Agape Love is a commandment by Jesus for His followers. It is not romantic love (eros) or familial love (phileos) or munificent love (philanthropia). It is committed action on behalf of the other, even when sometimes that means self-sacrifice, and even when we don't feel like it. We are commanded to live that love with God and neighbor, who Jesus defines as stranger and even enemy with the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Loving neighbor as self means that I no more want to see my neighbor go without what he/she needs, than I would want that for myself or my loved ones. It means I would no more want to see a stranger or enemy hurt than I would want that for myself or my loved ones. (Matthew 7:12) Yes, it is a tall order, but Jesus DID say, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another AS I HAVE LOVED YOU." (John 13:34,35), and Jesus said that THAT is how others will know we are associated with Him... not our holiness, self-righteousness, prosperity, purity, worship and praise, strict adherence to the Law of Moses, selective use of it or anything else. We are supposed to live the Agape Love with others that Jesus lived with us. We are God's children, and therefore brothers and sisters with each other. We need to treat our brothers and sisters as ones whom we love, or at the very least as ones we know God loves. We have brothers and sisters, beloved children of God, who are hurting and in need, victims of injustice and exploitation, and oppressed in many ways. If we love them, we will take committed action on their behalf and stand with them so that the mission of Jesus (Luke 4:18,19) (as well as Matthew 28:16-20) will be fulfilled. If we love God, we will be their advocates and stand with them, giving voice to the voiceless and community power to the individually powerless, because in doing that we are acting for Jesus (Matthew 25:31-46). If we refuse them, we refuse Jesus. Help from your abundance. Speak justice to power in love. Treat others as you would like to be treated (Luke 6:27-31; Matthew 7:12), yes even enemies. Do not judge others, but rather accept them and engage in committed action on their behalf (Luke 6:37-38). Loving neighbor as self means giving to them what you want to receive for your self. The world around you will be a better place, because you will be a better person. Encourage each other to keep Jesus' commandment to live Agape Love, so that you do not hear Jesus say, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46)
Continue to strive to follow Him, my brothers and sisters.
Pastor Jamie
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
BEING People of the Way of Jesus
BEING People of the Way of Jesus means to me...
WORSHIPING in Word and Sacrament in Agape Love
PRAISING with Open Hearts in Agape Love
GROWING with Open Minds in Agape Love
PRAYING as Spiritual Warriors in Agape Love
LOVING as Committed Activists in Agape Love
SERVING as Sisters and Brothers in Agape Love
GIVING as Thankful Stewards in Agape Love
GATHERING as Radical Community in Agape Love
ACCEPTING as Humble Children of Grace in Agape Love
STANDING as Equal People for Equity in Agape Love
SPEAKING Justice to Power in Agape Love
BUILDING UP the Children of God in Agape Love
People of the Way of Jesus
649 Peeples Street Atlanta, GA 30310
404-353-0387 propheticvc@hotmail.com
Rev. Jamie Kaufman M.Div., Rev. Jacqui Pinkney M.Div.
People of the Way of Jesus:
BEING followers of Jesus in West Atlanta
Sunday Worship at 3pm.
Our hearts and home are open to you.
Ya'll come. Agape Love is Jesus' Command. It is
unconditional, committed action on behalf of others,
sometimes including self-sacrifice on their behalf. It
is at the center of a life of following Jesus' teachings
and examples in the world.
Join us. Actively Love in the community around you.
Pastor Jamie
WORSHIPING in Word and Sacrament in Agape Love
PRAISING with Open Hearts in Agape Love
GROWING with Open Minds in Agape Love
PRAYING as Spiritual Warriors in Agape Love
LOVING as Committed Activists in Agape Love
SERVING as Sisters and Brothers in Agape Love
GIVING as Thankful Stewards in Agape Love
GATHERING as Radical Community in Agape Love
ACCEPTING as Humble Children of Grace in Agape Love
STANDING as Equal People for Equity in Agape Love
SPEAKING Justice to Power in Agape Love
BUILDING UP the Children of God in Agape Love
People of the Way of Jesus
649 Peeples Street Atlanta, GA 30310
404-353-0387 propheticvc@hotmail.com
Rev. Jamie Kaufman M.Div., Rev. Jacqui Pinkney M.Div.
People of the Way of Jesus:
BEING followers of Jesus in West Atlanta
Sunday Worship at 3pm.
Our hearts and home are open to you.
Ya'll come. Agape Love is Jesus' Command. It is
unconditional, committed action on behalf of others,
sometimes including self-sacrifice on their behalf. It
is at the center of a life of following Jesus' teachings
and examples in the world.
Join us. Actively Love in the community around you.
Pastor Jamie
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Grace, please
For Jesus, life is Grace.
And Grace with God means redemption, atonement - the forgiveness of sins and salvation. Grace - undeserved, loving mercy - is a way of life for God with us. Be thankful. Be very thankful. I learned long ago not to ask for what I deserve. I know what I deserve. Give me Grace, baby! I believe that Grace leads to humble gratitude in a world that values arrogance and an insatiable sense of entitlement.
For followers of Jesus, it would seem that graciousness, kindness, forgiveness and the refusal to judge others is a way of life to embrace. Ruthlessness, mean-spiritedness, exploitation, smugness, bigotry, the belief of superiority and a sense of entitlement do not resemble Grace.
So, what do we put out in the world? What do we see from those in business, politics and church leadership today? What do we see on the road, in our neighborhoods, in the check out line, at dinner after church and in our own homes? What do we experience in school and at work?
And how do WE live in the world? How are WE out there? What do WE put out there? With what corporations do I do business? To whom do I give my money? Who do I vote for? What church do I attend? How do I treat my family? How am I on the road? in my neighborhood? the check out line? school? work?
I cannot change anyone else. I can be more consistent with what Jesus taught and exemplified. I can support those who do the same in business and politics, give my money to those who are most gracious with others in the world, and vote for those who will be the most gracious for the most (and "the least"). I can BE the example that I want to be as one who represents Jesus in the world. I can be GRACIOUS! (And so can you be, by the way)
Pastor Jamie
And Grace with God means redemption, atonement - the forgiveness of sins and salvation. Grace - undeserved, loving mercy - is a way of life for God with us. Be thankful. Be very thankful. I learned long ago not to ask for what I deserve. I know what I deserve. Give me Grace, baby! I believe that Grace leads to humble gratitude in a world that values arrogance and an insatiable sense of entitlement.
For followers of Jesus, it would seem that graciousness, kindness, forgiveness and the refusal to judge others is a way of life to embrace. Ruthlessness, mean-spiritedness, exploitation, smugness, bigotry, the belief of superiority and a sense of entitlement do not resemble Grace.
So, what do we put out in the world? What do we see from those in business, politics and church leadership today? What do we see on the road, in our neighborhoods, in the check out line, at dinner after church and in our own homes? What do we experience in school and at work?
And how do WE live in the world? How are WE out there? What do WE put out there? With what corporations do I do business? To whom do I give my money? Who do I vote for? What church do I attend? How do I treat my family? How am I on the road? in my neighborhood? the check out line? school? work?
I cannot change anyone else. I can be more consistent with what Jesus taught and exemplified. I can support those who do the same in business and politics, give my money to those who are most gracious with others in the world, and vote for those who will be the most gracious for the most (and "the least"). I can BE the example that I want to be as one who represents Jesus in the world. I can be GRACIOUS! (And so can you be, by the way)
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, January 22, 2012
I will put up, not shut up
Jesus, fulfiller of the Law and Prophets (Matthew 5:17)... is my Authority.
I CHOOSE to follow Jesus. I did not choose to believe in Him, because Faith is a gift and the Holy Spirit DRIVES me to believe in Him. I do not actively reject Jesus, but live as I was created to live, in faith. I follow Jesus because I believe in Him, yes, but beyond that because I believe what He taught and exemplified makes for a better world for ALL people. I believe that if we all lived what Jesus taught and exemplified, our nation and world would be a better place politically, economically, spiritually, ecologically and socially. I submit to Jesus as my Lord and strive to live as Jesus would have me live in the world. It makes sense to me.
Because Jesus is my authority, fulfiller of the Law and Prophets as attested to in the account of His transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13), at which His disciples are told to "Listen to HIM", even above Moses (Law) and Elijah (Prophets), I listen to HIS interpretation of the Law in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-7:27) and do not use the Old Covenant Law as an excuse to hate, take vengeance, live out of greed, make my spiritual life about appearances, objectify others in lust, judge others or believe that it is alright to kill ANYONE. I strive to conform my Will to what Jesus wants for the world around me.
Jesus made Loving God with all we have and Loving Neighbor as we love our selves the Greatest Commandment (Luke 10:25-37) and fulfillment of The Law, going on to teach in the Parable of the Good Samaritan that our Neighbor is both enemy and stranger. I strive to live as one who believes that I no more want to see my neighbor (even stranger or enemy) go without what he/she needs or be hurt than I would want that for my self.
Jesus said that we are supposed to "repent (change your mind and way of living) and believe in the Good News." (Mark 1:15) That was His first imperative statement as recorded in the first chapter of the first written Gospel. It is a command. I believe in the Good News that Jesus came to bring as He shared it in Luke 4:18-19, quoting Isaiah 61 and 58 as a fulfillment of the Prophets. His Agape Love is ACTION... committed action on behalf of others, especially the most vulnerable in our midst, as defined by Jesus, my authority.
Jesus said that if I continue in His Word, I am truly His disciple (John 8:31). Jesus said that if I love Him, I will keep His commandments (John 14:15 and 23). Jesus said that others will know that I am His disciple, not in that I am more holy, pure, blessed, favored, powerful, charismatic or wealthy, but in that I have love for others (John 13:35). Jesus wished that I live in His Word which is living in Him, keeping His commandments as part of living in His love, so that His joy will be in me (John 15:7-10). Jesus also said, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I tell you to do?" (Luke 6:46) Jesus wants me to do what He taught and exemplified. I strive to do what Jesus tells me to do as I have it especially in His imperative statements to me as recorded in the Gospels, our best written record of what Jesus taught and exemplified.
I believe it does not do the world any good, and is not a faithful following of Jesus for me to worship and praise Jesus, give my offerings to the church, pray and bask in the glow of a wonderful personal salvation by God's Grace, if I do not strive to follow what Jesus taught and exemplified as recorded in the Gospels.
I do believe in Jesus. I therefore desire to follow Jesus in how I live in the world around me. I do not believe I am faithful in embracing Jesus as Savior, unless I also submit to Him as Lord of my life. That is why I call myself a Person of The Way of Jesus. I believe in Jesus' Way and strive to follow it in my life.
I invite you, even if you do not believe in Jesus as God's Son or Savior, to follow what Jesus taught and exemplified as we have it in the Gospels. It will make the world around YOU a better place. His teachings and examples are wonderful examples for a more loving, just and peaceful world.
I invite you, especially if you DO accept Jesus as personal Savior, to follow Him as Lord. It is about you and Jesus, just not ALL about you and Jesus. Jesus' teachings and examples COMMAND His followers to live Agape Love in the world around them. I admonish you to live Jesus' Agape Love in how you are in business, politics, family, society, church, the world and in who you are within your heart and mind. I commend you to conform your will, attitudes and behaviors to what Jesus taught and exemplified, and submit to Him as your authority in how to live your life.
I will put up and not shut up.
Pastor Jamie
I CHOOSE to follow Jesus. I did not choose to believe in Him, because Faith is a gift and the Holy Spirit DRIVES me to believe in Him. I do not actively reject Jesus, but live as I was created to live, in faith. I follow Jesus because I believe in Him, yes, but beyond that because I believe what He taught and exemplified makes for a better world for ALL people. I believe that if we all lived what Jesus taught and exemplified, our nation and world would be a better place politically, economically, spiritually, ecologically and socially. I submit to Jesus as my Lord and strive to live as Jesus would have me live in the world. It makes sense to me.
Because Jesus is my authority, fulfiller of the Law and Prophets as attested to in the account of His transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13), at which His disciples are told to "Listen to HIM", even above Moses (Law) and Elijah (Prophets), I listen to HIS interpretation of the Law in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-7:27) and do not use the Old Covenant Law as an excuse to hate, take vengeance, live out of greed, make my spiritual life about appearances, objectify others in lust, judge others or believe that it is alright to kill ANYONE. I strive to conform my Will to what Jesus wants for the world around me.
Jesus made Loving God with all we have and Loving Neighbor as we love our selves the Greatest Commandment (Luke 10:25-37) and fulfillment of The Law, going on to teach in the Parable of the Good Samaritan that our Neighbor is both enemy and stranger. I strive to live as one who believes that I no more want to see my neighbor (even stranger or enemy) go without what he/she needs or be hurt than I would want that for my self.
Jesus said that we are supposed to "repent (change your mind and way of living) and believe in the Good News." (Mark 1:15) That was His first imperative statement as recorded in the first chapter of the first written Gospel. It is a command. I believe in the Good News that Jesus came to bring as He shared it in Luke 4:18-19, quoting Isaiah 61 and 58 as a fulfillment of the Prophets. His Agape Love is ACTION... committed action on behalf of others, especially the most vulnerable in our midst, as defined by Jesus, my authority.
Jesus said that if I continue in His Word, I am truly His disciple (John 8:31). Jesus said that if I love Him, I will keep His commandments (John 14:15 and 23). Jesus said that others will know that I am His disciple, not in that I am more holy, pure, blessed, favored, powerful, charismatic or wealthy, but in that I have love for others (John 13:35). Jesus wished that I live in His Word which is living in Him, keeping His commandments as part of living in His love, so that His joy will be in me (John 15:7-10). Jesus also said, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I tell you to do?" (Luke 6:46) Jesus wants me to do what He taught and exemplified. I strive to do what Jesus tells me to do as I have it especially in His imperative statements to me as recorded in the Gospels, our best written record of what Jesus taught and exemplified.
I believe it does not do the world any good, and is not a faithful following of Jesus for me to worship and praise Jesus, give my offerings to the church, pray and bask in the glow of a wonderful personal salvation by God's Grace, if I do not strive to follow what Jesus taught and exemplified as recorded in the Gospels.
I do believe in Jesus. I therefore desire to follow Jesus in how I live in the world around me. I do not believe I am faithful in embracing Jesus as Savior, unless I also submit to Him as Lord of my life. That is why I call myself a Person of The Way of Jesus. I believe in Jesus' Way and strive to follow it in my life.
I invite you, even if you do not believe in Jesus as God's Son or Savior, to follow what Jesus taught and exemplified as we have it in the Gospels. It will make the world around YOU a better place. His teachings and examples are wonderful examples for a more loving, just and peaceful world.
I invite you, especially if you DO accept Jesus as personal Savior, to follow Him as Lord. It is about you and Jesus, just not ALL about you and Jesus. Jesus' teachings and examples COMMAND His followers to live Agape Love in the world around them. I admonish you to live Jesus' Agape Love in how you are in business, politics, family, society, church, the world and in who you are within your heart and mind. I commend you to conform your will, attitudes and behaviors to what Jesus taught and exemplified, and submit to Him as your authority in how to live your life.
I will put up and not shut up.
Pastor Jamie
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
JESUS, WHAT DO YOU WANT?
Jesus' Kingdom Values in Politics and Economics Rev. Jamie Kaufman M.Div.
In this book I start with the conviction that Jesus is my authority in scripture and life. I start with the assertion that I cannot only embrace Jesus as Savior and ignore Him as Lord of my life if I want to be His follower. I submit that we are commanded to live Agape Love in Jesus' Kingdom, and that we should take seriously any and all imperative statements of Jesus, parables of Jesus and examples of Jesus when considering how Jesus wants us to live within the Kingdom. In order to live according to Kingdom values, we must repent of any attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that run contrary to Jesus' teachings and examples, at least if we want to be Jesus' followers.
The first chapter establishes AGAPE LOVE as the Standard for how Kingdom values are to be lived in THIS part of the Kingdom of God. Agape Love is defined throughout the chapter through passages from the Gospels. As the basis for all other forms of love and relationships, it is transformative when lived in the world. It is at the center of what Jesus wants for all God's children.
The next chapter addresses the poor and vulnerable in the world and our society from the Gospel teachings of Jesus, especially regarding how the Kingdom Values in Agape Love direct us to live with the poor and vulnerable in loving ways. Using Gospel passages on this topic, the reader gets from our best recorded record of Jesus' teachings and examples what Jesus wants regarding our attitudes and behavior with the poor and vulnerable.
The next chapter systematically addresses Jesus' teachings and examples in the Gospels regarding wealth/economic values in the Kingdom. Rejecting the notion that matters of money are "nothing personal, just business", the application of Agape Love Kingdom values are brought to bear on how we look at wealth and live regarding it, according to Jesus' imperatives and parables.
The next chapter unpacks power/political issues from an Agape Love standard in Kingdom Values. Power, prestige, authority and position are addressed by Jesus in the Gospels, and this chapter explores Jesus' teachings and example on how power is to be used and how it is not to be used according to Kingdom Values.
Humility/authentic Kingdom relationship values is the topic of the next chapter. Jesus taught a great deal about Agape Love being shared in humility, and exemplified what it is to be great and still humble in the world, teaching those around Him to do the same and thereby live Kingdom values. Hubris is not loving by nature, and from the Gospels we learn that Jesus wants humility to be our loving way.
Community Values in the Kingdom is the topic of the last chapter. Jesus taught and healed individuals, but also built community in faith and Agape Love. Considering the good of the whole community and not only one's own interests is a common theme throughout the Gospels in Jesus' teachings and examples, and was carried on as a central theme by Paul and others in the First Century Church. We cannot follow Jesus AND only be concerned for self. Jesus wants the building up of community in Agape Love.
The Conclusion summarizes the direction of the teachings and examples of Jesus in these areas, and compels the reader to go to the source of Jesus' teachings and example as we have them in order to answer the question of what Jesus wants from each of us and all of us today in how we look at issues in society, act on them and even engage in the democratic process with Agape Love and Jesus' teachings and example at the center of what we do in it.
Please pray that a publisher will choose to publish it, and that it will be a blessing to any who seek to follow Jesus' teachings and examples in their lives in THIS part of God's Kingdom.
Thanks!
Pastor Jamiepropheticvc@hotmail.com
In this book I start with the conviction that Jesus is my authority in scripture and life. I start with the assertion that I cannot only embrace Jesus as Savior and ignore Him as Lord of my life if I want to be His follower. I submit that we are commanded to live Agape Love in Jesus' Kingdom, and that we should take seriously any and all imperative statements of Jesus, parables of Jesus and examples of Jesus when considering how Jesus wants us to live within the Kingdom. In order to live according to Kingdom values, we must repent of any attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that run contrary to Jesus' teachings and examples, at least if we want to be Jesus' followers.
The first chapter establishes AGAPE LOVE as the Standard for how Kingdom values are to be lived in THIS part of the Kingdom of God. Agape Love is defined throughout the chapter through passages from the Gospels. As the basis for all other forms of love and relationships, it is transformative when lived in the world. It is at the center of what Jesus wants for all God's children.
The next chapter addresses the poor and vulnerable in the world and our society from the Gospel teachings of Jesus, especially regarding how the Kingdom Values in Agape Love direct us to live with the poor and vulnerable in loving ways. Using Gospel passages on this topic, the reader gets from our best recorded record of Jesus' teachings and examples what Jesus wants regarding our attitudes and behavior with the poor and vulnerable.
The next chapter systematically addresses Jesus' teachings and examples in the Gospels regarding wealth/economic values in the Kingdom. Rejecting the notion that matters of money are "nothing personal, just business", the application of Agape Love Kingdom values are brought to bear on how we look at wealth and live regarding it, according to Jesus' imperatives and parables.
The next chapter unpacks power/political issues from an Agape Love standard in Kingdom Values. Power, prestige, authority and position are addressed by Jesus in the Gospels, and this chapter explores Jesus' teachings and example on how power is to be used and how it is not to be used according to Kingdom Values.
Humility/authentic Kingdom relationship values is the topic of the next chapter. Jesus taught a great deal about Agape Love being shared in humility, and exemplified what it is to be great and still humble in the world, teaching those around Him to do the same and thereby live Kingdom values. Hubris is not loving by nature, and from the Gospels we learn that Jesus wants humility to be our loving way.
Community Values in the Kingdom is the topic of the last chapter. Jesus taught and healed individuals, but also built community in faith and Agape Love. Considering the good of the whole community and not only one's own interests is a common theme throughout the Gospels in Jesus' teachings and examples, and was carried on as a central theme by Paul and others in the First Century Church. We cannot follow Jesus AND only be concerned for self. Jesus wants the building up of community in Agape Love.
The Conclusion summarizes the direction of the teachings and examples of Jesus in these areas, and compels the reader to go to the source of Jesus' teachings and example as we have them in order to answer the question of what Jesus wants from each of us and all of us today in how we look at issues in society, act on them and even engage in the democratic process with Agape Love and Jesus' teachings and example at the center of what we do in it.
Please pray that a publisher will choose to publish it, and that it will be a blessing to any who seek to follow Jesus' teachings and examples in their lives in THIS part of God's Kingdom.
Thanks!
Pastor Jamiepropheticvc@hotmail.com
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Rev. Dr. King
From the beginning a basic philosophy guided the movement. The guiding principle has since been referred to variously as non-violent resistance, noncooperation and passive resistance. But in the first days of the protest none of these expressions was mentioned; the phrase most often heard was "Christian Love." It was the Sermon on the Mount, rather than a doctrine of passive resistance, that initially inspired the Negroes of Montgomery to dignified social action. It was Jesus of Nazareth that stirred the Negroes to protest with the creative weapon of love. STRIDE TOWARD FREEDOM
The Gospel at its best deals with the whole man (person), not only with his soul but also his body, not only his spiritual well-being but also his material well-being. A religion that professes a concern for the souls of men and is not equally concerned about the slums that damn them, the economic conditions that strangle them, the social conditions that cripple them, is a spiritually moribund religion. STRENGTH TO LOVE
The way of the cross by which we are saved is no mere accepting of certain beliefs nor is the salvation only for another world. To walk in the way of the cross is to give oneself for love and justice, to account one's life as expendable for the sake of fulfilling the need of others, to suffer violence and never return to it. The Journal of the Interdenominational Theological Center 6 (Spring, 1977) from Dr. King's Doctoral Dissertation
We are called to speak for the weak, for the voiceless, for the victims of our nation, and for those it calls enemy, for no document from human hands can make these humans any less our brothers (sisters). THE TRUMPET OF CONSCIENCE
I believe that Agape Love compels us to ACT on behalf of those who are victims in our society - the victims of racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, ethnocentrism, extreme nationalism and any other bigotries the human heart can conceive. AGAPE LOVE is COMMITTED ACTION on behalf of the other, counted just as important as oneself... at least according to Jesus. I believe that we are all diminished when ANYONE is excluded, exploited and treated shamefully. I believe that we are ALL lifted up when ALL are lifted up, especially those whom Jesus called "the least of these my brothers (and sisters)." Especially for those of us who have enjoyed some privilege in this society, it is important that we STAND WITH "the least" and SPEAK JUSTICE TO POWER and WEALTH. It is the legacy of those who have given their lives - who denied themselves, took up the cross and followed Jesus. Instead of indulging self and making self comfortable and thereby reflecting the prevalent values of society around us, I believe that believers are called to address the culture of greed and self-indulgence with the Good News of Jesus' Kingdom to ALL whom God loves! There is much loving yet to be done! This is the time to pick up again THE POOR PEOPLES' CAMPAIGN of Dr. King and now Cornell West/Tavis Smiley and others... and speak/demonstrate justice to power and wealth. The movement is not dead if there is still movement toward equality, equity and justice going on!
Pastor Jamie
The Gospel at its best deals with the whole man (person), not only with his soul but also his body, not only his spiritual well-being but also his material well-being. A religion that professes a concern for the souls of men and is not equally concerned about the slums that damn them, the economic conditions that strangle them, the social conditions that cripple them, is a spiritually moribund religion. STRENGTH TO LOVE
The way of the cross by which we are saved is no mere accepting of certain beliefs nor is the salvation only for another world. To walk in the way of the cross is to give oneself for love and justice, to account one's life as expendable for the sake of fulfilling the need of others, to suffer violence and never return to it. The Journal of the Interdenominational Theological Center 6 (Spring, 1977) from Dr. King's Doctoral Dissertation
We are called to speak for the weak, for the voiceless, for the victims of our nation, and for those it calls enemy, for no document from human hands can make these humans any less our brothers (sisters). THE TRUMPET OF CONSCIENCE
I believe that Agape Love compels us to ACT on behalf of those who are victims in our society - the victims of racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, ethnocentrism, extreme nationalism and any other bigotries the human heart can conceive. AGAPE LOVE is COMMITTED ACTION on behalf of the other, counted just as important as oneself... at least according to Jesus. I believe that we are all diminished when ANYONE is excluded, exploited and treated shamefully. I believe that we are ALL lifted up when ALL are lifted up, especially those whom Jesus called "the least of these my brothers (and sisters)." Especially for those of us who have enjoyed some privilege in this society, it is important that we STAND WITH "the least" and SPEAK JUSTICE TO POWER and WEALTH. It is the legacy of those who have given their lives - who denied themselves, took up the cross and followed Jesus. Instead of indulging self and making self comfortable and thereby reflecting the prevalent values of society around us, I believe that believers are called to address the culture of greed and self-indulgence with the Good News of Jesus' Kingdom to ALL whom God loves! There is much loving yet to be done! This is the time to pick up again THE POOR PEOPLES' CAMPAIGN of Dr. King and now Cornell West/Tavis Smiley and others... and speak/demonstrate justice to power and wealth. The movement is not dead if there is still movement toward equality, equity and justice going on!
Pastor Jamie
Thursday, January 12, 2012
People of the Way of Jesus
I am a Person of the Way of Jesus.
I distinguish this from being a Christian, because of the vast umbrella under that claim, and because many of those who walk under that banner do not reflect what I believe or embrace.
I do not ONLY worship and praise Jesus as personal Savior. I do not ONLY give my offerings.
I do not ignore what Jesus taught and exemplified, but strive to follow it even though it may be hard to practice.
I am a Disciple of Jesus. I am a student/follower at Jesus' feet. I love Jesus' teachings and practices centered on Agape Love among foreigners, unbelievers, people who believed differently, the religious community, "the least" in society, strangers and even those considered enemies. I love the spiritual discipline of seeking out what Jesus said as fulfiller of the Law and Prophets, and how it applies to the world, our society and my personal life on a daily basis. I want to submit to Jesus' teachings on how the world could be a better place if we applied Agape Love to all things societal, political, economic, etc., etc.. I want to conform my life to how Jesus practiced Agape Love as an example of how it can be lived and change the world. I love Jesus, so I must follow what He taught and exemplified in my life. I love Neighbor (even stranger and enemy), so I must suspend any attitudes, prejudices, bigotries and stereotypes that would lead me to live anything other than that love in my encounters with others. I believe in Jesus' mission to "the least", and sharing the Good News to "the poor", freedom to the oppressed and the acceptable day of the Lord (Luke 4) which means, according to the Prophets and Jesus a day of turning around the realities of the world in order to align worldly practices with God's will... for some, most distant from God's will, it will mean unpleasantness... for others, whose lives have reflected God's will, it will mean the fulfillment of the justice and equity which they love...
I am a pastor. I have been for 25 years. I have served in a suburban church (ministry in context), a small town church (internship), a rural parish and a number of inner-city parishes. I have seen how people embrace Jesus as Savior and ignore His commandments and teachings as Lord. I have seen how people claim the name and turn "Christianity" into an American civil religion. I have seen how people justify their disdain for people of other races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, religious practices and economic statuses with "The Bible", while ignoring what Jesus said (and in some instances, ignored out of its insignificance). I have seen how the church in America has remained silent in the face of grossly immoral practices of greed, while straining to see around that log to find sin in peoples' personal lives and loves. I have witnessed as people who claim the name of Jesus practice active hatred toward "those people", whoever they might be for them. I have openly wept over the social, political, religious, economic and individual practices of our nation's people as we have become more selfish, ruthless, hateful, mean-spirited, exploitative, arrogant and intolerant with others. I have also witnessed some beautiful believers who practiced what they proclaimed and touched many lives with their sincere love. I have seen known many believers who have spoken justice to power and have stood as advocates for those with no power or voice. I have worked with people who humbly served those most vulnerable among them. I have been moved by their devotion and love. I am committed to putting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) out in the world around me, so that it becomes a kinder, more loving, equitable and just place.
I will direct my writing and other activities to the national scene, but I will also work actively in the West end of Atlanta, where I live. I will lead worship among The People of the Way of Jesus, teach what Jesus taught as fulfiller of the Law and Prophets as we have His lessons in the Gospels, pray for my community, nation and world, organize people to find their voice and use their power in love and self-control, and work for justice, equity, the recognition of equality and peace. I will not reflect the culture, but address it with the Gospel of Jesus, because I am a Person of the Way of Jesus.
I will finish my book JESUS, WHAT DO YOU WANT?, and get it published.
I will lead prayer during Lent in our home with neighbors in the West end of Atlanta, and start holding Worship services again on The Resurrection of our Lord (April 8), offer a community meal ministry starting in the summer and strive to reach out with the Good News of Jesus to the poor, oppressed, restrained and strive to live Kingdom values. Anyone interested in joining us?
Singing the Good News, Prayer, Agape Meals, Holy Communion, discussion of the proclamation of the Gospel, community meals, life skill coaching, community organizing, working toward justice in housing, jobs, healthcare, education, the justice system and safety are good things to be about for followers of Jesus, don't you think?
Join us. Come on in, the water is fine! :-)
With love in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jamie
I distinguish this from being a Christian, because of the vast umbrella under that claim, and because many of those who walk under that banner do not reflect what I believe or embrace.
I do not ONLY worship and praise Jesus as personal Savior. I do not ONLY give my offerings.
I do not ignore what Jesus taught and exemplified, but strive to follow it even though it may be hard to practice.
I am a Disciple of Jesus. I am a student/follower at Jesus' feet. I love Jesus' teachings and practices centered on Agape Love among foreigners, unbelievers, people who believed differently, the religious community, "the least" in society, strangers and even those considered enemies. I love the spiritual discipline of seeking out what Jesus said as fulfiller of the Law and Prophets, and how it applies to the world, our society and my personal life on a daily basis. I want to submit to Jesus' teachings on how the world could be a better place if we applied Agape Love to all things societal, political, economic, etc., etc.. I want to conform my life to how Jesus practiced Agape Love as an example of how it can be lived and change the world. I love Jesus, so I must follow what He taught and exemplified in my life. I love Neighbor (even stranger and enemy), so I must suspend any attitudes, prejudices, bigotries and stereotypes that would lead me to live anything other than that love in my encounters with others. I believe in Jesus' mission to "the least", and sharing the Good News to "the poor", freedom to the oppressed and the acceptable day of the Lord (Luke 4) which means, according to the Prophets and Jesus a day of turning around the realities of the world in order to align worldly practices with God's will... for some, most distant from God's will, it will mean unpleasantness... for others, whose lives have reflected God's will, it will mean the fulfillment of the justice and equity which they love...
I am a pastor. I have been for 25 years. I have served in a suburban church (ministry in context), a small town church (internship), a rural parish and a number of inner-city parishes. I have seen how people embrace Jesus as Savior and ignore His commandments and teachings as Lord. I have seen how people claim the name and turn "Christianity" into an American civil religion. I have seen how people justify their disdain for people of other races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, religious practices and economic statuses with "The Bible", while ignoring what Jesus said (and in some instances, ignored out of its insignificance). I have seen how the church in America has remained silent in the face of grossly immoral practices of greed, while straining to see around that log to find sin in peoples' personal lives and loves. I have witnessed as people who claim the name of Jesus practice active hatred toward "those people", whoever they might be for them. I have openly wept over the social, political, religious, economic and individual practices of our nation's people as we have become more selfish, ruthless, hateful, mean-spirited, exploitative, arrogant and intolerant with others. I have also witnessed some beautiful believers who practiced what they proclaimed and touched many lives with their sincere love. I have seen known many believers who have spoken justice to power and have stood as advocates for those with no power or voice. I have worked with people who humbly served those most vulnerable among them. I have been moved by their devotion and love. I am committed to putting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) out in the world around me, so that it becomes a kinder, more loving, equitable and just place.
I will direct my writing and other activities to the national scene, but I will also work actively in the West end of Atlanta, where I live. I will lead worship among The People of the Way of Jesus, teach what Jesus taught as fulfiller of the Law and Prophets as we have His lessons in the Gospels, pray for my community, nation and world, organize people to find their voice and use their power in love and self-control, and work for justice, equity, the recognition of equality and peace. I will not reflect the culture, but address it with the Gospel of Jesus, because I am a Person of the Way of Jesus.
I will finish my book JESUS, WHAT DO YOU WANT?, and get it published.
I will lead prayer during Lent in our home with neighbors in the West end of Atlanta, and start holding Worship services again on The Resurrection of our Lord (April 8), offer a community meal ministry starting in the summer and strive to reach out with the Good News of Jesus to the poor, oppressed, restrained and strive to live Kingdom values. Anyone interested in joining us?
Singing the Good News, Prayer, Agape Meals, Holy Communion, discussion of the proclamation of the Gospel, community meals, life skill coaching, community organizing, working toward justice in housing, jobs, healthcare, education, the justice system and safety are good things to be about for followers of Jesus, don't you think?
Join us. Come on in, the water is fine! :-)
With love in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jamie
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