If you don’t already have iTunes you really should get it (and it’s free). There are so many speakers, pastors, and churches that podcast their services and are available for download weekly. It’s great for daily commutes or popping in your iPod. Just listen and go.

One I’m currently enjoying is Mars Hill Bible Church’s (Rob Bell) current series on God is Green. The thing I love about Rob Bell is that he’s not into himself. They’ve had so many different speakers come in and fill the pulpit week after week. His heart is getting the message out there, no matter who needs to speak it.

This series has really challenged my views on the environment. I had always prided myself on being pretty ecologically good, but I realize,  we have a ways to go as a family.

I also love the fact that they’re emphasizing that as Christians we should be green. The Bible calls us to do that. It amazes me that this is one area we’ve sorely dropped the ball in. It’s gotten politicized so much that the environment has been left on party lines. I mean, Jesus is of course a Republican and Republicans could care less about the environment, so I should be like Jesus and not care about the environment either. Isn’t that the rationale?

You can either download them via iTunes directly or go to the Mars Hill website here. They’re free, they’re good and they’re worth your time.

buy this or other videos in the NOOMA series here. 

Man, I love this piece. Bell does an amazing job articulating in a tangible way God’s love for us. I love the humanity and compassion in the message.

The other day I posed a quote by Rob Bell, “When people think about changing the world, they do not think of the church.“ Then asked the follow up question, “Why do you think that is?“

Virgil had a great response:

“My guess would be that it is because the church has decided to only care about the afterlife. The mentality is that you get as many of em in as you can” - who needs to change the world?”

You know, I really think he’s on to something here. I had a conversation with a student who told me, “Do I care about where I go when I die? Why should I? That’s for old people like you to think about.” Evangelism has changed. The message hasn’t, but what matters to people has. Americans never want to think of themselves as old. Death isn’t something that’s thought about very often - it’s just not sexy.

And is eternity the only message behind the gospel? Isn’t there a here and now to Christ? Why is that so hard for us to convey? Here’s the one thing that you can do to evangelize effectively everyone you know: tell them what Christ has done for you. That’s what they want to hear. We are the “what’s in it for me” society. Really think and articulate what having Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior has done for you. Don’t give them the, “he’s forgiven my sins!” answer.

How has knowing and walking with Christ changed your existence in this world? Answer that question, honestly and from your heart… and people will listen. That is what evangelism is about. Not saving souls. Not packing them down the aisles. It is our job to simply share the good news of what Christ has done for us. It’s about changing the world one life at a time. That is what people need to hear.