"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" Rom 14:17

This week we start a new study on Wednesday night, "The Jesus Proposal" by Rubel Shelly and John O. York.  I will have some books on Sunday and order more when they are available.

The first chapter discusses similar changes in our world and culture that we've been talking about in the Crux.  One of the most striking statements to me was the verse above, "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."  (Romans 14:17)  What a powerful statement that Paul is making.  What is he trying to say?  Should we not worry about eating and drinking?  Will we not have to worry about food and drink in Heaven?  Or is he saying something else, something that resonated as much 2000 years ago as it is today?

Chapter 10, The Future of the Churches of Christ

Well here we are at the end, with only one class left to go.  The authors take this chance to really pin down what principles they feel are really at the Crux of the matter.  They discuss the cross, baptism, a cappella music, the Lord's supper, missionary societies and more..., some of which are at the crux and others are "important," but "not at the crux of the matter..."  Tonight we'll review this chapter and talk about what issues really are at the crux, why it's important to continually reexamine our traditions and doctrine in light of Scripture and what that really means.  Have we got it all figured out?  Will we ever?  Is it necessary for membership that we do?  Is it necessary for salvation?  We'll discuss tonight.