Against the Flow: Seeking the Kingdom 5

Against the Flow: Seeking the Kingdom 5
Sun 4 Nov 2012 – Andrew

(Audio is not available for this message)

Summing it Up With our Key Points:  (and questions for on-going reflection & conversation)

We’ve been looking at C1 (our Kiwi culture) and C2 (God’s Kingdom culture).  To contrast these cultures, Jesus challenges his followers by saying “BISTY”  (BUT I SAY TO YOU)

In contrast to Parihaka’s stand for peace, our culture, C1 believes that violence is redemptive – that violence restores injustices and bad stuff to how it should be

In C2 / Kingdom of God, we are to expect injustice & persecution, but love in return.

In C2 / KoG, peacemakers are blessed & grace abounds for each person.

Jesus in Matthew 5:38-48 says:

You have heard it said “An eye for an eye & a tooth for a tooth”, but I say to you “do not resist an evil person”

You have heard it said “Love your neighbour & hate your enemy”, but I say to you “Love your enemies”

You have heard it said “Violence is Redemptive”, but I say to you “Love your enemies”

What’s your personal reaction to Jesus’ instruction to love our enemies?

Perhaps there’s a difference between our personal responsibility to love our enemies, and the role of the state to administer resistance to evil with consequences?

Has there been a time you remember being bullied?

Has there been a time you remember harming somebody you didn’t like?

Considering again Jesus’ words to not resist an evil person, and to love our enemies, is Jesus wanting to say anything to you?

What might that be?

What might Jesus want you to know?

How might Jesus want you to change?

What might Jesus want to affirm in you?

Is there something Jesus wants you to do?

What support from others might you need for this?

Click here for short activity on bullying
It’s from “Don’t Pick on Me” by Susan Eikov Green. It’s aimed at children – but could be helpful for teens and adults too. The book is available through www.theparentingplace.com

How did we / do we / will we encourage our children to respond to injustice (being bullied AND putting things right if we do the bullying)?

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