Well it’s obvious that I’m nuts about following Jesus and wouldn’t have it any other way. As for me, I arrived at my convictions about Jesus not because I simply grew up that way kind of like a cultural thing, but because of a point in time where I was presented with the clear evidence of Christ, and then chose to accept it and follow him. But that does not mean that I think I’m any better than anyone else or even those who have chosen not to accept Christ or his teaching. In fact, there are times when I prefer to hang out with those who would consider themselves “outside” of the Church and even joke about themselves as being “pagans” or something like that. They’re at least honest in the sense that they’re not trying to fool anyone by being more spiritual than the rest of humanity. This is one of the many things I liked about living in CA. There are a lot of folks who grew up in my home state of Texas who know how to play the religious church game really well. They know the right “churchy” answers, dress and drink yet there is no real inner change in their lives. But back in CA, most people didn’t play those kinds of games and you knew exactly where they stood. They would just come out and tell you to your face. But on the other hand, my heart aches a lot for my friends who don’t want to go to church or have a serious relationship with Jesus. They feel that way because they’ve been jaded by a false, counterfeit kind of Christianity. That’s why many times in discussions I try to clarify whether were talking about a man made religious institution or the authentic CHURCH and real Christian spirituality. Those are really two totally different things.
Anyway, I got a quick response from one of my cousins in Dallas the other day to one of my recent posts on FACEBOOK. The content dealt with an upcoming sermon title I was about to preach and her comment really illustrates a need for discussion on what the real deal of Christian faith is all about. With her permission, I’ve put those posts below and will make some more comments as you’ve had a chance to think about the issues yourself. Please feel free to add any comments or questions you might have, but just remember to be respectful of all parties no matter what side of the discussion you fall on. Thanks and enjoy.
(My Face book Post)
Discovering the Mystery of the CHURCH; Part III. It’s all about who? (No, not THE WHO)
(Bonnie)
Shoot, I like “The Who” better than church…
(me)
LOVE IT! But unfortunately, what you hate is the Counterfeit church. It’s the real CHURCH that rocks. Hey maybe you can shoot me everything that you think stinks about the church and we can blog about it. I’ve got a whole section at kingdomology.org on the authentic CHURCH, though it’s been a while since I’ve added to it. Hmm sounds like a time to dialogue. So go ahead Bonnie, throw it all at me, I want to hear it all.
(Bonnie)
I taught my kids from a very early age what a hypocrite is. That’s what I would be if I went to church. I’m tired of hearing about good Christian values and then see how these people are outside of church. Uh, it’s not for me. I am what you see (metaphorically speaking), like it or not. I took a great class on the Old Testament. It was taught by the minister that married Jeff and me. I loved it because to me it was like a history class. Jeff and the kids go to church. It’s nondenominational. Jeff has a very deep seeded faith and I respect that. Just as he respects my heathenism. I hope this explains something about me:).
(Bonnie)
I believe there is something out there bigger than us but not necessarily called/named God. I believe that if we lead a good life and teach our children from an early age to be good productive citizens then they will carry on our legacy. I don’t need to believe in something I can’t see or a God that was not nice in the Old Testament. I don’t need to prove my love for “Him” in order to be a good person.
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