The New Testament “Gamble” by John Lynch

The New Testament “Gamble” by John Lynch

“What if I tell them who they are?” What if I take away any element of fear in condemnation, judgment or rejection”?

“What if I tell them I love them, will always love them? That I love them right now, no matter what they’ve done, as much as I love my only Son? That there’s nothing they can do to make my love go away”?

“What if I tell them there are no lists? What if I tell them I don’t keep a log of past offenses, of how little they pray, how often they’ve let me down, made promises that they don’t keep?”

“What if I tell them they are righteous, with my righteousness, right now”?

“What if I tell them they can stop beating themselves up? That they can stop being so formal, stiff and jumpy around me?”

“What if I tell them I’m crazy about them? What if I tell them, even if they run to the ends of the earth and do the most horrible, unthinkable things, that when they come back, I’d receive them with tears and a party”?

“What if I tell them that I am their Savior, they’re going to heaven no matter what--it’s a done deal?

“What if I tell them they have a new nature--saints, not saved sinners who should now ‘buck up and be better’ if they were any kind of Christians, after all He’s done for you!”

“What if I tell them that I actually live in them now? That I’ve put my love, power, and nature inside of them, at their disposal?”

“What if I tell them that they don’t have to put on a mask? That it is OK to be who they are at this moment, with all their junk. That they don’t need to Pretend about how close we are, how much they pray or don’t, how much Bible they read or don’t?”

“What if they knew they don’t have to look over their shoulder for fear if things get to good, the other shoe’s gonna drop?”

“What if they knew I will never, ever use the word “punish” in relation to them?”

“What if they knew that when they mess up, I will never 'get back at them'?”

“What if they were convinced that bad circumstances aren’t my way of evening the score for taking advantage of me?”

“What if they knew the basis of our friendship isn’t how little they sin, but how much they let me love them?”

“What if I tell them they can hurt my heart, but that I never hurt theirs?”

“What if I tell them I like U2’s music too?”

“What if I tell them I never really liked the Christmas hand bell deal with the white gloves?”

“What if I tell them they can open their eyes when they pray and still go to heaven?”

“What if I tell them there is no secret agenda, no trapdoor?”

“What if I tell them it isn’t about their self-effort, but about allowing me to live my life through them?”

Times by Tenth Avenue North

Cole’s Poll (Week 7)

1. Alabama – I have no idea how I feel about this team.
2. Texas – Congrats on beating OU’s 2nd string offense by 3.
3. Florida – They really are # 1, but deserve to drop for a week since the zebras gave them a win against the razorbacks!
4. Cincinnati – They look for real and have no one left on their schedule.
5. Iowa – All of a sudden they look legit to win the Big Ten.
6. USC –They looked poorly coached and undisciplined in the 4th quarter, but still go the “W.”
7. Miami – The Canes should win out, it will be interesting to see where they end up
8. Penn State – Looking back, the Iowa loss is not so bad
9. TCU – BYU is the only team left on their schedule, but their real battle is with Boise State who is still getting props for their Fiesta win…
10. LSU – Default pick for the top 10.

• The Big 12 North took a beating with Kansas, Nebraska, & Missouri all loosing.
• Boise State looked pathetic this week. Although they beat Tulsa, that should count as 2 losses and take them out of BCS consideration. It is too bad OU lost and will not be able to have a rematch with them in the Fiesta Bowl.
• Is it possible for a team to lose and move up in the rankings? If so, OU and Notre Dame would both be moving up…

YOU SHOULD ONLY HIRE TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE!

In his new book Zero to Sixty, Bob Franquiz writes that he thinks you should hire only two types of people: products and projects.

According to Franquiz, products are the people “who are already highly developed. We could liken ‘products' to a baseball team that signs a high profile, highly productive free agent. The team knows what they are getting because they have already seen the player produce.” These ‘products' because they have already proven themselves elsewhere, will come on to your team and help you hit it out of the park.

Projects are the people you see in your organization that have an enormous amount of underdeveloped potential. Bob says, “You see the value they could add to your organization with the right time, training, and coaching.”

So... if you're in the process of hiring a new staff person, which are you looking for? A ‘product' or a ‘project'? Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Projects don't cost as much financially. Think interns, recent college grads, or business leaders.
2. Products don't require near as much training or leadership.
3. Projects many times have a much larger learning curve than Products. If you're hiring someone to alleviate the load, the Project will probably not be able to do that initially.
4. Products are ‘plug and play' and can make a more significant contribution from day one.

There you have it! Projects and Products. Two totally different kinds of hires. Knowing which one you need BEFORE you hire can save you a lot of time and headaches.

Originally written by Todd Rhoads

The C's of Hiring Church Staff/Pastors

Last week a member of our personnel team and I met to discuss vision and leadership. During the breakfast we also discussed what to look for when hiring a person to serve in a church. My response to that question on what the main things are when being or looking at a candidate are 3 C’s (I think I got these from Bill Hybles ):

1. Chemistry – are they the type of person you want to spend time with
2. Character – are they the type of person you want to be like personally, in your marriage and family, walk with Christ
3. Competence – are they the type of person you want as your lead pastor in areas of service, theology, past work, maturation, church growth

While I see that a pastoral candidate must have a clear walk with God, they must also have a clear vision for where they want to lead the church (or ministry area). With this is mind, vision and philosophy of ministry are extremely important as well. The final added consideration would be to look at the makeup of the candidate to determine if they would have synergy with the ministry setting. These are thoughts I have had to think through in recent weeks.

What is the Key to Success in Ministry?

what is the key to success in ministry?: in two words. I see success and stewardship as synonymous. It's not about how big your church is. It's about doing the best you can with what you have where you are. It's about cultivating your God-given gifts and using them to glorify God.

Here are five "two word" answers:

1) Keep Learning

When you stop learning you stop leading. I never want to become a closed system. If you keep learning you cannot fail. Why? Because failure is not learning the lessons God is trying to teach you. If you learned something you did not fail.

2) Take Risks

Playing it safe is risky. I'm more afraid of missing opportunities than making mistakes. I think that is a leadership mindset. You obviously need to discern if they are God-ordained. But our greatest regrets will be the lions we did not chase!

3) Stay Humble

This one is huge. Don't let pride take root in your heart. I'm so grateful for a failed church plant on my resume because it's a constant reminder that "unless the Lord builds the house they who labor, labor in vain." If you stay humble there is nothing God cannot do in you and through you.

4) Dream Big

The size of your dream reveals the size of your faith. More faith = bigger dreams. I'm convinced that God-sized dreams are one key to spiritual growth. God-sized dreams force you to live on your knees in raw dependence upon God. Live your life in a way that requires divine intervention.

5) Be Yourself

You need to come to terms with who you are and who you aren't. Ten years ago I was trying to be a pastor. I'm now trying to be myself. And there is a difference. Life is too short and ministry is too hard to be in an environment where you can't give true expression to your unique gifts, personality, and calling.

I'm obviously making a lot of assumptions here. For example, spiritual growth is all about becoming more and more like Jesus. That's a given. And I'm assuming a strong devotional life that includes prayer and Bible study. So these five tips are "beyond basics" if you will.

This is a repost by Mark Batterson from his blog.

Cole's Poll (Week 6)

1. Florida – Passed their only real test of the regular season, 13-3.
2. Texas – Passed the test of not losing before their season begins (and ends with OU)
3. Alabama – Passed the “test” of Ole Miss (who will say goodbye to the top 25)
4. Virginia Tech – Passed everyone they will pass in the poll already!
5. USC – Passed on playing the week before dominating Notre Dame in South Bend
6. Iowa – Passed by Michigan when the most exciting true freshman in the country had an off night
7. Kansas – Passed for 442 yards against a terrible Iowa State team (a loss is coming).
8. Cincinnati – Passed over for any real recognition this year
9. Miami – Passed by FLAM… is that an airport?
10. Ohio State – Passed for 87 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT… terrible!

• It was good the see Bradford return to the field this week, but if OU (offensive, double meaning, life) plays that way again next week it might be short-lived.
• Did anyone doubt the player the media has dubbed the messiah would return to the field? Welcome back Tebow and kudos for the sneak to secure final first down to run out the clock.
• FSU needs a clue. Sure Bobby Bowden has lost 3 weeks in a row to sub par teams, but 1). He doesn’t even call the plays or wear a headset or look involved in the games, and 2). You don’t call out the man who built your program into what it is through a board of trustees meeting… that is just bad form!

Obama Gets A Prize?!?

Obama's First Six Months' Accomplishments

1. Offended the Queen of England.

2. Bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia.

3. Praised the Marxist Daniel Ortega.

4. Kissed Socialist Hugo Chavez on the cheek.

5. Endorsed the Socialist Evo Morales of Bolivia.

6. Sided with Hugo Chavez and Communist Fidel Castro against Honduras.

7. Announced we would meet with Iranians with no pre-conditions while they're building their nuclear weapons.

8. Gave away billions to AIG also without pre-conditions.

9. Expanded the bailouts.

10. Insulted everyone who has ever loved a Special Olympian.

11. Doubled our national debt.

12. Announced the termination of our new missile defense system the day after North Korea launched an ICBM.

13. Released information on U.S. intelligence gathering despite urgings of his own CIA director and the prior four CIA directors.

14. Accepted without comment that five of his cabinet members cheated on their taxes and two other nominees withdrew after they couldn't take the heat.

15. Appointed a Homeland Security Chief who identified military veterans and abortion opponents as "dangers to the nation."

16. Ordered that the word "terrorism" no longer be used and instead refers to such acts as "man made disasters."

17. Circled the globe to publicly apologize for America's world leadership.

18. Told the Mexican president that the violence in their country was because of us.

19. Politicized the census by moving it into the White House from the Department of Commerce.

20. Appointed as Attorney General the man who orchestrated the forced removal and expulsion to Cuba of a 9-year-old whose mother died trying to bring him to freedom in the United States.

21. Salutes as heroes three Navy SEALS who took down three terrorists who threatened one American life and the next day announces members of the Bush administration may stand trial for "torturing" three 9/11 terrorists by pouring water up their noses.

22. Low altitude photo shoot of Air Force One over New York City that frightened thousands of New Yorkers.

23. Sent his National Defense Advisor to Europe to assure them that the US will no longer treat Israel in a special manner and they might be on their own with the Muslims.

24. Praised Jimmy Carter's trip to Gaza where he sided with terrorist Hamas against Israel.

25. Nationalized General Motors and Chrysler while turning shareholder control over to the unions and freezing out retired investors who owned their bonds. Committed unlimited taxpayer billions in the process.

26. Passed a huge energy tax in the House that will make American industry even less competitive while costing homeowners thousands per year.

27. Announced nationalized health care "reform" that will strip seniors of their Medicare, cut pay of physicians, increase taxes yet another $1 trillion, and put everyone on rationed care with government bureaucrats deciding who gets care and who doesn't.

AND YOU THOUGHT NO ONE COULD MAKE GEORGE W. BUSH LOOK LIKE A SUPER PRESIDENT.

Bloomberg: Daschle says, "Health care reform will not be pain free. Seniors should be more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them," while former Colorado Governor Dick Lamm says seniors have "a duty to die."

Cole's Poll (Week 5)

1. Florida – Is there any doubt that next week is their biggest all regular season?
2. Texas – Are the Stankhorns licking their chops for OU or are they nervous???
3. Alabama – Does no one remember what happened to them against Utah last year?
4. Virginia Tech – Can they jump Bama if Bama looses?
5. USC – Fearful of playing in the Rose Bowl instead of at it come January?
6. Iowa – Beat Penn State in Happy Valley and struggle against Arkansas State?
7. Cincinnati – Forget Boise State, why aren’t people talking about this team going undefeated and missing out on the BCS championship game?
8. Miami – Was this the same team that got destroyed last week?
9. Ohio State – Think they still have nightmares about their USC choke job?
10. Oregon – Where was this team in week 1?

• OU should call this the year of the injuries... just imagine if their 2 best players were playing this year, do you think they would still have 2 losses by a combined 2 points? Too bad for Sooner Nation!
• LSU pulled out another close win. Although it is not being discussed, this year is eerily similar to their last championship year when the pulled out close win after close win.
• Boise State in the top 5 or 10 is a joke!

Obama = Nope

Apparently democrats are quietly complaining and jeering Obama for his failed attempt to bring home the games to his adopted home of Chicago. Republicans are doing their best not to pile on and seem un-American. Conservative figures though are not being so quiet, publicly laughing at and lauding Obama for not delivering while wasting the taxpayers’ time and money is a failed attempt to bring the 2016 Olympic Games. Chicago natives are left with a bitter taste in their mouths knowing that Obama = Nope. Here is a link for more information and an article titled, "Who Is To Blame For Chicago's Olympic-Sized Failure?"

Cole's Poll (Week 4)

1. Florida – Uh-oh Tebow got hurt.
2. Texas – Making a case for #1
3. Alabama – Many thought they would get upset, but they dominated the hogs.
4. LSU – Great goal line stand to win the game, but they need that against MSST?
5. OU – Have you heard… Bradford is trying to get cleared for Miami next week!
6. Michigan – Forcier is fun to watch.
7. Va Tech – Bama loss + Nebraska miracle + Miami domination = Top 10
8. Cincinnati – Watch out… nasty nati might just go undefeated, because they don’t play ANYONE all year!
9. Houston – A great win thanks to bonehead coach (Mike Leach)
10. Boise State – Maybe the Oregon game was worthy of respect

• The 4, 5, 6, 9, 18, 22, 24 all lose… rankings are worthless… outside of this poll!
• It is unbelievable to think that Penn State lost to Iowa again after Iowa knocked them out of the championship game last year.
• Mike Leach cannot help himself. He cost his team a likely victory by going for it when he could have put his team up by 8 in the 4th quarter with a field goal. To top it off, he had horrendous play calling on the final drive to seal the deal. Congrats to Houston.

A NINES Review

9/9/9 there was an online conference put on by the Leadership Network. They had several quality speakers, and although I was unable to listen to each of them, there were many great things to glean from those I did listen to. Here are some of the highlights:

Ed Stetzer – God’s mission is the opposite of self 1. Pastor’s on mission seek God’s glory and God’s mission, not our own
a. When we worry about stuff, it’s typically our stuff instead of God’s
b. We need to encounter God so we can be on mission for God
2. Those on mission reflect being with God
3. Those on mission no longer live for themselves

Scott Wilson – Raising the Leadership Bar• Leadership sets the bar for where the church can grow, you church cannot grow beyond your own leadership
• Ephesians 4:11-ff, equip the saints for ministry
• Pastor’s are the anointed few… people in the pews need to move from spectators to being players, pastors need to move from being players to coaches
• Pastors are not here to do the job, they are here to equip members to do the work
1. As leaders we grow– we should all read 35 leadership book and listen to 120 leadership CD’s - $500 bonus if you do it, if you don’t grow you gotta go.
2. As leaders we need to mentor leadership – mentoring leaders
3. As leaders we need to multiply leadership – leaders building leaders

Bryan Carter – How to be a succession pastor1. Learn to live with a shadow: honor the person you follow
2. Learn to lead yourself: be your own self… be who you are
3. Learn to be patient: it takes 5-7 years to be their pastor, don’t get in a hurry

David Foster – Importance of Preparation• In communicating the Gospel, you must prepare to deliver God’s message to His people
• To stay fresh you must take hours to prepare God’s message (prayer, think and write)
• Preparation is the key to longevity and effectiveness
• Speak out of the overflow of what you are experiencing yourself

Rick Rusaw – How can we be the best church FOR the community?

Leonard Sweet – How do you deal with a big head?• How do you deal with pride and success…
• Create in me a clean heart oh God and give me a right spirit
• Humble confidence, confident humility is found in God (Phil 4:13)

Dallas Cowboys Staduim Grand Opening

Every once in a while you get to do something truly special. For me I had just an experience on September 20, 2009. My brother was able to obtain tickets to the opening game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, aka: Jerry’s World, the 8th Wonder of the World, or Heaven on Earth!


While the game and Tony Romo’s performance were disappointing, the experience lived up to expectations. The coolest part of the whole day though was who all got to go: my grandfather, father, brother, & brother-in-law. It was a great day and I am eager to return and watch them win!

Here are some pictures of the game:

Cole's Poll (Week 3)

1. Florida – where was the beating they were to give Tennessee?
2. Texas – waiting for OU 10/17
3. Alabama – Ole Miss in 2 weeks
4. Ole Miss – Bama in 2 weeks
5. California – USC in 2 weeks
6. Penn State – cupcakes until 10/24
7. Miami – has the game of the week, the next two weeks (@ Va. Tech, v. OU)
8. LSU – Georgia in 2 weeks, Florida the following week = goodbye top 10!
9. Oklahoma = @ Miami in 2 weeks… will Bradford make the trip?
10. Michigan – They are probably not this good...

• Washington went winless last year (0-12), then beats USC this year? This speaks more to how pathetic Pete Carroll is after big games than it does to how good Washington already is in year one of Sarkisian. Pathetic Pete!
• Michigan and Kansas look really good as of now, but it is hard to believe they will keep winning once they play real competition.
• Nebraska won’t be sleeping for a few days… tough loss.

Cowboys Could Break Attendance Mark... and I'll Be There!

Thanks to my brother, I will be at the opening of Cowboys Stadium as the Cowboys take on the NY Giants. He told me about the tickets July 6, 2009, 1:27 PM and I have been excited ever since. The game and whole Cowboys experience will be something to remember. Just to make it better, my brother, father, & grandfather will be there too. GO COWBOYS!!!


The new Cowboys Stadium may have a record-setting full house this Sunday night.

Dallas Cowboys spokesman Brett Daniels says the team's standing-room "Party Pass" tickets, at $29 apiece, have sold out. The Cowboys will say only that the standing-room total exceeds 20,000 fans.

Combined with regular ticket sales in the 80,000-seat stadium, Dallas could challenge the NFL attendance record of 103,467 when they take on the New York Giants.

The record was set Oct. 2, 2005, when San Francisco and Arizona played a regular-season game at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.


Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

Cole's Poll (week 2)

1. Florida
2. USC
3. Texas
4. Alabama
5. Ole Miss
6. Penn State
7. California
8. North Carolina – Probably too high after last week
9. LSU – Here by default, not because they’ve earned it
10. Utah

Boise State, BYU, & TCU get no love from me in my poll and will most likely not appear this season. Boise State plays no one all year. BYU beat OU, but would have lost big if Bradford would not have gotten hurt. TCU needs to beat someone before they get respect. Utah… maybe they have a case after last year’s dismantling of Alabama.

The NINES Leadership Broadcast

The NINES broadcast from Leadership Network and Catalyst.

I'm excited about the opportunity to see the presentations and themes. The desire behind those involved in the leadership is, "that this program might birth a robust discussion around theology, mission, and ministry." There will be some things with which you will agree and some things with which you won't. Hopefully, this will be beneficial to all.

Here is an outline of some of the speakers. This does not include everyone, but should give you an idea of when to watch. (All times are Central.)

9AM -- Troy Gramling, Mark Beeson, Anne Jackson, Dave Ferguson, Scott Hodge

10AM -- Perry Noble, Stacy Spencer

11AM -- Dino Rizzo, Nancy Beach, Steven Furtick, Reggie McNeal

12PM -- Craig Groeschel, Leonard Sweet, Greg Surratt, Jon Tyson

1PM -- Margaret Feinberg, Larry Osborne, Matt Carter, Pete Wilson

2PM -- Neil Cole, Reggie Joiner, JD Greear

3PM -- Mark Batterson, Dan Kimball, Mark DeYmaz

4PM -- Jud Wilhite, Brian McLaren, Bob Roberts, Rick McKinley, John Ortberg

5PM -- Alan Hirsch, John Bishop, Toby Slough, Ed Stetzer

6PM -- Mark Driscoll, Darrin Patrick, Brad Powell

7PM -- Darrin Whitehead, Brian Bloye

8PM -- Eric Bryant, Nancy Ortberg, Rick Warren

Cole’s Poll (Week 1)

1. Florida – Undisputed top team in the country.
2. USC – Only Ohio State should be able to beat them, but they usually choke, will it happen again this year?
3. Texas – The Red River Shootout is all they care about, and for good reason.
4. Alabama – Will they fare better in their conference championship game with Florida… doubtful!
5. Oklahoma State – Could the hype be real… doubtful!
6. Penn State – Can a team with a cupcake schedule make the title game… I hope not!
7. Ole Miss – I thought Snead was suppose to be awesome?!?
8. Ohio State – Navy… seriously?
9. California – Looked good, but they usually do in September.
10. North Carolina – Granted they are an ACC team, but they are the ACC team to beat.

It was good to see Notre Dame, Michigan, Tennessee, Miami, and Arkansas win their openers, because when they are good college football is better. Most of these teams will face gigantic beatings in the coming weeks, but for one week they did good and get recognition. Also, congratulation to SMU and North Texas for matching their win totals last year in week one… hopefully they can win more than last year!

Road Trip with Jerry Adams

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take a road trip with Jerry Adams. Unfortunately, the economy created a situation in which he had to take a new position in Raleigh, North Carolina. We drove for 2 days and had a really good time, despite his lack of personality and common decency… just kidding, I truly love and appreciate my friend.


He often spoke of how I challenged him, but it was he who challenged me. His devotion and example are remarkable. He and his wife Demie modeled grace, kindness and compassion in situations where pain permeated and created sorrow beyond belief. His passion for Jesus and God’s Word were a model for our church family to imitate… but more than all that, he was a great friend to me.


One of the highlights of the trip was getting to meet his father Grizz and brother Bill. It was obvious during dinner upon arriving that Jerry & Demie had made the right decision to move. The whole family enjoyed one another and resembled the type of bond I hope my family will posses as well. That being said, Jerry is still a jerk, especially for moving away!

unChristian... And we wonder why!

To start, let me just say that this “pastor” is not a Southern Baptist and in no identifies as such. He never attended a seminary (or college), and also claims that the King James Version of Scripture is the only Bible without error. Typically, I would not be so deliberate to separate myself from a person, but his teaching and practice leads me to want to clarify that I do not agree with his practice or theology.

A sermon from Steven Anderson:


Steven Anderson is an extreme example of what is wrong with the American church. Negative impressions of Christians doubled between 1996 and 2007. People see Christians as hypocritical, inauthentic, anti-homosexual, sheltered, too political, and judgmental. In short, we are known more for what we are against than what we are for instead of what Jesus told us to be about, “they will know us by our love.” The fact that this guy would say he hates Obama is heresy to the cross of Christ. The fact that Anderson added he hopes Obama goes to hell is an abomination to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Be sure that those of us who identify hold true to the Bible where it states, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

An Interview with Steven Anderson:


Below is an interview of Gabe Lyons co-author of UnChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity… and Why It Matters. Hopefully, this will speak to our hearts and the direction we need to move towards as followers of Christ Jesus.

An Interview with Gabe Lyons on CNN:

unChristian Book Review

Here are some highlights from the book UnChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity… and Why It Matters, written by David Kinnaman & Gabe Lyons:

• Christianity has an image problem
• Ages 18-29 have a negative view of Christianity
• Negative impressions of Christians doubled between 1996 and 2007. Not because of our convictions, but because of our attitudes
• Research shows that life habits--including gambling, sexual activity, drinking, drug use, and so on--are only barely different between those who claim to be Christians and those who do not.
• No wonder people outside the church aren't impressed with Christ!
• But Christ actually does make a difference among those who pursue him faithfully.
• About 3% of youth, and up to 9% of older generations, espouse a Biblical worldview (defined in my review on unChristian), and among that group a genuine, positive difference shows up clearly.
• According to Kinnaman and Lyons, young people see Christians as hypocritical, too much focused on "getting people saved" (and therefore inauthentic), anti-homosexual, sheltered, too political, and judgmental. According to Kinnaman and Lyons, young people see Christians as hypocritical, too much focused on "getting people saved" (and therefore inauthentic), anti-homosexual, sheltered, too political, and judgmental.
• Good missiology: to hold the truths of Scripture in one hand, and a thorough, respectful knowledge of the culture in the other hand; and to communicate the Gospel accordingly
• “For all of us, our only hope for the fracture in our soul is in the cross of Christ”
• 29% of Americans say they are highly committed to Jesus Christ, only 3% espouse a Biblical worldview, defined for research purposes as adhering to 8 basic doctrines of Christian religion (for example, that God is the Creator, that Jesus died and rose again for our sins, that there is objective morality based in the Bible).
• “Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world. But according to the latest report card, something has gone terribly wrong. Using descriptions like “hypocritical,” “insensitive,” and “judgmental,” young Americans share an impression of Christians that’s nothing short of . . . unChristian.”
• Called to love, be the most compassionate service-oriented people, contributing to the good of humanity
• In regards to those outside the Christian faith: listen, be concerned about their real needs, don’t be numbers driven