watershed: a community church

For a couple of weeks now we've been wrestling with some big questions - about God, about our world. As a follower of Jesus I am convinced that what I believe about what God is like and how this world works play a crucial role in how I live my life and understand my faith. God is doing something in our world, and he invites you and me to discover our place in the story. But it seems that there are a lot of different ideas floating around out there about what the means.

So this week we're going to wrestle with those ideas...and explore what the Bible has to say about them. A few topics to consider: God, Jesus, salvation, sin, judgment, heaven, hell, who's in, who's out, good news for who?, the gospel, following Jesus, being born again.

 

It's been great to have so many of people coming with thoughts on these topics, and searching the scriptures for direction. I look forward to hearing what you've discovered this week. If you'd like to help us get the conversation going ahead of time, please offer your comments below.

 

"The angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" -Luke 2:10

Who would have thought that the Glory of God would be delivered into poverty and dirt?! The Son of God belonged in a palace, on a throne - certainly anywhere but a stable. Jesus entered this world vulnerable and with no material glory. The blue-collared shepherds were the first to see respond to t the good news of Jesus' birth.

Throughout Jesus' life, he is constantly challenging the powerful and indentifying with the weak and poor. The political and religious leaders were consistently angered by Jesus' words and actions, but it was always good news for the poor - the broken, the discouraged, the sick and homeless. His message was always full of hope and healing for those in need.

How are we poor? If not financially, where are we most aware of our need? Are we poor in spirit - recognizing our need for God's love and grace and humbled by our unworthiness of God's good gifts to us? The comfortable and successful have little need for a Savior. How might we submit ourselves to this love, realizing that it is more powerful than our personal kingdoms, our wish lists, our careers and families? How might we submit to this love that can alone bring light and life to someone else? Jesus is building a Kingdom, and love is a key the city.

The coming of Christ remains good news, an act of love. He is still the wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Where have you witnessed the good news of Jesus in your life?

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 5:3

 

Portions adapted from "Peace is Here" by Jars of Clay.