perception is reality

Wow. I'm exhausted. I know people think it's funny that I crash hard after giving a message, but the only way to explain it, is feeling like I just prepped for a road race, gave it my all, and fell across the finish line. Today, was all that and then some. I would be really interested to hear your response to today's message. There were so many things that I could have added but didn't have time for. My hope and prayer is that I started spiritual conversations with you and your friends, your small group, your family. I would be interested in hearing your response to some of the questions that were on the outline today too. Here they are:

-What is your moral compass for life? Give an honest assessment of what factors truly give you direction with how you see right and wrong.
-How do you deal with scriptures that you don’t like? Make a decision to study and go deeper with these scriptures.
-Why do you think people see homosexuality as a greater sin than others? How can you help to change attitudes?
-What can you do to responded differently to this complex issue? Are there some practical ways for you to express compassion? What conversations do you need to have and with whom?

I'd like to add one: what would be a "third" way to respond to the homosexual community, OR to a homosexual person?

I was really excited that my Sbux friend, Sam was willing to talk with the Genesis tribe on Sunday. She and I have been talking about the current series for quite a while now, and kind of on a whim (Spirit prompting?), I asked if she would ever consider sharing her thoughts on a Sunday....and she said "sure!" Then I got a bit nervous (still working on this), because I didn't want it to look like, "Hey look at this I have a real, live, spiritual person!" and parade here around for all to see. My fears were silly of course, God showed up, and I believe that since all truth is God's truth, Sam really spoke to us...me for sure. What about you? How did you hear Sam's words? Were they fair? OR if you didn't hear Sam, what have been your impressions of other comments from those who are outside of Christianity in their critique of the Church?

So today was our kickoff to this new series, taking a hard look at how we, Christians are perceived by those who are outside of Christianity. So here's my challenge, ask your outsider friends to give you honest feedback on how they perceive Christianity based on how they experience you. Record your feedback here if you dare!

Pastor P

here are Amazon links to the books to which Pat referred this morning...

The American Church in Crisis
unChristian
Jim and Casper Go to Church
Final Roar

happy reading!

we'll be hitting some thought-provoking topics in the next several weeks.