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1. OUR MISSION: To guide those far from God into the new start found in Jesus Christ.

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3. Part Two “But when they opposed...” Acts 18:5-8 The issue of Koinonia Julia Kristeva’s book • Ancient Greek word • fellowship, association, community, communion • joint participation, a gift jointly contributed • Use 19 times in the New Testament Acts 2:41-42 “Then those who gladlyreceived his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Romans 15:26“For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.” Philemon 1:6“and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake.”

4. Part Two “But when they opposed...” Acts 18:5-8 The issue of Koinonia Julia Kristeva’s book • (3) Koinonia(of assimilation) • As a foreigner (or as an outsider), inclusion within the people group is a real privilege. • You must be willing enter into contract, promising to be useful to the people group. • You must indicate change; for example – of citizenship, of belief, of lifestyle. • Adaptation and assimilation is a necessary prerequisite to enjoying koinonia. • A foreigner may assume political identity and receive indigenous rights of the people group. • Koinonia (equal in political rights) • Koinonia is sharing political identity (one people) as a citizen of the city or state. • By contrast to "barbarians" (foreigners) who cannot speak adequately (therefore democratically) or according to political koinonia. • Koinonia is conditional on learning the language of the organisationso as to protect the identity and unity of the organisation. • (4) Koinonia (citizen of another country) • Koinonia affirms the dignity of all humanity, especially the insignificant. • Presumed wisdom may be folly, the elite pretensions of knowledge, power and status of any society are not what they seem. • Genuine koinonia occurs in reception of identity as gift and by attendance to every other as a fellow sojourner or temporary resident in a foreign land. • (2) Koinonia (cosmopolitan) • Koinonia is sharing the fate of humanity— of destiny and suffering—in the fellowship of life's unstoppable changes and unexpected difficulties... as citizens of the world (cosmopolitan). • The koinonia of humanity, of oneness, is inscribed in natural law and its determinisms within life.

5. Part Two “But when they opposed...” Acts 18:5-8 Koinonia – citizens of another country Philippians 3:20“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Hebrews 13:14“For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come” John 14:2"In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; forI go to prepare a place for you.”

6. Part Two “But when they opposed...” Acts 18:5-8 Matthew 13:24-30 Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed ears, then the weeds also appeared. ‘The owner’s servants came to him and said, “Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?” ‘“An enemy did this,” he replied. ‘The servants asked him, “Do you want us to go and pull them up?” ‘“No,” he answered, “because while you are pulling up the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: first collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.”’

7. Part Two “But when they opposed...” Acts 18:5-8 Two kinds of people are represented Matthew 21:23“Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him.” Jesus cast His net wider and gave everybody a chance

8. Part Two “But when they opposed...” Acts 18:5-8 Acts 18:5-8 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.

9. Part Two “But when they opposed...” Acts 18:5-8 Self-differentiate = “to be authentic in the midst of difficulty and change” Jesus went around doing good Inclusion cannot just be an act; or a gesture; or an event Matthew 13:54-57 “Jesus… Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him.”

10. Part Two “But when they opposed...” Acts 18:5-8 Neil’s Shoes... a point of discussion The devil will uses our own theology to shut us down A spirit of inclusion has to be immune to the response

11. Part Two “But when they opposed...” Acts 18:5-8 “I am complimenting you on your ability to choose well” Just notice people Proverbs 21:21“If you try to be kind and good, you will be blessed with life and goodness and honour.” Proverbs 16:24“Kind words are like honey-- they cheer you up and make you feel strong.”

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13. OUR MISSION: To guide those far from God into the new start found in Jesus Christ.