Violent Faith

I've been going through the Gospel Matthew with my DG's . . .

[and just a thought for those of you who are still using 'a lack of time' as an excuse to not being in a DG which are some of the most life giving parts of my week . . . I've got 4 teenagers, long weeks of 24 hr schedules, coaching, volunteer boards, etc, and I'm part of 3 DG's . . . just sayin']

. . . And I've been ruminating on Matthew 11:12 where Jesus said (NIV): "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it."

The NAS says it like this: "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force."

In context this passage is talking about how John the Baptist came as a force to lead the way for Jesus. And how Jesus came in a totally unique way - eating and drinking with sinners - but how they both brought the power of the Kingdom of God.

It convicts me that living for the Kingdom of God is NOT passive! Living for God is about forcefully advancing, it's about exerting influence on what is in front of us.
It's not stationary. But it's about movement. It's about change.

And when we move forward everyone is not going to like it. Everyone is not going to agree. Some are going to be left behind.

Now, I'm not talking about being arrogant and abrasive with our faith. But if we are going to be living for God, we WILL be advancing. We will be bold and courageous and it will feel violent at times.

Let me ask you: Where have you grown passive and static in your faith? When's the last time following Jesus felt violent? When's the last time you felt the excitement of God's Kingdom being advanced through your life?

Tell us what you believe!?!?