Separation Of Church And Hate

Become like us and then you can join us.

We were making a point but we weren't really making a difference.

In the Gospels we find the picture of how to bring about cultural change:

*They constantly leaned relationally in the direction of those they disagreed with the most.

*They were constantly at odds with the religious right.

*They were constantly butting heads yet they agreed on just about everything.  

*They were not concerned about guilt by association.

*They didn't judge non-believers for behaving like non-believers.

You are the light of the world.  Matthew 5:14a NLT

Like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  Matthew 5:14b NLT

No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  Matthew 5:15 NLT

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.  Matthew 5:16 NLT

I (Jesus) want you to live your life in such a way that you make a point by making a difference.

Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.  Matthew 5:17 NLT

You will be "attractional."

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders.   Colossians 4:5a NIV

Make the most of every opportunity.   Colossians 4:5b NIV

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.  Colossians 4:6 NIV

We've had conversation full of salt, sprinkled with a little grace.

How we make a difference:

*We’re not going to fear guilt by association.

*We’re not going to police the behavior of people who don’t believe what we believe.

*We’re going to talk about political and cultural issues that interface with Biblical teaching.

*We’re going to walk toward the messes.

*We’re not always going to get this right.

The mission of the church is that the world would know that God has done something in the world.