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The gospel literally changed the world. It has shaped nations, given hope to millions and is tangibly seen in the lives of people today. This gospel story has driven massive social campaigns, such as Wilberforce’s abolition of slavery. It has been the motivation for starting organizations, such as World Vision, the RSPCA and theworkers unions.
It has been the driving force for individuals such as William Carey, Isaac Newton and Billy Graham. The gospel story changed our world.
The power of ideas
Ideas have power to shape behavior. The ideas the gospel contains about a Creator reaching out to reconcile the world to Himself drive human behavior. Theology drives practice.
This is a powerful concept to wrestle with because every aspect of our lives hinges on how we respond to it. A Christian worldview is what we believe about Jesus. This belief determines how we follow Him.
Theology with wings
An example of a theology driving behavior: people that give up everything to serve Jesus. Some show their belief in Jesus through their behavior of giving up career progression, financial security and often moving to remote locations. Some friends from my Horsham Church of Christ display this. Rhys and Angela Morrell serve with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in east Arnhem Land.
The whole MAF Team bear witness to a “theology with wings.” Their knowledge of God drives them to bear witness to Jesus.
For someone without a Christian worldview this makes no sense at all. Why would someone “waste” their time, effort and finances unless there is a deep theological depth to their understanding of Jesus and His mission? Such a counter-cultural act is driven through a rich theology of Jesus being Lord of all.
Theologians over the years have given this concept various names such as a ‘theological vision’ (Richard Lints). Dutch Pastor Abraham Kuyperproclaimed, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” The link between our beliefs and practice is part of the gospel message.
It transforms every aspect of our life and overflows from a deep indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It changes the way we spend our money, how we build community, how we treat others, and the way we view our jobs. It flows out of this deep gospel conviction.
What about me?
How can we live out this faith? How can I serve my church and support people like Rhys and Angela? One outworking of this theological melee, for me, is through completing an Ironman Triathlon in June.
The Cairns Ironmanis a 3.8km swim off Palm Cove in the Coral Sea, 180km ride on the Cairns to Port Douglas road and 42km marathon run around the Cairns foreshore. Through this event I am hoping to share their story and inspire others to give their theology wings.
For me it is an opportunity to make every thought captive to Christ. Praying for the MAF team during training helps put the focus on Him ratherthan my own health battles. It is an opportunity to seek His strength in my weakness. It is an attempt to put wings on the faith I profess.
The aim, at the end of June 9th, is for people to hear this gospel story, see it transform the lives of many and be inspired to let Jesus’ story transform their own.
Jeremy Dover is a former Sports Scientist and Pastor. He is attempting an Ironman Triathlon in Cairns to raise awareness and funds for MAF.
Jeremy Dover's previous articles may be viewed at https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover1.html
And
https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover.html
Jeremy Dover is a former sports scientist and Pastor
Jeremy Dover's previous articles may be viewed at https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover1.html
And https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover.html