Carole and I are leaving today for Cincinnati, Ohio to attend the World Missions Summit. This event, the second one of its kind, is geared for college age young adults. We will have the opportunity to draw from the energy of more than 4000 young adults who are seeking God's direction for their lives. We will also have the opportunity to reconnect with many of our friends who serve God in various parts of the globe. Since I don't have an awesome laptop (see earlier post) I don't know if I will have an opportunity to post any updates during the event, but I will be sure to let you know what happened when I get back.
On another topic, I don't experience many "firsts" at Lakeside after attending there for 40 years, but this Sunday's experience of delivering the Sunday morning message at Lakeside was a first for me. I enjoyed it, and the people who were there were gracious and made me feel like they were listening. The message is on the Lakeside website, www.lakesideassembly.org. It is under the media tab. It is also availabe on cassette and 8-track for a donation of only $20. (Not really)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Good Looking, or God Looking?
Our world values beauty over plainness. It always has, and it always will. It is no secret that physical attractiveness will open some doors much more quickly than they do for someone who lacks our current definition of attractiveness. As one who hits the middle of the average scale, it has been annoying, at times, to see someone who is less committed to a task than I get first shot at an opportunity because of better looks. But to the one who is truly homely, or even ugly according to our standards, the whole situation must look completely unfair and demoralizing.
In scanning a book I will read sometime later, I came across an old Jewish parable about "The Rabbi and the Exceedingly Ugly Man". In the story, a rabbi was in a good mood as he was on his way home from the synagogue. He chanced to meet a man who was exceedingly ugly. The rabbi questioned the man rudely about his ugliness. The ugly man replied, "I do not know, but go and tell the craftsman who made me, 'How ugly is the vessel which you have made.'" The rabbi was immediately repentant and prostrated himself before the man and asked his forgiveness.
The rabbi, just like we who are average or above in looks, possessions, education, status, etc. understood the concept of being created in the image of God lightly, as though it was of small consequence. The ugly man, however, grasped the importance of that knowledge because the added difficulty of physical ugliness caused him to hold to his creator very tightly. He realized that in doing so others might see the resemblence between him and his creator.
I sin when I make fun of others simply because birth gave us different appearances. We are all made in the image of God. In that way, we are all equally God looking.
In scanning a book I will read sometime later, I came across an old Jewish parable about "The Rabbi and the Exceedingly Ugly Man". In the story, a rabbi was in a good mood as he was on his way home from the synagogue. He chanced to meet a man who was exceedingly ugly. The rabbi questioned the man rudely about his ugliness. The ugly man replied, "I do not know, but go and tell the craftsman who made me, 'How ugly is the vessel which you have made.'" The rabbi was immediately repentant and prostrated himself before the man and asked his forgiveness.
The rabbi, just like we who are average or above in looks, possessions, education, status, etc. understood the concept of being created in the image of God lightly, as though it was of small consequence. The ugly man, however, grasped the importance of that knowledge because the added difficulty of physical ugliness caused him to hold to his creator very tightly. He realized that in doing so others might see the resemblence between him and his creator.
I sin when I make fun of others simply because birth gave us different appearances. We are all made in the image of God. In that way, we are all equally God looking.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
HDWRTYA part 5
Here are my conclusions:
The bad news is that young adults are poor.
The good news is that they don't have to have a building. They don't have to have paid staff. They don't have to have a sound system. They don't necessarily have to have a budget for anything other than outreach ministry.
They don't like to do church the way traditional churches do it. They shouldn't. The traditional church can't make them.
How about this concept? How about if the local church provided ministry training to passionate young people? These young people could attend college to attain a degree which will allow them to make a living in the business world. They would be commissioned by the local church to lead a group of young adult believers. These groups could meet in coffee shops, parks, homes, or wherever they wanted? They would be micro-churches operating under the covering of the local church, who would provide all of the administration, charitable organization status, and continuing minsterial training. These pastors would be bi-vocational, earning a living at a job and shepherding their congregation. The staff pastors of the local sending church would be a resource to help the pastor of the micro church with hospital visits, filling in, etc. The office equipment of the sending church would be available for copies, postage, and other routine operations. There would not be a large financial burden on the sending church and there would not be a huge financial pressure on the pastor as he builds his micro church.
My concept is that micro churches could be established very strategically. Small language centered or cultural congregations could start this way. Churches could be started which could never begin under the conventional model. The style of ministry could be very specific. Groups would be easy to move around if they outgrow a place. Without the structure of a conventional church building, the pastor would be free to conduct his meetings in ways never thought of before.
Many see young people leaving the church. Many see young people as not having the resources to start churches. I see young people who need a relationship with Christ more than they need a piano and organ. The innovators see what they have instead of what they lack. Can we be innovative?
The bad news is that young adults are poor.
The good news is that they don't have to have a building. They don't have to have paid staff. They don't have to have a sound system. They don't necessarily have to have a budget for anything other than outreach ministry.
They don't like to do church the way traditional churches do it. They shouldn't. The traditional church can't make them.
How about this concept? How about if the local church provided ministry training to passionate young people? These young people could attend college to attain a degree which will allow them to make a living in the business world. They would be commissioned by the local church to lead a group of young adult believers. These groups could meet in coffee shops, parks, homes, or wherever they wanted? They would be micro-churches operating under the covering of the local church, who would provide all of the administration, charitable organization status, and continuing minsterial training. These pastors would be bi-vocational, earning a living at a job and shepherding their congregation. The staff pastors of the local sending church would be a resource to help the pastor of the micro church with hospital visits, filling in, etc. The office equipment of the sending church would be available for copies, postage, and other routine operations. There would not be a large financial burden on the sending church and there would not be a huge financial pressure on the pastor as he builds his micro church.
My concept is that micro churches could be established very strategically. Small language centered or cultural congregations could start this way. Churches could be started which could never begin under the conventional model. The style of ministry could be very specific. Groups would be easy to move around if they outgrow a place. Without the structure of a conventional church building, the pastor would be free to conduct his meetings in ways never thought of before.
Many see young people leaving the church. Many see young people as not having the resources to start churches. I see young people who need a relationship with Christ more than they need a piano and organ. The innovators see what they have instead of what they lack. Can we be innovative?
Saturday, December 20, 2008
HDWRTYA part 4
I know that the last post comes across as harsh and jaded, but in many churches across the nation, and at some level, my own church, that is the reality. And if I hadn't painted the picture so clearly, you would have lost interest in the post or failed to see what is happening. Now, you are either mad at me, or agreeing with me. Either way, you are probably interested to see where I am going with this.
Another reality is the main topic of this series of posts, the young adult. Now, please recognize that I am 52 years old, so I haven't been a young adult for some time. Also, many of the things I will say are gross generalizations and won't apply to everyone, just as the story I wove in the previous posts won't apply to every church.
The young people I have talked to in the past year aren't really impressed with organizations and structures as much as they are by having and experience with God in community with others. Denominational branding isn't all that important to them. They do, however, want to experience God personally. And if the gospel or theological teaching comes to them from someone they know is living a life filled with aggravations similar to what they are experiencing, the will receive the teaching passionately. They are also very interested in social justice and they are invested in living out the gospel in a real way. Many would rather help others with their tithes than to build a comfortable place to meet.
It sounds like they are perfect, doesn't it? Well, we're not, and neither are they. If they grew up in traditional church, many are terribly mistrustful of anything having to do with the traditional church. As a result, they miss out on opportunities to relate to (and reverse mentor) some of the older believers who could really be an asset in their lives.
So where am I going with all this? Next post I will try to come to a conclusion.
Another reality is the main topic of this series of posts, the young adult. Now, please recognize that I am 52 years old, so I haven't been a young adult for some time. Also, many of the things I will say are gross generalizations and won't apply to everyone, just as the story I wove in the previous posts won't apply to every church.
The young people I have talked to in the past year aren't really impressed with organizations and structures as much as they are by having and experience with God in community with others. Denominational branding isn't all that important to them. They do, however, want to experience God personally. And if the gospel or theological teaching comes to them from someone they know is living a life filled with aggravations similar to what they are experiencing, the will receive the teaching passionately. They are also very interested in social justice and they are invested in living out the gospel in a real way. Many would rather help others with their tithes than to build a comfortable place to meet.
It sounds like they are perfect, doesn't it? Well, we're not, and neither are they. If they grew up in traditional church, many are terribly mistrustful of anything having to do with the traditional church. As a result, they miss out on opportunities to relate to (and reverse mentor) some of the older believers who could really be an asset in their lives.
So where am I going with all this? Next post I will try to come to a conclusion.
Friday, December 19, 2008
HDWRTYA part 3
I spent the last two posts laying out some history and facts concerning the way we do church. Basically, the existing model is this: A church is just a gathering until it has enough members to register as a "put in order" church. It looks for a building so it can be respected as a "real" church. When it has a building, it has a budget to maintain the building. It needs a full-time pastor, and eventually several paid staff members. With a building, comes 24 hour access. With 24 hour access, come the reasonable requests of the members who contribute to pay for the building. These requests come in the form of ministry programs they would like to see established, and since we have a building which is only used a few hours a week, we now have room to get started. Rooms get reserved, new tables and chairs are ordered, the kitchen gets an upgrade, and multiple sound systems are purchased. The operating budget increases. Most of the ministries are designed with our church people in mind. Yes, the church is growing, but it is growing because people are coming from other churches because we are doing a better job of providing a program that is important to them. You fear that if you modify that program, you will lose families.
Eventually, without aggressive attention, the church becomes a clubhouse where we come to meet with people we really like. Occasionally, someone "odd" or "rough" comes in, but they don't stay long because they aren't like us, and we fear for our children when the tough kids from the neighborhood come in. They just don't meet our spiritual standards. Maybe we can contribute to a ministry which is better equipped to reach that kind of kid. Well, we can't really spare any money to help the outreach ministry because we have to replace our dated light fixtures.
This church does a great job of having church services we enjoy attending and providing a safe place to raise our children, but is that really what the church is supposed to be doing?
Again, more tomorrow.
Eventually, without aggressive attention, the church becomes a clubhouse where we come to meet with people we really like. Occasionally, someone "odd" or "rough" comes in, but they don't stay long because they aren't like us, and we fear for our children when the tough kids from the neighborhood come in. They just don't meet our spiritual standards. Maybe we can contribute to a ministry which is better equipped to reach that kind of kid. Well, we can't really spare any money to help the outreach ministry because we have to replace our dated light fixtures.
This church does a great job of having church services we enjoy attending and providing a safe place to raise our children, but is that really what the church is supposed to be doing?
Again, more tomorrow.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
HDWRTYA part 2
Turning our existing churches over to the young adults is not the answer. They cannot afford to maintain these buildings, and, honestly, they are not particularly interested in buildings. My parent's generation were builders. They were very interested in permanence; owning land and building facilities which would survive them were the things that motivated them. Many of the churches, universities and hospitals we enjoy today are products of the sacrifices of my parents's generation.
My generation, the infamous baby boomers, were organizers. We leveraged assets to maximize return on investment. We lobbied, we championed legislation. We guarded our voice and vote at all costs and the church annual business meeting was graded by the level of discussion and the adherence to Robert's Rules of Order. We prided ourselves on doing church with excellence, setting growth oriented goals and assessed our progress with quantifiables that could be compared to previous years and to other churches. We organized ministries, and when the local church failed to do a certain type of ministry, we organized parachurch ministries to fill the void.
Both generations were effective in their own times, but today we find ourselves bound by our facilities and reluctant to change or eliminate ministry programs which we were instrumental in developing.
Once again, an abrupt ending. More tomorrow.
My generation, the infamous baby boomers, were organizers. We leveraged assets to maximize return on investment. We lobbied, we championed legislation. We guarded our voice and vote at all costs and the church annual business meeting was graded by the level of discussion and the adherence to Robert's Rules of Order. We prided ourselves on doing church with excellence, setting growth oriented goals and assessed our progress with quantifiables that could be compared to previous years and to other churches. We organized ministries, and when the local church failed to do a certain type of ministry, we organized parachurch ministries to fill the void.
Both generations were effective in their own times, but today we find ourselves bound by our facilities and reluctant to change or eliminate ministry programs which we were instrumental in developing.
Once again, an abrupt ending. More tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
How Do We Reach The Young Adult?
In my previous life as a businessman, I had a strength that came naturally and was beneficial in evaluating existing business models and building new business models. That strength was the ability to see trends and assemble facts of the moment. When I could establish facts and identify trends, I could put together a plan that could acheive specified goals utilizing the realities of assets and markets.
Now I know that you are wondering why I am writing all of this business gobbledygook instead of something crudely humorous like I did a couple of days ago. The reason is because I see a trend in Church (not just the local church) and in large part the Church is continuing down a path that was successful for decades, but will not be successful in reaching the next generation.
The trend I see (and it is well documented by many authors and statisticians) is that the young adults (both those who grew up in church and those who didn't) of our nation are becoming increasingly interested in spiritual things, but they are not seeing the church as the place to find spiritual fulfillment. They enjoy a different type of worship experience than the traditional "church service as pep rally" experience that nearly all churches provide.
The reason most churches provide this type of worship experience is because that type of experience (with its moving music and motivational message) appeals to the largest demographic group. Those who are in their thirties or older find their spiritual satisfaction in this type of service. And, not meaning to sound cynical, this demographic is the one most likely to support the church with their substantial tithes and offerings, allowing the local church to maintain a nice facility, a quality ministry team, and even do some outreach.
But the fact is, we are losing our young adults at alarming rates. Realities of life and administration preclude us from making aggressive changes to our way of doing church for fear of running off those who have been faithful attenders and supporters and being left with a group that is in a stage of life that is pre-wealth.
I am going to end abruptly because this post is too long. More on this tomorrow.
Now I know that you are wondering why I am writing all of this business gobbledygook instead of something crudely humorous like I did a couple of days ago. The reason is because I see a trend in Church (not just the local church) and in large part the Church is continuing down a path that was successful for decades, but will not be successful in reaching the next generation.
The trend I see (and it is well documented by many authors and statisticians) is that the young adults (both those who grew up in church and those who didn't) of our nation are becoming increasingly interested in spiritual things, but they are not seeing the church as the place to find spiritual fulfillment. They enjoy a different type of worship experience than the traditional "church service as pep rally" experience that nearly all churches provide.
The reason most churches provide this type of worship experience is because that type of experience (with its moving music and motivational message) appeals to the largest demographic group. Those who are in their thirties or older find their spiritual satisfaction in this type of service. And, not meaning to sound cynical, this demographic is the one most likely to support the church with their substantial tithes and offerings, allowing the local church to maintain a nice facility, a quality ministry team, and even do some outreach.
But the fact is, we are losing our young adults at alarming rates. Realities of life and administration preclude us from making aggressive changes to our way of doing church for fear of running off those who have been faithful attenders and supporters and being left with a group that is in a stage of life that is pre-wealth.
I am going to end abruptly because this post is too long. More on this tomorrow.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Congratulations, Sam!
Of course we are all proud of Oklahoma's most recent Heisman trophy winner, Sam Bradford. He is a graduate of Putnam City North, one of the two schools in our Square Mile.
What struck me when the finalists were announced a couple of weeks ago was the similarities among the three. They are all underclassmen. This will probably become the norm as fewer premier athletes complete their entire college eligibility before going pro. They are all quarterbacks in charge of powerhouse offenses. Their statistics made great cases for each of them to be potential winners.
But what was immediately apparent was the quality of character each of these fine young men exhibited. Each of them readily professed his faith and was ready to give the majority of credit for his success to others. And finally, each of them had moms and dads who were involved in their entire lives. It is so incredibly important that children know that the unconditional love of parents is a non-negotiable.
In this day we live in, with so many families in peril, many children live in situations without positive male role models. I applaud the single mom for the incredible influence she exerts in the lives of her children. She sacrifices everything to protect and provide for the children. But nearly all single moms know that there is a part of her children's development that must come from men. That is where the men of the church must step in. We must be alert to times when we can come alongside the single mom and offer help; not to replace the father, but to give assistance in being a resource to both mother and child to provide guidance, friendship, and time and be a positive male influence in the lives of children.
What struck me when the finalists were announced a couple of weeks ago was the similarities among the three. They are all underclassmen. This will probably become the norm as fewer premier athletes complete their entire college eligibility before going pro. They are all quarterbacks in charge of powerhouse offenses. Their statistics made great cases for each of them to be potential winners.
But what was immediately apparent was the quality of character each of these fine young men exhibited. Each of them readily professed his faith and was ready to give the majority of credit for his success to others. And finally, each of them had moms and dads who were involved in their entire lives. It is so incredibly important that children know that the unconditional love of parents is a non-negotiable.
In this day we live in, with so many families in peril, many children live in situations without positive male role models. I applaud the single mom for the incredible influence she exerts in the lives of her children. She sacrifices everything to protect and provide for the children. But nearly all single moms know that there is a part of her children's development that must come from men. That is where the men of the church must step in. We must be alert to times when we can come alongside the single mom and offer help; not to replace the father, but to give assistance in being a resource to both mother and child to provide guidance, friendship, and time and be a positive male influence in the lives of children.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
It's a Wonderful LIfe
I just finished watching "A Wonderful Life" for about the zillionth time, and I still am amazed at what a desipicable person Mr. Potter is. I also tear up every time at the end of the movie as the people whose lives were touched by George Bailey come with their gifts to help George out of his jam. As the characters come forward, we remember how they were affected by the simple and kind things that George did for them. He gave of himself and gave others preeminence over his own plans and dreams. The message left in the book from Clarence sums it up: "No man is a failure who has friends."
Being a middle aged man, I often think about the life I have lived and the opportunities that are yet to come. I wonder sometimes how I will be remembered. And I often think of an old song that is not sung much these days except by me to myself:
I wonder have I given my best to Jesus,
Who died upon that cruel tree.
To think of his great sacrifice on Calvary,
I know he must expect the best from me.
I wonder, have I cared enough for others,
or have I let them die alone.
I might have helped some wanderer find the savior,
the seeds of precious life I might have sown.
How many are the lost that I have lifted,
How many are the chained I've helped to free.
I wonder, have I done my best for Jesus,
when he has done so much for me.
We all have George Bailey opportunities to impact someone else's life every day. How will you be remembered?
Being a middle aged man, I often think about the life I have lived and the opportunities that are yet to come. I wonder sometimes how I will be remembered. And I often think of an old song that is not sung much these days except by me to myself:
I wonder have I given my best to Jesus,
Who died upon that cruel tree.
To think of his great sacrifice on Calvary,
I know he must expect the best from me.
I wonder, have I cared enough for others,
or have I let them die alone.
I might have helped some wanderer find the savior,
the seeds of precious life I might have sown.
How many are the lost that I have lifted,
How many are the chained I've helped to free.
I wonder, have I done my best for Jesus,
when he has done so much for me.
We all have George Bailey opportunities to impact someone else's life every day. How will you be remembered?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Relationship Wisdom
You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can't wipe your friends on the couch.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Nehushtan
When it comes to church life, we are all guilty at times of taking good things and making them more important than they should be. We start to do something because it benefits a particular circumstance, but after time, that action becomes a policy and any reduction in that activity is seen as a step backward for the church. Those who embrace that action or program see any reduction as disrespect for their ministry and a reason for dissention. So the program continues to be supported and funded even when the fruit of that activity has long since diminished.
In Numbers 21 there is the story of Moses and the Israelites. The people started whining for the umpteenth time since their liberation from Egypt and God judged them by sending venomous snakes to bite them. God also supplied the means for deliverance from his judgement by directing Moses to make a bronze snake and put it where everybody could see it. Anyone who got snakebit and looked at the bronze snake lived. If they didn't look at it, they were on their own. That odd story points to, among other things, that an infinite God has an infinite number of ways to accomplish his purposes.
What happened later, though, is significant. After the snake crisis passed, the people kept the snake and carried it around with them for years and years. Originally it was a reminder to serve God without grumbling and that God will deliver his people in times of distress. Over time, it stopped being a reminder and it became an object of worship. They named it Nehushtan and they burned incense to it.
When Hezekiah became king of Judah, he recognized that the Nehushtan had ceased to benefit. Rather, it became something that hindered believers from worshiping God directly. Hezekiah didn't try to steer people away from it; he broke it into pieces. Even though it had been commanded by God and constructed by Moses, it had served its purpose in its time. Now it was a hindrance to true worship, and it had to go. As a result of taking this bold and risky action, God blessed Hezekiah. He was successful in whatever he undertook. (2Kings 18:4-8)
What is our Nehushtan? What traditions, programs, or objects do we make so important that they become a hindrance to becoming all that God wants us to be? If we "can't" enter into worship without a particular style of music, an instrument, or architectural element, or if we get angry and defensive when our favorite program or area of ministry is changed or eliminated, we are probably dealing with a Nehushtan. I know I have Nehushtans in my life. I must break them, because God has so much more in store for me than what I already know about. What about you? What good things do you need to break into pieces so God can be larger in your life? I want to be successful in whatever I undertake, and I think you do too. We need to do away with the "good" to make room for the "great" that God has ready for us.
In Numbers 21 there is the story of Moses and the Israelites. The people started whining for the umpteenth time since their liberation from Egypt and God judged them by sending venomous snakes to bite them. God also supplied the means for deliverance from his judgement by directing Moses to make a bronze snake and put it where everybody could see it. Anyone who got snakebit and looked at the bronze snake lived. If they didn't look at it, they were on their own. That odd story points to, among other things, that an infinite God has an infinite number of ways to accomplish his purposes.
What happened later, though, is significant. After the snake crisis passed, the people kept the snake and carried it around with them for years and years. Originally it was a reminder to serve God without grumbling and that God will deliver his people in times of distress. Over time, it stopped being a reminder and it became an object of worship. They named it Nehushtan and they burned incense to it.
When Hezekiah became king of Judah, he recognized that the Nehushtan had ceased to benefit. Rather, it became something that hindered believers from worshiping God directly. Hezekiah didn't try to steer people away from it; he broke it into pieces. Even though it had been commanded by God and constructed by Moses, it had served its purpose in its time. Now it was a hindrance to true worship, and it had to go. As a result of taking this bold and risky action, God blessed Hezekiah. He was successful in whatever he undertook. (2Kings 18:4-8)
What is our Nehushtan? What traditions, programs, or objects do we make so important that they become a hindrance to becoming all that God wants us to be? If we "can't" enter into worship without a particular style of music, an instrument, or architectural element, or if we get angry and defensive when our favorite program or area of ministry is changed or eliminated, we are probably dealing with a Nehushtan. I know I have Nehushtans in my life. I must break them, because God has so much more in store for me than what I already know about. What about you? What good things do you need to break into pieces so God can be larger in your life? I want to be successful in whatever I undertake, and I think you do too. We need to do away with the "good" to make room for the "great" that God has ready for us.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Salvation Doctors
Imagine that I am your doctor. You come to me and I check you out. I discover a terminal illness. I also know a sure cure. But in talking to you I sense that you want to get a good report from me so I tell you that you have nothing wrong with you and you leave happy. Did I help you? Of course not. My lying to you to spare you any discomfort today would be an outrageous breach of my obligation as a doctor. On your deathbed, you would not be saying that you were happy that you left my office with a good report. You would be cursing me for not telling you what was wrong when it was curable.
Now I hesitate to finish this comparison, because we are not spiritual doctors charged with diagnosing everyone's spiritual ills. But we do know the one major ill, which is sin. And we know the one sure cure, which is salvation in Jesus.
Often we have relationships which allow us to speak into someone's life. Our culture tells us not to offend or be judgemental by thinking our way is better than anyone else's way. We are told to build people up, not tear them down. But when we fail to point the way to salvation, we are not building up anyone; we are insuring their eternal doom. If we really believe what we say, we are being criminally negligent when we fail to point others to Christ.
Now I hesitate to finish this comparison, because we are not spiritual doctors charged with diagnosing everyone's spiritual ills. But we do know the one major ill, which is sin. And we know the one sure cure, which is salvation in Jesus.
Often we have relationships which allow us to speak into someone's life. Our culture tells us not to offend or be judgemental by thinking our way is better than anyone else's way. We are told to build people up, not tear them down. But when we fail to point the way to salvation, we are not building up anyone; we are insuring their eternal doom. If we really believe what we say, we are being criminally negligent when we fail to point others to Christ.
Monday, December 1, 2008
How Simple Can I Make It?
I've recently become involved in discipling a new convert who has almost no church foundation. It has really been a stretch for me to begin at an elementary enough level to really give him the foundations he needs to take off on his spiritual journey. Many of our church jargon has no meaning to those outside the church. Some of them are even alarming to the unindoctrinated. Telling someone to come to the cross and be washed in the blood of the lamb seems like so much jibberish to someone who has never learned the significance of the cross, or the imagery of the perfect sacrificial atonement for our sins.
It causes me to think before I say anything and I wonder if he has sufficient background to understand what I am telling him. Where do I start? If I quote from the Bible, does he understand that the Bible is the infallible Word of God? Or does he think of it as only an ancient book of wisdom similar to other ancient writings?
Does he have an adequate concept of sin and his need of a savior? He has made a commitment to Christ so I know the Holy Spirit is moving in his life. (See all of the Christian phrases I used?)
I'm looking forward to progressing on this path. We should all be thinking, "How can I make something with eternal consequences easily explainable?
It causes me to think before I say anything and I wonder if he has sufficient background to understand what I am telling him. Where do I start? If I quote from the Bible, does he understand that the Bible is the infallible Word of God? Or does he think of it as only an ancient book of wisdom similar to other ancient writings?
Does he have an adequate concept of sin and his need of a savior? He has made a commitment to Christ so I know the Holy Spirit is moving in his life. (See all of the Christian phrases I used?)
I'm looking forward to progressing on this path. We should all be thinking, "How can I make something with eternal consequences easily explainable?
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