So last night at True we continued investigating the Shift that needs to take place in our hearts and minds as we continue on this journey of embracing and understanding the Kingdom of God and the heart of Jesus. As usual Steven didn't give us the answers but instead provoked us in our thinking and challenged us to allow our theology to enter into the bigger story, the true theology of God's Kingdom.
The Shift
Changing the way we think is often more difficult than changing the way we act, but when we change the way we think, we begin to act differently.
It's not where you live but how you live!
2 comments:
I have been challenged lately about my finances. We talk about the poverty in the world but we largely ignore the solution. Acts 4:32-35 "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No-one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need". Did you catch the key line??? THERE WERE NO NEEDY PERSONS AMONG THEM!!!! If that is not a challenge the the western church then I don't know what is. And believe me I am wrestling with God over this and in wrestling terms I am definately up against 'Big Daddy'! Can we honestly say we have a heart for the poor and give to them out of our abundance? Can we wear the lest fashion when 30,000 children died today because of their poverty? When we eat out at fancy restaurants to we discuss the 400 million children who have no access to safe water. In 1998 £5.5 Billion was spent on ice cream alone! 1John 3:17 "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him"? If we as Christians do not act on the hard line challenges that are put before us then how can we be effective. I try to save money each month and each time I think about that I am hit with the verse Mat 6:19-12“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves trasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal". then i think...yea I know that but I have to plan for the future as well, then Im hit with the verse Mat 6:25 & 34 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes"? ... "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own". So In the red corner its Stephen McIntyre and in the blue corner its Big Daddy....I think there might be more than my hip out of joint at the end of this wrestling match.
great thoughts stephen....thanks for the challenge....
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