light the world

A few quotes from The Hole in our Gospel:

"The gospel itself was born of God's vision of a changed people, challenging and transforming the prevailing values and practices of our world. Jesus called the reslting new world order the "kingdom of God" and said that it would become a reality through the lives and deeds of His followers. Jesus asked a great deal of those who followed Him. He expected much more from them than just believing He was God's Son. He challenged them to embrace radically different standards, to love their neighbors and their enemies, to forgive those who wronged them, to lift up the poor and downtrodden, to share what they had with those who had little, and to live lives of sacrifice. Then He likened their effect on the world around them to that which light has on darkness. Light dispels darkness; it reverses it. Likewise, truth dispels falsehood, and goodness reverses evil...

"When we committed ourselves to following Christ, we also committed to living our lives in such a way that a watching world would catch a glimpse of God's character- His love, justice, and mercy- through our words, actions, and behavior. "We are...Christ's ambassadors," wrote the apostle Paul, "as though God were making his appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20). God chose us to be His representatives. He called us to go out, to proclaim the "good news"- to BE the "good news"- and to change the world. Living out our faith privately was never meant to be an option."

I love that "Iowans for Africa" is a team of dedicated ambassadors for Christ out to BE the "good news" and change the world! The money we raise for World Vision will give hope and opportunities to so many without either of these. All in the name and power of Christ. It's so good to be in this with you.