I'm ok, you're ok... really?

One of the bands/artists I highlight on myspace is the Joel Engle Band... he has a blog about a leadership conference he went to and how onlyone speaker at this conference advocated God's power. I recommend you read it even if you're totally against myspace -- you don't have to join to read his blog. It's sad to hear about that, but it's nothing that shocks me... nothing I haven't heard about before from Pastor Mike at church over the last 8 or 9 years I've known him.

But, on a personal level I had to share an experience I had last night....

I went to coffee with some guy I met online - a Christian website, but won't say the name. He looks pretty scary (a friend said he looks like a vampire and wanted me to bring garlic -- ha ha!!!) in his picture, but after meeting him in person, he just does not take pictures well. After about 20 minutes into our conversation, I knew he wasn't a Christian. Ok, ok... I take it back. He's in the "I'm ok, you're ok, let's just get along." thought process, but that still isn't a Christian. I have to admit it, though he is up to date with a ton of political speak, it was a tough hour. I was physically there, my heart was 3 miles away at Calvary Costa Mesa (CCCM), and believe me... I tried to leave at 730. Even though I would have missed worship, I'd at least have had the chance to hear the gospel being preached. Oh, oops... I just said the name of the church where the young adult group is that I'm easing my way into. And I mean that literally. I'm already quite comfortable with the people I've met, but I want to make sure this is where God wants me to be rather than where I want me to be because of my "need" to have (male and female) friends with my age.

Now that I revealed CCCM... I have to say that this is a perfect example of how Romans 8:28 works without getting too much into the language of Christianese. For those who dont know, I grew up Catholic. CCCM was the church I dispised growing up [ie., the first experience I had with someone speaking the truth about Catholicism was Chuck Smith]. But, I wasn't saved and I didn't want to hear the truth about Catholicism. It's truly a blessing this same church and pastor (indirectly, I'll add for the pastor part) has now become a source of inspiration in my adult life.

I guess my big question for the day is why do all these people who belong to the "I'm ok, you're ok" thought process call themselves Christians?

A note to those who may be "concerned"... I have no intention of leaving Compass. At least, that's not MY plan. Even though I was with people I felt comfortable with on Sunday evening, there was something missing... and the missing ingredient was Pastor Mike.