In Between
Taking the name but not bearing his Name is hazardous to society.
[God] has been calling out from the world a people for himself, and sending his people back into the world to be his servants and his witnesses, for the extension of his kingdom, the building up of Christ’s body, and the glory of his name. ⏤ Lausanne Covenant, 1974
Called out from the world (holiness) and sent back into the world (service & witness). What happens in between? We come out world-like and must go back in Jesus-like. If that transformation doesn't take place, we are most dangerous. (Matt. 23:15)
Suited Up
Tearing down strongholds through love and rectification.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. — 2 Corinthians 10:4
This morning I ran in the rain. I was surprised and heartened to see so many others out in raincoats, facing the weather, walking their dogs. I think this is what Paul calls for in Ephesians 6. We suit up in clothing that disciples of Jesus wear, and face the world's strongholds: systems of hatred, bondage, and every kind of injustice.
Whataboutism
Emphasizing proximity and trust.
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ⏤ Luke 18:11
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ⏤ 1 Timothy 1:15
Will I be like the Pharisee who excuses himself? Who exchanges God's grace for his own? Or will I be like Paul, who owns his distance from the Father and trusts Jesus for reconciliation?
- love
- Holy Spirit
- humility
- church
- politics & society
- mission & witness
- holiness
- parable & metaphor
- identity
- eternal life
- doubt & deconstruction
- leadership
- grace
- justice
- scripture
- spiritual life
- advent & christmas
- poverty & compassion
- imagination & creativity
- technology & ai
- knowing God
- human dignity
- faith & trust
- incarnation & cross
- kingdom of God
- community
- reconciliation
- spiritual formation
- epistemology
- prayer
- gratitude
- culture
- creation & nature
- discipleship
The God of the Bible looks like Jesus, the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being. It would be just like him to go to the cross.