Engage Culture

Starting in Matthew 5 and going through chapter 7, Jesus gives a series of messages that, when read and meditated on, have shown the ability over the last 2,000 years to inspire people to reimagine what a life under the lordship of Jesus could look like. When Jesus calls his followers to be “lights in the world” and “cities on hills” he’s asking them to be so inspired by who he is and what he offers that we reimagine our purpose in this world...and in turn inspire those around us. We desire to be a people who listen to the stories and needs of our world and are ready to engage (Genesis 1:28-31). The first commandment to God’s creation was to multiply their presence in this world and be good stewards of all this world has to offer. By engaging culture, we are stepping into that stewardship, and increase the chances of multiplying our presence in this world (Acts 17:22-34).

Resources

putting it into practice

Check out this sermon on engaging culture.
Read this blog post on engaging culture.

Engaging culture means living in our world with imagination and hope, with the courage to step out and step into new things that demonstrate and expand the kingdom of God, “on earth as it is in heaven.”

This week, spend a few minutes reading Jeremiah 29:4-7 meditatively and reflectively. Before you read the passage, invite God to speak to you through His word. Now read the passage slowly. After a pause for silence, re-read the passage. Then re-read it again.

What’s standing out to you in this passage? Are there any words or phrases that are catching your attention?

What does it mean for you to "seek the peace and prosperity” of Memphis?

Spend some time journaling any reflections you might have, and close by praying for the city to which God has called you.