We say that the vocabulary of the gospel is not static. Although there is coherence between what we hear, we do not each hear the same good news, so we can't assume that others need exactly the same message that we have found most "good".
Are there common patterns of need, though, shared by those who have not received the gospel, that stand in contrast to those of us who have?
i.e. what difference does it make in us?
How are we made different by the gospel?
not - "how are we different from others", as if to highlight and celebrate our distinction, grooving lines that emphasize ourselves rather than the grace received
Ambassadors
€must understand both worlds and serve as a bridge
€their allegiance and identity is fundamentally not at their post; it is "at home"
€they do no good if they spend all their time "at home"
North Americans in the 1990's
alienated people, hung on the individuality / need-for-intimacy poles
Frustration, anxiety are common. Many are hapless economic pawns.
ambition acceptance
significance security
status relationships
Both dimensions are met coherently by grace in Christ.
How then to address the world into which we are sent as ambassadors?
speak through demonstrated values
how we use/invest our time, money; the way we treat people
speak through use of resources of the faith
prayer, scripture, worship, showing dependence on God
speak through invitations
offers to share hospitality, experience, community, truths
Moral judgements largely carry no significance today because there is not the shared standard.
Thus, judgement/forgiveness is largely not the message that we are tasked with delivering.