Shalom, Human Flourishing, + the Evangel

This Sunday (February 23, 2014), we'll be talking about the hebrew concept of shalom and how The Evangel of Jesus Christ as to serve + renew humanity. As recipients of this wonderful Gospel (i.e., Good News) we too are called (or you could say, restored into) a lifestyle of shalom working. This is what Paul meant in Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Here's a video of Dr. Nicholas Wolterstorff, author and professor of Philosophical Theology Emeritus at Yale University, answering a question on the nature of the Hebrew concept of Shalom and how that affects justice, art, education, etc. as part of human flourishing.

It's simple, yet insightful. (Plus, you got love a guy who blows his nose into a hankie while speaking to a large crowd. Very honey-badger-like. Got to love it.)

Click picture to see the video.

Also, listen to some of Wolterstorff other answers to questions about justice and righteousness here - https://vimeo.com/channels/291350.

Living as Community - Lessons from the "Gan" (Garden)

"The people of the Bible used concrete images of everyday experiences to define and describe their understanding of themselves and their world." ~ Ray Vander Laan

In this excerpt from With All Your Heart, author, historian and teacher Ray Vander Laan guides us to Jerusalem where he uses a "gan", or garden, to teach us about the power of biblical community.

This is video clip is a great supplement to the teaching this Sunday (2.16.14) at Grace Church of Dunedin - Stewardship + Community. We will be learning who the Gospel shapes our stewardship and community (i.e., how we care for each other and the community in which we live).

What is the Gospel? - with N.T. Wright

This interview was filmed at a national consultation, entitled, A Faithful Gospel: How should we understand what the gospel is? It is the first in a series of five events taking place as part of the Evangelical Alliance's 'Confidence in the Gospel' initiative. For more info check out - eauk.org/confidence.

In this video clip, N.T. Wright answers:

• Why do we need to ask, "What is the Gospel?"
• What is the Gospel according to the Gospels?
• If you only had a couple minutes, how would you share the Gospel with someone?
• Do we need to talk about repentance when we present the Gospel?Why do you emphasize the importance elf talking about Jesus's life, as well as his death, when presenting the Gospel?
• Is the Gospel of Paul different from Jesus' Gospel?
• What would your advice be to a young evangelistic? 

6 Simple Ways to Make Disciples without Adding Anything to Your Schedule...

Click HERE for helpful Gospel Leadership Resources from Grace Church.