Christian Living

I love reading, sort of. I read and I love what I learn, but I don't like the activity of reading. I wish it was more like the Matrix where I could just download everything into my brain. Every time I talk to someone they recommend a book. If I tried to read every book recommended to me all I would ever do is read. Actually it is kind of ironic that I am sitting here writing this expecting someone to read it.

Every time I enter a Christian book store I have to wade through the Christian living section to find the section I am usually trying to get to (the theology section). It never ceases to amaze me how many books one person can write saying the same thing. Don't get me wrong, some of these books are good books and communicate an important message. It just seems like the Bible should be our Christian living book. If we went to the Bible Helps section or the theology section and spent as much time studying the word of God as we did reading Christian living books we could probably throw away a lot of those other books.

Maybe we should all consider how much we could be learning about God and His word if we spent as much money and time studying Him through His word as we did reading Christian Living books. There are 9,764 titles in the Christian Living section at www.christianbook.com. To the contrary there are only 574 titles in Bible reference and 5,641 titles in theology. I am sure many of them are good and even helpful, but maybe we should spend a little more time studying the way of the sword!

The Worlds Best Outreach!!

I am asking for help in this post. I have done it all when it comes to outreach. Big events and small events. We have had conversions, but most of them disappear into the night as soon as the event is over. We follow up and still the conversions disappear. Is it me or is the worlds best outreach some kind of myth?

Certainly the book of Acts gives examples of large group outreaches of sorts. The Day of Pentecost comes to mind. The difference is three fold. First, these events were not filled with star athletes or amazing bands. Second, it seems to me the Holy Spirit did a lot of things in the book of Acts that were unique to that time and place. Third, these events were not the result of a planning committee, they were the result of God working in a powerful way.

What am I missing?

Certainly these events have a place, but are we just fooling ourselves when it comes to evangelism? I think we are. The world sees us coming a mile away with our Holy Roller Speakers and our electric guitars. They know what it going on. We have created a church culture where the event is what rules the roost. Personal evangelism has become a last resort rather then the front line.

Maybe I am all wet. I would love to be corrected!!

Go Fast Turn Left

I grew up around race cars, mostly dirt track, but I never even got a ride around the track in one. Yesterday was my day!! I have to admit I am kind of an adrenaline junky. I do get scared, but I almost never let fear keep me from doing something. Yesterday I climbed into a race car with five other pastors from the Northwestern district of the C&MA and raced around a track for 8 laps.

My daughter reminded me after the race that I was the first place loser. Yes, those are her words which I taught her. She kept asking me why I was so happy even though I didn't win. It was a great teaching moment for the both of us. If you can't tell I am a very competitive person. I realized before the race started I was probably not going to win. John Brailand (who I owe a debt of gratitude for setting this up) is an experienced driver and took it to all of us. I am not going to bore you with the lessons, you are probably smart enough to figure that out for yourself.

In the end yesterday ranks in the top ten for best days in my life. There are three days that belong to my family but after that it goes Snow Cat Skiing in Steamboat and then Yesterday.

If you ever get a chance to drive a race car, I definitely recommend it!! WOOO HOOOO

Eminent Domain

If someone took my home I would be ticked off. This eminent domain thing has gone way too far. If things keep going in this direction we will all be impacted by this practice at not long from now.
Check out this article from the Democrat & Chronicle

I've moved!!

Welcome to the new home for Pj's blogs. I hope this is not too much of an inconvenience. I did this so I could host the blog on my own site. The address for my site is www.pjs-web.net. I hope you enjoy, it will take me a little time to set things up.