NEWS Barna's 'Revolution'
I've been thinking a lot about George Barna's book "Revolution." It's an important book with a very important message.
For those not familar with "Revolution," Barna describes a spiritual revolution that is reshaping Christianity and personal faith. Barna notes that over 20 million people are confidently returning to a first-century lifestyle based on faith, goodness, love, generosity, kindness, simplicity, and other Christ-based values.
These 'revolutionaries,' as Barna calls them, have no use for churches that play religious games, whether those games are worship services that drone on without the presence of God or ministry programs that bear no spiritual fruit. Revolutionaries are embarrassed by language that promises Christian love and holiness but turns out to be all sizzle and no substance.
Revolutionaries, according to Barna, are seeking a faith experience that is more robust and awe inspiring, a spiritual journey that prioritizes transformation at every turn, something worthy of the Creator whom their faith reflects. They are seeking the spark provided by a commitment to a true revolution in thinking, behavior, and experience, where settling for what is merely good and above average is defeat. Revolutionaries zealously pursue an intimate relationship with God, which Jesus promised we could have through Him.
In his book, Barna notes that just as the prophets of old were unwelcome in their own hometown, so are Revolutionaries looked at askance by even their closest friends and family members. The skepticism of those who lead conventional spiritual lives is a palpable reminder that growth always comes with a price tag.
Be forewarned, says Barna. Just as Jesus Christ, the ultimate lover of humanity, was scorned, misunderstood, persecuted, and eventually murdered for His extreme love, goodness, compassion, humility, wisdom, and grace, so are Revolutionaries abused by a culture that is itself in a crisis. The mere presence of Revolutionaries makes the typical American citizen -- yes, even the typical churchgoer -- uncomfortable. It is not uncommon, says Barna, for Revolutionaries to meet with rejection -- verbal, intellectual, relational, or experiential -- simply because of their determination to honor the God they love.
The phenomenon Barna describes in his book dovetails with the direction of Sweetbird's music. The inspiration for the music on 'Shine' is God's love. All of the songs were written during an intense period when Christine and I were being reduced to love (a process that is intensifying in both our lives today). 'Shine' is all about transforming darkness in hearts to light and Life. Believe in Him and His amazing love and shine.
If you or somebody else you know has become a Revolutionary or is burned out on church and is looking for light in the darkness, please let me know. Christine and I would be happy to send you a copy of Sweetbird's new CD 'Shine.'
Stay tuned for more on the Revolution. It has only just begun...
Agape,
steve
For those not familar with "Revolution," Barna describes a spiritual revolution that is reshaping Christianity and personal faith. Barna notes that over 20 million people are confidently returning to a first-century lifestyle based on faith, goodness, love, generosity, kindness, simplicity, and other Christ-based values.
These 'revolutionaries,' as Barna calls them, have no use for churches that play religious games, whether those games are worship services that drone on without the presence of God or ministry programs that bear no spiritual fruit. Revolutionaries are embarrassed by language that promises Christian love and holiness but turns out to be all sizzle and no substance.
Revolutionaries, according to Barna, are seeking a faith experience that is more robust and awe inspiring, a spiritual journey that prioritizes transformation at every turn, something worthy of the Creator whom their faith reflects. They are seeking the spark provided by a commitment to a true revolution in thinking, behavior, and experience, where settling for what is merely good and above average is defeat. Revolutionaries zealously pursue an intimate relationship with God, which Jesus promised we could have through Him.
In his book, Barna notes that just as the prophets of old were unwelcome in their own hometown, so are Revolutionaries looked at askance by even their closest friends and family members. The skepticism of those who lead conventional spiritual lives is a palpable reminder that growth always comes with a price tag.
Be forewarned, says Barna. Just as Jesus Christ, the ultimate lover of humanity, was scorned, misunderstood, persecuted, and eventually murdered for His extreme love, goodness, compassion, humility, wisdom, and grace, so are Revolutionaries abused by a culture that is itself in a crisis. The mere presence of Revolutionaries makes the typical American citizen -- yes, even the typical churchgoer -- uncomfortable. It is not uncommon, says Barna, for Revolutionaries to meet with rejection -- verbal, intellectual, relational, or experiential -- simply because of their determination to honor the God they love.
The phenomenon Barna describes in his book dovetails with the direction of Sweetbird's music. The inspiration for the music on 'Shine' is God's love. All of the songs were written during an intense period when Christine and I were being reduced to love (a process that is intensifying in both our lives today). 'Shine' is all about transforming darkness in hearts to light and Life. Believe in Him and His amazing love and shine.
If you or somebody else you know has become a Revolutionary or is burned out on church and is looking for light in the darkness, please let me know. Christine and I would be happy to send you a copy of Sweetbird's new CD 'Shine.'
Stay tuned for more on the Revolution. It has only just begun...
Agape,
steve
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