As I have read the book, unChristian, I have come to the conclusion that one of the biggest tragedies facing the modern church is the fact that many "outsiders" see the church as only attaining for one thing; Getting them saved. If we look at the social makeup of Mosaics and Busters, we see that they put a very high priority on personal relationships. They want to feel connected with people on a personal level. Only 1/3 of "outsider" believe that Christians truly care about them. This is where the disconnect comes for the church; as the global church has become inwardly focused, it's become more difficult for develop meaningful relationships with outsiders because, well, they see us just going after their "soul" and not the person. If you think about it, it makes sense that they would feel this way. From Bill Hybles book, Just Walk Across The Room, as Christians "advance" in their journey with God, they spend less time with outsiders. Exactly the opposite of what The Word teaches Christians to do. Christ was a great example because he spent the majority of His time with outsiders. So I pose the question, why should outsiders except Christ when we've never taken the opportunity to get to know them as people? Another interesting thought is this.... Only 3% of Mosaics and Busters, those 18-41, hold a biblical world view. Biblical world view is defined by the belief in ALL eight principles: Christ was sinless, God is all knowing and all powerful creator of the universe and rules it today, salvation is a gift from God and can not be earned, Satan is real, Christians have a responsibility to share their faith, the bible is accurate in the principles it teaches, unchanging moral truth exist, and this truth is defined by the Bible. I know this is a lot to chew on, but let's boil it down. Those who live their life by these eight principles live out their life in a completely different way than those who don't share this belief. What the research is pointing to is the vast majority of Christians who hold a world view that is not biblical, don't know what they believe and are very relunctant to share their faith in God. So what we have are two groups, Christians who hold a biblical world view but don't really associate with "outsiders" and Christians who don't share this biblical world view and are shallow and uneducated as to why that believe. Not a very good place for the church or it's future. So what's the answer? For me it's simple and complicated. We must care about people first. A genuine love and care that Christ modeled in the Bible. But there is a delicate balance because we need to be entrenched on the world enough to make a difference but not so much that it affects us. I think that we must also remember that it is God who draws people to Him... Not us. Our job is to love people, share our faith, and be authentic and real. If we do that, God will do the rest.

This is my newest selection to read. I've found it a very fascinating read so far. It's a book put out by the Barna Group that deals with what "outsiders" (those who are either unbelievers or follow another religion other than Christianity) think of Christians and ultimately Jesus. What I am finding interesting/concerning is that many of these outsiders perceptions stem from their personal interactions with  Christians. To put it mildly, we are doing a horrible job of showing Christ to the world. I'll take it perception by perception and give my thoughts on where we go from here.

Below is  a description:

Christianity has an image problem. Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world. But according to the latest report card, something has gone terribly wrong. Using descriptions like "hypocritical," "insensitive," and "judgmental," young Americans share an impression of Christians that's nothing short of . . . unChristian. Groundbreaking research into the perceptions of sixteen- to twenty-nine-year-olds reveals that Christians have taken several giant steps backward in one of their most important assignments. The surprising details of the study, commissioned by Fermi Project and conducted by The Barna Group, are presented with uncompromising honesty in unChristian. Find out why these negative perceptions exist, learn how to reverse them in a Christlike manner, and discover practical examples of how Christians can positively contribute to culture. unChristian also includes forward-looking insights from respected Christian leaders, adding their assessment of the problems and their thoughts about how Christians should respond. Exclusive contributions from: Mark Batterson Chuck Colson Andy Crouch Sarah Cunningham Margaret Feinberg Jonalyn Fincher Mike Foster Dave Gibbons Louie Giglio Gary Haugen Jeff Johnson Reggie Joiner Kevin Kelly Dan Kimball Michael Lindsay Rick McKinley Brian McLaren Kevin Palau Tri Robinson Mark Rodgers Jannah Scott Chris Seay Andy Stanley John Stott Jim Wallis Rick Warren Shayne Wheeler Jim White Jud Wilhite

I'm currently reading the book unChristian which is put out by the Barna Group. The book states that only 3% of all Christians look at life through a biblical world view. This thought has my head spinning because of what lies ahead for my kids and their views about our savior. To put it bluntly... 97% of Christians would rather follow their own rules than follow Gods plan for them. Much more to come ok this.

These thoughts are as much for me as they are for anyone who would read this page. I feel that God has nuggets of truth every time we read his word... these are just a few of my thoughts.

Ok, a couple more thoughts on Romans. This time looking at Romans 9: 15-16,21. First lets take a peak at verses 15-16; "15...For He says to Moses, "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION." 16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy."

I have had many discussions with friends surrounding scriptures like these. Why do bad things happen to godly people? or Why did God allow this success to follow a person who does not love Him? It's interesting because it shows that as a flawed vessel, we have a scale of what we feel people deserve or should attain. We look at the world through our lens and surmise that we know what justice is. I'm far from perfect. There are days when I fail miserably in my walk with Christ but, one lesson that I feel God is constantly teaching me is the lesson of scope.

God is teaching me what verse 15 is discussing.... I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION." Although it is true that we will never truly understand or comprehend God, it is also true that He give us clear clues of His majesty through His word. When my visual scope of life is narrow, and I strictly look at my life's circumstances, I see every injustice in my life but never see the grace and mercy. It seems that I'm always looking at what others are attaining.  But when I zoom out and look at life though a panoramic lens, I see a much different picture. I see the grace, mercy, and compassion, all the while the injustice seems much smaller in comparison.

Let me give you a very quick example. When I look at life through the narrow scope and see success in the lives of others, it's very easy for me to look to God and say..."Hey, spread the love! I trying to live my life according to Your word, so where's the reward? I deserve it as much as he does!" But, when I see life through that panoramic lens, I see a much different picture. I see the success in others but, I also see the struggles that families are going through. I see devastated families being torn by financial hardship. I see fathers putting jobs before God and family. I see moms putting on the face of happiness when it feels like the world is collapsing around them. The take away for me is this: Sure God could give me the success of some but, I could also get the struggles that others have received. When I look through that panoramic scope... I count myself blessed and thank God for what He has chosen to do in my life. 

Lets quickly, look at verse 21.... " 21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?" I absolutely love this scripture because it shows the greatness of God and the plans that he has for us. When I look at my life, I never really know what plans God has for me. I don't think that I'll ever really understand if I'm meant for an "honorable use" or just a "common use" but what I do know is this; what ever plans God has for me, greatness can come out of it. But how can anything great come out of an average guy like me? Let's put it this way.... Steve Jobs founded Apple computers in 1986 and built the company into the powerhouse that it is today. Early in Apples development he left Apple and the company almost went out of business. Apple brought him back and he rescued the company. Apple is a true American success story. I'm here to tell you that I'll never (at least I don't think so) be like Steve Jobs. Or Billy Graham. Or Bill Gates. Or Chuck Swindoll. These men have held "honorable" positions and have single-handedly touched the lives of millions.

But how does greatness come from something as common as you and me? Well... you may be a welder, plumber, contractor, construction worker, accountant, architect, or you may be a interior designer, carpet layer, landscaper or concrete worker. And while it may seem that nothing "honorable" can come from these folks. The beauty is when you put all that commonality together, and they put their talents together. You can get something spectacular.... you get Fenway! My thought is this.... Even if you have a common purpose, don't think for a moment that God will not use your talents along with others for a tremendous purpose. Never diminish what God can do in your life. Whether is a Honorable or Common purpose.... the outcome can be great!

These thoughts are as much for me as they are for anyone who would read this page. I feel that God has nuggets of truth every time we read his word... these are just a few of my thoughts.

Ok... It's been a while since I've had the chance to blog about what God has been telling me through His words. I feel like I lose a connection when I can't blog.

Currently, I'm taking a nice, slow read through Romans. I seem to get more out of His words when I take it slow. Romans 1-3 basically is telling us that we all come way short of the mark that God has set for each of us (Both the Jews and the Gentiles were falling short of the standard). None of us are righteous and all of us are sinners. Without the righteousness that Christ gives, we are all destined for hell.

But that brings me back to Romans 2:1. Here Paul is telling us (actually the Jews, but us as well) that we are not to judge others, as all of us will fall short when we use the law as our standard. What's interesting to me is the fact that I have a Mike Foley version of God. It's not that I limit what God can do, He created everything so to limit Him would be nuts. But what I do is characterize Him according to what I think He is like. Let me give you an example, the Mike Foley version of God says that there is no way you could call your self a Christian and watch Rated R movies like Pulp Fiction. Why? Because God tell us to stay away from the appearance of sin and from what I'm told, Pulp Fiction has zero redeeming value to our relationship with God. And what about Christians who get hammered at the bar, or the guy who cusses like a sailor with a sunburn. You see, I have this version of God that tells me what Christians look like.

But this is my flaw. This is the thorn in the side of my walk with Christ. When I judge those who are on their journey with God, I've already judged myself. Sure, I can point to the "sin" in others but, at the end of the day, I have so much garbage in my life that it's hypocritical of me to even postulate as to what others should be doing in their journey. In Romans 2... it's not the judging that's the issue...it's the hypocritical judging that Paul teaches against.

God has been dealing with me about this issue for some time now and it's interesting to be reading Roman right now. I guess God has His own divine timing for everything.

My takeaway is this: We are all on our journey with God AND we are all coming to Him from different life experiences with flawed histories. As long as we are all earnestly seeking God and wanting to get to know Him more.... who am I to judge anyone. God will judge all acts according to His standard. But the key here is that word SEEK. We must remember that with redemption comes a journey.... the journey does not end with redemption.

Anyway, I pray that God continues to talk to me through His words.

Check out this awesome audition for the Grace Church worship team......

Tony Romo has TREMENDOUS upside!... Even More than David Cook...right Soakie!