In the first two parts
of “Christoformity” we talked about the follower of Jesus’ orientation toward
God and the community of believers. In Part III we will talk about our
relationship to the unbelieving world, which is our ‘witness’ and our ‘love of
neighbor.’
Monday, February 3, 2020
Monday, January 27, 2020
Romans 12:3-8 “Christoformity: Part II”
This week we continue
talking about what it looks like to look like Christ: Christoformity. We move
from the necessity of our being oriented toward God to the need to be oriented
toward the Body of Christ, which is the family of followers of Jesus. Within this
community we use our gifts for building one another up, making room for our
differences and providing a seat at the table for those who do not have power
or privilege.
Monday, January 20, 2020
Romans 12:1-2 “Christoformity: Part 1”
The last couple of
weeks Paul has shown how Power and Privilege are not something to be held unto
among followers of Jesus. Instead, if we have any power or privilege, we are to
use it to make space for those who do not. This is a big part of what it means
to be ‘conformed’ to the likeness of Christ, or Christoformity. Jesus, as our
example, teaches us to first orient ourselves toward God. That is, to live our
lives with seeking God and his Way as our goal. That is what we’ll be
discussing this week as we talk about living lives of sacrifice and prayer.
Monday, January 13, 2020
Romans 14:1-13 [14-15:13] “Powerful vs Unempowered”
In this week’s
passage, Paul deals with a couple of issues that were causing division within
the church located in Rome. He describes two sides as “Weak vs Strong.” These
two sides had different convictions when it came to living out their theology.
One of these group had more power than the other, while both were in the wrong.
Paul tells both to live out their convictions without forcing others to imitate
them, but he puts more responsibility on those who have more power. In the end,
this is a lesson in not judging others and entrusting the lives of others to
God.
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Romans 16:1-6 (7-16) "Reading Romans Backwards"
We are beginning a
new series this week called “Reading Romans Backwards.” In these first verses
from Romans 16, where we will begin our series, Paul is breaking down assumptions
of Privilege and Power that were so taken for granted in the first century
world. Unexpected people are leaders in the early church, but they too are
equals and all are considered ‘siblings’ in this community. Each person must
set aside aspects of their old identities in order to embrace their new
identity as one people “In Christ.”
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Isaiah 63:7-9 “They Will be Called Children of God”
-Christmastide, the
twelve days of Christmas, begins with Christmas Day. On this first Sunday after
Christmas Day, we celebrate the “Holy Family.” In this passage from Isaiah,
we’re reminded that not only is Jesus God’s Son, but through Christ we’ve been
adopted as God’s Children. God is a Parent who brings us life and liberation
from the oppression of sin and brokenness, allowing us to take our first breath
in His new world.
Monday, December 23, 2019
Isaiah 7:10-16 “A Sign”
This Sunday we will
focus on the gift of God sending his Son in the world as a Sign of His love and
the hope of redemption!
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