Step Right Up

[buddy]

Step Right Up

In the days after the Virginia Tech shooting, companies are grappling with how to sell potentially related products without appearing exploitative.

If you're interested, the article is on MSNBC.

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Twenty years ago, I thought the world was nutsy koo-koo. The current condition is off the charts.

It's a time for goodness, morality and giving of ourselves. The endless pursuit of wealth and material goods is vain. We're capable of so much, much more.

The greatest event in all of human history was the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

All glory, praise and honor to the risen Savior...Jesus Christ the King!

 

[smurphy]

Hey Buddy, do you like Rick Warren? I really enjoy his message on wealth and materialism. ...In fact, I like his views on just about everything.

 

[buddy]

Don't know much about him other than "The Purpose Driven Life".

Have also heard the criticisms like "pop" gospel. He's also been called a heretic.

I find it pathetic and disgusting that the first page of his book, "Daily Inspiration For The Purpose Driven Life" contains a non-scriptural, syrupy statement about God and ends with the authors name in upper case.

I don't need to read any further.

 

[smurphy]

Sorry you feel that way. He's got plenty good to say. Those that call him 'pop' or 'heretic' tend to be evangelists that always emphasize people giving them money. Warren is very anti-money and criticizes that emphasis. So naturally, the most money-grubbing evangelists tend to descredit him. ...And there's the whole jealousy thing too because he is very popular.

Anyway, your initial post about materialism and greed reminded me of the kind of thing he would say.

 

[buddy]

Smurph,

I've never read his book although I have it somewhere in my home. My daughter received it as a gift. I did glance through it, though. One of my concerns is that he makes many references to God, but very few references to Jesus Christ.

I believe a Christian church with a solid foundation preaches Christ crucified. I don't care what kind of "good" Warren has to talk about. If he's a preacher, his sermons better be Christ-centered or your wasting your time. Christianity is about salvation through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as a personal savior. Oh, man! It is not about a religious movement to put Christians in politics. It is not about how to achieve material wealth through prayer. It is about trusting in Jesus, being obedient to the word of God, repentance and turning away from sin.

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life"

Smurph,

Christ died for our sins. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.

 

[smurphy]

I don't care what kind of "good" Warren has to talk about. If he's a preacher, his sermons better be Christ-centered or your wasting your time. Christianity is about salvation through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as a personal savior

I'm sure I'm not the only one who is more interested in hearing about "the good", the real applicable tangible messages that make a daily difference than I am about the same 'turn or burn' messages that frankly have zero impact on me at this point.

I totally appreciate your current enthusiasm. You can preach to me all you want, but there is absolutley nothing new you are saying. I had your same zealous attitude when I was 12. I've adoopted a much more open-minded religious mindset over the 25 years since I was 'saved'. I cannot honestly just fall back on a belief in Jesus as the one end-all solution to life's (and afterlife's) problems...or the notion that all other religions are false. I could say it or scream it but it would be dishonest.

 

[buddy]

I had your same zealous attitude when I was 12.

There's no substitute for youth.