What do you think?

This week I was reading a post from my favorite blog written by James Emery White. In the post, he points to an article written by Morgan Lee, “Many Practicing Christians Agree with Marxism (and Other Competing World Views)” in Christianity Today. The article reveals the study of self-identified Christians, who attend church at least once every month, and say their faith is very important to their lives. They were asked to rate their agreement or disagreement with various statements. As I share some of the results of the survey, I want you to ask yourself ‘what do I really think’ about this. Do you agree or disagree with the results? Why or why not? Nearly 1 in 3 practicing Christians agreed with the idea that “if you do good, you will receive good, and if you do bad, you will receive bad.” In other words, the idea of karma. 28% believe that “all people pray to the same god or spirit, no matter what name they use for that spiritual being.” Welcome to New Age thinking.  27% believe that “meaning and purpose come from becoming one with all that is.” Can you say Hinduism? Wait… it gets worse.  1 in 5 believe that “meaning and purpose come from working hard to earn as much as possible so you can make the most of life.” Can there be a clearer statement espousing raw materialism?  23% believe that “what is morally right or wrong depends on what an individual believes.” Yes, that is raw postmodern relativism.  Overall, the study conducted by Barna Group and Summit Ministries claims: 61% agree with ideas rooted in New Spirituality 54% resonate with postmodernist views 36% accept ideas associated with Marxism 29% believe ideas based on secularism Do you believe you have a firmly developed Christian Biblical world view? Is your world view consistent with your faith practice? Is your faith practice consistent with the Bible’s teachings? Blessings, Pastor Mark "The Bru" Brunott P.S. Why is it we spend so much time leveling up in our games? In Candy Crush, you strive to make it just one level higher. In Clash of Clans, clan hopping allows you to level-up faster. God has called us to level-up our own game when it comes to outreach. Join us this Sunday at 9:15 and 11:00 AM to learn how!

An Interesting Proposal

Due to my bad back, bad knees, and bulbous belly, I haven’t backpacked in years. One of the things I miss about the great outdoors in the back country of the Colorado Rockies is the serenity. Except for the occasional call of a bull elk or the melodic chatter of the birds, the silence was golden. Those quiet times refueled my soul.
Believe it or not, I am an extrovert. I love people. I love to engage the crowds with smiles and conversations. That’s why, all the more, it’s hard work for me to pursue solitude. But I need it. We all need it.
Interestingly, many people are uncomfortable with silence. I know people who must have the radio, cd, or T.V. playing in the background all the time. I’m one of those people. But, with all the white noise, heads full of information, news, opinions, we’ve forgotten how to reflect, meditate, and think on our own.
We all must learn to take the time just to sit, think, and be quiet before God. We need to do this on a regular basis. It will do more good for us than the swirl of data we’re jamming into our heads. (Psalm 46:10, 37:7)
So here’s what I propose. Are you ready for this? I know you can do it.

• Turn off the electronics for at least 30 minutes a day. (Yes, that means your smart phone.)
• Take a walk some place other than main streets or the mall.
• Clear some space in your closet if you must, crawl in there and close the door for 20 minutes.
• Turn the radio, CD player off on the way home from work and think, ‘What did I learn today?’ and ‘What am I thankful for in my life?’

I am grateful for modern technology. I use it; I like it. But I will not let it rob me of what I need most: moments alone- quiet time with God to ponder, contemplate, and meditate on Him. Don’t wait for time alone to happen. Make it happen.

Blessings,
Mark "The Bru" Brunott
P.S. This Sunday we celebrate moms- past, present, and future moms. I can think of no better way to celebrate them, than joining them at church. See you this Sunday at 9:15 and 11:00 AM.

25 Things People want from Church

In this edition of Freshly Bru’d, I am listing 25 things people want from their church services. Would you take the time to read all 25 and see if you agree? These 25 come from surveys and conversations of hundreds of Sunday church attendees. These things should remind you of how much effort, planning, and prayer goes into the execution of our worship services.

1. I want to leave a church service with a sense of awe, which only comes from not knowing what God will do next.
2. I want to remember key details of the message the following Thursday. (This is why we provide sermon notes and utilize The You Version Bible app.)
3. I want to experience something supernatural.
4. I want my emotions moved.
5. I want to experience joy.
6. I want to be moved to tears.
7. I want to be inspired.
8. I want to be surprised.
9. I want to be challenged.
10. I want to be motivated.
11. I want to walk away with a sense of hope.
12. I want to feel energy from those on the platform.
13. I want to walk away with something applicable, a key point.
14. I want to meet some nice people.
15. I want content that engages my mind and makes me think.
16. I want to give my church my time and money. I really do.
17. I want a sense of community.
18. I want a musical experience that is engaging, powerful, and Christ-centered.
19. I want to emulate the lives of those on the platform.
20. I want opportunities presented in the service to serve after the service.
21. I want to be convicted to repent.
22. I want to laugh.
23. I want to celebrate what God is doing in my life and the lives of others.
24. I want excellence.
25. I want to feel like I am part of a movement.

I’d like to add another one for good measure: I want to be changed. I want to walk out different from when I walked in.

What do you think? Do you have some of your own wants to add to the list?

Blessings,

P.S. What comes to mind when you read the word “love”? Is it thoughts of romance? A thought of safety? A thought of family? Join us Sunday at 9:15 am or 11 am to find out God’s definition of love and how it will lead you on an adventure unlike any other.