Core Concepts 8: Be All In
We must come to terms with the reality that there is no hierarchy of Christian discipleship, no acceptable “levels” of commitment. From day one, being a disciple of Christ has been an all-in, all-or-nothing proposition. A call to completely give up the life we have planned so as to have the life awaiting us. Of course, there have always been …
Read MoreCore Concepts 7: Start Small, Dream Big
A “just life” is one that refuses to neglect even the smallest act of compassion (to suffer with) while being willing to be incarnate in the development of others (loving your neighbor as yourself) while relentlessly pursuing the most revolutionary structural change (the redemption of fallen systems):
Read MoreCore Concepts 6: Uniquely Called
Being transformed and being a part of a transformational community requires a commitment to spiritual discipline and to being stewards of the unique calling God has placed on each of our lives. Loving God and loving others with all our heart, soul and strength means that every area of our lives must be seen belonging to Christ and His Kingdom.
Read MoreCore Concepts 5: Follow Christ’s Lead
Where do we begin? Our character begins to follow Christ’s lead as we interact with people through love. His lead is incarnate. This means we are to live among and rub shoulders with those who need us. We can’t love at a distance. You cannot commute to a calling. We too must become “incarnational.” This is the essence of living …
Read MoreCore Concepts 4: Dying to Self
There is no getting around it: All of history, every bit of data, the best modern technology and methodology has to offer conclude the exact same thing. There will never be a way to simply “add justice” to your already good life – no seven easy steps to a life of love and justice, no box to check on the …
Read MoreCore Concepts 3: Be Agents of Change
God is at work in the world reclaiming his beloved creation (Colossians 1:15-20) : Through Christ we are called to participate in the “in-breaking” of His amazing Kingdom here and now. We must first be reconciled to God and the way we engage others also must be transformed. Accordingly, we are to be active partners with God in reconciling mankind …
Read MoreCore Concepts 2: God’s heart for justice
What does the Bible say about God’s call for lives of love and justice from His people? Scripture speaks very clearly: There are hundreds of verses that speak of God’s heart for justice, and of course there are over 2000 verses on poverty alone. Not to mention what the bible says about wealth and self-sacrifice. Read the scripture lists here. …
Read MoreCore Concepts 1: Lives of love and justice
What is God’s plan for all of the injustice in the world? We are – We have been uniquely prepared, uniquely placed, and uniquely empowered as agents of change for such a time as this. Gary Haugen, founder of International Justice Mission, says it well: “…when it comes to seeking justice for the hurting in our world, God doesn’t have …
Read MoreDoing Justice, Loving Mercy, Walking Humbly
After seeing Chuck Colson speak at Moody’s Founder’s Week last night it reminded me of an old article of his that I keep on file and think all should read… Doing Justice, Loving Mercy, Walking Humbly
Read MoreWe’re All In This Together
THE I HEART REVOLUTION is a movement of people seeking to help people, showing God’s love in a practical way with no strings attached. In 2009, Hillsong United will globally release ‘We’re All in This Together,’ a feature-length documentary. It will tell some of these stories, illustrating the inseparable union of worship and justice – aimed at inspiring people to …
Read MoreAdvent Words 4: He has performed mighty deeds – A modest proposal
Andrew Arndt, a pastor, writer, husband, father, friend, and one of my favorite theologians has shared some characteristically beautiful thoughts on Advent:
Read MoreHands and Feet
Matt Chandler of the Village Church in Dallas Texas recently gave an outstanding message on what it might look like to be the hands and feet of Jesus – complete with a solid theological foundation and practical application for his community’s specific opportunities to live lives of love and justice. You can link to the podcast here: www.thevillagechurch.net/podcast/index.html Or read …
Read MoreLocal meet-up groups
The Just Life will resume local monthly meetings beginning at Park Community Church in Chicago. Live in a different city? Go to a different church? Great! Start up The Just Life at your church and build into the common conversation here. Under the meet-up category you can stay updated on the conversation and add to dialog through commenting. Meeting notes …
Read MoreJustice and the Bible
(From Grace at the Table: Ending Hunger in God’s World, by David Beckmann and Art Simon. Published by Paulist Press and InterVarsity Press.) Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? If you offer your food …
Read MoreChicago Declaration of Evangelical Social Concern
Chicago Declaration of Evangelical Social Concern (1973) As evangelical Christians committed to the Lord Jesus Christ and the full authority of the Word of God, we affirm that God lays total claim upon the lives of his people. We cannot, therefore, separate our lives from the situation in which God has placed us in the United States and the world.
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