7.12.20 - The Church of Political Power (Kenny Camacho)
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 8, Luke 22:24-30, James 2
DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
In the story of Samuel and the first king of the Israelites, Kenny made the case that the biggest reason the Isrealites wanted a king is because “they wanted to win.” What did this attitude reveal about the state of their relationship with God?
What have your experiences been with “politics and the church”?
Read Luke 22:24-30 again. What is surprising about the way Jesus responds to the disciples’ request for “political” power? What is the unique life God wants for the Isrealites, for the disciples...and for us?
Kenny said that the church is intended to be a countercultural presence in the world. What do you think that means? How can something “counter” to culture have an impact on the world?
Kenny also asked us all to write down this point: “It’s not what you oppose that builds God’s Kingdom, it’s what you embody.” What is the difference, in your view? How can this challenge you this week?
Lastly, Kenny said that the problem with holding political power is that it tends to draw people to the center, giving preference to what is popular. However, the church exists for the margins. What can we do, as a church, to better care for the people around the “edges” of our community here in Annapolis?
In pursuing political power, we risk giving up our values / In relying on political power, we lose our countercultural identity / In holding political power, we trade the margins for the center. In light of these 3 warnings, what “political” things can a church do?
How can we, as individuals, be rightly and carefully “political” as both participants in a democratic system and citizens of God’s Kingdom? What are some ways you can better embody a “Christian politics” in the weeks and months ahead?