Kingdom of Heaven: Imagine A World Without Violence

Hello Church Family!

Envision a world where the cycle of violence and retribution is replaced by mutual peace. You may think, “that’s not how the world operates,” and you would be correct; our current reality can often be violent and destructive. Nevertheless, Jesus not only encourages us to envision a different world but also calls us to actively work towards its realization within the church. As followers of Christ, we are urged to adopt a counter-cultural stance. We embody what John Mark Comer refers to as “the Jesus Way.” Jesus invites us to collaborate with him in creating a new world where Christ's followers are peacemakers, embracing forgiveness and reconciliation instead of violence and revenge.

This week, we will delve into Jesus' teachings in Matthew chapter five, which highlight our call to embrace a different and countercultural way of life. In this chapter, Jesus challenges us to rethink our responses to conflict and adversity, urging us to embody love, mercy, and humility. As we reflect on these teachings, we will explore practical ways to live out this radical vision in our daily lives, fostering a community that exemplifies the peace and reconciliation that Jesus advocates.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Adam Thornton