"Wannabe Cool" Christianity...Maybe Not as Bad as You Think

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Someone sent me this article recently from the Wall St. Journal: The Perils of 'Wannabe Cool' Christianity http://tinyurl.com/2dpzstj. The writer is a 27-year old self-professed evangelical who is frustrated with some of the trends of Christianity of late. He mentions pastors with $80 haircuts and metro styles, sermons about sex and hip cultural references. He is specific in his criticisms, and even names names.

Being in ministry full time, I am often frustrated by the ministries and personalities that seem to get all the attention because they are flashy. Meanwhile, I am just trying to help regular guys in churches disciple men more effectively.

So I read the article the first time and thought, “Yeah! Right on!” Then I felt a conviction that has become a regular “pricking of my heart” from God lately...

I have become increasingly hesitant to criticize what others in the Christian world are doing. I'm talking about style, not substance. Criticizing a guy for his $80 haircut is easy. On the other hand, I took a 10 minute shower this morning and didn’t give it a second thought, even though millions of people around the world have limited or no access to clean drinking water.

The “sex” talks may strike some as crass, but I know that Mark Driscoll is earnestly seeking to reach unchurched men in their 20’s. This is what they’re thinking about. I watched this video. I wish more pastors were willing to speak as frankly and directly (and Biblically) about issues like this. Though maybe not in the Sunday morning service. Maybe.

I thank God for Mark Driscoll and some of those other guys. He is using them in His own way. Frankly, it’s not my business whether He chooses to give them more or less “success” in ministry than my efforts, or those of my ministry or my church. I just need to be faithful to my calling.

Rather than focus on what others should or shouldn’t be doing, I think we should focus on God’s call to us to reach our community and the world with the Gospel.

Forgive me. I know that I'm probably being as self-righteous as it may seem that I am accusing the author of being. But then again, we're both named Brett.

The Real Meaning of Redemption

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Just read an article in the Wall Street Journal online about Manute Bol. Remember him? 7 feet 7 inches tall, about as graceful as an ostrich. I always kind of liked the guy. I have no idea why.

He died earlier this year of complications from a skin disease he contracted helping people in his native Sudan. He died mostly broke, though he made $6 million or so during his career. Where did the money go? Gambling? Expensive houses and cars? Nope. He gave it away to help people in Africa. Why? He was motivated by his love for his people and his Christian faith.

As this article notes, Manute showed us the real meaning of redemption. It's not about me being redeemed, it's about doing everything in my power to bring redemption to others.

Manute Bol. A real hero.

Read the rest of the story in this great article by Jon Shields: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704853404575323043046894012.html