Six Minutes of Another Culture

Here is a link to a video of my trip to myanmar. Enjoy!!

http://www.crashministry.org/Media.html

What in the World is God Doing?

Have you ever wondered this? Have you ever seen a discouraging sight, or something that made you simply ask... what in the world is God doing?

Over the past eight days i have seen some sights that make me ask this question. I am not questioning God, i am inquiring... wondering so to speak. I have traveled through 4 different towns (Yangon, Taunggyi, Nyuang Shwe, and Kalaw), and over 10 villages and seen about 7 different people groups (Pa-o, Taungyo, Shan, Padaug, Chan, Bhama, and Danu) in the country of Myanmar. It has been an incredible adventure thus far. I have met some of the sweetest most humble people on earth. Almost everyone that we meet invites us to their home, they cook for us, make us tea, and serve us in any way possible. Mississippians have alot to learn if they are still to be thought of as the hospitality state. I have seen some of the most beautiful landscapes from lakes to mountains to farms to cities. It has truly been breathtaking.

All the while i ask myself what is God doing here? The country is controlled by Buddhists & Animists. Their lives are controlled by a merit based religion. (I have to do good things to gain anything in the afterlife [reincarnation] and hopefully reach enlightenmet). So people are nice, true, and giving to gain merit before God. The Gospel is moving in the country of Maynmar, however very slowly. It is illegal to sare your faith here. Since Christianity was here before the government was established it tolerates Christians, yet they will throw you in jail if you are found witnessing to anyone. This military run government is crooked and feared by all locals. So how will God reach His people here in Manmar? To be honest i have no idea. However, if you look at the life of the church and Christianity, it always grew and flourished when it was being persecuted and suppressed. I think this is because Christians during these times have to choose to follow Christ no matter what and their commitment to Him is impeccable. Hopefully this is the case for Myanmar. Hopefully Christians and missionaries here will choose to preach and follow Christ no matter what may happen to them.

I think we Americans have a lot to learn from this situation. We have to understand that our freedom should cause us to push the envelope and share Christ with everyone, instead of making us lazy and simply doing nothing to show our faith to men. I kind of wish that our church would come under more persecution to help us understand that following Christ is a lifestyle not a label. So what is God doing here in Myanmar?... Hopefully he is setting up an awakening like He has done many times before.

I hope that you will pray for Myanmar, it's missionaries, it's government.

I hope that you will pray for your church, that it would make its faith known to all men.

Pictures will bec oming soon.....

An Impact... What Are You Saying?

How frustrating, aggrivating, and proposterous!

These are but a few adjectives that describe the way i feel when i see some facebook & myspace web pages. As a student pastor i frequent sites like facebook and myspace to stay in touch with students as well as my high shcool and college friends. What i have been finding has really concerned me. For instance, i think you can learn a lot about a person by simply looking at their interests. My favorite profiles look something like this:

Interests: ~!!GOD!!~ hanging out with friends, my youth group, kissing in the rain, partying, etc.

did you catch that? squiggly line !! God !! squiggly line. then my youth group. then these other things that make you just like the world. (disclaimer: i am not saying that kissing in the rain makes you a terrible person)

What about the groups that you join? I have students that put God as their number one interest then they join groups like: the beer drinking committee, I love to be Jagermeistered, I Love Jack Daniels, not to mention all the groups that are nothing but profanity and encourage hooking up.

Please don't get me wrong, and do not think that i am judging you for what you want to be a part of.

i guess i simply want you to think about what your profile is saying about God? What is it saying about Christians? What is it saying about you as an individual?

I beg some of you to think more highly of yourself! Some of you guys appear to be immature alcoholics who don't have a vocabulary larger than four letters. And some of you girls appear to be real sleazy. The focus of your page deals with superficial relationships & hooking up.

If you had to define a Christian by your page or profile, what would your definition be?

You see the fact is that you are making an impact. What are you impacting? This world for Christ or something else. I encourage you to take a look at your individual page and get a real picture of who you are as a person. Find out what your priorities are. You may even notice that you don't worship your creator, but what everyone else thinks.

I pray that you would understand who you are in Jesus Christ... complete, lacking nothing. I pray that you would quit trying to be something so others will think you are hip, or so you will fit in.

You were put on this earth for one reason... to bring glory to the son of God and make Him known! Are you fulfilling your purpose?

Trick or treat... happy halloween... boo!

Trick or treat... happy halloween... boo!

Just a couple of phrases that i heard more than 20 times yesterday. What do these phrases mean anyway? Why do we use them? With all the witches, ghosts, and goblins running around should we, Christians, be invovled in this madness? What do you think about a Christian dressing up and playing the part of an evil spirit, a pagan, or even satan himself? Is it ok! I am not talking about dressing up as the pink power ranger or spiderman... the cowboy, football player or cheerleader. Just those costumes which represent themes contrary to the Christian life. Should we simply turn our heads one night a year? (Even though it is probably the only night that the majority of people will dress up)

Apparently, the origins of Halloween can be traced back to ancient Ireland and Scotland around the time of Christ. On Oct. 31st, the Celts celebrated the end of summer. This was important because it was when animal herders would move their animals into barns and pens and prepare to ride out the winter. This was also the time of the crop harvests. This annual change of season and lifestyle was marked by a festival called Samhain- pronounced 'sow-ane' and means 'end of summer.' Sow rhythms with cow.

There was much superstition associated with this time of change including the belief in fairies, and that the spirits of the dead wandered around looking for bodies to inhabit. Since the living did not want to be possessed by spirits, they dressed up in costumes and paraded around the streets making loud noises to confuse and frighten the spirits away. In addition, the new year began for the Celts on Nov. 1. So, the day of Samhain was believed to be a day that was in neither the year past or the year to come. Since it was in between, chaos ruled on that day.

Later, around the 5th century, as the Catholic Church developed and moved into the area, instead of adding a new day to celebrate, it took over the Samhain celebration. Nov. 1st became "All Hallows Eve" where all the saints of the Catholic church were honored. A later custom developed where people would go door-to-door on Nov. 2, requesting small cakes in exchange for the promise of saying prayers for some of the dead relatives of each house. This arose out of the religious belief that the dead were in a state of limbo before they went to heaven or hell and that the prayers of the living could influence the outcome. This may have been the precursor to Trick-or Treat.

The Jack-0-Lantern apparently comes from Irish folklore about a man named Jack who tricked the devil into climbing a tree. Once the devil was in the tree, Jack carved a cross on the trunk, preventing the devil from coming down. The devil then made a deal with Jack to not allow Jack into hell after Jack died if only Jack would remove the cross from the tree. After Jack died, he couldn't go to hell, and he couldn't go to heaven. He was forced to wander around the earth with a single candle to light his way. The candle was placed in a turnip to keep it burning longer. When the Irish came to America in the 1800's, they adopted the pumpkin instead of the turnip. Along with these traditions, they brought the idea that the black cat was considered by some to be reincarnated spirits who had prophetic abilities.

So, it appears that the origins of Halloween are a mixture of old Celtic pagan rituals superstition and early Catholic traditions.

What does the Bible say about Halloween?

What does the Bible say about Halloween? Nothing. But it does speak concerning witches, the occult, and paganism.

Exodus 22:18, You shall not let a witch live.
Deut. 18:10-12, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…"

The Bible definitely speaks negatively about occultic practices, spirits, and witches and condemns not only the practice but also the people who are involved in it. As Christians, we are to have nothing to do with the occult. Tarot Cards, contacting the dead, séances, lucky charms, etc., are all unbiblical and can harm a Christian's fellowship with God and open the Christian to demonic oppression. Most Christians know this and avoid these activities. But, the question still remains. Since there are ancient pagan connections and present occultic connections, what is the Christian to do?

Can the Christian celebrate Halloween?

The answer is simple: Yes and No. Let’s look at the negative first.

The Christian is not to be involved with or support the occult, witchcraft, demonism, or any other thing that uplifts the occult. To do so is to contradict God’s word, dabble in demonic spirits, and invite judgment from God. If a Halloween celebration is centered on demons, devils, spirits, etc., I would say don't have anything to do with it.

On the other hand, it isn't wrong to dress up in a costume and go door-to-door saying 'Trick or Treat." Provided that the costume isn't demonic, I can't see anything wrong with this. It's just fun for the kids.

Take a look at the Christmas tree. It was originally an ancient fertility symbol. Yet, it has become a representation of Christmas and the place where gifts are placed. The same is ture of the easter bunny. We get the word "easter" from a Babylonain fertility goddess 'Ishtar'. Are the Christians, then, paying homage to an ancient pagan fertility gods? No. Not at all.

They do not consider it pagan at all and are simply joining in on a cultural event and giving no honor to anything unbiblical.

In the Bible in 1 Cor. 10:23-33, Paul speaks about meat sacrificed to idols. This meat was often sold in the meat market and the question arose, "Should a Christian each such meat?"

Paul said in verse 25, "Eat anything that is sold in the meat market, without asking questions for conscience' sake." This is most interesting. He says it is okay to eat the meat bought in the market place even though that meat may have been sacrificed to idols.

Then in verses 28-29 he says, "But if anyone should say to you, 'This is meat sacrificed to idols,' do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience' sake; 29 I mean not your own conscience, but the other man's; for why is my freedom judged by another's conscience?" (NASB). Paul is saying that if you find out the meat was sacrificed to idols, don't eat it -- not because of you, but because of the other person. In other words, eating that meat won't affect you. But, it may affect the attitude of another who does not understand the freedom the Christian has in Christ.

Is it any different with Halloween (or Christmas, Easter)? No. Even though Halloween has pagan origins, because of your freedom in Christ, you and/or you kids can dress up in costumes and go door-to-door and just have fun. However, if you are not comfortable with doing this, then you should not. If you know of a person who would be stumbled by doing it, then you shouldn't either.

Will the real Ruth's Please Stand Up!!

With the title "Will the Ruth's Please Stand Up!!" I hope to invoke a sense of wonder and curiosity. As I have been studying and preparing for a new series on friendships I have been challenged and convicted that everyone needs a Ruth or two in their life. Through this series, Authentic Relationships: Being a Real Friend, I will be teaching that several different elements should be true of a real friend: Service (Luke 5.17-26), Loyalty (Ruth 1.1-18), Trust (Matt. 1.18-25), Forgiveness (Luke 15.11-32; Gen. 33.1-11), and Love (John 15.9-17; 1 Sam 18.1-9). Obviously these are not the only aspects that need to be true of authentic relationships, but a good start. This week we will be studying Ruth's loyalty to Naomi. I have been overwhelmed by Ruth's devotion to Naomi, and I have just now realized that every aspect of friendships that I will be teaching on can be summed up in Ruth's relationship to her mother-in-law.

Ruth 1.1-18

Now it came about in the days when the judges governed, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife, Naomi; and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem in Judah. Now they entered the land of Moab and remained there. Then Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left with her two sons. They took for themselves Moabite women as wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. And they lived there about ten years. Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and the woman was bereft of her two children and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the land of Moab, for she had heard in the land of Moab that the LORD had visited His people in giving them food. So she departed from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go, return each of you to her mother's house. May the LORD deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead and with me. May the LORD grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband." Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. And they said to her, "No, but we will surely return with you to your people." But Naomi said, "Return, my daughters. Why should you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Return, my daughters! Go, for I am too old to have a husband. If I said I have hope, if I should even have a husband tonight and also bear sons, would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters; for it is harder for me than for you, for the hand of the LORD has gone forth against me." And they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. Then she said, "Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; return after your sister-in-law." But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me." When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.

Loyalty, i think that would be an understatement when talking about Ruth's dealing with Naomi. For the purpose of this blog I simply want to contrast two people, and ask you the question which of these individuals represent you. I think this is a valid question, because we can only expect friends as wonderful as we are willing to be.

Look at the two daughter-in-law's, Orpah and Ruth. We don't know anything about them except that they were moabite women who married Naomi's sons. However, we see quite a contrast in the way that they deal with Naomi.

Naomi tells both of the women, "Go, return each of you to her mother's house. May the LORD deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead and with me. May the LORD grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept."

In a time where women had relatively no importance and could not easily take care of themselves, marriage was very important for them. They needed a husband to provide for them. Naomi is giving these women exactly what the "world" would say is great. They of course, being cordial and polite, refuse and say, "No, but we will surely return with you to your people."

Isn't that what we would do? Wouldn't we offer to go out of our way? Most of us would. Though we would expect the person to respond in the same way as Naomi does:

"Return, my daughters. Why should you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb,
that they may be your husbands? Return, my daughters! Go, for I am too old to
have a husband. If I said I have hope, if I should even have a husband tonight
and also bear sons, would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you
therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters; for it is harder for me than
for you, for the hand of the LORD has gone forth against me."

This is where we find a contrast between Orpah and Ruth. They have two completely different responses. Orpah says ok ill go, and Ruth responds by clinging to Ruth.

What a picture of what we need in a friendship. One that will stick by us no matter what the circumstances, no matter what it costs, no matter what we get out of it. We need a friend that will be there, not one who is simply polite and acts like they care. We need friends who follow through!!

That is exactly what Ruth is, a friend who commits. One you can count on.
But what about Orpah? Is she really that terrible of a person? Honestly, i don't think that she is. She is polite, but her intrests seem more to be inwardly focused than Ruth's. Orpah returned to HER gods and HER people. Whereas, Ruth replies: "Do not urge me to leave YOU or turn back from following YOU; for where YOU go, I will go, and where YOU lodge, I will lodge. YOUR people shall be my people, and YOUR God, my God. Where YOU die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts YOU and me."

Do you notice the difference... Can you see how Orpah and Ruth's responses differ? Where Orpah was going to do HER stuff, Ruth was giving everything for Naomi. Notice how often that Ruth says you or your... that is a true example of selflessness. She is not focused on herself at all!!

What about you? Who are you like... Orpah or Ruth?

Are you polite just to be polite or are you willing to forfeit everything for your friends?

I think it would be incredible if we could find and become the Ruth’s that we so desperately need.

When the writer of Ecclesiates was trying to find whether there is any meaning in life one of the only answers he could find was, companionship. He wrote,

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if
either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who
falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down
together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." (Ec. 4.9-12)

The writer of Ecclesiastes saw a need for true friends. Ruth met that need for Naomi.
Will you meet that need for your friends? Will you be a Ruth in this selfish world?

So I ask, "Will the real Ruth's Please Stand Up!!"

Better Days

My mind, rummaging through many different topics, fixated itself on one specific question this morning... "Why are some days better than others?"
I can come up with all sorts of reasons but not many that suffice. But what exactly does it mean to have a better day anyways? During football season I hope that MSU has better days ahead, and thinking about the Middle East, I pray for better days (sooner than later). But what exactly does it mean to have a better day? What makes one day better that another?

Oddly, my day has been exuberant thus far! I have gotten so much done! But when does completing tasks make one day better than another? Oh, and the phone... it has been minimal... and my appointments... they have been a breeze. Again why do my circumstances govern whether or not one day is better than another? But that's how it is...my circumstances determine my feelings and emotions. If I have had a hard day at work, I will probably be grumpy. However, if my circumstances change so do my feelings.

I truly don't think I am alone here, but I do think this style of living is completely contrary to God's Word. I believe we should be content in whatever circumstances we face. We are to be joyful in prosperity, and joyful in suffering. Paul and James give us good reason to be joyful when we suffer, because our character is being developed (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:3-4). Not only is our character being developed but we are also sharing or fellowshipping in Christ's sufferings(Philippians 3:10). In Philippians 4:11b-12 Paul expresses his ability, "to be content in whatever circumstances". He explains, "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

I think that the writer of Hebrews had a good grasp of how to be content when he encouraged us to, "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2a)

I think that's it. I must train my mind to see trials as good rather than bad, i must fix my eyes on Jesus and interpret this world through a biblical lens. I have to understand that the "world" has indoctrinated me with ideas contrary to God's Word. Like, suffering is bad, being first is best, and my needs are more important than others. I must become smaller as my Jesus becomes larger, in my mind and in my actions.

I am coming to realize that my "bad days" are when I am focused on the circumstances of my day as opposed to the God who created my day. It is always a "better day" when Christ is my focus!

Salvation Explained

Check out this blog for an excellent review of the three phases of salvation (Justification, Sanctification, & Glorification).

This link is to a campuis ministry at Mississippi State University called Phase II. In the blog they explain where their name came from.

Unveling Christianity... (part 2)

Is Change Inevitable?

Without change we would not be where we are now. The early church would have never made it, the many councils would have never been necessary, the reformation would be non-existent, and we would probably not have heard the Gospel. I am not trying to diminish God of His sovereignty, I am simply trying to make us think about the facts at hand. Change is inevitable. Rob Bell in his book Velvet Elvis wrote:

Times change. God doesn't, but times do. We learn and grow, and the world around us shifts, and the Christian Faith is alive only when it is listening, morphing, innovating, letting go of whatever has gotten in the way of Jesus and embracing whatever will help us to be more and more the people that God wants us to be.

There are endless examples of this ongoing process, so I’ll describe just one. Around 500 years ago, a man named Martin Luther raised a whole series of questions about the painting the church was presenting to the world. He insisted that God's grace could not be purchased with money or good deeds. He wanted everyone to have their own copy of the Bible in a language that they could read. He argued that everyone had a divine calling on their lives to serve God, not just priests who had jobs in churches. This concept was revolutionary for the world at that time. He was articulating earth-shattering ideas for his listeners. And they heard him. And something big, something historic, happened. Things changed. Thousands of people connected with God in ways they hadn't before.

But that wasn't the end of it. Luther was taking his place in a long line of people who never stopped rethinking and repainting the faith. Shedding unnecessary layers and at the same time rediscovering essentials that had been lost. Luther's work was part of what came to be known as the Reformation. Because of this movement, the churches he was speaking against went through their own process of rethinking and repainting, making significant changes as a result.

And this process hasn't stopped.

It Can't.

In fact, Luther's contemporaries used a very specific word for this endless, absolutely necessary process of change and growth. They didn't use the word reformed; they used the word reforming. This distinction in crucial. They knew that they and others hadn't gotten it perfect forever. They knew that the things they said and did and wrote and decided would need to be revisited. Rethought. Reworked.

I think we live in a time where many churches are changing with the times. Some are changing to line up with the Biblical standard while others are changing to allow unbiblical teachings.

It is critical that our change is based solely on Scripture, not because we don't like something or want to make our faith politically correct. We must stay faithful to our creator, sustainer, redeemer and friend. Change is a good thing when we are realigning with God's word.

Unveiling Christianity...(part 1)

Is Christianity changing?

The past few years I have noticed that Christian media has changed. The best sellers of the past are not affecting the market quite as much as they did before. Why is this? I believe that as demographics and cultures change so does our media(I know this is a profound statement). Why are songs and books that deal with being authentic becoming so popular. Are Christians getting tired of faking their way through church, and acting as if they have it all together. Is there a profound change taking place in Christianity today?
Think about Christian artists, such as: Todd Agnew, Casting Crowns, Derek Webb, etc. All of these artists have at least one thing in common, they magnify the fact that most Christians are just going through the motions, settling for mediocrity. Todd Agnew's My Jesus confronts the issue that if we are imitating Christ then we would not look like the world. Casting Crown's Stained Glass Masquerade speaks about the fact that we are all hiding behind smiles and raised hands. Derek Webb's I Repent, Wedding Dress, T-Shits, etc. all address the notion that we act just like the world, when we are called to be and should be different.
The past couple of books that I have read deal with these same issues: Blue Like Jazz, The Importance of Being Foolish, and Velvet Elvis. Why is there such a draw to write and produce songs and books of this nature?

Maybe it is because they are saying what we are feeling. What do you think?

Do You Ever Wonder?

Do you ever wonder? Good gracious, I am always thinking or wondering about what if this or what if that. I even lie in bed at night and keep myself awake wondering about any and everything.

While at work today I have been studying and thinking about the lesson that I am going to teach my students tonight and my mind has been fluttered with all sorts of thoughts. I have had so much trouble staying focused and on task. I have read Romans 14-15 about 20 times and I feel like ... blah.(By the way I am teaching through Romans)

So I tried something that I have read about and even practiced before... I let the words of my mamaw sink in.... "Justin, BE STILL....just BE STILL a minute" which is exactly what I needed to do. My grandmother is a wonderful woman of God that seems to be known for telling and advising others to BE STILL. I feel certain that she is quoting part of Psalm 46:10 and if so that makes BE STILL that much more powerful. Psalm 46:10 is a verse that explodes with the source of peace, or the absence of conflict, war, or anything that keeps us from being still.
Following the command to be still is the most incredible statement... and know that I am God (and not only that) but know that I am exalted among the nations.

God is our peace! He is sovereign, and can and will protect us from any battle. Whether a battle in our mind, with our flesh, or even against others. God protected his chosen Israel, and He protects you and I as well.

My prayer is that this truth will truly set me from from the bondage that I give myself to... a restless mind. I pray that I will BE STILL, resting in the fact that I serve a God that can take care of me and will see me through to completion.(Phil. 1:6)

What Does the World Need?

Monday while being bombarded with all the 9/11 news, comments and opinions i found myself thinking about the needs of our world and what ways God wanted to use me in meeting these needs. I was flooded with emotions as the book of Acts began playing in my mind. I remembered Jesus' last words right before he ascended into the clouds. I thought about the disciples being so unified in prayer and the day of Pentecost when men heard these Galilean Apostles speaking in every language known. The sermon of the less than distinguished Peter and the 3000 that were added to their number. I thought of the early church described in Acts 2.42-47 being the greatest example of what Paul would command the Philippians to in Phil. 2.5, when he exhorts them to have the mind(attitude) of Christ. What an awesome picture, believers considering one another as more important than themselves. What a challenge for us! While thinking of the church being sold out to Christ, i thought about the miraculous healings and the preaching of Peter and John that led to thousands more believing in Christ, not to mention their arrest and persecution. (The Jewish religious leaders ordered Peter and John not to speak of Jesus anymore, yet Peter and John never gave in. Instead they went to their fellowship and reported everything that happened to them. Immediately they began PRAYING... what a novel thing to do.)

{This is where God really began speaking to me}

Acts 4.24-31 is the account of Peter and John praying with their fellowship. What is contained in these verses could quite possibly be what we as believers should be praying. These follower's of The Way (not yet called Christians...see Acts 11.26) remembered the evil and the opposition that they were up against and instead of praying for safety, ease, and protection they prayed, "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with COMPLETE BOLDNESS." And that is exactly what God did, he granted them boldness to speak and live the message of Christ (see Acts 4.32-37 for example).

I think this is what we Christians should be doing... praying for boldness to speak of Christ in every situation. Not hindered by the stereotype that might be placed on us, or the rumors that may ensue. Would we become the example that Paul sets forth in Phil. 2.5-11? Would we begin whole heartedly praying pleaing for the boldness to renew our minds and force our bodies into submission that we would speak and live out the life of Christ daily. (cf.- Acts 4.29; Rom. 12.1-2; 1 Cor. 9.24-27)

I wonder what kind of impact a bold, courageous Christian could have on the world today? Not simply saying the right words but living them as well. I think this is what Paul exhorts believers to in Rom. 12.1 when he urges, "Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, i urge you to present your bodies (all of you, not just words and not just actions, but all) as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual act of worship."In essence Paul is saying "Therefore", because of everything God has done for us: a.k.a.- gave us His son(John 3.16), provided propitiation (payment) (Rom. 3.25), freed us from sin(Rom. 6.15-18), law (Rom. 8.1-4), death (Rom. 6.5), etc., and has given us assurance and security (Rom ch. 8). Because of these things and so much more that God has done for us it is only fitting that we would in return give up our selfish desires and offer our lives to God. Meaning that we are giving God everything we have, our mind, abilities, desires, talents, etc. to be used however He deems necessary. Paul tells Christians that this is how you truly give worth or worship to God. Paul follows in verse 2 with the "how to" guide. We are to change our minds, what we think about. flee from the evil desires of this world and cling to the awe inspiring God of the Bible, then we will be able to approve of God's will, His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

To answer my own question " What does the World need?" I would have to answer: Jesus! Then that answer must be quickly followed up by Christians making Jesus glory known in all the earth. Which happens when we forget about ourselves and begin meeting the needs of others.these are my thoughts what are yours?