My ultimate hope is that we would allow God to shape our hearts in such a way that we take an honest look at what we are treasuring related to the inequalities in our country and get intentional about doing something about them. I also believe that Jesus’ prayer in John 17, actually reflects the heart of God for all of mankind. I believe that unity amidst diversity is a reflection of who God is, which is why Jesus wants humans to experience it and therefore prays for it.
John 17:20-21
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Reconciliation through corporate repentance
Dealing With Racism
July 12, 2020 • Matt Atkins
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Liberty Justice for ALL?
July 19, 2020 • Matt Atkins
Those of us who grew up in church, grew up hearing what the Bible says through the words of a parent, Sunday school teacher. Small group leader, pastor or whatever. Whether they or we, wanted it or not, we got a “slant” on the Bible and depending on our denominational or group emphasis, that slant could have either been helpful or hurtful in our own faith journey.
Am I my brothers keeper?
July 26, 2020 • Matt Atkins
When you look at the beautiful poetic opening of the Bible, you see a picture of the world that God intended. A garden where God walks with all of creation in the cool of the day, animals come to be named, vegetation, fish, birds and animals produce the food that is necessary, humans are living in harmony with each other free from shame or violence or competition.
The way things ought to be
August 2, 2020 • Matt Atkins
Last week I suggested that we miss the shalom calling of God when we fail to recognize that God’s question to Cain in the book of Genesis, “Cain, where is your brother Abel?”, is a question that God continues to ask of us, in our day. Like Cain, so many reply, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” But, I think the incarnation of Jesus, as God becomes our human brother, shouts a different response. It is like God, in Jesus, re-asks and then re-answers the same question. As if God turned to God and said, “Are we our brother’s keeper?” Then, in answer, God said, “Yes we are. We will go show our brother’s and sister’s what that truly means.”