Andrew,

Your point is well taken. I can’t help but wonder, though, what implications that understanding may have. I grew up in a church setting that used collective funds only to the benefit of “the church,” while personal giving to “the world” was occasionally mentioned. There is a certain coherent logic to that understanding; the new creation taking care of itself and showing a different way of living and caring would potentially draw others into that new creation.

Would you be willing to expound on what you think the implications are regarding a “new creation” understanding versus a “transforming” understanding, in terms of what the church should be doing and focusing on?

Thanks for your consideration and insight.
 Tony