FABcast



Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Freedom Ministry in Pluralistic Environments

We got some great questions about Freedom Vision implementation in pluralistic environments:

Q: How does a pluralistic environment impact how one expresses community and is an acknowledgment of "sin" required to foster lasting deliverance? 

Answer: I think God is present in each and every military community. At sea, ashore, in combat, in garrison. The pluralistic environment is where the light shines brightest.  Example: imagine the impact of believers confessing sins in the midst of non-believers; essentially, role modeling FREEDOM from FEAR of MAN!  The world is used to watching Christians hide and pretend. The world expects the church to be a bunch of posers. Well dressed at 10:30 sunday and jerks by 11:45 in the parking lot. Let's change that!  The consistent practice of confession/vulnerability in the midst of others is the way to maintain freedom from destructive behaviors. "We are only as sick as our secrets."

Q: Is one of the limitations measuring the results contingent on the "heart" (being born again) condition of those participating? 

Answer: I think it is a nice, but not necessary.  I think God saves everyone differently. For one person, they may get saved and then practice confession.  For others, they might be a part of a solid community group that practices confession and then along the way they get "saved." Jesus does it differently every time.  From Saul to Nicodemus, everyone is on their own journey but the Lord is still the savior. It's about HIS timing.

Q: I thought of "belonging" as the primary way that our population understands community, and would that understanding be enough to mitigate those destructive behaviors (expressing spirituality through Esprit de Corps)? 

Answer: I agree. And anyone can really find freedom from destructive behaviors through belonging. But I'm selling "lasting freedom" here that correlates to eternity. After all, what good is it to be healthy and lose your soul? What good is it to overcome destructive behaviors and not have a relationship with Christ? I want to be clear here in the workshop: it's all about Jesus. You are welcome to join in the group, but we should not compromise on identity in Christ and true freedom: "Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17).

I hope this answers your questions brother!  One team one fight!

v/r RBAR

No comments: