The term "politics" comes from the Greek word "polis," often translated as "city" but refers to the ways in which people live together, made decisions, and structure their lives. Christ called the Church the Body of Christ, and he taught a way of living together, making decisions, and structuring our lives to reveal the Kindom of God. Unfortunately, just as the word "evangelical" is believed by many to have been hijacked by society, so "politics" have been hijacked by concepts of party affiliation, rather than a common good that seeks good for all. The church is always political because God uses the church to shape lives and faith to reveal what it's like to live by Christ's witness, but it is never supposed to be partisan. We will look at how we might open our eyes, minds, and hearts to see and recognize where worldly influences and powers are intertwined with our own lives, and reflect on how in seeing them, Christ can reveal alternative perspectives and actions that move us beyond ourselves. To be shaped by love to be love, as what "John Howard Yoder calls "the Body Politic," that has been established to offer an alternative way of living that changes the world one person at a time.
click here to watch the choir sing and Pastor Josh's sermon (Facebook Live).
If you would like to dive deeper into the ways we can be in relationship with God and experience God’s grace, read through John Wesley’s sermon...
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is our spiritual act of worship.
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be...
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With...
As you reflect on the scripture this week, think on the following questions:
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As we journey out of the Christmastide, it is important to remember that Christ remains with us as strong as ever. His story that we have witnessed unfold over the past several weeks is our story...
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The author of I Witness: Living Inside the Stories of Advent and...
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The...
