Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
The teaching says the goal is not to be “heady” but to participate in “what God is doing… usher in the kingdom,” naming activities like hospitality, peacemaking, healing the sick, and loving those far from God; which of these feels most absent or avoided in your church culture, and what might that reveal about how modern evangelical “freedom” or “assurance” can subtly reduce obedience to optional extras rather than the work of an apprentice?
Another way to ask: The teaching says following Jesus means joining what God is doing (like hospitality, peacemaking, healing, and loving people far from God). Which of these does your church most avoid, and what does that show about how “freedom” or “assurance” might make obedience feel optional?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript doesn’t diagnose specific church cultures or talk directly about modern evangelical “freedom/assurance,” but it does warn against a faith that stays “heady” instead of active. If certain kingdom practices (hospitality, peacemaking, loving those far from God, etc.) are absent, the speaker would likely see that as a sign we’re not treating Jesus’ way as the actual apprenticeship path.
- He states the third goal: “do what Jesus did,” and calls it joining “what God is doing in the world… usher in the kingdom of God.”
- He explicitly contrasts this with mere learning: “Our goal is not just to be heady and know a lot about the Bible.”
- He lists kingdom actions: “preaching the gospel, teaching the way, community, hospitality, praying, peacemaking, healing the sick, and showing love to those far from God.”
- He concludes Christian life is “built around… these three goals,” implying these practices aren’t side issues.
- He says real growth requires “dedication, community, and practice,” suggesting action is part of formation.