Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving…Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
(Colossians 4:2, 5–6)

Have no fear of those who persecute you, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
(1 Peter 3:15-16)

BIG IDEAS

• When Paul prays for boldness in preaching and sharing the gospel, he does not place the same expectation on the people of the church (Colossians 4:3-4). In other words, while Paul speaks regularly about how each person in the Church is gifted by God for the common good, he does not assume that everyone has the role of the evangelist/preacher.
• Both Paul and Peter have an expectation that every Christian would live a questionable life — so that the people around them will ask why they are different.
• Paul has in mind a particular, questionable kind of life among the people of the church (Colossians 3:1–17), in families (Colossians 3:18–21), and at work (Colossians 3:22–4:1).
• Peter has in mind submissive, compassionate, and understanding marriages, unity and support within the church family, and a hopeful graciousness towards those who slander Christians and who treat them unfairly and unjustly (1 Peter 3).
• In both cases, the underlying reason for our questionable lives is the new life we have in Jesus Christ. We have the fullness of God within us (Colossians 2:9–10) and we are holy (1 Peter 2:9).

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What do we discover about God from this passage?
2. What do we discover about humanity from this passage?
3. How should I respond to this passage? Considering my real-life personal circumstances, how can I live so that people would question the reason for my loving relationships and my hopeful graciousness?
4. Who has God put in your life that might be blessed to hear about this? When/how will you tell them? (If no one comes to mind, pray and ask God to show you if there is someone he wants you to share this with this week.)

The post Living Questionable Lives appeared first on Hope Church.

What a season! Merry Christmas to all!!

Hopefully, we’ve all been setting aside some time to reflect on the meaning and magnitude of Jesus’ coming in the midst of our preparations and celebrating. Our church family has been pulling together this advent season by tracing some things we learn about love as we reflect on the coming of the great King of Love.

Love is a rugged commitment. First, there’s no way we ever make it to Christmas if love isn’t a rugged commitment. Despite our great and noble calling to know God, to govern creation, and to propagate God’s blessing everywhere, humanity has been plagued by rebellion against God since the very beginning. When God set apart a family of people to help guide the rest of humanity back to him, they were every bit as idolatrous and rebellious. For generation after generation. Flickers of light amidst overwhelming darkness. And despite all this, God’s love never wavered.

Love is WITH. There’s an old religious idea called deism – the basic idea is that God created the world as if he were some sort of cosmic watch maker. Then he simply stepped back to watch as the world ticks around doing its thing. But that’s not what God is like. That’s not love. Love doesn’t stand at a distance. Love doesn’t act from afar. Love isn’t well wishing or strong sentiment. Love steps in and stands alongside. Love is present. Love is WITH.

Love is FOR. We’re celebrating Christmas because love is a rugged commitment. We’re celebrating Christmas because love is present and with us. But that’s not all. Love acts. Love isn’t neutral. Love is FOR. Love intercedes. Love advocates. Love steps in on behalf of others and does for others what they can’t do for themselves. Love acts.

Love transforms. Finally, the coming of the King of Love reveals that love transforms. Love redeems. Love realizes potential. Love restores and renews. Love doesn’t leave things the same. It doesn’t transform from a distance like a hammer dropping from the heavens. It transforms because it is ruggedly committed to our best. It transforms from right alongside us. It transforms by acting on our behalf. It invites. It pulls us higher and deeper. It whispers. It reminds. It draws. It doesn’t leave us as we are.

There’s a lot more that could be said about love. Not the least of which is that God is love. And we’re to be a people of love. In fact, if we don’t love people (ruggedly committed, present, for, and transforming), we don’t actually love God. (See 1 John.) It’s a big deal. And it all began coming in to focus when Jesus came. What a King!

This Christmas, may you know the King of Love. May he reveal himself to us more and more. May we be drawn into his love. May we be filled with his love – both to love him more genuinely and to love all of our brothers and sisters.

Merry Christmas!!!

The post King of Love appeared first on Hope Church.

The post James – Bible Project Video appeared first on Hope Church.