Soul Revolution

 

Want to start a revolution?

A revolution (from the Latin revolutio, "a turnaround") is a significant change that usually occurs in a short period of time. Whether it’s colonial America or the Arab Spring, revolutions occur when a group of people decide that the status quo is no longer acceptable. Then they commit themselves to do whatever it takes to create a new reality.

So are you ready to start a revolution? A Soul Revolution?

Dream with me. Imagine if we committed ourselves as a faith community to the idea that the status quo was no longer acceptable. Imagine if we decided that as we drew closer to the Easter season that we wanted to focus on bigger and better things for our lives. Imagine what it would be like if we committed to the same plan so that we could encourage each other to be all that God intended us to be. Imagine that after Easter 2012 you would never be the same again.

There is something that looks like a revolution. It has a group of people that are frustrated with the status quo. They decide that they must do something about it. But it rarely results in any real change. This is called a riot.

The difference between a revolution and a riot is this: a plan.

This may be a new idea to you, but it’s not a new idea at all. For centuries followers of Christ have used the time leading up to Easter as a time to revolt against the status quo in their lives, to get focused on Jesus, his sacrifice on Good Friday and to commit themselves to things that matter most in life. Some call this Lent. Others have called it Quaresma ("forty"). Whatever you call it, using this time to follow a plan can revolutionize your life.

Would you commit to a plan designed to start a Soul Revolution?

So here’s the plan. Focus on 5 BASIC FAITH COMMITMENTS during the Soul Revolution. Beginning Wednesday, February 22 the plan is to:

Countless followers of Christ have used these same 5 BASIC FAITH COMMITMENTS to grow in their love of Christ. During the Soul Revolution let’s focus on these 5 commitments as a community. Together let’s:

  • Read - though the Gospel of John and selected Psalms.
  • Pray - for the World.
  • Go - and serve one day in a culture other than your own.
  • Give - to some cause you are passionate about by temporarily sacrificing something that you enjoy.
  • Join  - every possible Crossroads’ Worship Gatherings and your Community Group.

Why these 5 FAITH COMMITMENTS?

  • Read – to stay connected to God’s beautiful message to us as described in Psalms 19:10: “(Your words) are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.”
  • Pray - for the World as Christ called us to in Matthew 9:38: “So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
  • Go  – and serve one day in a culture other than your own, to follow his instruction in Mark 16:15: “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’”
  • Give   – to some cause you are passionate about by temporarily sacrificing something that you enjoy so that you can know the joy of connecting your life with a greater purpose as described in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8: “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
  • Join  – every possible Crossroads’ Worship Gatherings and your Community Group because in community we find strength to live each day, as it says in Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)  “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

So you may be saying, “Okay, I’m up for it, but where do I start?” No problem. We’ve worked out the details of a plan for you.

  • Read – the schedule that we suggest. It will take you through the book of John and selected Psalms.
  • Pray – for the countries listed. Follow the link online to fascinating details.
  • Go  – and serve in one of the two ministry options we have planned for us as a community.
    • Saturday, March 17 – Habitat Unity Build Day
    • Thursday, April 5 – Maundy Thursday Dinner @ Sojourners Place
  • Give  – to something that you are passionate about. You have to think here. What can you sacrifice during the Soul Revolution that usually costs you something? This sacrifice will allow you to give that money to a cause you are passionate about.
    • You can sacrifice – a regular purchase like coffee, soda or lunch out. Then...
    • You can give to – a fresh water project, children’s relief organization or homeless shelter.
  • Join  – That’s easy! Just show up.

So are you ready to start a revolution?