I had a few conversations recently that had a big impact on me. (*I did a teaching at the church I am part of about a month ago on these three conversations. If you want to listen to it, go to www.vcfp.org, click on "Sermons", then go to the May 10th, 2009 teaching entitled "My Sheep Know My Voice", and then click on "download". Hope you find it helpful.)
Each of the conversations were about God and what people think He is saying to us. The first was with a friend from Spain. He was telling me how the problem with Christians is they just aren't committed enough. Sadly, this belief in many Christian leaders I know is the hidden message in almost everything they say, especially from the pulpit. So, regardless of the topic being taught, congregants get a steady diet of shame dished-out each Sunday. (*Gee, I wonder why churches are so small in Spain?) The message beneath the message is that God is disappointed in us. We don't do enough for Him. We don't go to enough meetings for Him. Don't give enough of our time, talents, and treasure to Him. "I'm so disappointed in you" is the message God wants delivered to His people. Hmmm. That makes me want to cry...
The second conversation was thanks to a friend from the Palo Alto Vineyard.
