Social Justice & Human Rights

A new cause for the 12:3 Conspirators to get involved with is the International Justice Mission (IJM).

Gary Haugen serves as President and CEO of International Justice Mission. IJM is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local governments to ensure victim rescue, to prosecute perpetrators and to strengthen the community and civic factors that promote functioning public justice systems. His latest book, Just Courage: God's Great Expedition for the Restless Christian (2008), is a resonant call to courage set on the frontlines of today's battle against violent injustice. I highly recommend Gary's book Good News About Injustice for a great introduction about global injustice.

Learn more about IJM and global injustice as it exists today here.

Watch an introduction about IJM below:

The Day with Others

So, I'm taking a little time today to study for the 12:3 Conspiracy. We are in week eight of the studies and I'm looking forward to teaching Romans 12:9 on Sunday. I thought it was cool that the 12:3 Conspiracy was starting Romans 12:9 (Let love be genuine...) on the same day we are starting our introduction to the 40 Days of Love at LHC. Anyway, I'm reflecting on something that I haven't done in a while and wanted to share it with you.

In his brilliant little book, Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer has a chapter entitled, The Day with Others that talks about starting your day in reflection of Christ's sacrifice and readings in Scripture, especially the psalms. Then, Bonhoeffer tells us how to end our day in the fellowship of others. Bonhoeffer writes, "The early morning belongs to Christ...the break of light remembers the morning on which death and sin lay prostrate in defeat and new life and salvation were given to mankind." This is how we should start every morning if we are to take on the task of spending the day with others.

Spending the day with others, huh, I've never thought of it that way. Most of our lives are lived in routine. We are around the same people, almost everyday. The same people at work, church, the gym, Starbucks, and most routinely, our families. Do we genuinely think of the "routines" as "others?" I think there is a way to start. It's called practicing the one anothers.

Practicing the "one anothers" from Scripture starts by knowing what they are. Here's a list:

John 13:34
Love one another

Rom. 12:10
Be devoted to one another

Rom. 12:16
Live in harmony with one another

Rom. 15:7
Accept one another

Gal. 5:13
Serve one another in love

Eph. 4:2
Put up with one another

Eph. 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another

Col. 3:16
Teach and admonish one another

Heb. 3:13
Encourage one another daily

1 Pet. 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another

Ok, so it's easy. First, memorize the list so you can recall the one's you need at any given circumstance. However, while you're memorizing them, you could practice at least one a day. Let's say you choose "devoted to one another." What does the word "devoted" mean? According to Webster's it means: to give up or appropriate to or concentrate on a particular pursuit, occupation, purpose, cause, etc. When's the last time you spent time with others like that?

It would be cool to get some comments on this blog and to hear how this "practice of the one anothers" is going for you. Any ideas of how you are doing this? Any stories that could encourage someone else? Let me hear from you.

Let Love Rule - Genuine Love

Download the notes from Lesson 8 "Genuine Love"
Download here.

Radical Generosity

This weekend I taught from Romans 12:6-8. This is one of the lists of "grace gifts" or "spiritual gifts" found in the New Testament (the other found in 1 Corinthians 12). One of the most interesting gifts found on the "Romans list" is giving. The usual verb for giving is didomi, but the word here in Romans 12:8b is the intensified metadidomi, which carries the additional meaning of sharing and imparting that which is one's own. It is clearly a term used to mean generosity, or giving out of one's self to another; we call it sacrificial giving in the church. I call it radical generosity.

Do you have the gift of radical generosity? In an article I read recently entitled Compelling Generosity, I was drawn to phrases like "our culture's self-absorbed economy of excess" and "enough resources to contribute to the lives of others." In this, I found myself in the middle of paradox. I say I am always striving to meet my needs, when really I am striving to maintain a lifestyle. A lifestyle, quite honestly, that is complex and pressure-packed. And this is where the paradox became conviction. I immediately began to realize the measure of my generosity has nothing to do by what or how much I give, but by what or how much I am preparing my life to contribute to the lives of others. Radical generosity is a lifestyle, a gift, to be lived out among people I come in contact with everyday.

For me, radical generosity does not come from my willingness to give. Most of the time, I wish I could give more. Radical generosity comes from being in a place where I can give more. Have I designed my life to be generous? Now, I'm not talking about Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace thing. I'm talking about having the mindset that I can contribute what is mine to others now, not when I get my "emergency fund" together.* I think it goes a step further. It calls for radical changes in our lifestyles.

Over the years, I have heard of the spiritual discipline called simplicity. I have done some reading on the topic and it is a powerful experience when practiced. The practice of simplicity is simply (pun) to learn to live within our means. In effect, it means to be content. Too often, my generosity suffers from the complicated pace of my life or, my lack of simplicity. My life is so loud, fast-paced and over-crowded, that I really don't have anything (time or financial resources) to give. So, it's not that I don't want to give (generosity) or live in contentment (simplicity), it's just that I really can't; it's impossible.

In his book Freedom of Simplicity, Richard Foster writes, "Christian simplicity frees us from modern mania...It allows us to see material things for what they are—goods to enhance life, not to oppress life. People once again become more important than possessions. Simplicity enables us to live lives of integrity in the face of the terrible realities of our global village."

I guess the challenge of radical generosity is real. Real in the sense that I am becoming like everyone else—collecting and consuming everything I see with no regard for who I am becoming in the process. Generosity is integrity, and really, it's self-integrity. Generosity is knowing my true self enough to allow it to be reflected in the way I live my life. Too often, my life is an appearance, just a shadow of my desire to do good, a form of godliness, if you will. I want to change that, but I know it will take real changes, one's that take real sacrifice.

In closing, I would like to quote a friend of mine:

Radical generosity is generosity that flows from an encounter with this radically generous God we meet in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When the Gospel takes root in our lives, it becomes the story that shapes, informs and defines the decisions and direction of our lives. So, just like Christ, we gladly become poor, giving sacrificially of our lives to enrich the lives of others. Just as our Savior poured himself out to rescue and enrich our lives, so we would pour out our lives to rescue and enrich the lives of others – not just friends and family, but even those who are removed from us.

Click here to read the article, "Compelling Generosity"

*I am not knocking Ramsey's stuff here. In fact, I think Ramsey does a fine job teaching biblical stewardship. I just find that most Ramsey-ites are learning stewardship for security sake. I believe biblical stewardship also includes risking our lifestyles for the sake of contributing to others.

Serving The Body of Christ - Radical Generosity

Download the notes from Lesson 7 "Serving the Body of Christ"
Download here.

What is the Body of Christ?

Download the notes from Lesson 6 "What is the Body of Christ?"
Download here.

Humilty & Grace Gifts

Teaching from Romans 12:3 now posted for download. Download all the teachings here.

Discerning the Will of God

Download the notes from Lesson 4 "Discerning the Will of God"
Download here.

On Being Transformed

Teaching from Romans 12:2a now posted for download. Download all the teachings here.

Duffle Bag Conspiracy Post 2

Sunday was a big day for the 12:3C. We introduced the Duffle Bag conspiracy to the group and the response was overwhelming. The teaching was from Romans 12:1 — the second in the series (you can download the notes here) — and we talked about the setting apart of our bodies for reasonable service to God. The idea is that our mind, will, emotions and even our bodies can be useful for good. The Apostle Paul speaks of presenting your body, kind of a formal placement on the altar, as a sacrifice. But, in the view of the mercy of God, can our lives be called a sacrifice? David Livingstone in an address to student at Cambridge University called it a privilege.

Our goal for the Duffle Bag Conspiracy was to purchase and stuff 48 bags. By 2:00pm that afternoon, we had some people step forward and we ended purchasing a total of 96 bags! Now, our students at Liberty Heights are involved and another discipleship class saw what we were doing on Facebook and is planning to join in!

If you are interested in learning more about the Duffle Bag Conspiracy, please contact us for more info.

Duffle Bag Conspiracy

Over the holidays, my home church in Texas (The Community at Lake Ridge) decided to prepare care packages for the homeless and distribute them on Christmas Day. They took over 200 duffle bags and "stuffed" them with things like new socks, underwear, blankets, water, snacks, a Bible and a handwritten note from their family. On Christmas Day, they went to a mission and fed about 200 people and then handed out tickets to 100 men and 100 women. Each person who had a ticket got a gender specific bag. Many people gave testimonies at church and said it was the coolest thing they've ever experienced. The homeless were so grateful and touched and relationships were built between those fortunate and those less than. This story has given rise to our first 12:3 Conspiracy: The Duffle Bag Conspiracy.

The 12:3 Conspirators at Liberty Heights are planning on taking around 50 duffles to City Gospel Mission. Each bag is about $2.75 and can be stuffed with suggested items like socks, underwear, etc. or even optional items like, toothbrush, deodorant, etc. *See comprensive list below.

We need 25 bags for women (including feminine products) and 25 bags for men. If you want to donate a coat, it would be much appreciated.

If you are interested in taking part in the Duffle Bag Conspiracy, please contact Jeff Flowers at 817.727.5527 or jeff@libertyheights.org. Thanks.

*Dowload the list for each bag here.

HIV/AIDS Ministry Involvement - Cincinnati

A big part of the 12:3 Conspiracy is ministry to people with HIV/AIDS in the Greater Cincinnati area and the world. There are many ways to get involved:

Global:: World Vision's Acting On AIDS
Visit the official site here.


Local :: Cincinnati, OH
Find a way to get involved in "spiritual care" on the Greater Cincinnati HIV/AIDS Information Center website.

Clean Water Project

Advent Conspiracy and Living Water International have partnered to demonstrate the love of God by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean water, and to experience “living water”—the gospel of Jesus Christ—which alone satisfies the deepest thirst.


Learn more about Living Water International here.

12:3 Stories

Do you have a 12:3 Conspiracy to tell us about. Please submit your story using the form below. We will review your story, and if you agree, we will publish it to the 12:3 Blog.

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Tom's Shoes - Shoes for Tomorrow

One for one. That's Blake Mycoskie's dream as the founder of Tom's Shoes. Blake is a committed Christ-follower and whose business plan is based on the concept that for every shoe it sells, it donates a similar pair to a child in need. Read this article to find out more about Blake. Also, you can watch an interview with Blake at http://www.fellowshipchurch.com/toms.



Tom's Shoes Online

Cause Submission Form

We are always looking for new conspiracies. There are a couple of things that define a 12:3 Conspiracy. First, it must be a Christian faith-based organization or opportunity. We believe that service must also include a presentation of the gospel. Second, it must align with our statement of faith and beliefs. You can read these here.

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KIVA - Microlending to Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries

The Bridge Cincinnati and Pastor Tim Dunn have partnered with KIVA, an organization that exist to alleviate poverty through microlending to entrepreneurs in developing nations. KIVA is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world. KIVA has many faith-based initiatives that you can learn about here.

To get involved, please contact Pastor Tim Dunn at The Bridge Cincy (www.thebridgecincy.org) and learn more about their Bless Back Projects.

Find a Cause...Be the Effect! (Master List)

The members of the Twelve:Three Conspiracy are finding ways to join the cause for change in the world. This is a master list of causes we are involved with and it's growing everyday, so check back often as we update this post.

If you have a cause you would like to share with the 12:3 conspirators, please visit our cause submission page and tell why you think it should be included. Here are the causes you can get involved with both here and abroad:

City Gospel Mission Cincinnati
(Work the the hurting, homeless and lost in Urban Cincinnati)

New Life Mission in Hamilton
(Inner-city mission in Hamilton, OH)

ABRO
(American Belarussian Relief Organization)

Advent Conspiracy
(LWI Partner)

Living Water International
(Water Relief in 26 countries)

Compassion International
(International Child Advocacy)

World Changers
(Missions and Community Projects)

KIVA
(Microlending Partnership with The Bridge Cincinnati)

A Million Thanks
(Correspondence to US Military Men & Women)

World Vision :: Acting On Aids
(Christian humanitarian initiatives)

Local Cincinnati HIV/AIDS Ministry
(Find local ministries that provide spiritual care)

Duffle Bag Conspiracy
(Care packages for the homeless)

International Justice Mission
(Human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression.)

This list will hopefully grow over the next few months, so please check back often. We will also post local 12:3 Conspiracies (ministry opportunities) for you to get involved in through our class at Liberty Heights Church.

American Belarussian Relief OrganizationABRO.org

I was introduced to this incredible organization today. Each summer, the American Belarussian Relief Organization (ABRO.org) brings children from Belarus to America. These children are all affected by the radiation, either directly or indirectly. Some are orphans, some from small, highly contaminated villages, some with known medical conditions such as Leukemia or Hodgkin's disease and some with handicaps, while most come with suppressed immune systems. The children, while in America, receive medical, dental and eye care as well as a loving, caring home environment. Many local and regional hospitals have been absolutely wonderful in providing medical attention to "our children" as have many dentists, optometrists and specialists in these communities.

Here is ABRO's promotional video:

There are many families at Liberty Heights Church that participate in the Summer Program every year. If you are interested in hosting a Belarussian child for six life-changing weeks this summer, please contact the great directors of this program, Joe & Danita Strong. Time is limited to act, so hurry. I think the deadline to get involved is at the end of February. Visit the ABRO website to download an application or learn more about their different programs.

The Studies

Sunday, January 11, 2009 I began a new teaching series. My friend, Alan Oliver, and I sat down a couple of days before Christmas and came up with 20 marks of the true disciple from the 21 verses in Romans 12. I am very excited about the study and can't wait to introduce people to the "Twelve:Three" concept. These studies are designed to be the inspiration behind the Twelve:Three Conspiracy movement.

Click on the title to download the notes from each session*

Intro to Romans 12 and its context
The Paradox of Living Sacrifice (1)
On Being Tranformed (2a)
Discerning the Will of God (2b)
Humility & Grace Gifts (3)
What is the Body of Christ? (4-5)
Service in the Body of Christ (6-8)
Genuine Love (9a)
Evil vs. Good (9b)
Loving Others (10)
Spiritual Fervency (11)
Trials, Prayer & Hope (12)
Christian Hospitality (13)
Facing Persecution (14)
Compassion (15)
Living in Harmony (16)
Godly Revenge (17 - 19)
Overcoming Evil (20-21)

*Notes are the property of Jeff Flowers and may not be reproduced or published without written permission from the author.

Welcome to 12:3 Conspiracy

Members of the Twelve:Three Conspiracy ask questions like: What if I became generous? What if I affirmed others? What if I became a grateful person? What if I did something for God and for others totally outside of myself? What if I was part of a conspiracy to change to world for Jesus Christ? WHAT IF I THOUGHT MORE OF OTHERS THAN I DO OF MYSELF?

Twelve:Three Conspiracy is a small movement based on living according to Romans 12:3. This blog is dedicated to educating and mobilizing Christ-followers to serve God outside the walls of their church fellowship. It is dedicated to the stories of Christ-followers who believe that discipleship is more than Bible study and small groups, that there's more to loving God than holiness and that they are the hands and feet of Jesus in the world today.

If you are asking these questions and you're wanting to make a difference in another's life with no regard for your own, then welcome to the Twelve:Three Conspiracy.