|
|
GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
ISSUE #186 JULY 02, 2001
RADICAL DREAMS
I had a strange dream last night. As I walked the streets of the city, people of all races and socio-economic background greeted one another as friends. You had to stand outside of the churches at worship time, because all the seats were filled.
Flamboyant Pentecostals worshiped with quiet members of the frozen chosen. Catholics worshipped with Orthodox and Protestants. Adventists worshipped with Baptists. It didn’t seem to matter as long as Jesus was the focus.
I grew curious and watched the community. The Christians got together and went out and simply met the needs of the community. They fed the hungry, gave shelter to the homeless. They gave rides to people who needed transportation, baby-sat for those who needed child care and visited the lonely.
Then they did something really radical, they told others about their faith in non-judgmental ways and explained why people needed to know Jesus. They invited everyone they met to come to worship. They prayed, with everyone who needed prayer and for everyone.
In short, they simply went around doing what Jesus had told us all to do.
There was no shortage of money because each gave willingly of what he/she had. There were plenty of willing hands, because each person served as they were gifted.
It didn’t need special denominational approval to be “ecumenical”, it just happened because people wanted to serve as Christians. It didn’t need a special program to get it going, each person was simply obedient to the Word.
I almost hated to wake up.
It’s not a new vision by any means. Nor is it unique.
Fourth century Christian monk and preacher John Chrysostom believed that the most effective means of converting non-believers was the example of true Christian living. According to Chrysostom, “There would be no more heathen if we would be true Christians.”
Jesus encapsulated it this way:
"Then the King will say to those on his right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, `Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 15:34-40 NIV
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 18:18-20 NIV
True Christian faith is neither complacent or dull. It is radical, transforming and irresistible.
Until next time, may you be transformed into a radical, living example of the love of Jesus.
God bless.
Kevin
If you are looking for a religion, there are lots out there. If you are looking to transform the world and be transformed yourself, look to Christ.
True Christianity is about a relationship with Jesus not a religion.
If you want the real deal, email me, I’ll share a few Bible verses about why a relationship with Jesus is important and a prayer that will make it possible. That will be the beginning of a journey that will have eternal impact.
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved