In observing the Christian landscape of popular blogs and books, I am convinced we have lost sight of God’s mission. I watch with concern as Christians post videos that are intended to mock the music and the traditions of other Christians they find socially “embarrassing.”
In an effort to prove to the “Lost” that Christians can be “cool,” some folks have joined hands with the world to mock our brothers and sisters in Christ. To make themselves relevant, some Christians find it necessary to make the traditions of other Christ-followers the subject of patronizing jokes.
Somewhere along the way, we have lost sight of the real spiritual battle we face.
Watch this video as some of the members of the “Earth First” religion worship the trees in their forest Sanctuary. This is the face of God’s lost children who need to know Jesus.
There are no jokes here.
I didn’t create this video to ridicule these very sincere people. I share it as a reminder to my fellow-believers that we must regain focus on the Gospel. Even in our technology-driven world, there are people who put the earth first–people who are lost and who need a savior.
We have spent far too much time on petty issues and fighting against our own Family. We don’t need any more churches with slogans like, “This is not your Grandparent’s church.” Church is not about being hip, cool, attractive, or innovative. We need to turn out attention to things more important than tradition and ritual.
My advice to young church planters is to focus on the reality of sin, the desperate need for forgiveness, and practicing the love of Jesus Christ in your community.
How many more souls will be lost before we put first the mission of salvation?
Romans 1:16–20 (NLT)
16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” 18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
