response requested

when we began to put together the mission and core values statement for the bridge, we included a brief preamble to try to give some context for why the church exists and what it ought to be about. we wanted people to understand that the church is really born of God's plan for and mission in the world, and that our mission is embracing God's agenda and joining him in the work that he is already about.

that raises the question of what God is doing. what was his intention from the beginning? how was it subverted? what has he done to 'fix' things? what does a faithful response on our part look like? and where is all of this headed? how does it constitute good news?

when i first became a follower of Jesus, i believed that the good news was simple and fairly straightforward. but it wasn't long before i was shocked at how differently people (maybe especially christians) understood the problem with the world and how God addressed it in Jesus. but rather than go into that at length, i thought it might be interesting to give you a chance to compare how others have come to understand this message that invites -- even demands -- a response.

• james choung (and the sequel)
• response to james by jim wallace
• bill perry
• russell moore

what say you?

later on, after john was arrested by herod antipas,
Jesus went to galilee to preach God's good news.
"at last the time has come!" he announced.
"the kingdom of God is near!
turn from your sins and believe this good news!"
mark 1:14-15