In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, many of us find ourselves yearning for miracles, for moments where the divine breaks through the mundane. As we sang “I Believe” in our recent service, it became clear that some of us are wrestling with unbelief, even as we hope for the miraculous. This tension between belief and unbelief is something we all face, and it’s a reminder of our need for God’s presence and guidance in our lives.

During the service, we took a moment to stand in solidarity with those seeking miracles, whether in their families, finances, or personal struggles. We prayed for God to be present in these situations, to bring healing, restoration, and grace. It’s a powerful reminder that God is not distant; He desires to be with us, leading us through every challenge.

As we continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, we are confronted with a profound question: How should we, as Christians, respond to an evil society? This question is not new. It was the same question faced by the Jewish people in Jesus’ time, and it remains relevant today.

The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7, offers us guidance. Jesus teaches us not to respond in the ways we might expect. Instead of embracing the corrupt systems of the world or isolating ourselves from them, Jesus calls us to live a life that is holy and set apart, yet fully engaged with the culture around us.

Throughout history, different groups have responded to societal evil in various ways. The Sadducees embraced corruption for power, the Herodians sought compromise, the Essenes fled to isolation, the Zealots chose rebellion, and the Pharisees focused on strict adherence to the law. But Jesus offers a different path—one that involves living in the world but not being of it.

This tension is not easy to navigate. It requires wisdom, discernment, and a deep commitment to following Jesus’ example. We are called to be salt and light, to influence the world around us with the love and truth of Christ. This means engaging with culture, not to conform to it, but to transform it through the power of the Gospel.

In the book “Creative Minority” by John Tyson and Heather Grizzle, the authors discuss the concept of full redemption versus half redemption. Full redemption involves a holistic view of God’s plan for creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. It calls us to seek cultural influence and love society towards Jesus. In contrast, half redemption focuses only on personal salvation, often leading to isolation and a loss of cultural influence.

As we study the Sermon on the Mount, let’s embrace the challenge of living a life that is both holy and culturally engaged. Let’s seek to be a creative minority, influencing the world around us with the hope and redemption found in Christ. This is not about escaping the world but transforming it through the love and power of Jesus.

May we be a people who live out our faith with authenticity and courage, trusting that God is with us, guiding us, and working through us to bring about His kingdom on earth. Let’s commit to this journey together, believing that God has a plan for us and for the world we inhabit.