hi.
so many of us have this clear sense that we want to do something with our lives. we want to share the hope found within us. we want to be overflowing with life. we want to serve.
we have this sense that we were supposed to do something that matters…we want to see people come to healing…
we cant stomach the thought of the typical american life. we cant sleep in that bed. we want to see the nations rise up in praise, we want to see Gods love and justice reign, we want complete and perfect peace brought to the world.
we want all of this – but we don’t know if the message works in the depths of our own soul. we want to change the world but it seems this message of hope, love, and grace poured out is really not getting the job done in us. it isn’t the dominate reality in our own lives.
we want to talk about Jesus – but we need him for ourselves.
to address this I think many (myself included) need to be reminded about the nature of salvation: there is the work of the cross for us (jesus died for our sins) and then there is ongoing work of Christ IN US.
someone said to me once that the point of christianity is forgiveness... which is simply not true. some of us may have seen the fine morning star bumper sticker that reads “christians aren’t perfect – just forgiven.” IS THAT IT? is the core of Jesus teachings “hey you sins are gone?” as much as that is clearly at the center, is that it? is it simply the removal of sin?
in the scriptures to be a Christ follower was not just to be forgiven – but to be forgiven in order to be restored. God has wired you and in a unique way – passions, desires, and burdens for the world - a fully restored person. are we becoming the people we were originally intended to be?
the gospel is about you being pulled by God more and more into that person. it is a faith of restoration. you have been set free and called to a way of life. abundant life. life to the full. fully restored life
so how are we living?
in the scriptures Jesus was offering his followers the
when someone begins to realize that their worth is found in a God that loves them already, and then begins to pursue the healing of Jesus – every part of them is called out. the whole of their life
if we don’t dive into our brokenness and hurt it will stay with us - in and through everything, one way or another. so this revival, this passion to see the world changed, cannot begin unless communities of Jesus understand that it starts with the healing of your own soul. how can we see people come to the full knowledge of Jesus and be healed through us if we cant see that healing power in our own life?
when we start to take this healing seriously we begin to live inside of grace in unimaginable ways. it changes how we see, how we play, how we serve, and how we act.
if we truly are commissioned to bring heaven to earth – we must dig deep. revival will start when people begin to be honest with themselves, with roommates, with spouses, and with friends…when communities become safe, honest, intimate, and love-possessed places.
the revolution starts here.
love of God, possess me.
rule and set me free.
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