Continuing the Story ... Church

When God became flesh and moved into the neighborhood significance can be found in the fact that he fostered community. He gathered a group of misfit disciples... in many ways the left overs, the ones who weren't good enough to study with the other Rabbi's of his day. The ones who had basically flunked out and learned their families trade. So we have this strange mix of tax collectors and zealots and fisherman. These are people who usually would not get along... and they had their squabbles. But Jesus believed in them. He believed that they could do what he did, live in the way he did. (For more info see Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis or Nooma: Dust).

In other words, Jesus begins creating a community... a group of people who begin striving and learning to live the way God intends us to live in relationship with creation and each other. A holy partnership ensues between God and humanity... God's plan is coming to fruition... A holy people who will be a blessing to all peoples.

This new kingdom (using language that Jesus used) is the forming of a community that partners with God to be about God's business of redeeming creation... not just part of creation but all of Creation.

The intention is that humanity would begin fulfilling what we are designed for... way back in Genesis God gives humans partnership in tending creation... partnering with God in co-creating. Caring for the things that God cares for... however, the crisis portion of the story has seemed to speak louder. Our brokenness and stubborn desire to make our own way has damaged creation. Now God is creating a community to restore what has been broken and reconcile breach that has lead to murder and war and injustice.

Jesus promises a 'comforter', 'guide' to come and be with us helping us to learn the way of God in the world. This promise is the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit which manifest himself on Pentecost. The first believers had gathered in a room, waiting and praying and deciding on what to do next. The Holy Spirit happened in upon them. They began a movement of people who joined one another through baptism to be part of God's creation redemption community. They recieved power to be God's witnesses in Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. This community is not a perfect community, but a learning, living community. A community that strives to live God's way in the world. A kingdom that does not live by the power of coersion or force... no its the power of love in its fullness. Unconditional love that is being poured out to all nations, all peoples. It's a message of goodness... it's the message of hope that all injustices will be turned upright, that what is wrong in the world will be made right

Here is a song by Derek Webb This Too Shall Be Made Right.