CPC THIS WEEK
MAY 12, 2010
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THE BRAND CALLED “CHRISTIAN”
By Tom Stein
Two summers ago, our adult Sunday School class discussed a book called “UnChristian.” The authors wrote challenging words like this:
“To outsiders the word Christian has more in common with a brand than a faith. This shift of meaning in recent decades has been magnified by an increasing use of the term Christian to label music, clothes, schools, political action groups, and more. And sadly, it’s a bad brand in the minds of tens of millions of people.
“In the middle of a culture where Christianity has come to represent hypocrisy, judgmentalism, anti-intellectualism, insensitivity, and bigotry, it’s easy to see why the next generation wants nothing to do with it.”
Ouch! Not every criticism of Christians is fair. I have learned that some will use hateful excuses to despise Christians and Christianity.
But as I read those words, I realize there is some truth to them. I also recongize there is much I cannot change. But what can I change? By God’s grace, me.
Am I a hypocrite before unbelievers, or am I honest about my failings?
Am I judgmental before unbelievers, or do I confess that I am a sinner, too?
Am I anti-intellectual before unbelievers, or do I demonstrate that Christians love God with their minds, by wrestling with real questions and offering real answers?
Am I insensitive before unbelievers, or do I exhibit spiritual qualities like kindness and gentleness?
Am I bigoted before unbelievers, or do I respect the value of all people, as God’s creatures, made in God’s image?
The gospel is offensive. The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. Yet we should still ask, “If an unbeliever in my life is offended, is it because of the message of the cross, or because of the messenger of a brand?”
We are to adorn the gospel through the lives we live and the words we speak. Some may still choose to be offended, but do we leave them without excuse?
UPCOMING EVENTS
THIS SUNDAY EVENING, MAY 16, 5:30 - MORTGAGE BURNING CELEBRATION
We will roast hot dogs, sing, and celebrate God’s provision!
Singles - bring chips
Letters A-L - bring side dishes
Letters M-Z - bring desserts
Everyone - bring lawn chairs!
The church will provide meat and drinks.
JUNE 6 - OUTDOOR SERVICE AND KIDS’ MUSICAL
JUNE 21-25 - VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH: IRAQ
Voice of the Martyrs reports, “At least 50 Iraqi Christian students are receiving hospital treatment following a bomb attack outside the city of Mosul that killed at least one person...”
THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER
All the materials on the two racks in the foyer are free. Please feel free to take them and share them!
A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
God is blessing us with many visitors these days. During the greeting time and after the service, how about seeking out a new face, so they may feel welcome?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
May 14 - Doug Miller
May 15 - Kristin Janzow
THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON TEXT: LUKE 7:36-50
MAY VERSES TO MEMORIZE: PSALM 131