Stewart 5

Tonight, we worshiped with people from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Unites States, and Canada. Our focus was on God’s Kingdom - sharing pictures, scripture, and song. In a very real sense, our time together was indeed a manifestation of God’s ways in action. It was beautiful.

One of the women from Zimbabwe prayed thanking God that we could gather in safety tonight - something that most of us take for granted.

I am reminded of how Jesus is the one who died to make us all free. May we remember him today as we celebrate our freedom.

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I’ve just come across the NET Bible translation.  Wondering if anyone has read/used this one and could offer some thoughts?  I like the idea of an open and free Bible translation.

It is mentioned and used in the Breviary (book of prayer) of Missio Dei - a missional, neo-monastic community I resonate with.  Amongst other things, they have the Jesus Manifesto site, probably one of my favorite daily reads right now.  I’ve just received the Breviary and am thinking of using it for morning and evening prayers.

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God, may you pour out your Spirit today in Zimbabwe like you did in Jerusalem all those years ago.

Freedom.  Power.  Fire.  Wind.  Gospel in every tongue. Kingdom coming.

We are your witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

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Would love for all of you to consider this - great opportunity to seek God’s Kingdom.  Please pass on the info as well…

The Pentecost Project is an experiment towards a more true and loving economy. Recently, the U.S. Congress passed an economic stimulus package that the President then signed. Beginning in May, most Americans will receive a rebate check that they are being encouraged to go out and spend in order to stimulate America’s sagging economy.

What if, instead of becoming greater consumers, we encouraged people to move towards an even better economy, an economy of abundance? What if, instead of accumulating more stuff, we encouraged people to give things away? What if, instead of the possibility of making a down payment and opening new credit, we encouraged people to pay down their debt?

Why the connection to Pentecost? On the day of Pentecost, after the Spirit descended on the apostles, and after Peter’s fiery preaching and the conversion of 3,000 people from all nations and races, the book of Acts goes on to tell us,

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47, NIV)

Later, in the 4th chapter, we learn,

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. (Acts 4:32-35, NIV)

In this Spirit, we undertake the Pentecost Project: invest in others, share possessions, reduce debt.

http://pentecostproject.wordpress.com/

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If you were to stop and REALLY think, how would you describe the Good News? What is it? What is it meant to accomplish? How? Try to move beyond the assumed Sunday school answers if possible.

I asked this question at a workshop I lead at the Amahoro conference last year. Would love to hear your ideas. Then, scroll down and I’ll give you Scot McKnights definition from Embracing Grace.

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The gospel is the work of God to restore humans to union with God and communion with others, in the context of community, for the good of others and the world.

McKnight explains and defines this throughout the bulk of his book (which I plan to write a few more posts on). How does that compare to your thoughts?

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Scot McKnight is starting a series on the relationship between the Kingdom of God and the Church.

I recommend you follow it.  Don’t know what he will say.  Don’t know if I will agree.  But this is a subject of extreme interest to me.  I am sure Scot will give it a good, round, historical treatment.  I would also guess it will be informative and inspiring.  Would love to heart what you think if you follow along too.

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