The constant noise of contemporary life makes it easy to miss the most profound message the world has ever known: Jesus loves you. Innovative teachers Craig Gross and Jason Harper will separate the religious from the real as they show how this simple truth is worth our undivided attention. The authors weave Jesus' narrative with their own stories of serving among the "least of these" in this inspiring summons to world-changing faith. Join them as they encounter shut-ins, drunks, inmates, porn stars, and others while striving to follow Christ in their daily lives.
Question & Answer in the Worst Way
Some of the most awkward moments I have ever had while leading XXXChurch is during Q & A time at a venue. Sometimes it is a men’s event like Porn and Pancakes and sometimes it is at the Porn Debate. At the Porn and Pancakes event, the church crowd is usually too embarrassed to ask the tough questions. At times, we even have had them text questions for the sake of anonymity. But at the Porn Debate, well, let’s just say we have had some doozies.
I don’t mind the tough questions. In fact, part of what has made the debate successful is both Ron and I are willing to address the perceived weakness in our presentations. There are questions that we both hope never get asked, but they always do!
This generation of people, I would say under the age of 40, was raised with a mindset to question everything. In fact, a popular t-shirt of the day is printed with the message, “Question Everything.” It is the cry from within the heart that translates to a lack of trust. The thought of questioning everything comes from the fact that somewhere on the path of life they have been fed a bill of goods that just did not pan out. Lies, deceit, manipulation, abuse of power, misdirection, and cover up are just a few of the cartoons that animated their minds.
For those exploring belief, the same critical examination occurs. Being told to believe something “just because” does not work. Many are suspect immediately. However, when love is questioned, it works. Jesus loves those that are seeking truth. Truth often arrives at the end of a trail of sincere questions, followed by discovery! What others discover is more profound than what I tell them.
In response to a sincere question from a skeptic, to answer, “It's in the Bible!” may be true. But to maximize the power of truth a deeper answer built on empathy and powered by patience may be more effective.
Jesus loves skeptics.
Do you know someone who is skeptical of faith, Christ, or you? If so, love them anyway. Jesus would.
Today, take a moment and click the image below to get your advance (hardback) copy of Jesus Loves You This I Know. Consider picking one up for the skeptic in your life.
I am loving every day of this journey. Thank you for being on it with me.
Until then,
Craig
Comments
No one has posted any comments to this blog entry yet.