The life that we are offered in Jesus is a transformed life. Sometimes this transformation looks like moving from darkness to light, at other times it looks like moving from glory to glory, but continual growth, progress, and increase is the constant dynamic of the Christian life. And the greatest transformation doesn't come about through an analysis of our shortcomings, but through a vision of the nature and character of God.
Read MoreWhen the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, he demonstrated to them a way of praying that was to paradigmatic of all Christian prayer - what we know as "The Lord's Prayer" or the "Our Father." Right in the middle of this prayer we find the words, "On earth as it is in heaven,” words which would serve as a measuring stick and guide for what his disciples were called to pursue.
Read MoreLunch with a friend changed everything for me. Ever since, the Kingdom has become the singular focus of attention for me. It has shifted the way I think about my relationship with God, the way I pray, the way I make decisions, and the way I approach ministry. If you are at all plugged in with the broader currents of Christianity in the U.S. (even if it's just the latest worship music) you have likely noticed an up-tick in how frequently the word "Kingdom" shows up. It's not a fad, it's what Jesus proclaimed. It's a big deal.
Read MoreIn my last post, I talked about developing a covenant mentality towards all, one where we more and more reflect the nature of a God who has the unique capacity to maintain actual covenant with an unlimited number of beings. But it's difficult to get a handle on what a covenant mentality really looks like in practice. If it's not going to be a vague, general sense of well-wishing for others we have to put a little more definition to it.
Read MoreThe heart of covenant is commitment to a person. It means favoring one person over another in a way that is perfectly acceptable and good. A father favors his own children over others' children in the investment of his time, attention, and resources. A husband likewise favors the relationship with his wife over other, secondary commitments. This favoring is necessary because of the limitations of our humanity.
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