The blog of shocking statistics!

Friday, November 07, 2008

I was just reading some really shocking stats about people’s perception of Christianity. Non-Christians aged 16-19 were asked the question “What is your current perception of Christianity?” The responses were startling:

91% said anti homosexual
87% said judgemental
85% said hypocritical
78% said old-fashioned
75% said too involved in politics
72% said out of touch with reality
70% said insensitive to others
68% said boring
64% said not accepting of other faiths
61% said confusing

Ouch! Who’s fault is that? Well, in reality a large part is due to the fact that the devil is “prince of the power of the air”. Which means he controls the media to a large extent and all of it’s lies. And another part falls squarely on our shoulders. We need to change people’s perception of Christianity by being like Jesus. Some of those things we will never change and some can be fixed. We need to be involved in our political system, we are not boring and we have better not be hypocritical! God is not the author of confusion but peace! 

(6) Comments | | Posted by Pastor Casey

 

7 things that are abominable

Friday, October 31, 2008

We were praying in staff prayer this past week and a couple of verses were quickened to me by the Holy Spirit. The verses come from Proverbs 6:16-19, they read:

These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

In regards to the coming election, on November 4th, these are an excellent guideline for voting scripturally. I can’t tell you who to vote for, regardless of my position, but I can show you what the scriptures say in regards to things God like and dislikes (or hates). Let’s break this down by each of the seven abominations.
1) a proud look: pretty obvious here, God puts down the proud and lifts up the humble. Also, this can be described as haughty eyes. Thinking of oneself more highly than you ought is not good either.
2) a lying tongue: saying one thing, to pander to the popular vote, and meaning another is lying.
3) hands that shed innocent blood: they don’t have to be a candidates literal hands, but allowing the killing of innocent children each year through abortion is shedding innocent blood.
4) a heart that devises wicked plans: plans that are not made available to the public but are made behind closed doors. Plans that are really hidden agendas for principalities and powers.
5) feet that are swift in running to evil: candidates that continually go against the bible and God are running to evil.
6) a false witness who speaks lies: stories and testimonies made up about someone’s character are false testimonies.
7) and one who sows discord among brethren: when the body of Christ is confused about who to vote for we are in for some prayerful times. Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

There are six things that God hates and seven are an abomination before Him, if we vote for God and the bible and candidates who represent those values closest...then the nation will be blessed.

Choose wisely! 

(2) Comments | | Posted by Pastor Casey

 

Covenant Week

Friday, October 17, 2008

This week in connect groups is very important for us, for a number of reasons. Let’s look at a few of them: 1) God is a covenant-making and covenant keeping God. (See these verses: Gen. 22:17, 2 Sam. 7:12) Because God is a God of covenants He relates to His people via covenants. For example, the new covenant established by Jesus, John 3:16, if you believe in God you get everlasting life.

Another reason this week is important is that it will set the tone for our cg’s. We are setting the standard for consistency and growth for future generations. This week in the connect groups at The City Church, everyone will be signing a year long covenant, committing to attend and grow this church. It is imperative that you make this a priority in your week, regardless of what is going on. At the advent of the New Testament church they met in the local synagogues (church) and house to house (connect groups). Let’s make sure we are using the same pattern that the apostles used.

See you in connect group!

(3) Comments | | Posted by Pastor Casey

 

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