I truly believe that how you view Jesus determines how you follow Jesus. 

This clip is a fair representation of American Christianity.

Agree? Disagree?

Think about it. Paris Hilton. Famous for being famous. Does she have talent? No. She has made a career out of being fluff. Just a blonde and nothing much else. But man do the folks flock to her…

Look at the American church. It’s growing to be growing - but have we seen any real change in the hearts of the people? We feel like we must entertain people to get them in the doors. We are ashamed of the Gospel, so we make sure we up the fluff factor. Put on a good show, a make the money, and call it a day. Job well done.

I truly believe that we have lost our awe over the Gospel. We think that it alone is not enough to change people. “I mean it’s good and all, but where’s the WOW factor?” I was once told by a pastor (I’m dead serious). Wow factor? What about the overwhelming power of the Gospel. Don’t blame the Word for being impotent - check your own pants.

When we can simply understand that we’re a people in need of a God. And that his word and message is more than sufficent - there is an utmost power in it.

Let us not be apart of the Paris Hilton Church - blonde, pretty and empty.

Well in ending 2006, I’m hosting the annual Rahab (Christian Whore) Awards. I think Craig Gross said it best when he said, “If Satan’s a Pimp, Don’t be his Hoe.”

This award goes toward the best public display by a prominent Christian to sell out/whore out to the world. By their actions they are saying, I love you God, but my integrity can be bought for a price.

The Nominations:

A. Joel Osteen for “Your Best Life Now” Board Game. Ummm wow. It almost speaks for itself. Reminds me of the Prayer of Jabez CD! 

B. Me - As someone once said (in the comments below) “one mans sell out is another man’s angry rantings.”Touche’!  Very true, so I’m placing myself, now, on this list between Osteen and the blonde. So I’m in good company! Bonus points for coming up with a critical awards nominations list in the first place.

C. Jessica Simpson-  My Daddy was a youth pastor, but he likes flaunting what God gave me for cash! Bonus points for having a daddy pimp you out!

D. Veggie Tales- Big Idea productions gets bought (Phil Vicher, creator is out) and bye bye go the Christian morals for Saturday mornings on NBC.

E. Us- for fueling a christian marketing industry that uses our faith for making boat loads of money! It’s no different from the commercialized world, it just looks nicer. Bonus points: we killed Christmas. Jesus who? Forget that - where are my presents!

Please add any write in’s to the comment bar below.

Is this an angry rant? Well, blogging is my therapy.

If any of you have about 45 min to burn… check out the message I gave at our church this Sunday.  

“Called to a Journey” Mp3

Check it out here

This is a simple game. Each week I’ll display a scene from the Bible featuring Legos First to guess wins! I’ll keep a cumulative score going and the winner will receive a prize after a few months (it will be a REAL prize and I’ll ship it out to you wherever you are!) So post your answer in the comments box.

So guess! Win!

 (And for bonus nerd points, put down the scripture reference)

For last weeks (and past winners go here)

Oh and if anyone is wondering [Ben Huge] the game will end at the end of the year. The person with the most wins… wins! The prize will be of actual value (gift cert. or something of the like). So play and win!