Do you know where Jesus was born?

[Daily Mail]

The Christmas carollers may have already been heard singing O Little Town of Bethlehem the length and breadth of the country. But it appears a huge chunk of their audience may have no idea why the town should be worthy of such reverence.

In an alarming survey published today into knowledge of the Christmas story, it appears that one in four adults do not know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Among younger Britons – between 18 and 24 – the total for those who could not give the correct location rose to 36 per cent.

[From me]

This isn’t surprising.  I was sharing with a young boy a few years ago and I asked him what he knew about Jesus and he said he didn’t know anything about him–O, except what he had seen at Blockbuster.

What do you think?

does this trivialize Jesus?

[from kpho.com]

Controversy is swirling over a foot-long, talking Jesus doll that Wal-Mart has put up for sale at more than 400 of its stores in at least 20 states, including some in the Valley.

It’s the first time the world’s largest retailer has carried a full line of religious toys.The battery-powered, button-activated doll is able to recite a handful of different bible verses and the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes with five loaves and two fish. It also comes with a booklet giving parents tips on how to shape a child’s faith.

Read about it here.

[From me]

I wonder what Jesus would think? Does He get any of the profits? Something about this just doesn’t seem right.

What do you think?

Study says Christianity No Longer Looks Like Jesus

[Christian Post]

Young Americans today are more skeptical and resistant to Christianity than were people of the same age just a decade ago, says a new study. Negative perceptions toward the Christian faith have outweighed the positive as a growing percentage of younger Americans associate with a faith outside Christianity.

Only 16 percent of non-Christians aged 16 to 29 years old said they have a “good impression” of Christianity, according to a report released Monday by The Barna Group. A decade ago, the vast majority of Americans outside the Christian faith, including young people, felt favorably toward Christianity’s role in society. Young people have an even lesser positive impression of evangelicals. Only 3 percent of 16- to 29-year-olds who are not of the Christian faith express favorable views of evangelicals. In the previous generation, 25 percent of young people had positive associations toward evangelicals.

Among other common impressions, 23 percent of young non-Christians said “Christianity is changed from what it used to be” and “Christianity in today’s society no longer looks like Jesus.” Young born-again Christians were just as likely to say the same (22 percent).

Read about it here.

[From me]

This really grieves me. I’m reading Bill Hybels book Holy Discontent and I believe this is my Holy Discontent that God has place on my heart. I am so concerned about the next generation. We are so busy alienating everyone that they won’t be open to listen because we have done a poor job being the hands and feet of Jesus. Too many Christians want to be “right” and become judgmental and arrogant. When did Christianity become being right over loving and ministering?

“Christianity is changed from what it used to be”

“Christianity in today’s society no longer looks like Jesus.”

Ouch!

Judges 2:10

After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel.

 

What do you think?

Could Jesus get elected President?

I’m trying to understand the political process in the US.  I was a Public Administration major at Samford University.  I was active in politics and considered working in politics but I got disillusioned.

I’ll admit I am an admirer of President Reagan.  Maybe that makes me bad–I don’t know.  I think I would enjoy talking to President’s Bush, Bush, Clinton and Carter.  I think they would all be really nice to talk with away from the cameras.  I’m sure I would enjoy talking with Senator Clinton, Obama, Romney, Rudy, McCain and others.

But there is something about our political system that is just wrong.  People keep telling me you have to compromise in order to get anything accomplished in Washington.  I made the comment the other day “would Jesus approve of abortion?“  Someone said that wasn’t a fair question.  Really?  Isn’t Jesus suppose to ooze out of our lives?  I don’t understand how people can compartmentalize their faith.   I don’t believe Jesus is a Republican or a Democrat.  I think He loves the people in both parties but I don’t believe He could be happy with any party.

Do you think someone could actually get elected for an office if they said I’m going to pray about every decision I make?  Do you think someone would get elected if they truly allowed the Holy Spirit make their voting decisions?

Do you think Jesus could get elected as President? 

Personally I’m confused.  I’m trying to see how a follower of Jesus could vote for a candidate that supports anything that goes against God’s word.  I think that applies to both parties.   Shouldn’t our faith transform our lives including our votes?  Shouldn’t our faith affect every area of our lives?  Maybe I’m being naive but I can’t help but wonder.

Could Jesus get elected as President?

What do you think?

I love Mormons Part Deux…

Since Bill has decided to grace us with his presence again I wanted to reiterate that “I LOVE MORMONS!” In fact, I love everyone. Just because you disagree with a person doesn’t mean you hate them. Francoise and Geekwad post on here almost daily. Both of them are Atheists. I love having them comment and challenge my beliefs. I don’t agree with much of what they say but that doesn’t mean I dislike them.

I truly have a passion for everyone. I’m not judging Mormon’s motives or the fact that they are sincere. You can be sincere but be sincerely wrong. If I got in a plane and the pilot started flying .00001 degrees off course at first we wouldn’t notice. But if we kept flying just slightly off course we would not end up in the desired destination.

That is how it is with Mormons and other false religions. They have a lot of fine morals and teachings but they don’t teach that Jesus is “THE” only way to heaven. Every other religion has a bunch of rules and rituals you have to “DO” in order to get to paradise. But the beauty of Christianity is it is not about “DOING” because Jesus “DID” it all when He died on a cross for our sins.

So I truly do LOVE MORMONS, Buddhists, Muslims, Atheists, Agnostics, and just everyone. I love them so much that my life’s passion is to:

“Lead People to their full potential in Christ”

What do you think?

This post is empty–Just like Jesus’ tomb!

Phil Jackson says even Jesus can’t help the Lakers

[From LA Times]

The Los Angeles Lakers have lost 6 straight games are on the verge of falling out of the playoffs. Injuries have plagued the team to the point that some assistant coaches are having to suit up for practice.

Outspoken coach Phil Jackson had this to day about the Lakers:

“Jesus Christ could come back and we still wouldn’t have a chance because we’ve ruined the mix by not playing together.”

Read about it here.

[From me]

Lets have a little fun here.

Not that Jesus cares about who wins or loses, but what would happen if Jesus helped the Lakers.

1. He could make the lame walk again–Lamar Odom and Luke Walton have both been hurt.
2. He could make the blind see–Have you seen the glasses Assistant coach Kurt Rambis wears?
3. He could teach Kobe Bryant to turn the other cheek-Bryant has been suspended twice this season for striking opponents in the face after shooting.
4. He could heal Andrew Bynum’s jump shot.
5. He could resurrect Scottie Pippen’s career- Pippen says he wants to come back and play

What other ways could he help the Lakers?

(note this is just for fun, I realize that Jesus could care less about the game and they all need His power for life not their jumpshot)