Forgive me for I have sinned...

I believe I've gotten to a place that looks at Christianity religiously. The funny thing is I've often preached against allowing Christianity being a religion rather allow it to be a relationship with Christ. Yet I have even deceived myself in the process allowing my rituals and do's and don'ts to become almost phariseetical. Perhaps originally I was in pursuit of Christ but over time I've sought how I look in the church rather than how Christ looks in my life. This of course is not good.

Recently I've been enamored by a couple books that brought this to my attention the main one being The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller. (If you like a good read pick it up he also happens to be one of my favorite preachers). In this book he points out not only the sin of the Son who squandered his inheritance but he points out to who Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees and then the Oldest son wouldn't partake in the celebration of his returned brother. Frustrated that he was faithful and received no praise for this. Sadly the story ends on this note where the faithful son doesn't have a chance to make amends. (Book is much more detailed and I generalized much it).

So we have two people here those who return to Christ late in the game and those who are faithful and are expecting more. Why would any of us ask for more than salvation itself? Or refuse anyone forgiveness? Perhaps we're all waiting for that, Jesus pat on the back of Job well done. Ultimately I know I have made actions that will only return an earthly reward, but I want to be a follower in Christ despite who's watching I want to serve him in humility in order others may know his Name. Yet I believe in some way every Christian walk runs into an area of pride in their Christian service, like a look at how "Holy" I am! This must be avoided at all cost. In my case I have to be reminded of the audience in which Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees or in other words the religious, and as a follower in Jesus I must keep watch of the coldness of tradition and seek out the warmness of meeting needs.

Profile of the Lukewarm

Francis Chan's 4th chapter in Crazy Love opens the door to a portion of every Christian's walk. A moment when we can still very easily be attending church and doing the Christian duty but at the same time not truly sacrificing anything for Christ. Our love for God should be at a level that causes us to actually want to be more like Him (The Father) and less like us.

How has your lukewarm lifestyle benefited the Kingdom?

How could 2010 benefit from your life being a passionate love offering to God?

Who could be saved because of you finally giving it all to Christ?

Crazy Love....So it begins

Have you ever wanted more? This is the question Francis Chan presents to us in his book Crazy Love. The next 10 weeks I want to challenge anyone who wants to share their thoughts or want to ask questions as we read through Crazy Love. I have some friends that will be going through this and responding right here, but know its open to you as well.

Chapter 1: Stop Praying

In the Bible Solomon warns us not to rush into God's presence with words.

I recall a time when my friend Evan and I just went to the mountains to enjoy God in his wonderful creation (Ps.19:1-4), it was a time of rejuvenation for me, when's the last time you just enjoyed God's creation?

We would think it would be easy to Love a God so wonderful, powerful, and Holy, but we often allow the relationship with God to fizzle. I know with all the involvement I have in the church as well as Bible College it is very easy to turn God into a day to day thing you just get done, but is that passion? What are things in your life that hinder you passion for God?

I hope you share your thoughts and allow this place to open to discussion with other people that read some of Chan's words as that will assist you in fully understanding the questions of each chapter. May God Bless us in this search for Crazy Love!