From debates that stem from the Kingdom of God, Calvinism, eschatological, narrative flow, and interpretive options my life has been wrapped up in "Christianized" type lingo for a while now. Although it is not totally bad to be consumed in "Christianized" things, I feel sometimes when I read the New Testament that I'm missing something. I have to admit, I am a recovering sinner and don't claim to have all the answers but I do notice a clear call in the New Testament to living radically different from the status quo. For the disciples the call was to take up their cross and preach the kingdom of God. For Paul it was to be crucified daily and not walk by the flesh. For John it was not to give allegiance to the beast but to be a faithful martyr.
I want to live a life that reflects Kingdom characteristics in a world that does not. I think this is the problem that the New Testament church faced too. Since the Kingdom has been inaugurated in the present therefore I must be able to live according to the radical call it preaches; That God reigns! What does Kingdom living look like? What does it mean to live a nonconformist lifestyle when the given norm tells you that something else is presently reigning? I believe this is the basic question that underlines the simple narrative throughout the Bible.
Who is King and who should I pledge my allegiance to?
In the coming weeks I'll try to explore that question by walking through the New Testament little by little. It may take some time but in the end I hope it will be a blessing to you.
1 comment:
Very good. I think this is a great description of you and the way you live. So blessed to know you. God is showing me more and more that when we are called to something, sometimes it might not be the normal "calling" but we are none the less....still called for HIS purpose and Glory.
Hoping in Christ,
Donna Newman
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