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RESTORING THE FAITH

RESTORING THE FAITH. In six easy stepS Thoughts inspired by Gabe Lyons’ book The Next Christians. #1. BE PROVOKED. Not offended. “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” —John 3:17.

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RESTORING THE FAITH

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  1. RESTORING THE FAITH In six easy stepS Thoughts inspired by Gabe Lyons’ book The Next Christians

  2. #1. BE PROVOKED Not offended. “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” —John 3:17

  3. (BE PROVOKED) To offer grace. Meet people where they are, because everyone’s spiritual journey looks different.

  4. (BE PROVOKED) To be courageous. Ministry is comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. Including ourselves—like going on a mission trip.

  5. (BE PROVOKED) To act faithfully. Our actions must not be affected by what other people think. The darkest places are most desperate for the light of God.

  6. #2. BE CREATORS Not critics. Motivation is not doing the most good for the most people, it is doing the most good for all people.

  7. (BE CREATORS) Celebrate beauty. Like nature, art, music, poetry, and photography. Because it brings us out of ourselves and points us to God.

  8. (BE CREATORS) Affirm goodness. Why? Because all people were made in the image of God. It changes the way we look at one another.

  9. (BE CREATORS) Tell the truth. It rallies people for the right things. Methodism opposed slavery from the beginning. Currently opposes gambling.

  10. #3. BE CALLED Not employed. The next Christians see their occupation as part of God’s work.

  11. (BE CALLED) Who? God calls everyone to be where their talent and passion come together.

  12. (BE CALLED) How? The Church is the only institution that regularly convenes people from all walks of culture on a weekly basis.

  13. (BE CALLED) Why? To get back out there and positively effect change in society.

  14. #4. BE GROUNDED Not distracted. Worship gives us a break from a hyperactive culture so God can restore us.

  15. (BE GROUNDED) Immerse yourself in scripture. Understanding it is difficult, but next Christians are making time for it.

  16. (BE GROUNDED) Choose embodiment to communicate. Face-to face lets us be fully present. Voice-to-voice only if necessary. Screen-to-screen at last resort.

  17. (BE GROUNDED) Pray. It requires intentionality and commitment to be reminded who is at the center of our life and faith.

  18. #5. BE IN COMMUNITY Not alone. “It is not good that people should be alone.”—Genesis 2:18.

  19. (BE IN COMMUNITY) Happens in small groups. This is where people can be vulnerable in a safe setting, share hopes, and find caring honesty.

  20. (BE IN COMMUNITY) Network with the larger community. This is how we begin restoring the world.

  21. (BE IN COMMUNITY) Churches are identified by the type of people they produce. It takes renewed people to restore the world.

  22. #6. BE COUNTERCULTURAL Not relevant. That turns the church into cultural followers.

  23. (BE COUNTERCULTURAL) Lead by fighting for the world. Rather than fighting against culture. We are salt (Matt. 5:13). Salt must be attached to something to preserve it.

  24. (BE COUNTERCULTURAL) Lead by pursuing an inverted lifestyle. First shall be last. Weak shall be strong. Merciful shall receive mercy.

  25. (BE COUNTERCULTURAL) Lead by becoming the hands and feet of Christ today. Why? Actions speak louder than words.

  26. Why? What the soul is in the body, Christians are in the world.

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