Tangible Kingdom

I have always held the idea that growth meant discipleship and depth...when it really doens't. One of the stats I recently heard, was that 90% of church growth is 'transfer growth' (from other churches) and those people will stay until the next newest sanctuary opens...or next great program starts...we arent winning souls, because we dont care about our neighbors. Our hearts arent broken for them. If we truly loved our neighbors as ourselves....we would spend half of our money on them....right? WE dont, because we dont care...and the church doenst either.

The Kingdom of God---on earth isnt merely church programs, bible studies and megachurches. It isnt just a great worship service...I believe and have seen that the Kingdom happens when deeds are done. James 2:15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; (**or we have a bible study for you**) keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Jesus talks in Matthew .... Sheep and the Goats...no where in there do i see a thing about bible study. God isnt impressed or weigh that for salvation....he wants to see the evidences of our salvation, did we love others, did we feed the homeless, clothe the naked, visit those in prison, care for the elderly, take in the sick.

I have begun reading books (along with daily scripture) that come from a different perspective than mine...and I have a short list of books that all people/believers should read;
Irresistible Revolution-Shane Claiborne (wrecked my ideas of church)
They Love Jesus Not the Church (shifted some paradigms)
unchristian (broke my heart)
Tangible Kingdom (turned the way we do church on its ear)

Jesus wasnt scared of sin or sinners, so why then are we (the church)scared? We dont associate with sinners, have them for dinner, go to school with them, love them, hang out with them....like Jesus did. Why do we play defense when we should be on offense....the gates are around hell....not the Kingdom of God. Gates are the defensive posture...we should Conspiring, collaborating and create (with other believers)opportunities to attack the gates of hell. More times than not...we retreat (a defensive word) with other believers, we 'hide' God's word, or 'defend' our faith. We have gone from a people who proclaim their faith....to people who protect themselves.

The Kingdom of God is the Good News that the reign of Christ is breaking into the world, starting to restore all of his creation, so that it will be on earth...as it is in heaven.
I have started to think, what does the Kingdom look like to;
Homeless guys
Prostitutes
Gay men and women
Wealthy men
High School Kids
Drug Addicts
and Single moms needing diapers

it may be a hamburger and a place to stay, unconditional love, a place to use your gifts and money, somewhere fun and challenging, free counseling or an HEB card. It looks different to different people. As a church we are trying to empower our people to engage others. To walk around like there is no crisis....doenst make the crisis any less real. We want to Expose our people to the CRISIS, let them EXPERIENCE the crisis...then they will ENGAGE.

In the Book 'Tangible Kingdom' there is a line...that i cant shake and I'll leave you with this,
go to Africa and hang out with a village of starving children, you'll get a heart for starving African children. If you hang out with the mentally ill, you'll get a heart for the emotionally imbalanced. If you want a heart for people outside the church......you've got to be with them. As they grab your heart, your posture will change, your angle of approach will change, and the kingdom of God will be a little more tangible.