Pastor Steve shares these links to stimulate some Thursday Thoughts…

I only have two links to offer this week, both from the same author; Daniel Phillips. Both of them address the same recent poll and its analysis offered up by the Barna Group. You will find links in Daniel’s posts to that article — and it is also hyperlinked HERE … and thereby you will find, should you choose, 3 to read!

So here we go …

Barna’s Mythical Creature: The Church-Rejecting Jesus Lover … Phillips writes, “When the Barna Group calls us to Meet Those Who “Love Jesus but Not the Church,” they might as well include leprechauns, elves, and temporary tax hikes. Because there’s no such thing. In closing: What is the actual percentage of those who love Jesus, but choose not to become involved in a local church? The question is phrased wrongly. Here’s the real question: How many love Jesus, but do not believe Him enough to be persuaded to obey Him, resulting in local church involvement? After polling Jesus, above, we have our answer: Zero percent.” You can read the rest HERE.

Words Mean Things – Including the Word ‘Christian’ … Phillips writes, “There are literally no real benefits to a false claim to Christian faith. A false claim not only does not erase sins, it adds to them. It provides no reason to hope for Heaven, or God’s acceptance or love. In fact, it inoculates one to the real saving message of the Gospel, since one imagines he’s already checked that box – which he hasn’t. All such a person has to look forward to is hearing the words Jesus warns us He’ll say to “many” in the last day: “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23). They are all certain they’re “in” – saved, OK with God – and they’re all wrong.” You can read the rest HERE.

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