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Explore the transformation process of Christians, addressing concerns of becoming a jerk and the role of rightness. Discuss various examples, such as Christian organizations, politics, and church wars, to understand why Christians seem too serious. Reflect on the tension between being of the world and following God's will. Examine the law, freedom, and the price of rightness, including judgment, strife, anger, and wars. Emphasize the importance of love, fellowship, and serving. Highlight the nuances of life and the power of chosen beliefs. Advocate for spreading light, freedom, and love, as exemplified by Jesus' handling of brokenness.
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Rightness Leads to Darkness Recognizing our Brokenness to Heal the World
Christian = Jerk? • Afraid of becoming a Christian because he did not want to become a jerk • The transformation process… enter the darkness… of having to be right (campus ministry)
A Couple Examples • Christian organizations (CCDA, CCHF, others) • Politics and Christianity • Church Wars
Why So Serious? • Beliefs nested in our identity – foundation stone • Confirmation of our eternal destiny • Fear what we do not understand • Don’t even know why
Are We (too much) of the World? I John 2: 15-17 • 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[d] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
The Law and Freedom • What is “being of the world” exactly? • We need some laws, …right??? (traffic chaos) • But laws also creates accountability (medical lawsuits) • The Grace Factor
The Price of Rightness • Let the judging begin • Strife, Confusion • Anger and hostility • License to Kill, 007 style • Wars in Jesus Name • Justified Genocide
Are We (too much) of the World? I John 2: 9-11 • 9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister[b] is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister[c] lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.
Why are We Here? • Human interaction • Helping and Serving • Fellowship • Support and Encouragement • Working to reach goals together • Creating • Singing together • Learning from each other
Qualia – Nuances of Life • Taste of Chocolate • Smell of the Ocean • Hug from a Child • Opening a present • Others?
We Have Chosen to Believe • We cannot claim absolute rightness, but we can establish what we believe and act on those beliefs in a loving, positive, productive, way
Spread Light, Freedom, & Love • “Darkness cannot cast out darkness, hate cannot cast out hate, only love can do that” MLK Jr • Rightness cannot cast out rightness, fear cannot cast out fear, only faith can do that. • The substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen
How Jesus Handled Brokenness • Love, love, love, love, crazy love • Grace for those that fell short • Mercy for those that were not whole • Healing for those that were sick • Rebuke for those that were know-it-alls • Patience for those that lacked faith • Forgiveness for those that needed redemption • Food for those that were hungry • Prayer for everyone