God's Value System develops the theology of understanding God and biblical issues in terms of relationship with God.
Jesus never intended the Gospel to be something that only affected life after death. His message of good news begins right now in this life. An inadequate understanding of the Gospel fails to bring the values of Christ's Kingdom into our lives. However, a true understanding of the relational blessings that God provides for us brings transformation to all of our relationships.
Here are a few of the ideas covered in this book:
- the basis for relationship with God
- the relational nature of theology
- the Gospel in its most basic and complete form
- the failure of relationship through legalism
- clearly defining the nature of worship and holiness
- evangelism that focuses on value system
- the primary purpose of prayer
As you read this book, you will refocus your attention on what Jesus taught about his Kingdom, and what he declared to be good news.
Relationship with God
Relationships are based on what you have in common with another person,
whether family, work, hobbies, or religion. Truly knowing a person, including
God, is entirely dependent on knowing what that person values; and
deepening relationship requires agreement and unity in what you value
most. In order to have a good and meaningful relationship with someone,
you must hold in common that which is most important to you. This is no
different in our relationship with God.
Relationship with God must be based on our adopting values that are like
his, and removing from our lives anything we value that he does not. The
only measure of Christian growth in Christ-likeness is how much we have
become like him in terms of value system. Therefore, we must be sure we
truly understand what God values. If we misunderstand God's value system,
then we misunderstand who he is. If we do not know what God values, then
we cannot be sure that we are even becoming like him.
How can we know what God values?
God has revealed his value system, although many have misunderstood or
misrepresented it. Only through an examination of the Gospel of the
Kingdom can we know God's value system. We must be very sure we
understand the Gospel without adding or subtracting from it, because if we
fail to clearly comprehend the teachings of Jesus, we will be severely
hindered in knowing and becoming like him.
God's value system is sacrificial love for the benefit of others, and it most
looks like Jesus on the cross. If we are to be like him, we must understand
this truth fully and seek to become like him in loving others sacrificially.
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"God's Value System is a great book-- one that I will go back over again and again."
"This book ... represents the most significant teaching on Christianity that I have had in my adult life."
God's value system is sacrificial love for the benefit of others, and it most looks like Jesus on the cross. If we are to be like him, we must understand this truth fully and seek to become like him in loving others sacrificially.
Spiritual growth defined as adopting God's value system.
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