Today I'm putting the final touches on Sunday's message. We're in week number 2 of "Disciple", looking at the difference between "Christian" and true follower of Jesus. Jesus set a high bar in Luke 9 when he said, “If you want to be my follower, you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, more than your own life.” Following Jesus has to be numero uno in our lives, in spite of the fact that we live in a culture of "Christians" (85% of Americans claim to be one) who embrace the belief system but run from anything that resembles true discipleship.
So many people judge churches the American Idol way, looking for the most minor flaws, the coolest band, the hippest pastors (hey, we got that), amusement park quality children's ministries, etc. Its a "what can you do for me" mentality, and its sweeping Western Christianity. All this is taking place while the church is spreading like wildfire in places like China, India, and Japan. Disciples in China are spreading the good news like there's no tomorrow and meeting underground to avoid government persecution while America shops for the best churches.
Steven Furtick of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC has a great post that sheds some light on the mindset of consumer Christians. Check it out here.
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