Author: nick

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What Americans Really Believe

Street-Level Theology: What Americans Really Believe.

Several years ago I read “The Second Coming of the Church” by George Barna. It opened my eyes to a lot of things in ministry and has served as confirmation to the call God has given me about New Passion Church. I find the 17 statistics below alarming and as such should be a wake up call not only to American Christians, but to the church. These statistics range from 1994 to 1997, a good 12-15 years ago. It would be interesting to see similar results for the identical questions today. If anyone knows of a poll that is similar that is more up to date, leave a comment and let me know:

American View: The Bible Teaches that God helps those who help themselves. (81%)
Bible View: We are helpless; we must rely completely on God. (Ps. 37:39-38:30)

American View: It doesn’t matter what religious faith you follow because they all teach the same lessons (38%)
Bible View: Jesus, alone is the Savior of mankind. (Rev. 1:8; 15:4)

American View: All people will expereince the same outcome after death, regardless of their religious beliefs (44%)
Bible View: Only those who believe in Christ will be saved (Rom. 3:21-26)

American View: The Bible teaches that money is the root of all evil (49%)
Bible View: Love of money is the root of many evil pursuits (1 Tim. 6:10)

American View: The most important task in life is taking care of family (56%)
Bible View: The most important task is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Matt. 22:37)

American View: The primary purpose of life is enjoyment and fulfillment (58%)
Bible View: Primary purpose in life is to love God completely. (Deut. 6:5)

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New Passion Speaking Louder Than Before

I heard Jeremy Camp’s “Speaking Louder Than Before” for the first time today. I love the lyrics and the message. I think it defines our focus for New Passion Church.

We believe there is an entire generation of people on the brink of total spiritual loss and we intend to lead them to a passionate relationship with Jesus. Here’s some of the lyrics…then listen for yourself!

Hear now this declaration
From out across the nations
We need to wake up and understand

Many hurting hearts are crying
But our voices seem to be dying
Can you see the battle raging on?

We are the light to reach this world
We are the salt preserving these souls
Let’s show them the love that we’ve received now

We are, we are in desperation
We need to reach this generation
We are speaking louder than before…

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10 Reasons You Won’t Fit At New Passion (Part 2)

dont-fitYesterday I posted Part 1 of “10 Reasons You Won’t Fit At New Passion Church.” Here are the final  5 reasons: NOTE: These are written to Christ Followers who claim Christ has transformed their lives, not people outside the faith. I don’t expect non-believers to act like Christians:

6. You Like to Sit – My friend & long lost brother Shane made this statement in a recent message, “The Gospel is lived out with your hands and feet, not your butt in a seat!” At NPC, we do not believe in sitting comfortable in a seat while the world passes us by. In James 1, we are told that true Religion is caring for the widow and the orphan. All throughout the New Testament, Jesus and the disciples went around doing good and caring for people’s needs; healing them, feeding them, and pointing their hearts towards Jesus. We are not looking just to fill seats, we are looking to give them up for those we are reaching. If you like to sit, or you’re looking for a seat with your name on it, New Passion Church is not for you.
**NOTE: This does not apply to those who are seeking Healing for a season from being wounded by the church, I’ll post about that next, thanks to my friend for pointing this out!**

Continue reading “10 Reasons You Won’t Fit At New Passion (Part 2)”