Christian Leadership Paper

This sermon provokes the one who has had their own hearts weaken to seek holiness from the transformation of love. Wesley desires every Christian to attain the status of perfect love, where the love of God and neighbor would reign in their hearts. As evidence he quotes St. Paul, “Earnestly desire the higher gifts, and I will show unto you a more excellent way.” (The More Excellent Way,

In contrast Pope Benedict XVI’s book, Jesus of Nazareth, stated that the ‘Kingdom of God’ is “… an inner disposition characterised in daily behaviour by adopting the mind and outlook of Christ…” A teacher of the law once asked Jesus, “Which commandment is the most important?” He deemed loving God and your neighbour as the two most important. So here it is clear that Jesus is talking about love as a major theme in personal conduct a theme which is exemplified by biblical stories of Jesus’ own behaviour. Jesus demonstrated his love for others on many occasions and in many different ways. He spoke to people who were outcasts or disliked such as the woman at the well and Zacchaeus. He met people’s physical needs through some of his

This belief goes beyond one or two religions; it is prevalent across all religions. Keeping this in mind, it will be helpful to outline a method for witnessing to adherents of folk religions. Phillip Samaan lists six steps to Christian Witnessing in his book, “Christ’s Way of Making Disciples.” However, these six steps are designed to witness to other Christians. To better serve the purpose of this paper, only five steps will be mentioned. These five steps will serve as a basis for witnessing to adherents to folk religions. This method has been effective because it was not contrived from human thought. Rather, it models exactly what Christ did. The first step Jesus took was to mingle with others as one who desires their good. Before even

It is stated in the bible that “furthermore, it isn’t good to be ignorant, and whoever rushes into things misses the mark” (Proverbs 19:2). Stating that when humans rush a process, that does not need to be rushed, the end product will not be reached. Another statement from the bible adds “may integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you” (Psalm 25:21). Integrity; doing the right thing when nobody is watching. Indicates that although no other human being might be around it is important to not deceive oneself. The core belief of the Christian worldview is “faith working though love” (Galatians 5:6). Which can be influence this scenario by having love for one another and wanting the best for those around.

In a world that does not know the Gospel anymore, we must indulge in it, and love our fellow community though they may not share similar values, but find balancing in still remaining in our own values. Though many of times we find ourselves in opposition of the majority of the world, we must exude Christ love onto others as He does to us unconditionally. The author addresses ways in which we are able to live out our faith and still find a place within our community though they may not share similar values.

In the future this quote will continue to inspire me, within my ministry, to love others according to the unconditional love of Jesus. Rather than assuming that I understand their situation and intentions, I can show them love and walk them through how they can bring about life change by aligning their lifestyle with the teaching of scripture. Too often we, as Christians, treat our influence as “this little light of mine,” when, in actuality, we are the light of the

Pertaining to the ideas of love and justice, Niebuhr prescribed to the belief that in order for perfect justice to arise, the moral imagination of others must seek to meet the needs of fellow individuals. Because “The love of God is an impartial goodness beyond good and evil,” true justice in Niebuhr’s mind will never be reached on earth. “The Christian gospel which transcends all particular and contemporary social situations can be preached with power only by a church which bears its share of the burdens of immediate situations in which men are involved, burdens of establishing peace, of achieving justice, and of perfecting justice in the spirit

One of the biggest parts the Christianity is to help the poor and the needy. Christians, all around the world, are trying the meet the needs of the less fortunate. Whether it feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, providing shelter for the homeless, etc. The list can go on and on, but are they really helping? Could they be doing more harm than good? These are questions raised in the book, When Helping Hurt. Authors, Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, conclude that if Christians are not careful and thoughtful they can hurt someone while trying to help them. Although the book is filled with great examples and advice, this essay will address one aspect that I believe applies to the church I am presently serving in.

This lifestyle, outlined by Jesus at the Sermon on the Mount, necessitates hope that is “pure and full of trust” (Merton, 210). This humility requires Christians to solely rely on “the strength of the Lord of truth” within their struggles, not relying on earthly strength or authorities (Merton, 210). In making this claim, Merton links humility and Christian nonviolence on “the truth that is incarnate in a concrete human situation, involving human persons whose rights are denied or whose lives are threatened” (Merton, 211). This is not an idealistic sense of truth, but one based upon real situations that necessitates action and meaningful relationships with the entirety of humankind. Through this linkage, Merton claims that the Christian takes up nonviolence because they can see Christ in other people and wish to love them vigorously.

In Reaching Out, Henri Nouwen gives out a standard by which we are supposed to live “in the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” He suggests that we need to reach out beyond the tension caused by our lonely, hostile, illusive state.” As our lives fluctuate between poles of stressful and successful existence, our souls are tempted by boredom and yearning for true holiness. Having said that, Nouwen itches, move from the pole of personal loneliness to an embrace of solitude, move from the pole of hostility to an exercise of unselfish hospitality, and most crucially move from a pole of illusion to an intimacy with God through prayer. Struggling with these polarities provides opportunity to construct a practical standard for the spiritual life that incorporates the whole of human experience. Nouwen’s threefold standard for the spiritual life develops a practical approach to these polarities and provides a practical framework for a discipline of discipleship.

What would you do, if someone told you that there are about one-hundred thousand martyrs every year? Would you believe them? Or maybe you wouldn’t even know what martyr means. While it may seem horrifying to you it is true that around, and sometimes more, one-hundred thousand Christians die every year, simply because they’re Christians. Christians today in parts of Asia and Africa face this kind of persecution in their families and governments. Actually, Christians today are condemned more than any other religious group in the world. Persecution of Christians is a major problem in the world today because thousands of people are being killed annually over faith, it’s only getting worse, and Christians are persecuted in over 145 countries.

Many community church organizations are constantly looking for ways to help improve the life of individuals living in the area. Adequate transportation has found to be a great concern for senior citizens who no longer drive, and families who do not have access to reliable transportation. Most helping hand churches would help families who are in need but cannot afford a vehicle, but for several organizations the money is just not in their budget. So, the charity leaders usually looks for alternate solutions to help members of the community overcome their hardships.

During my time at USD I have taken a few classes pertaining to the Christian community. While they all stressed the importance of Jesus; it never really explained in detail his influence upon the Christian church. I was born and raised in Atlanta, which you know is the bible belt. Growing up in rural Atlanta I attended a Baptist Church at least three times a week. While I learned about God through my personal reading and interpretation, my pastor taught a different explanation. He constructed a God that was feared in both the Old and New Testament beside a Jesus that was loving and caring. Pastors in my community would talk about Gods purposeful mishaps and mistakes while highlighting Jesus’s perfection. Even as an adult you see the Church

Intercede for Resonate, a conference for new official workers taking place August 14–16 in Colorado Springs. Pray for safe travel for the 170 workers that will be attending. May their time at the conference give them better understanding of what is means to be Alliance and an Acts 1:8 family.

Preaching is God's ordained method for the Pastor, but note just any kind of Preaching!