What we know and have seen

“Amen, Amen, I tell you: We speak what we know, and we testify about what we have seen. But you people do not accept our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? ”

— John 3:11-12

Here Jesus is talking with Nicodemus who doesn’t seem to ‘get it’ about this you must be born again stuff. Imagine Jesus explaining (testifying as a witness) to someone about what he knows and has experienced. And they can’t quite get it.

Now imagine that same person’s only picture of God’s kingdom is the Church’s witness to them. I think they’re in big trouble.

Does today’s Church really know what Jesus knows? What have we actually seen of Christ’s kingdom that we can give first-hand testimony to? Most of what we talk about is second or third hand — hearsay testimony. And our sources aren’t always so good: a politician or fundraiser, a friend sharing some random spiritual thought, a motivational poster.

In fact, even many of the arguments we make about earthy things are suspect these days. We talk with certainty about things we can’t be certain about.

If we are so careless in our handling of spiritual things — even earthly things — how can we ever hope that people will find freedom in Christ?

Let’s refresh our knowledge of God’s kingdom from what Jesus actually says. Let’s speak from what God has actually done in our own lives. Even better, let our own choices and behaviors be better testimonies to the values and virtues of God’s kingdom.

It’s time for a better story.

Evangelism and Re-evangelism

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you.”

— 1 Peter 3:15

So often we think of this verse as a call to evangelism. People outside the faith may be surprised by your hope in dark times and wonder where it comes from. But in these times, it's helpful to share the reason for our hope with others inside the faith too — with one another. The gospel is good news and we need some good news right now. Let's re-evangelize our hearts regularly.

Exchanging Gifts

“God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will overflow in every good work. You will be made rich in every way so that you may be generous in every way, which produces thanksgiving to God through us”

— 2 Corinthians 9:8,11

So much of bending culture toward God's kingdom involves seeing differently. The world around us tends to be impersonal and transactional. Here's a small way we can disrupt the prevailing system. Next time you need a product or service, see that commodity as a gift of love to you or your family—God's provision. Someone (probably several people) conceived, designed, manufactured, shipped, and delivered it to meet a need. In exchange, you will bless them and their families with your money—also God's provision. This can be more than just a transaction. It can be an exchange of love.

Is this just semantics? Maybe sometimes. But this way of thinking can shape attitudes in our work. And it can help form our hearts toward gratitude and away from entitlement. It may even influence who we 'do business' with. God's kingdom consists of giving and receiving, not buying and selling.