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Clueless Joe Christian
Barna Research's latest poll shows that 90% of Born Again Christians do not believe in the totality of the Bible. They do not have a Biblical world view. With this in mind, how are we multiplying and fulfilling the Great Commission?
As I sat in service this past Sunday, my spirit ached as Pastor talked about evil taking over in our society. He was hitting every area of attack as "Amens" started flying from the pews. The hot topic of gay marriage was even brought up. People walked out of church lit up, saying, "wow, great message" as they went home Sunday to fire up the grill. Unfortunately, like most, they went about their day and week doing nothing about the message Pastor gave. They did not know what to do!
Meet "Clueless Joe Christian".
Across town sits another church that preaches "a" gospel of Jesus too. It preaches about the love of Christ, how He accepts all who come to Him and a non-judgmental life in Christ. A Gospel that does not condemn people for a lifestyle they feel is an alternative one. Sounds OK, as many of the people attending are couples that love the Lord and each other just like your church. The difference is that some of the couples in this church are homosexual. They are told that Same Sex marriage is OK and Christians should not judge them as they should not feel guilty about the homosexual love they have for each other.
This second group of folks will go home like the first, but with a game plan. They will immediately send an email to their congressman and senator in an effort to influence and create a false representation of what the majority of voters want and what the politicians should vote on. They were given the email addresses at church. They will also voice their opinion at work the next day as they promote evil as good and good as evil. They will even influence Clueless Joe's Sunday conviction to a Monday compromise. Meet the enemy. They have a plan!
See, Clueless Joe is a nice guy. He smiles a lot and may even praise the Lord. Very agreeable and likeable, Joe may believe that God is a blessing machine and wants only Joe's comfort and success on earth. When tragedy or struggle comes he is totally confused, as life now makes no sense. He hears about being a soldier for Jesus in scripture, but would rather talk about the "love conquers all" deal. He does not like war movies, even historical ones, because of the violence. He reads Ephesians 6 and thinks that "Put on the armor" stuff is a nice metaphor.
When pastor speaks of getting out of your comfort zone Joe turns the central air to 72 degrees instead of 70. Fasting for Joe is not having whip cream on his ice cream (ouch, sorry guys). Joe loves his wife and believes there are two heads of his family (the 50-50 deal.). He makes sure he is at all of his kids games as not to damage their tender self esteem, but rarely thinks about the world they will most likely conform to as adults. His mantra of "Don't judge" causes him never to approach the transformation that Romans 12:2 talks about as he seeks approval from the very people whose values are "of this world".
Joe is deeply deceived. He believes he walks this earth unopposed in both the spirit and natural. He thinks that Satan is after the big Christians, not him, as he hides in the foxhole undetected. He does not know of Satan's attacks because Satan has him just where he wants him … clueless, numb and ineffective. This is the plan of your enemy as he conforms you to this world.
We live in a world with two halves; one part we can see and the other part we cannot. Clueless Joe must learn to live as though the unseen world is more weighty, real and dangerous than the part that can be seen.
How do I know so much about Clueless Joe? It's easy, I lived with him for a years. I was Joe (Clueless Scott Christian doesn't have a ring to it). Many years of sound biblical teaching and association with men like Bill McCartney, Ed Cole, Rich Galloway and Pastor Joe Matterra's CCC men have strengthened my resolve and understanding regarding this war for our hearts.
Brother in Christ, I implore you to seek out other men to speak in to your life. The only way we can save the Church, our families and their future is to join together, allies in a war against an enemy that is unseen.
God4me Men's Network is a National alliance of Churches and Men's groups systematically training and assisting men in their pursuit of significance and purpose. "Discipleship Boot camps" are forums to provide encouragement, instruction and fellowship for the transformed man. Anointed speakers help men replace the lies of the world with Biblical truth. Upbeat and practical topics such as "Brainwashed", "A Man's Wild Heart", "The Purpose-Driven Man", and "As a Man Thinketh" are presented in a user friendly environment where men are free to "hear and respond". Movie clips and skits are used expressing the practicality of the topics. Food is served for time in fellowship, and short interactive workshops create a dynamic effective arena for change in men. Please visit Invasion for up to date information on events.
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