MikeZook.com

from nakedpastor.com

Christians are Hypocrites too ya know!

Ouch! I know that stings a bit! But before you start thinking that I've turned on my own and loaded my bow with the arrow of cynicism out of my quiver of bitterness that hangs on my back, read on.

What Came First: The Mission or The Church? (Part 2)

I have heard (and read) a quote that many pastors and church leaders regurgitate so many times I don't think anybody knows where it came from.

"Christianity is the most exciting thing that has ever happened in the world....and it has taken the church 2,000 years to make it boring!"

This comment is usually used to inspire justification of their local institution's attempt to become attractive, exciting, safe, trendy and friendly to the surrounding target audience. But where does Jesus say this in his commission? Where does he tell us that the "church" has to attract all people, that it has to be exciting and friendly? Where does it say that everybody's even getting into heaven? Ironically, a well known Atheist, Hemant Mehta, author of the book, "I Sold my Soul on Ebay," said this in a Fox New Interview:

"...the stereotypical image I had of church; that it's this boring place to go to on a Sunday, that it's a dull place,that it's don't do this, don't do this. That [image] has definitely changed. The churches I've been to have had incredible music, incredible speakers, some of the pastors are great and I did get a real sense of community being there and that wasn't there before."

So maybe the Pastors have done a good job not making church boring anymore. Maybe the quote works. Maybe more churches are becoming more attractive, exciting, safe, and friendly place to be. After all someone who doesn't even know God, no scratch that, someone who doesn't even Believe in God, said that it wasn't boring and that his mind was actually changed...."Mission" Accomplished! Well done!

Oh, but wait, he still doesn't believe in God! So who's mission is being accomplished again!?!?

God in a Box (part 1)

(bear with me....it's a long one, but worth the read I think)

Have you ever tried to, “figure out who God is,” or "understand what His will for your life is,” or “plausibly explain the trinity,” or “make sense of why God does what he does?” I’m sure if you are like me the answer is, “Yes.” For some reason I have been in this space where God is asking, no, telling me to release my desire to figure out, understand, explain or make sense of Him. What I am realizing is that in my limited ability to comprehend God there is Paradox to my belief of who I want Him to be, and as a result of this, God becomes somewhat of a Mystery to me which ultimately creates Tension in my ability to believe in Him. So what do I do with this? How do I function in my relationship with God? How do I help others function in this post modernistic world where people look for a truth that works for them?