Core 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 MoreFlooding in Fargo: World Vision sending supplies and staff to help affected families
Amid historic flooding in Fargo, North Dakota, Christian relief organization World Vision is dispatching an initial truckload of emergency supplies and sending staff to assess the needs of affected families.
Core 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 MoreFour Characteristics of Externally Focused Churches
By Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson One of the key elements of Church Volunteer Central’s foundational theology is that every believer should be serving in ministry. But let’s face it- you can only use so many Sunday school teachers, children’s workers, and greeters. If every single believer is going to be in ministry, how are leaders supposed to find things …
Read MoreWhy they called us Christians
Have you ever given much thought to why we are called “Christians?” The early church never called themselves Christians. Jesus never gave a name to his followers. In the Bible the title most often used was “saints.”[1] The Greek word for saints is “hagios” which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious.” It is almost always used in the plural, …
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 When we spread the Good News, are we telling only half of the story? by Charles Colson, May 1991 “Now that I’ve decided to …
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: Among the most beautiful Advent words are the words of Mary after being visited by Elizabeth, historically known as the Magnificat: 46And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for …
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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