I appreciate this post. I do find it unfortunate though, that it starts off by trying to say that this is not a political action. I agree whole-heartedly that working for justice for all, and fighting racism, is a biblical position. However, many of the suggestions given to work toward becoming a church of reconciliation and justice are political. It's not a bad thing for it to be political. They are religious and political, let's own that and not hide from it in fear of potential backlash.
Thank you for a reminder to have the same attitude as Christ as we interact with each other. How we are together matters, not just what we discuss together.
Pride and contempt of each other and our interpretations of God’s Word does not honour God. As you have all mentioned, God is love. And Paul has taught us that love is patient, and kind. It does not envy or boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
Paul also tells us that where there is knowledge, it will pass away. We know in part, but someday completeness will arrive and the partial will pass away. I look forward to that day. But in the meantime, I hope that we can speak with each other out of humility and in love, so we don’t end up as clanging cymbals, or nothing.
We're a relatively small congregation here at Good News and my understanding is that we use an excel sheet - definitely a good next step from the cards. I'm sure some programs could be helpful, but excel's not a bad option, in my opinion. Blessings on your ministry at Lakeview!
Thank you for this, Brian. We worked through the book of Lamentations together during Advent this year. Spending such intentional time with and in lament together was very powerful. A much-needed practice in today's world, for so many reasons. Thanks for sharing these prayers with us. - Lynette
At Good News in London we're doing Suffering & Shalom, a series on Lamentations, ending with Isaiah 40 & John 1 for Christmas Eve & the (Sun)day after Christmas.
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I appreciate this post. I do find it unfortunate though, that it starts off by trying to say that this is not a political action. I agree whole-heartedly that working for justice for all, and fighting racism, is a biblical position. However, many of the suggestions given to work toward becoming a church of reconciliation and justice are political. It's not a bad thing for it to be political. They are religious and political, let's own that and not hide from it in fear of potential backlash.
Posted in: Talking About Human Sexuality With Love
Thank you for a reminder to have the same attitude as Christ as we interact with each other. How we are together matters, not just what we discuss together.
Pride and contempt of each other and our interpretations of God’s Word does not honour God. As you have all mentioned, God is love. And Paul has taught us that love is patient, and kind. It does not envy or boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
Paul also tells us that where there is knowledge, it will pass away. We know in part, but someday completeness will arrive and the partial will pass away. I look forward to that day. But in the meantime, I hope that we can speak with each other out of humility and in love, so we don’t end up as clanging cymbals, or nothing.
Posted in: Track Church Membership Using Excel?
Hi Josh,
We're a relatively small congregation here at Good News and my understanding is that we use an excel sheet - definitely a good next step from the cards. I'm sure some programs could be helpful, but excel's not a bad option, in my opinion. Blessings on your ministry at Lakeview!
- Lynette
Posted in: Prayers of Lament for Congregational Use
Thank you for this, Brian. We worked through the book of Lamentations together during Advent this year. Spending such intentional time with and in lament together was very powerful. A much-needed practice in today's world, for so many reasons. Thanks for sharing these prayers with us. - Lynette
Posted in: Current Sermon Series?
At Good News in London we're doing Suffering & Shalom, a series on Lamentations, ending with Isaiah 40 & John 1 for Christmas Eve & the (Sun)day after Christmas.