…I am an addict I stopped by the South Side Mardel Christian book store after work today and walked out with 6 (six) new books. That puts the total at 41 books I am now reading simultaneously- 42 if you count the Bible itself. I need to commit to finishing one of these books (other than the Bible) all the way thru and then finishing each in turn. I am building quite a library. I will end up showing you and also quoting from all of the other books I bought tonite. However, I am particularly enthused about this ONE book- probably the one I will devour in its entirety first. It is entitled
“What Jesus Demands From The World”- by John Piper.

Man, not only is it an awesome book, but it fits perfectly into what you have just said, also into our class setting and into the dialog.

Believe it or not I also just found the PDF version of the book online here:

http://www.desiringgod.org/media/pdf/books_bwjd.pdf

Man this one is potent. Scroll thru the first few pages of the book enough to see the table of contents displaying the chapter headings. The table of contents alone reads like a lesson or sermon. I would absolutely love having a class based upon this book!
I am ready to get out into the world and spread some Agape.

A preaching that does not point out sin is not the preaching of the gospel A preaching that makes sinners feel good, so that they are secured in their sinful state, betrays the gospel’s call. A preaching that does not discomfit sinners but lulls them in their sin leaves Zebulun and Naphtali in the shadow of death.

A preaching that awakens, a preaching that enlightens as when a light turned on awakens and, of course, annoys, the sleeper that is the preaching of Christ, calling “Wake up… Be converted!…” Naturally, such preaching must meet conflict, must spoil what is called prestige, must disturb, must be persecuted. It cannot get along with the powers of darkness and sin…

Oscar Romero, martyr, Jan. 22, 1978 – roughly 2 months before his assassination.

Hear some good sermons on peacemaking HERE.

Romans 12:14-21 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b]says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[c] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Footnotes:

1. Romans 12:16 Or willing to do menial work
2. Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35
3. Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22

More about Traditional Christian Peacemaking

Vanguard Church: The Myth of a Christian Nation, Ch 1