I Want My Name Back Part 3

2. We misrepresent the Name of Jesus when we move away from sinners.

The average 'Christian' after one year of being a Christian has no friends outside of the Christian environment. What a sad commentary. How do we reach people with the love of Christ if this is how we act? If we look at Jesus, he was a friend of sinners. It seems that he was more comfortable around sinners than around the "religious" people.

Today we have 'Christian' health clubs, stores, clothing, bowling alleys, and the list goes on and on. In fact, we could go our whole life without being around non-Christians if we really wanted to.

The problem with this is this is not who Jesus is or what he is like. If we are to be like Jesus we must get out among those who do not know him and be with them. It is not a time to judge them, but to share their life and get to know them. Instead of trying to get them to say 'the Prayer', why not ask them how their day was? Why not be their friend? If we would begin to do this and treat people with respect I believe that they would come to faith much quicker.

Lay down your Amway salesman evangelism and begin to be real with people. Get out among those that Jesus misses most. Let us truly become Christ-followers.

I Want My Name Back Part 2

Last week I began to share about God wanting to reclaim His name. I was sick part of last week so I am behind in postings. So, let's get started.

1. We misrepresent the name of Jesus when we use Jesus' name apart from His nature and character.

Let me explain. Several years ago a young man was murdered by other young men because he was gay. During the trial, a pastor and his church members were at the courthouse with huge signs saying "God hates fags." As I saw this my blood boiled. God does not hate anyone. That is not His nature or character. But that is all that everyone saw on the evening news.

As you examine Exodus 34 we find God revealing Himself to Moses. In so doing, God reveals Himself first as loving, merciful, full of grace and then as a God of justice. So many times we as "Christians" get it backwards. We want to give out justice first and save the love, grace, and mercy for ourselves. St. Paul says that it is the goodness and mercy of God that leads us to repentance.

So, before we open our mouths and say this is what God is like we better check out His nature and character before we say anything. Let us truly become "Christ followers."

Book: a.k.a. "LOST"

Do you hate the "E" word-evangelism? Then this is a book for you. We have made evangelism so hard but it is really simple. It's doable. You just have to learn to be yourself and forget all the pre-programmed ways of doing things and let God do it. This book will help you in your quest to share the real Jesus.