parables of a prodigal world

You've told unbelievers about hell...to no avail. You've described the court scene, where God announces the verdict and judgment and Jesus gets up to pay for it...no dice. You've pleaded with them that if they've ever told a lie or looked in lust, then they are a "sinner"...nadda. Well, that's all about to change. We've waited for centuries for just the right angle, just the right trick, just the right analogy to get people to understand what it means to follow Christ, and why it is a matter of life or death. Paul insisted that he wasn't using clever techniques or dressing up the gospel message in any way, but that was then. That might have worked in the ancient Mediterranean world, but in 21st century America, and we need a gimmick, a hook. So here it is. The greatest evangelism tool ever thought up. If this doesn't get all your Pagan friends to convert, then we might as well give up the task. Quick, forward this to all your Christian brothers...

If you feel distant from God in times of joy and happiness, Re-examine your worship. If you feel distant from God in times of sorrow and hardship, Re-examine your entire biblical worldview. Grace and Peace, Raffi

What I can’t get away from is that what passes for “Christian community” today is so un-counter cultural that you don’t even know when you are blatantly committing fornication. Once again, I couldn't have said it any better than the Monk . It was along those lines that I asked for spiritual support this weekend. Thank you to those who provided it. It wasn't about fornication. Not in the ordinary sense, anyway. Someone very important in my life had asked me to speak at a newly-formed, out-of-town church. I was honored. I agreed. Then I found out that this was not really a "newly-formed" community. Actually, it was an offshoot of a recently "newly formed" community in a town that, believe me, really needs such communities. And when I say "offshoot," I of course mean that they had some political strife with the main community and, being good Protestants, broke off to form a new community. Anyone who knows me knows that that stuff boils my blood. But...

To anyone who might run into this post, please remember me in your prayers today. I'm gonna need it. That's pretty much all I can say right now. More details to come. Nothing specific, just some inarticulate groanings will do. Oh, and if you can do it around 3:00 PM Pacific Time, I'd appreciate it. Thanks. Grace and Peace, Raffi