Been thinking about this for hours. Your evaluation of this generation raised particularly in fundamental and evangelical circles sometimes made me smile, or rage, or cry. An overinflated sense of our importance ,of obtaining power (supposedly to counter evil powers) combined with the fear of not doing enough. Others can do a better job of dissecting the dominion theology and culture of power that many Christians have embraced but here is where I landed.
The Bible shows us that even the best of disciples often misunderstood what was required in the moment and so we should approach all of our choices with humility. All of Jesus temptations are about power. Having or controlling(Rome) or controling laws or governments except the call to give to Cesar's what is due-which was a tax. As Christians, we are not called to rule, we are called to die.
Really good point on the temptations of 'controlling Rome, or laws, or government..." Thank you! A study of world history in that region as we consider the time that Christ was born into shows us that God had different thoughts for us... I like what Tabitha said about what we are about...
"To seek unity in our local congregations and honor before outsiders through such simple things as gracious speech, kind actions, and relational purity. To image Christ in our marriages, parenting, and employment, and to rely on the Spirit to strengthen us in the face of persecution."
Jesus did not come into the world to bring us Christianity. Nope. He said so Himself. He said that He came into the world to bring us life, and that more abundantly. The question almost no Christian ever asks is this…….what life? The only life, life from death, being reconciled with God and brought into fellowship with Him. GRACE!
I care about politics but not in relation to my life in God through Jesus Christ. I care about politics because like my Heavenly Father I hate evil. I pray for my government to not support evil. I pray for our leaders that we might live in peace. And I curse those evil institutions that promote evil, in Jesus’ name. “Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.
Working out all these things in my heart every day. Jesus truly is the my source of hope and joy. I have noticed all these things you mention. I care about a lot of issues. And it is okay to care, but a focused mind on Christ and serving others really is the way.
Thank you for this reminder! We are pulled in so many different directions but one thing remains, to sit at the Lord's feet, rest in Him and rely on Him to be unified in the gospel in our homes and our churches. Only then will we start to see the fruit that lasts. If we do take part in, let's say, a protest, how can we do so as ambassadors of Christ?
I think a great start might be to engage in the protest with members of your local church family so you can supplement your protest with prayer and service.
Been thinking about this for hours. Your evaluation of this generation raised particularly in fundamental and evangelical circles sometimes made me smile, or rage, or cry. An overinflated sense of our importance ,of obtaining power (supposedly to counter evil powers) combined with the fear of not doing enough. Others can do a better job of dissecting the dominion theology and culture of power that many Christians have embraced but here is where I landed.
The Bible shows us that even the best of disciples often misunderstood what was required in the moment and so we should approach all of our choices with humility. All of Jesus temptations are about power. Having or controlling(Rome) or controling laws or governments except the call to give to Cesar's what is due-which was a tax. As Christians, we are not called to rule, we are called to die.
Really good point on the temptations of 'controlling Rome, or laws, or government..." Thank you! A study of world history in that region as we consider the time that Christ was born into shows us that God had different thoughts for us... I like what Tabitha said about what we are about...
"To seek unity in our local congregations and honor before outsiders through such simple things as gracious speech, kind actions, and relational purity. To image Christ in our marriages, parenting, and employment, and to rely on the Spirit to strengthen us in the face of persecution."
So glad you’re here, Trisha, and honored this got you thinking. I pray it gives you some breathing space this week.
Jesus did not come into the world to bring us Christianity. Nope. He said so Himself. He said that He came into the world to bring us life, and that more abundantly. The question almost no Christian ever asks is this…….what life? The only life, life from death, being reconciled with God and brought into fellowship with Him. GRACE!
I care about politics but not in relation to my life in God through Jesus Christ. I care about politics because like my Heavenly Father I hate evil. I pray for my government to not support evil. I pray for our leaders that we might live in peace. And I curse those evil institutions that promote evil, in Jesus’ name. “Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.
Working out all these things in my heart every day. Jesus truly is the my source of hope and joy. I have noticed all these things you mention. I care about a lot of issues. And it is okay to care, but a focused mind on Christ and serving others really is the way.
❤️ u.
I know you know, Mel, because I see how you’re living it out. Let’s get Zoom coffee soon!
Thank you for this reminder! We are pulled in so many different directions but one thing remains, to sit at the Lord's feet, rest in Him and rely on Him to be unified in the gospel in our homes and our churches. Only then will we start to see the fruit that lasts. If we do take part in, let's say, a protest, how can we do so as ambassadors of Christ?
I think a great start might be to engage in the protest with members of your local church family so you can supplement your protest with prayer and service.
Great idea! Thanks!
Thank you.
You’re so welcome!
I've noticed this, too. I see you 🫶🏼
Glad to know I’m not the only one!