It seems to me that some folks love to come to church and hear how good it is that they are going to heaven and how bad it is for those "others" who aren't because they don't believe in Jesus (like they do) and "Please, please to anyone who doesn't accept Jesus as their savior, won't you do it now so you can go to heaven, too (and not suffer eternal torment from our angry God for not believing in Jesus)." "All you have to do is say the sinner's prayer and you will be born again." Presto!
As familiar as this may sound to many people, I no longer believe this is the gospel of Jesus. I believe Jesus calls all to follow Him by believing in His Father God whose kingdom is near and spreading peace, hope, justice, and love. Jesus offers all to follow Him in spreading healing, reconciliation, community, and goodness among all people. God's salvation is not just about getting my sins forgiven so I can get to heaven after I die. My salvation is about joining in God's mission to restore the goodness of life and creation that God intended from the beginning. To be a part of God's mission I must turn my back on selfishness, pride, and a host of behaviors and attitudes that keep me at odds with others so I can become part of God's good community where there is unity, harmony, and love reigns supreme; where the "rule" is to live for the common good of all, including the living and non-living.
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