June 2, 2009

The Tangible Kingdom [3.4]

If it’s true that the mission of Jesus was to bring the Good News for the here and now, and not just for the eternal future, how does my life need to change – here and now?

Begin by discovering the Gospel in your community. In other words: Where is God already at work in my neighborhood? In my city? Where can I join with Him?

Then discover the Gospel in your own life. In other words: Whether at home, or at work, or at the store, where can I help people of all ages intersect life and the love of Jesus?

Once you’ve answered the questions above, go and be the Good News to someone.

June 1, 2009

The Tangible Kingdom [3.3]

Something to think about…

How might your life change if you took the Gospel more seriously?  For me, I might not focus on my own life so much.  I might even look for opportunities everyday to intersect in people’s lives.

May 31, 2009

The Tangible Kingdom [3.2]

If it’s true that Jesus is the Word who became flesh…And if it’s true that the Gospel is more than words…Then the Gospel is God’s Word (Jesus) active in our lives.

May 30, 2009

The Tangible Kingdom [3.1]

Gospel. What a simple, yet powerful word. The definition of the word Gospel is “Good News.”

Have you received any good news recently?

Some feel that the Gospel has lost its place in everyday life, that it’s no longer informing most of our basic life issues. I would have to agree.

I’m afraid it might be true that we often end up shrinking the concept of the Gospel down to a small set of beliefs or doctrines that have no practical effect on our daily lives, while at the same time neglecting to live out the greater story – HIS story.

Try thinking of it this way…

The Gospel is Good News. Good News about what? Good News about who? The Gospel is the Good News of Jesus. And when does the Gospel take hold? When Jesus intersects with our life. When HIS story becomes our story.

Imagine what could change if the Good News of Jesus was allowed to shape and inform all the areas of our lives.

May 29, 2009

The Tangible Kingdom [2.7]

Psalm 22.

King David penned it.

Jesus spoke it.

From the cross Jesus cried out.

“My God, my God, why have You abandoned me? Why are You so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to You, my God, but You do not answer. Every night You hear My voice, but I find no relief” (Psalm 22:1-2).

Ever feel that way?

Like you’re all alone?

Like there’s no one to listen?

No one who cares?

Yet.

“Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our ancestors trusted in You, and You rescued them. They cried out to You and were saved. They trusted in You and were never disgraced” (Psalm 22:3-5).

No matter what you’ve done.

No matter what you’ve left undone.

No matter how alone you might feel.

God in near to you.

He’s waiting.

He’s listening.

He cares for you.

Just consider how He sent His one and only Son to die for you.

Trust Him.

He won’t disappoint you.

May 28, 2009

The Tangible Kingdom [2.6]

Most God-moments (I like to call them “God things”) are unexpected and occur along the way to someplace else. But when we begin to look for God’s fingerprints in our day and in every relationship, in every coffee shop, in every conversation we have with our neighbor, there’s a good chance we will begin to see God’s incarnational (in the flesh) presence.

Where is God at work around you? Where can you partner with Him?

May 27, 2009

The Tangible Kingdom [2.5]

Something to think about…

How can you live a life of “whimsical holiness,” that is, holding to the values of following Christ while fostering an atmosphere of non-judgment and acceptance?

May 26, 2009

The Tangible Kingdom [2.4]

Imagine if everyone everywhere loved God with all their heart, soul, and mind; and loved others as themselves. Imagine what the world would be like.

May 25, 2009

The Tangible Kingdom [2.3]

Jesus came to be involved in all our lives. To speak on our behalf. To be the voice for those who don’t have one. “That is why He is the One who meditates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them” (Hebrews 9:15).

A word that seems to describe Jesus’ role is advocate. By definition an advocate is one who looks past the outward behavior, vices, sin, frailty, brokenness, and confusion of a person. Instead an advocate focuses on winning a person’s trust, friendship, and loyalty.

The more I thought about it I came to realize that we’re typically friends with people who are “like us,” that is they have shared interests, morals, values, etc. But an advocate looks out for the interests of those who may or may not be our friend. In other words: an advocate is willing to love even the loveless.

Who have you been called to be an advocate for?

May 24, 2009

The Tangible Kingdom [2.2]

Have you ever thought about how many times God shows up “on the way”? It’s so true how we expect God to show up during our “spiritual times.” Like during worship, or prayer, or study of the Bible. Now that’s not to say that God doesn’t show up at these times. He does. But He also shows up when we are “on the way,” that is to say, when we are busy living life.

John 4:4-7 says: “He (Jesus) had to go through Samaria ‘on the way.’ Eventually He came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, ‘Please give Me a drink.’”

The Gospels have numerous stories of Jesus’ “along the way” moments. Like turning water into wine for His first miracle at a wedding celebration of all places. Talking after hours with a Pharisee name Nicodemus. Healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law when stopping by for a visit. Calling His first disciples while taking a boat ride. Raising a man from the dead after running into a funeral procession. Feeding 5,000 people on the side of a remote hill. And even healing the lepers no one else wanted anything to do with.

All of these moments in Jesus’ life happened, not in the Temple or the Synagogue, but “along the way.” Think about that. Now just who might Jesus have in mind for you to impact with the Gospel “along the way” today? Are you ready?