How Do We Interact with Those Who Believe Differently than We Do?

I just read a really interesting blog about a pastor, Bob Roberts of Northwood Church in Keller, TX. He is the pastor of a large church with wide influence. He recently participated in a weekend of interaction between Muslim, Jewish and Christian believers and leaders.

I encourage you to read the full article by following the link: http://www.edstetzer.com/2010/01/christian-jew-and-muslim-trial.html

One quote that really stood out to me.

I don't think we...know how to speak of faith and treat people with respect at the same time. We can come across as arrogant, superior, and sometimes condescending because we have the truth. If we have the truth - we should be the most humble of all and the most serving of all. Keeping our young people and children isolated from other religions in an attempt to keep them in our faith - is a dangerous move in the 21st century. They will hear and know, we can help with that process and help them understand why we follow Jesus above all else, and send them out equipped, or ignore or worse villify but never explain other religions and watch them turn from Jesus because we didn't live it or explain it.

My experience would certainly echo this truth. We have done a poor job of communicating the truth and reality of Jesus, without an arrogance and disdain towards those who believe differently. It comes to my mind that Jesus was known as the friend of sinners. Most of us are simply known as those with no friends who are sinners.

A Couple of Thoughts on Haiti and How We Should Respond

Events like those that have/are taking place in the small island nation of Haiti often leave me wondering what I can do. The size and scope of the problems are so much larger than my limited resources seem capable of impacting. I am not a doctor or a construction worker. My guess is most of you are in the same boat. In response to the recent events and in anticipation that there will be a future need. My friend Mark Driscoll has helped to start a new organization designed enable the repairing and planting of the churches in these devastated areas.

This organization is called Churches Helping Churches.

www.churchhelpingchurches.com

If you are interested in participating there are links there to see footage immediately following the devastation and give. As a church we are participating and you can give through Journey Fellowship or give directly via the website.

Also, this past Sunday (1/24/2010) Driscoll shared his experiences including some very intense and graphic footage from his time on the ground. I encourage you to take a look and watch the whole thing. It is about an hour, but really nothing else you will watch on T.V. will be as worthwhile. I am including here on my blog the video feed.