Out of the World.

When we start out we are of the world.

Our values and attitudes are shaped by our experiences in the world.

We are cynical, pragmatic, aggressive, materialistic, and selfish.

We assume that God wins by superior force and might as people in the world win.

Many people project the ways of the world onto God calling Him mighty, powerful, conqueror, glorious etc..

But we are in for a surprise.

God is in the still small voice - "a sound of sheer silence."  1 Kings 19:12b (NRSV)

"'Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"  Zechariah 4:6b (NRSV)

"'for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"  1 Samuel 16: 7b (NRSV)

God is gentle.

God is patient.

God is non-violent and forgiving.
Full of understanding and grace.

God does not use force.

God does not punish and reward in the way that the leaders of the world punish and reward.

God gives everyone another chance

There is no condemnation, no damnation.

Only Love.

God calls us out of the world.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version.Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)