Changing the Game/The End of Day.

I decided to address two topics that I've been thinking heavily about for awhile, but never could actually sit down and have the words flow out of me as they normally do when I blog. So I guess today is the day God picked for me to get it going, so keep in mind he is enabling these thoughts, questions, and words to freely come through me, for you to read and ponder. Holla.

Changing the game. That statement can mean many things, to many people. Now, for me, I am in no way insinuating that what we have going on, good vs. evil, our spiritual warfare, and our everyday struggles to maintain our faith are games. What I mean by it is, WE need to change the GAME. It is on us, the younger, newer, fresher generation of Christians to lead our people to the promised land. The problem with that is, seeing how ignorant and incredibly selfish people are today(not excluding us), it can be extremely difficult to get the word out. Throw in the fact that many people don't bother to listen, already have a preconceived notion that can't be altered, or don't care, makes witnessing/testifying a difficult task to accomplish with some degree of success.

We need to be unafraid to step out of our comfort zone, and approach people outside of our circle of friends, outside of our churches, outside of our homes. I think it is EXTREMELY important to show people that although being a Christian, you can maintain your individuality. Our job is just to get the foot in the door, Jesus will take care of the rest. I assume most people who refuse to listen probably already have a notion that Christians can't have fun, can't still be themselves, and live in church. The truth is, you are still you, just a better you. In my opinion, the perfection of Jesus is unattainable for us, so all you can do is be the best Christian YOU can be. If you keep trying to be Jesus, to be perfect, you will continually fall short and feel as though you aren't a good Christian, when in fact, all Jesus really wants is for us to try our hardest. This message should be important when approaching new people, since we are all born into sin, and slaves to it, trying to be perfect will always make you second-guess yourself, because it is IMPOSSIBLE. I see myself as a different kind of Christian, and I am not scared to admit it. I am willing to accept that I am not perfect, and I think God will appreciate my best effort, but I have to make sure I am working as hard as I can, not just settling and doing the bare minimum.

If we can make people see you don't have to lose your individuality, you can still be yourself, but also be a Christian, I think the idea would be much more appealing to people who turn away from it. We need to learn to teach the Word, to witness, in fresh, new, appealing ways. However you choose to do that is your choice. In my opinion, that is the key for drawing in a lost generation. I can remember the first time, a few years ago, I was approached by Christians. They were overbearing, unwilling to listen to different opinions even though I welcomed what they were saying, and didn't have answers to any of my questions. That immediately turned me off to Christianity even though I grew up religious, and I assumed all Christians were this way. WE HAVE TO AVOID THIS. Openness, understanding, being prepared for questions we may not like, are all keys as well. We can't expect people to join us, if we can't teach them why without being biased or acting offended! HELLO!

In closing, CHANGE THE GAME. Find your own unique way, do a group study, whatever it takes to reel people in, and make them listen to you for a minute. Remember, when talking to someone, think of yourself in their shoes, and what would make you listen if roles were reversed. Now, GO! :)


Mmmmmm the END OF DAY. Just that phrase gives me chills. I was watching Passion of the Christ recently, and it made me think what is going to happen when the world ends. When Jesus was betrayed by his closest disciples. People who swore they would never leave his side were nowhere to be found when he was being persecuted, scourged, and sentenced to crucifixion. I for one, believe in myself enough to think I wouldn't leave the side of any of my people when the end of day comes and we have to remain strong in our faith, even in the face of persecution or death. But how do I know what I will do when the situation arises? How do any of us know?

I can say for certain there are some people I would die for, because I know I am going to heaven, but would THEY do the SAME for ME? It's a sad thought to think people aren't as strong as you are, or at least as strong as you think you are. I don't even think my faith would be the total reason I could die for someone, I think it would be more that I don't want to see them suffer. If any of my Christian brothers are reading this, think of your girlfriends, your mothers and sisters, children. I would gladly take the place of my mother, sister, nieces, nephews, girls, if it meant I could suffer and die in their place. If you aren't strong enough to feel the same, I think you need some self evaluation. Now think of poor Jesus, carrying his cross. He died not only for those who deserted him, but for those who were going to kill him! He took on the weight of the sins of the world, forgave those who sentenced him to die, and suffered for us all so that we may be forgiven by the almighty Father. I for one, welcome the challenges that will come when the end comes. Will I be scared to stick with my people, and my faith, in the midst of unimaginable persecution and maybe even death? Yes, probably. But I do believe I will make the right decisions, and God will be with us when it comes.

Basically, the point of this is to make you all think of what you would do in the situation. Would your talk measure up to your actions when things get bad? Can you forgive the people who are going to be doing Satan's work in the end of days, persecuting, deceiving, and killing Christians? What a thought that is, and it will be the ultimate, final, test to our faith and belief. Just think if it started tomorrow, would YOU back up your talk and faith? Seriously, what would you do? Get a mental picture of the chaos the would ensue, put yourself in the middle of it all, and try to think of WHAT YOU WOULD DO when it's time to take action, and not just talk, show up for church, pray, and read your Bible. It's gonna be a war, a war that we WILL win, but just thinking of it makes me uneasy, to say the least, and since I began to think of what I will have to do when it comes, I think you should all do the same!