I was recently asked to comment on a colleague\u2019s draft paper that considers theories of aid and development and a Christian theology of change. To get my thoughts organised I jotted down some of my own thoughts on a Christian theology of change.<\/p>\n
CREATION: <\/strong><\/p>\n We are in God\u2019s world to love God and our neighbour.<\/p>\n We are stewards\/ caretakers of God\u2019s creation: of the environment, our neighbours and our relationship with God.<\/p>\n CORRUPTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n We have been tempted by evil and chosen evil before God.<\/p>\n We have corrupted God\u2019s world through this rebellion against God and God\u2019s ways.<\/p>\n The world is not as it should be; the relationships created by God have been ruptured and all these relationships are bathed in suffering and pain.<\/p>\n RESCUE:<\/strong><\/p>\n God has determined to rescue his rebellious and corrupted world.<\/p>\n Firstly, through his Son, Jesus Christ<\/strong>: The Incarnation, Resurrection, Ascension and the final Restoration of all things in Christ.<\/p>\n Therefore: Return to God through Christ, repent of our rebellion, have faith\/trust in Christ and obey God.<\/p>\n Secondly, through the Holy Spirit:<\/strong> At Pentecost the Holy Spirit worked with power to bring people to Jesus Christ through convicting of sin, righteous and judgement. As people return to God in Christ they are incorporated by the Holy Spirit into Christ and into his body, the Church.<\/p>\n The Holy Spirit brings people to Christ and grows in them Christ\u2019s character and gives gifts\/ abilities to participate in God\u2019s work in the world.<\/p>\n PARTICIPATION:<\/strong><\/p>\n God invites us to participate in his work in the world by building the Kingdom\/ rule of God.<\/p>\n Through the Holy Spirit we are in Christ and members of Christ\u2019s body, the Church:<\/p>\n THE FINAL RESTORATION:<\/strong><\/p>\n History\u2019s end: the return of Christ to rule in glory; humankind\u2019s accountability both as individuals and nations; a new heaven and a new earth; his servants gathered before the throne of God where there are no more tears or pain.<\/p>\n Also, Pray.Act. – Global Poverty<\/a> and\u00a0\u00a0 Australian aid & character under threat<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I was recently asked to comment on a colleague\u2019s draft paper that considers theories of aid and development and a Christian theology of change. To get my thoughts organised I jotted down some of my own thoughts on a Christian … Continue reading \n