Transcript:Hello, this is Pastor Don of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective.Classical Christianity suffers no illusions that this world will ever be perfected by any human effort. Christians have no reason to fall prey to naïve utopian fantasies. Nonetheless, Classical Christianity does believe that the church should have a redemptive and salutary effect on general society.Jesus put it this way to His followers:“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness berestored? …You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:13-14)Salt has a preserving effect, and light causes darkness to flee. We should operate in such a way that it preserves civil discourse and encourages social connection and cohesion. We should strive to engage like Jesus, who was neither cranky nor lacking in courage.As the church, we have a responsibility to operate in such a way that it demonstrates a new way of living—a way of walking that is out of step with the kingdom of this world, but lock step with the kingdom of God. Although the world may disdain what we believe, we ought to engage them in such a way that they are thankful for our presence. Although they may look askance at our gospel, they’re grateful for the value we bring to our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, etc. Our presence should make things better. Proverbs says that when the righteous thrive, the city rejoices (Proverbs 11:10). The best thing you can do for your earthly neighbor is to live for heaven.Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective."Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."~ Matthew 5:3-12 (NASB)

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