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I didn't know what to call this blog. Right now the title is ... I could change it at the end but I am not sure. I just can not really come up with an appropriate phrase to sum up the what I am feeling or what I am writing about. I just watched a video about India Christians being persecuted. Francis Chan actually talks throughout the video, and draws attention to it in a way that shows the gravity of these events.

It almost made me throw up. (it is violent, so use discretion)

I have to admit, the video, although hard to watch, was not what made me queasy. It was my lack of faith, love, compassion and passion. We are so blessed to be living in America, and we think that being made to call Christmas break winter break counts as some sort of persecution. We are blessed, but we have been blessed so much that it has made us ignorant. Most 'Christians' now base their entire faith on an attendance sheet. If you go to church most Sundays, except for those 1 or 2 weeks that you are on vacation, you are living the Christian life. I can honestly say, you are going to feel like crap when this life is over. You are going to realize you missed it. You missed the point, yes you just might make in those pearly gates, but what about your neighbor you lived next to for years, what about the waitress at your favorite restaurant that knows you by name, what about your kids, what about your co-workers.

I just wonder if Christians were getting persecuted in America, who would still be claiming Christ. I think it would be like a huge spaghetti strainer, people with substance would stay, the others just fall away. Luke mentions something like this in chapter 3 of his book. He is writing about John the Baptist, one of the best Bible characters, John says 'as for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear his threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.'

Use the blessings that have been given to you to support Christ in this world. I am not just talking about money given to your church, but time, effort, love ect... God wants to use every last one of us, and has given you certain gifts to help the body of Christ, so use 'em.

worship

I am excited for worship this week at Northstar Church. If you are in Blacksburg you should show up on Sunday at 10am at the Blacksburg Middle School. Worthy of affection is on the docket and it is a tremendous song, You can get a quick preview below...

Worthy Of Affection - Shane & ...