Dear GCI Family and Friends,
As followers of Christ, we are called to be in the world, but not of the world. This New Testament theme originated with Jesus sharing this clear teaching with his disciples the night of his arrest (John 15:19, 17:14-16).
Citizens of God’s kingdom are called to be present in our world and be different. But how can we be? The plainest way to say this is that believers can be active in society, but instead of being shaped by society’s values, we are being shaped by the growing relationship with Father, Son, and Spirit, reflecting God’s nature.
Jesus inaugurated and led a counter-culture movement. That always sounds appealing to the younger generation striving to find its voice and make its mark. Finding the path of following Jesus is our hope for the emerging generation.
In what ways was Jesus counter-cultural? Let us consider Jesus’ approach toward women, children, and non-Jews.
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Women
Jesus treated women as equals to men, which was revolutionary for the Judaic culture. Actively engaging women in conversation was radical for a Jewish rabbi. Then, to be in the company of a Samaritan woman and to hear her life story and to reveal himself as the Messiah was a crescendo of crescendos.
From Christ’s encounters with the sisters, Mary and Martha, we see how he valued their company, their hospitality, their friendship, and their worship. Jesus treated women with dignity and respect and valued their shared relationship.
Children
When the disciples were shooing children away, Jesus scolded them and conversely invited and welcomed the children. He took them in his arms and blessed them.
We see multiple examples in Scripture where Jesus was healing and protecting children. He elevated their worth when he said, “You must become like a child to enter the kingdom of God.” He was citing their willingness to believe, their excitement and curiosity that was untainted. It is my opinion that Jesus values the playful, joy-filled nature of a child. Jesus and his Church love kids!
Rather than becoming hard and cynical, Jesus desires that we all retain the awe and wonder of a child.
Non-Jews
Whether it was a Samaritan woman at a well or a Roman soldier whose child was ill, Jesus treated all people openly and with compassion and mercy. Being that Jesus is simultaneously human and divine; it does not escape him that all people are created in the image of God and should be respected as such.
In honoring the image of God in all people, Jesus willingly went to Calvary to die for all. In GCI, we like to say that ALL are included in the life and love of Jesus. Jesus is Savior of all and actively draws all people to himself.
Galatians 3:28 reverberates in our minds. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
The launch of the Church began on a Pentecost Sunday, and we celebrate its rich history. From then until now, the Church has been most impactful when it has treated others with the love and care of Jesus. Proclaiming the goodness of Jesus and demonstrating the flow of his love through us in how we treat others is how the Church shines as a beacon that Christ intended.
The radical transformation we see in the more than 3,000 gathered in Jerusalem that Pentecost morning is exactly what we hope for the Church of 2025. Let us be a part of this Spirit-led, counter-culture movement of Jesus and swept up into the ever-expanding kingdom of God.
Following Christ in kingdom living,
Greg
Dear GCI Family and Friends,
Amen ❤️
Amen
Amen!
Amen