Dear Friends,

Wisdom into navigating the many cultures and subcultures of this world is desperately needed.

Jesus said;   Matthew 10:16  “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.

I suppose this makes it clear we are never going to fit anywhere if we are truly one of his sheep.

This Sunday we will explore how we live in this world without being of the world.

How can we keep from being pulled into the anger hate and alienation of this world’s fallen powers? This can be scary because we all want a  side to back us up in life. There is a sense of safety when you are in the club, party or sect. Jesus calls us to have one absolute allegiance that is Himself and His agenda. This love for the world Jesus expressed was met with hate by those who were worldly.

Luke 15:2  Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Learning to love the world like Jesus as we live in this world is everything. Learning how to live in this world without loving its sinful allegiance, arrogance and authority is really tricky.

We need clear eyes and brave hearts to be in the world but not of it.  Let’s learn how we can help each other do this as we gather Sunday.

I can’t wait to see you.

Joe

 

Preparing for Sunday, November 17, 2019

In Christ- Week  7

            Please consider and discuss the following scriptures and questions.

 

1 Corinthians 5:9-10  I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10  I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.

John 17:15-18  “I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16  “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17  “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18  “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

 

 

How are we not of this world as Jesus is not of this world?

 

 

 

How is can we love the world in a good way?

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

 

 

In what way can you love the world in an evil way?

1 John 2:15-17  Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father but is from the world. 17  The world is passing away, and also its lusts, but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

 

 

What does it mean to be worldly according to 1 John 2: 15-16?

 

 

Why is being different[not of the world}  in the world so important?

Philippians 2:14-15  Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15  so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.