In the World but not of it!
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God's Kingdom “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36 |
The world "...the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." 1 John 5:19 |
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| Ruler |
The sovereign King of the universe, our Lord! |
Worldly leaders - managing according to the world's ways. |
| Citizens |
Believers "born again" into His Kingdom, obeying the King. |
Born physically into the world and swayed to it. |
| Their view of the King |
Lord of heaven and earth -- Shepherd of His people who know and follow Him. |
A good teacher, ideal model, a Cosmic Force, universal Love, an old man in the sky... |
| Moral law or standard - |
His eternal, unchanging Word. |
Personal feelings about right and wrong, group consensus, the Tao... |
| Basis for Salvation |
Faith in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on the cross |
Good deeds and works. The death of Jesus may be mentioned but not understood. |
| Dealing with sin |
Conviction by the Holy Spirit leads to confession and genuine repentance -- then cleansing from sin by His blood and freedom from bondage to sin through the cross. "Blessed are the poor in Spirit." Matt 6:3 |
Shame and remorse when caught in sin. Confession but not genuine repentance. Try harder to be good. |
| Result |
"Unconscious holiness" -- focused on God, not self. Freedom form guilt. Praise to God! |
Feel good about yourself. Forgive yourself. Conscious self-esteem. |
| Demonstration of new life |
Love for God and His Word, commitment to follow His ways. Loving service, first to the needy within the Body of Christ. |
Spiritual group experience (as in "conversion to Buddhism, Islam, etc.), group approval, self-affirmation, joint service to diverse groups. |
| Others see |
God in and through us. They seek Him, not us. |
Human achievement, not God's sovereign might. They look to human guides, not the Holy Spirit. |
| Seek |
"...seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Mt 6:33 |
Personal fulfillment, mystical experiences, exciting relationships, money, food... |
| Spiritual growth |
Feed on His Word, obey it, endure suffering. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess 5:16-18 |
Spiritual formation: group dialogue, prescribed discipline, walking the labyrinth, contemplative prayer.... |
| Hope |
In Christ -- for all eternity! |
In personal success, group progress, a better world. |
Note: To understand the battle we face -- both in the church and the world -- please read:
Reinventing the World - Part 1 and Part 2: The Mind-Changing Process