I remain sufficiently vague here but the character limit here is sometimes not the most convenient way to conclude a thought (or perhaps we are to be our own zip drive). Ok enough said I'll zip my lip on that subject...
What I wanted to say in full on the final sentence in the last post was that the church needs not to be too focused on social issues but also not too removed from them either. There is no reason why we have to divorce the Gospel when focusing on issues; in light of Christ's clear emphasis of them on the Sermon on the Mount. The world needs to see us living out the truth of the Word and not just conveniently fitting the mold so that there is any justification to us being singled out as hypocrites or hateful people.
Maybe I should have titled this as one of Satan's strengths; as it seems we are all afraid to "offend" anyone. The Gospel is an offence as we read in 1 Peter 2:8 - "And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." With this and other supporting scriptures let's dispel any lingering thoughts to the contrary. What offends people should NOT be abrasive speech; as that is not what brings us to the Lord but His love constrains us ( 2 Cor. 5:14). Love and concern for others can be associated with a certain moral compass even if few represent Him properly in this manner. So in one sense we should commit to going out of our way to help people with volunteer efforts; although impromptu ones or routine ones with our own personal contacts is likely to bear more fruit. But we can't let that be the end all. Being knowledgeable as to the agendas of a particular organization is best found in sites such as Charity Navigator. This situation takes wisdom as we can work with people in certain churches and organizations but not commit to membership; for instance.
I remain sufficiently vague here but the character limit here is sometimes not the most convenient way to conclude a thought (or perhaps we are to be our own zip drive). Ok enough said I'll zip my lip on that subject...
What I wanted to say in full on the final sentence in the last post was that the church needs not to be too focused on social issues but also not too removed from them either. There is no reason why we have to divorce the Gospel when focusing on issues; in light of Christ's clear emphasis of them on the Sermon on the Mount. The world needs to see us living out the truth of the Word and not just conveniently fitting the mold so that there is any justification to us being singled out as hypocrites or hateful people.
Maybe I should have titled this as one of Satan's strengths; as it seems we are all afraid to "offend" anyone. The Gospel is an offence as we read in 1 Peter 2:8 - "And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." With this and other supporting scriptures let's dispel any lingering thoughts to the contrary. What offends people should NOT be abrasive speech; as that is not what brings us to the Lord but His love constrains us ( 2 Cor. 5:14). Love and concern for others can be associated with a certain moral compass even if few represent Him properly in this manner. So in one sense we should commit to going out of our way to help people with volunteer efforts; although impromptu ones or routine ones with our own personal contacts is likely to bear more fruit. But we can't let that be the end all. Being knowledgeable as to the agendas of a particular organization is best found in sites such as Charity Navigator. This situation takes wisdom as we can work with people in certain churches and organizations but not commit to membership; for instance.
Again keep Matthew 10:16 in mind.
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