A "Smash" Hit for Evangelism

I was watching a show last night on NBC called "Smash." The premise of the show is to follow the characters who are involved in some form or fashion with the making of a Broadway Musical. Lots of singing and dancing and of course, drama.
I have a background in drama. I have written a play that has been performed over a dozen times (though not on Broadway just yet) and I have been fortunate to be producer, director and actor in many others. I love singing and I love acting, as sometimes the part allows me to be the real cut-up that I am. So naturally, this TV show has held my interest.
There are things that have happened so far this season that I do not like. There is a homosexual man who went on a date and they have been shown kissing and embracing, and lying in bed either covered or clothed. I'm not a homophobe, but in the bible God says it is wrong, so it is wrong. Period. see Leviticus 18:22
There have also been some other situations, such as one of the writers who is married having an affair with one of the actors who is married. Last night it was brought to an end, with both deciding that their marriages were worth more. I applaud the writers for showing how an affair can hurt relationships, and from the previews of next weeks episode, I think there is more fallout to come from this even though it is over.
Sooooo ... by now you're thinking, "Pastor, why do you watch such shows?"
Well, good question.
#1 ... I still love watching quality talent in singing and acting.
#2 ... Sometimes you can still learn something that can help you reach the world today.
Our world is so different today than it used to be. There are a lot more situations in the world that are dragging it downward. Internet porn, hatred against another man because of his religion, open homosexuality and sanctioning of their marriages among many others.
A lot of it I don't understand. But some of it I do.
I have a very colorful history in my past. I have been many places and done many things that I definitely am not proud of. But it has allowed me to understand what some people are going through in their lives.
I used to drink quite a bit, (though I was never a mean drunk, thank goodness), I had a love of drugs, especially "uppers" and marijuana. I also lived with two lesbians for quite some time and have several convictions on my record, both here and abroad. I've ridden with motorcycle gangs and the Buncombe county sheriff dept recognizes my name.
I'm not proud of this, but it has given me a perspective that many others simply don't have. People want to reach others who are not saved. But often times we try to reach them with the way that we would try to reach any other person who was brought up in church.
So many times you see the words, "Jesus Saves" written on churches, billboards and signs across our land. Yet this is probably the poorest excuse at an attempt of witnessing that can be done. People look at that and it means nothing. Jesus Saves. SO WHAT! I do when I shop at most larger chain stores, or at least that is what they tell me on the receipt. So to the world this is useless, Jesus saves, they save, their situation around them is no better. Big whoop.
When people see druggies, prostitutes and homosexuals they want to bash them. If you constantly get in someone's face and tell them how bad they are, the only thing they probably want to do is either walk away or bash your face in. And truthfully, I don't blame them. If anyone had gotten in my face like I've seen others do who are "witnessing", I probably would still be doing some really hard time.
Read the four gospels in the bible, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and watch how Jesus handled communicating with these people. He sat down and talked with them. Had meals with them. The only part of the confrontation in that situation was the religious "Do-Gooder's" who didn't get what Jesus was up to.
I'm not saying go out and whore yourself, shoot up some coke, or smoke a substance, but I am saying at least learn what makes these people tick. If you don't understand their way of thinking, read. Watch some shows that accurately portray that situation. Do more than just watch what is happening on the screen. Listen to what they are saying. Realize what makes them tick. Then you'll know what you can say to them to make them change their mind.
And if you've been there, go back. I walk up to some old buddies and something usually gets pulled out of their pocket and offered to me. Then I tell them about another high that I've found, that is everlasting and won't land them in jail. Some people say, "well, I could never go back around that crowd, the temptation would be too much." Okay, you're either a new Christian, which you do need to take some time to grow in your faith, or you've turned into a Sunday Christian and you have no solid substance to your beliefs that you espouse in your Sunday School class or Small Group study.
Grow Up! Grow Strong, then go back and share with the world how they can change their lives. Those people will remember you from back then, and hopefully see the change in you now, and they will want what you have. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
And if you don't know about that situation, but have a desire to reach out to them, not just bash them, then learn where they are coming from. Read, watch and observe. Sit and talk to them. Get to know them. Find out what lead them to the place where they are now. THEN you will have opportunities to witness to them.
Then you can reach people for Christ.
One World changed by reaching One Person at a time. That is how evangelism can be done every day.

This Little Light of Mine

I was watching a popular TV show last night and a thought hit me like a lightning bolt. Have you ever noticed that you can often easily distinguish if someone is a homosexual. Especially the guys. Their mannerisms are different. Their speech is different. And often their style of clothing is different. I have seen it over and over again. This is not always true. I know someone who is caught up in the lifestyle, and to meet him, he just appears to be your average redneck. Unless you knew that he lives with another man and they sleep in the same bed, you’d never have a clue. He keeps his “secret” well guarded.

Using this as a basis, what kind of Christian are you?

If I met you on the street and we had never seen each other before, would I know that you are a Christian? Would there be something different about you?

Have you ever noticed that you can usually tell a priest/pastor from anyone else in the room? Usually, their dress code will be somewhat of a give-away. But not always. Sometimes it is just that they stand out. They may seem cheery, hold their head up more, and present a different countenance than the others around them.

There are some religions that make it easy to distinguish their followers. In the US, you will see young men riding around on bicycles, wearing black suits with white button-up shirts. You immediately know what religion they belong to.

And quite usually, when Satan has his grips on someone, you can tell it too. The haggardness of their appearance, the eyes that are blank or dark with despair, a countenance that makes you want to back up and not be a part of them.

So why is it that the world can’t tell we’re a Christian before they ever see us pull into a church parking lot? (btw, this doesn’t make you one!)

It’s because we are too busy doing things that we shouldn’t be doing, saying things that we shouldn’t be saying. We are always wanting to “fit in” with the crowd, instead of “standing out” so that we can be an example to the rest of the world.

When I meet someone, I can usually tell if they at least try to follow God. Their overall appearance (and I’m not talking about their clothing/hair style/etc) is calming, soothing, and they are someone that you want to be around. They always lift you up, instead of beating you down. You know that you can go to this person for guidance when you have a problem in your life.

Now, these people are not always Christians. There are some people who are just “Good People.” But for a large majority, these people in the above paragraph do follow Christ. And it shows. They will always be content in their troubles. Sure, they will have problems, they will not necessarily be wealthy, although if God chooses to bless them, then their storehouses will be plentiful.

Christians, let us start to be different. Live your life in a way that anyone who meets you in Wal-Mart, the grocery store, or the mall can see that you are different, even if they don’t realize that it is God within you that is making you this way. Quit thinking that your style of dress, lack or abundance of makeup or what car you drive or anything else is going to make you “Christ-Like.”

Let’s start being Christians. I used to sing a song as a kid in church, and I think we need to start singing it again.

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.“

“Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine.”

Keep on shining until next time!