Imagine if suddenly…
rather than seeking revenge, you sought reconciliation
rather than repaying violence with violence, you sought creative transforming nonviolent alternatives
rather than focusing on external conformity to moral codes, you were internally transformed by love
rather than loving insiders and hating outsiders, you welcomed outsiders into a new “us†and “weâ€
rather than anxiety about money or security or pleasure, you trusted ourselves to the care of God
rather than living for wealth, you lived for God who loves all people, including our enemies
rather than hating our enemies and competitors, you loved them and did unto them not as they have done unto you – or before they do unto you – but as you wish they would do for you
Category: faith
Quote for the day
Use it up.
Wear it out.
Make it do.
Or do without.
Missional living
I’m trying to tie my hands back some to keep from giving away too much from books I’m reading – especially those I’m still chewing on.
My latest read, A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian McLaren is giving me some great insight as of the last few days. First off, I love the sub-title:
Why I am a missional, evangelical, post/protestant, liberal/conservative, mystical/poetic, biblical, charismatic/contemplative, fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, catholic, green, incarnational, depressed- yet hopeful, emergent, unfinished Christian.
Continue reading Missional living
Faith ideas :: Become a home for the homeless
We talked last night at our community group of some ways we can/should put the words of Jesus into real application and practice. CMS shared this idea today and thought it was a definite great idea for local churches.
It reminds me of a great point Shane Claiborne made in “Jesus for President.” He said that while many Christians will get up in arms against things like abortion, they’re rarely willing to actually put real action into their fight. He said that Mother Theresa (whom Claiborne spent several months with) was strongly against abortion, but rather than condemn a mother for considering it, or even possibly for the actions that conceived the child, she welcomed the mother and child into her home and cared for them specifically. She didn’t just tell an un-wed mother – abortion is sin – now go solve your problem. She said, “abortion is wrong but so is me putting you out on the street expecting you to deal with this issue alone. Let me help you in the midst of your crises.”
Continue reading Faith ideas :: Become a home for the homeless
Engaging your audience
As part of our community 2.0 ministry at encounter, we recently purchased copies of Andy Stanley’s book, “Communicating for a Change.” Loved the book. It really challenged me and the ways I’ve always been taught to communicate with folks (hense my Mass Communications major).
Rather then outlining a message or lesson with 3 points, each having 3 or 4 sub-points, Stanley suggests outlining your message with only one central point. And building the message around Me-We-God-You-We. I’ll let you start reading it to find out more ;-). Like I said – it’s challenged me for sure.
I’ve tried to share some of the e-mails I send to our leaders from time to time (where appropriate) and thought this was one of those times…
Continue reading Engaging your audience
A great reason to hope your torturer is Anglican or Anabaptist
As Brian McLaren suggests, “They aren’t as likely as some religious folk are to kill or torture you.”