Transformative Faith: Living and Listening with Christ in Our City (05/10/'24) -Passage

Transformative Faith: Living and Listening with Christ in Our City There's a lot of difference between speaking and listening, for we're short on ears and long on mouth. Only the holy spirit of living Christ can transform us on the cross. The real Christ is out there in our life every day, whether we help those who are living on the street and how our countenance causes our neighbors. We must redefine and humanize our city's public spaces. It is possible to make our city livable neighborhoods by living together with in all forms of the matrix of street life. Our lives are to continue to be filled with practical matters, not constitutional ones. Listening and Speaking: James 1:19: "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." This verse encourages active listening and restrained speaking, similar to the statement that emphasizes the importance of being "short on ears and long on mouth." Transformation through Christ: Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." The Holy Spirit transforms believers into new beings. The reference to "transform us on the cross" speaks to the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. Helping the Needy and Vulnerable: Matthew 25:40: "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" Jesus taught his followers to care for the needy, seeing acts of kindness as serving Him directly. This aligns with helping those living on the street and being mindful of one's "countenance" toward neighbors. Living Out Practical Faith: James 2:14-17: "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Faith should be reflected through practical acts, not just belief. The statement's emphasis on "practical matters, not constitutional ones" calls for action-oriented faith. The overall meaning seems to be a call to live out Christian faith by listening well, transforming through Christ, and working actively to make neighborhoods more compassionate and inclusive, particularly by addressing the needs of those living on the streets. Practical love for others becomes a testament to Christ's presence and influence in daily life. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 10, 2024)