I happened across this magazine last night and was blown away by these articles. You can read them here, here and here. I believe that these articles have so much to say to Christians in America, especially those of us who are planting churches.
Here's my challenge to our Launch Team: Read the articles. Figure out how they apply to us. Post a comment about your thoughts. Pray like crazy for God to use whatever mean necessary to reveal himself to people and that he will lead them to us to find out more.
A thought on God leading them to us... we need to be a community that God trusts enough to send people to. Does that make sense? One of the guys in on of the stories knew what to do when the man came to him. If God sends people our way do we know what to do with them?
Here's another thought... how can we get unchurched people reading the Bible? I'd love to hear your thoughts on that. I firmly believe that the Bible is the primary way that God speaks to people, so we've got to get people reading the Bible.
3 comments:
Are you wanting us to read the entire magazine because the three links you have don't go to specific articles?
I think that there are parallels between these articles and the story of the early church. When Paul and others met with the Jerusalem Council, James makes a statement, "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God." Acts 15:19. The people had been trying to make the Gentiles conform to Jewish standards. Who are we to make anyone conform to our standards? God has been saving people all over the world without the likes of any of us! I think we need to realize that wherever people are, they can begin a walk with Jesus in the context of their culture, background, race, and anything else that divides people. The articles really did make me think about how God can work in any place in any way He chooses. Our God is such a diverse God; he loves the variety that we all present to Him; otherwise, why wouldn't He have simply made us clones of Adam and Eve?
As far as getting people to read the Bible.... I think we have to show that we are not necessary trying to convert them. I think that we may actually hinder their reading. People are looking for spiritual guidance. They are looking for a "help" book that may work for them. I think we need to present the Bible in a way that appeals to them, in a way that they find relevant to their lives. I think once people get into the Bible, they will realize it's more than just a "help" book.
why am I the only one who comments! come on guys, humor Jonathan!
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