I work with many pagan friends and whether they realize it or not, they see my sin on a daily basis. They also see God’s spirit working out repentance within me. Sometimes I get the opportunity to share the gospel with them over a beer or coffee. They ask me about the rapture, sexual immorality, or whether I believe that Jesus was born of a virgin. After making fun of the “secret rapture”, I take the time to carefully explain the latter two. I explain how God’s Word tells me to treat my wife and how I fail to do so, but that God is changing me. Then I explain to them how I believe that a historic person named Mary was impregnated by God’s Spirit, later to give birth to Jesus the Savior whom I worship. Then I listen intently to their metaphysical skepticisms. I reply by stating those are good questions, but I believe in that God (in Scripture) was not pleased to give me the metaphysical details. I attempt to tell them about the substitutionary atonement of our Savior; how God ‘s justice was poured out on His Son on behalf of the sin of those who would believe. Sometimes they scoff, or think it strange that I believe these things. Perhaps what is most striking is one guy’s observation in particular, that is, how I am honest about what the Bible says and am willing to be mocked by their unbelief. However, I admit that most of the time we talk about whether Pink Floyd’s was better off without Syd Barrett.

“That’s not the kind of knowledge [Bible, theology] people want or need.”

I disagree with this statement because the Word (with the illumination of God’s Spirit) is the means by which God is pleased to save His people. I am convinced that the gospel should be freely offered to all. Pagans need God’s word. True, doctrine/theology should never be divorced from biblical piety. And we should be wise and discerning when speaking the truth in love. But our theology should shape our missiology. Not visa versa. -J

My granddaughter Savannah, Jason’s oldest is applying at your school for the fall. If she decides to go there I hope you can show her around:)

I want to do when I hear, and I trust my Father sees in secret.

In the words of Tozer, I love it when he confesses: “[I] will admit the force of the argument, and then turn away with tears to hunt some lonely place and pray, ‘O God, show me your glory.’” -The Pursuit of God

As for me, well, I do on occasion make public statements about the contradictory insanity of followers of Jesus trying to conquer culture (if you were a regular here you would know that already). However, there are two things that keep me from carrying that banner loudly: 1) I don’t care much one way or the other about popular politics. I just don’t think it matters much, and closely related, 2) I’m more personally concerned with actually trying to live out an alternative form of Christianity, so naturally that tends to be the focus of this blog.

Cheers.

Inquiring minds or angry minds? If you actually are curious only to be with more knowledge on the matter (and not for purposes to use it as more arsenal in what comes off as complete bitterness and vindictiveness) then I can personally tell you from personal experience that I find denominations as relevant as a third nostril. I find the arrogant self righteous thinking (the “we’re the only denomination that has the correct view”) from these denominations appauling(sp). However, that’s not an issue that’s only reserved for denominations but for ALL human beings whether you attend a church or not. Imperfection and sin infects us all.

My personal bitterness geared toward denominations is a problem that I hopefully won’t take to the grave but that God will indeed deliver me from. However, it’s not only bitterness towards denominations that gives me a bad taste in my mouth. When you’re following religion – any religion will do. Pick a card – any card because it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, you still feel empty and cold. Having a relationship with Christ is very different from religion and unfortunately ALL churches (denominational or no) have a problem with allowing religion to creep in a poison the souls of the family of God. The reason being is that although one becomes a Christian does not mean your humanity is no more and it’s our humanity that will settle for second best (religion) every time.