Separation Of Church And Hate
Become like us and then you can join us.
We were making a point but we weren't really making a difference.
In the Gospels we find the picture of how to bring about cultural change:
*They constantly leaned relationally in the direction of those they disagreed with the most.
*They were constantly at odds with the religious right.
*They were constantly butting heads yet they agreed on just about everything.
*They were not concerned about guilt by association.
*They didn't judge non-believers for behaving like non-believers.
You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14a NLT
Like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14b NLT
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:15 NLT
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16 NLT
I (Jesus) want you to live your life in such a way that you make a point by making a difference.
Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. Matthew 5:17 NLT
You will be "attractional."
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders. Colossians 4:5a NIV
Make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5b NIV
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6 NIV
We've had conversation full of salt, sprinkled with a little grace.
How we make a difference:
*We’re not going to fear guilt by association.
*We’re not going to police the behavior of people who don’t believe what we believe.
*We’re going to talk about political and cultural issues that interface with Biblical teaching.
*We’re going to walk toward the messes.
*We’re not always going to get this right.
The mission of the church is that the world would know that God has done something in the world.