Linglestown Life
Our worshipping community is in a series of messages: Think Again.
Philippians 4:6-8 NIV
What were you thinking?
What experiences have left you asking this question-
…of yourself…
…of others…
Thinking requires effort on our part, and we tend to be lazy thinkers.
Clash of Cultures
The time in which Jesus lived there was a clash of cultures. Jewish, Roman, Greek, and Byzantine cultures clashed, especially in the narrow strip of land where Jesus walked.
The Apostle Paul’s journeys around the Mediterranean brought him into these clashes of cultures.
Acts 17:22-23 NIV
What does Paul’s experience in Athens teach you about thinking?
Socrates once said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”
An examined faith isn’t afraid of those things like doubt and questions. The examined faith just pushes us to learn, unlearn and relearn.
How is today’s clash of cultures and negativity impacting your…
…thinking …emotions …relationships …faith
When we perpetuate the negative thinking-
-without finding out the truth,
-or choosing to think about the ramifications of our thinking on others,
-or how our negative thinking will propel the emotions, and in turn the actions of others;
we drive our culture deeper and deeper into a cycle of anger, hate, anxiety.
What if what we shared was the truth?
How do you do that?
Ask better questions. Read more broadly. Don’t be afraid to doubt or ask questions.
What if what you think of others is noble and pure?
How would that change your perception of people, and other people’s perception of you?
You would see people as human beings, not some devil. You would listen to their story. Remember that no one arrives at a position without a story; so what’s the story? And, if you start looking for the best in people, people will see that and ask how you always have a positive outlook.
What if the things you focus your thinking on are admirable, excellent and praiseworthy?
How do you do that?
Stop. Engage your thinking process. Don’t act or respond out of emotions. Think about the results that you want to engender? + or -
Take A Step
Each week we come together and declare our vision; but today I want to invite you to put that vision into action. Take a step in each of these ways this week:
We are a community of faith –
With whom from this community of faith will you reflect on what you learned today?
being transformed by God’s grace –
What will you do in response to what you learned today so that you will be transformed?
inspiring people to become disciples of Jesus –
How will you inspire someone by sharing something you learned today?