do we put up social barriers that are based only on religious, ethnic, racial. gender and physical differences? What are we afraid of? What do we need protections from?
https://www.facebook.com/popchurch.org/videos/198988118807796/