It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to discovers why “huge crowds” were always gathering around Jesus. He attracted people to him like a magnet. Here’s 10 reasons why …

1. He Cared About People. We need more people like this. Jesus put others needs before his own. He didn’t just feel sorry for people, he actually served others, loved them and guided them into a relationship with his Father. He didn’t look for “deserving” people to care for (there were none) … but “undeserving.” He healed, fed and touched those in need (Mark 10:45). He taught us what real ministry is: Service. There was no class distinction for Jesus. He cared for the fishermen, tax collectors, the adulterer and the 5 time divorcee. He cared about people.
2. Jesus Was A Man of Action. His life would have been one big action movie. There was nothing boring about his life. He spent his time here not just telling people how to live, but showing (action) people how to live (John 14:9). He calls you and I to the same life of adventure, and anybody who says being a follower of Jesus is boring … doesn’t have a clue what they’re talking about.
3. Jesus was a Communicator. There seems to be two kinds of teachers in this world … communicators and intellectuals. Communicators take the difficult and make it simple. Intellectuals take the simple and make it difficult. Unfortunately, there are far too many intellectuals trying to communicate the Gospel today. Jesus was simply a communicator. Jesus didn’t preach many “expository” sermons and nor did he quote lots of scripture, however, the overwhelming majority of the time he told stories and painted pictures. He taught with a towel, a bird, a flower, a shepherd, a son, a coin, a flower, a child, a plank and other stories to make his point. He knew how to communicate.
4. Jesus Had Something To Say. After he preached the sermon on the mount, the people were amazed by his teaching because he taught with authority (Matthew 7:28-29). Like the old E.F. Hutton commercial, when Jesus talked, people listened. Jesus taught on significant things that people needed to know. Things like eternity, death, how to treat one another, how to forgive and how to enter the Kingdom of God. He didn’t spend much time preaching about the Hittites, Perizzites or Jebusites.
5. Jesus Offended the Religious People & Hung Out With Sinners. The only people who Jesus looked down on were the “religious” people who looked down on others. Jesus didn’t give a rip what the religious people thought of him. Jesus called them snakes, vipers and white washed tombs (Matthew 23:25-36). Instead, Jesus hung out with sinners. The people Jesus reached out to were the “sinners”, the prostitutes, the fishermen, the adulterer, the divorcee and the tax collectors (Luke 19:10, Matthew 9:12). Jesus hung out with the wrong type of people. He hung out with them so much that he was even accused of being a drunkard and a glutton.
6. Jesus Came as a Common Man. It amazes me that Jesus, the Son of God, came not as a prince born in a fancy clean castle, but instead as a common man born in a barn. He worked, sweated, hurt, became angry, was happy, was sad, was tempted and experienced death. All the same things I experience day to day. He knows what it’s like to be a common person and relates to my struggles (Hebrews 2:18).
7. Jesus Offered What No One Else Could. Sales people will promise you the sky, but only Jesus can give you peace and salvation (John 14:27, John 14:6). No one can give you what Jesus can.
8. Jesus … (You Fill in # 8 With One You Like!)

I spent this past weekend in Santa Fe, New Mexico, doing a “Strong Marriages” seminar. I had a great time. I don’t have a lot to blog about this morning, so I thought I’d share a few things from my journal. Here are a few things I’ve written down this past week about being a “Follower of Jesus.” These are just a few thoughts and quotes I’m trying to process and work through:

Jesus said, “Follow me…”

• The church is to be the body of Christ in the world. Jesus’ followers are to be His hands and feet to others. Somehow the church has done a great job of making believers, but a horrible job of making followers of Jesus. We do a great job being Jesus’ mouth, but a poor job of being his hands and feet.
• Being a believer is easy. Being a follower is hard.
• Jesus didn’t come just to save me from hell … He came to call me (and you) to a lifestyle change.
• Jesus didn’t call me to a life of just going to church, but a life of adventure by being his hands and feet to other people. I feel most fulfilled in my faith when I’m accepting that adventure.
• My job is to draw people to Jesus, to call them to follow, to challenge them to be Jesus in other’s lives …
• To bring people to Jesus, it must happen by showing people Jesus … not scaring the hell out of them.
• If we lose a generation of people it won’t be because we didn’t entertain them enough, but because we didn’t dare them with the gospel and the adventure that’s involved in following Christ.
• When Jesus said, “follow me,” he was saying “watch me,” and “see me.” He was telling people to see how he lived and do it the same way. If people watch Christians closely, will they see us looking like Jesus?
• “We need to stop complaining about the church we’ve experienced and work on becoming the church we dream of.” ~Shane Claiborne
• When it comes to Christianity, maybe even more important than what you believe and how you believe, is how you live.
• What I long for is a Christianity that looks more like Jesus.
• “The largest barrier to Christ has been Christians who shout loudly with their mouths, but have nothing to show with their lives.” ~Manning

So, what are some things that you’ve been thinking about? Do you have any thoughts on the things I mentioned above?

Someone asked the question in a bible class recently that made for a lot of interesting discussion. The question was, “What if Jesus showed up for our church services tonight … what would he do or say?”  Here were a few things people answered….

• “He’d lead us in powerful worship.”
• “He would preach.”
• “He’d tell the children to quit running in the auditorium after church.”
• “He’d straighten a lot of people out.”

My reply was, “I think if Jesus showed up in town one Sunday evening, I’m not sure he’d even come to church.” I could tell that made a few people uncomfortable.  I finished, “Instead, he’d probably go hang out with some people in the community that need him much worse than we do.”

Everyone’s view of Jesus was a little different, but mine made a few uncomfortable. I went on to say, “In fact, I think if Jesus really did show up one night for church, I can imagine him chasing kids though the auditorium. I can see him washing someone’s dirty feet in the drinking fountains. I could see him allowing someone to clean up in the baptistry water. I can see him feeding the homeless out of the refrigerator in the fellowship hall. And I can hear him saying, ‘“Let’s go outside and sing under the stars.” ‘And at some point in all the commotion, I can see a deacon running up to Jesus scolding him, ‘“Jesus! What are you doing? Were you born in a barn?”’ And Jesus would reply, ‘“Yes, actually I was!”’

That’s just how I see Jesus.

So I’m curious … if Jesus showed up at your church, what do you think he’d do or say?

What made the wise men of Matthew 2 so wise? Maybe it was the fact that they were passionate about watching for Jesus and seeking him.

Can you imagine if Jesus would have had a Twitter or Facebook account? His status updates would have been THE best. Maybe they would have looked something like this…

Prejudice is pre-judging someone before you know their motives or actions.  I’d like to think there is not a prejudice bone in my body and that I love everyone  and that regardless of their color, nationality, or lifestyle, but I found out recently I still have a lot of work to do when it comes to prejudging people.

Sunday night, Lea, the boys and I went to Amarillo to check on our parents. As we pulled into town, we decided to try out a new restaurant that had just recently opened. Although there was a line of people waiting to get in, I still decided to go in and ask them how long the wait was going to be.

“Hi, my name is Trey, and I’m a recovering stone thrower.”

Lea sent me to the store recently to pick up a few things. When I go to the store it takes me most of the day because I tend to want to visit with everyone there. Needing to zip in and zip out I put my head down, so not to feel obligated to visit with people, and made my way to the toothpaste and shampoo isles.

I wish there was one that was called “Doesn’t Smell Like a Girl and Will
Keep You From Going Bald.”

• Need a car? Plenty of kinds and styles and price ranges.
• Students can pick from a wide range of different colleges.
• Looking for a place to eat? There are different types of food in lots of different restaurants.
• Looking for entertainment? Movies come in different types from action to romance.

As I left the store I was thanking God that when it comes to salvation, I don’t have a supermarket of choices. In fact there is only once choice, Jesus. I find it interesting as I read this week from the gospel of John, that Jesus didn’t give us multiple choices for salvation, only two: His side or the other side. He said things like, “No man can serve two masters,” and “I am the way, the truth and the life. And no one comes to the Father except through me.” Did you know that Jesus said, “Follow me,” over 80 times in the gospels? He also said, “If you love me, you’ll keep my commandments.”

It’s really very simple, like it or not there are not a lot of choices when it comes to salvation. While you may have dozens of toothpaste and shampoo choices, there is only One if you’re looking for salvation.

Got to go, Lea’s wanting me to run to the store for her.

When you think of who might have been the most evil person in history? These names come to mind…

• Adolph Hitler
• Ivan the Terrible
• Mao Tse-tung
• Genghis Khan
• Ted Bundy
• John Wayne Gacy
• Jesus Christ

Jesus? Yes, how could he not be? Think about it for a second. Amazingly it was at the cross that Jesus absorbed upon himself, like a sponge, all the sins that had ever been committed. At the cross Jesus took on himself all the sins of the past, present and even future sins that were to be committed. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says that on the cross Jesus actually …”became sin.” He became sin on the cross. He became everything that was dark, everything that was ugly and everything that was evil. When Jesus became sin, he became the very thing he despised, and he became what he hated. It was at that point in history that Jesus became (I don’t like to say it, and I don’t even like to even type it) but Jesus became all that was evil.

Why would Jesus be willing to do this? Why would Jesus be willing to absorb all your sins and my sins there on the cross? The same verse that tells us that … “He became sin,” also tells us why he became sin … “So that we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus became sin for us. He became what he hated for us. He became sin to make us right with God.

Does that just not ooze with amazing and incomprehensible love? Thank you Jesus!

So the next time you hear the question, “Who are some of the most evil people ever?” I’m not suggesting you holler out, “Jesus Christ,” but I am suggesting you constantly remember exactly what he was willing to do for you.

Now, if you’d all join me, I’d like to lead us all in the greatest song ever written. Sing with me, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so…”

It’s no secret that for the last few decades most mainline churches have seen a sharp decline in attendance. Too many times in the past, the things that held churches together and kept them strong were not things Jesus would applaud: impressive buildings, doctrinal formula, worship tradition and membership loyalty.

What people are longing for is community, relationship and discipleship (Acts 2:42-47). Instead of giving them this, we’re offering discipleship as committee meetings and programs. I see people who have grown tired of church conflicts over institutional issues (order of worship), personalities, and trivial items they have to deal with in other areas of life.

Will we continue to simply be satisfied with riding out the storm thinking things will get better in time, while all around us more and more churches close their doors? Or will we heed the warning signs and look for the answer that has been there all along? So, what’s the answer? It’s the realization that the church is not the draw … Jesus is the draw.

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For more, I’ve written on the subject of “real church” click here.

For more on the subject of churches declining, Dwight Whittset has recently written an excellent post called “From Decline to Growth.”

We’re doing a WATS (We Are The Sermon) service this Sunday. Instead of having a Sunday evening service and sermon we’re going to take the sermon to the community. We’ll be going out Sunday afternoon working in the community and showing the sermon to others. I think it’s going to be awesome watching the church in Childress working, cleaning and serving the community this Sunday evening.

Anticipating the WATS Sunday got me to thinking last night. What would it be like if Jesus came to Childress for a visit? I can imagine our conversation going like this:

TREY: Jesus, this is so cool. I’m so excited that you’re here in Childress for the weekend.

JESUS: I’m actually here all the time, but I’m really glad to be here in person, Trey.

TREY: I can’t wait to introduce you to everyone at church this Sunday. Hey, do you want to speak?

JESUS: I’d love to if I was going to be at church on Sunday. I really think I’m going to be too busy to go.

TREY: What? Too busy to go to church, Jesus?

JESUS: Yes.

TREY: But Jesus, don’t you know what the Bible says about “going to church?” You can’t skip church … um … that’s a little embarrassing. And, what would everyone think?

JESUS: Trey, have you not read the gospels? I don’t really care about what everyone might think. You should know that by now.

TREY: Since you’re not going to church with me, what are you going to be doing?

JESUS: You know those people “across the tracks” and the people who don’t go to church anywhere on Sunday? I’m going to go spend some time with them. I’m going to serve them and then tell them about my Father.

TREY: Instead of going to church? But Lord, don’t you know that we’re supposed to sing, pray, take the Lord’s Supper and tell people about God this Sunday morning. Isn’t Sunday morning supposed to be the most important hours of my week?

JESUS: Actually Trey, the most important hours of the week are after you spend time at church. It’s what you go do then. It’s who you share it with. And as for telling people about God, that’s what I’m doing. I’m going to go show and tell those people about God this Sunday. Somebody needs to go and tell those people that God loves them. And Trey, you’re beginning to sound a little like the people called Pharisees that you read about in the Bible.

TREY: Okay, but one more thing Jesus. Is there anything you want me to tell the people at church this Sunday? You know, a message from Jesus?

JESUS: Tell them two things. First, tell them to get out and go tell others about me. Tell them that no one is just going to show up at church on Sunday, just because the lights are on and the building is unlocked. You’re going to have to go and invite them, pick them up and maybe even feed them lunch. Remember that my Father desires mercy more than He does sacrifice.

TREY: I think I’m beginning to understand, Jesus. But you said two things. What’s the second?

JESUS: Oh yea, remind them this Sunday again just how much I love them.

I spend one week at QMCC (Quartz Mountain Christian Camp) every summer with about 150 kids. Last year one of the staff that came and helped was a man named Kendel. Kendel is a band director and is excellent with the kids. The interesting thing about Kendel is he looks exactly like Jesus (or at least the way we think he looked).

I had never seen or met Kendel before last year’s camp session. All I knew was a lot of people had told me, “Trey, he looks just like Jesus.” But I didn’t know how much until I saw him for myself. Wow.

When I first saw him from a distance, I was shocked. All I wanted to do was stare. There he stood with about 15 little kids around him. It was as if I was looking at Jesus. It was an amazing feeling. I sat there thinking to myself, “How would I react if Jesus was actually here at camp?” If Kendel really was Jesus, what would I do? I remember wanting so much to go and talk to him, but I felt so uncomfortable. I wasn’t worthy. And would Jesus even know who I was? Yet all I could do was stare. I had never felt so many emotions at one single time in my life. I immediately thought of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5), who felt so unworthy, yet so drawn. I then thought of Peter who when he met Jesus, fell at his feet and said, “Go away from me, I’m a sinner.” All I knew is I just wanted to meet him and touch him.

I did go over to Kendel and introduce myself. He was a super-nice man. I enjoyed getting to know him that week. He did look a lot like what I think Jesus would look like on the outside. But I found out that Kendel also looked a lot like Jesus on the inside. I remember one of Kendel’s lessons from camp. He was talking about how people are always looking at him and telling him he looks like Jesus. He made the point that it’s more important to him to look like Jesus on the inside than on the outside. I remember him saying, “I want to act like him more than I want to look like him.”

I was impressed. Summer camp is still about 3 months ways. I think Kendel’s coming back again this year. I’m looking forward to getting to know him better. Not because he looks like Jesus on the outside but because he looks like Jesus on the inside. I love people who remind me of my Savior.

So how will you react when you see Jesus for the first time? Maybe something like this song (click here) I’ve been humming in my head all morning.

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See you tomorrow on Top 10 Tuesday!

Many people are uncomfortable with the words change and church being in the same sentence. Some people are comfortable with the way things are, and don’t want anyone changing things up. Many Christians want things only done one way. Because of this many people have often come to blows over change in the church. Some want to change everything. Some want to change nothing. There must be balance. (And then there are others who are content doing nothing but sitting back and complaining.)

Actually, change is inevitable. In just the past 10 years, you and I have changed physically, emotionally and spiritually. Your hair has changed. Your weight has changed. Your furniture has been moved. You are probably driving a different car. You probably now carry a cellular phone that you didn’t have 10 years ago. Your life and mine is full of changes. Not many things actually stay the same.

The same is true with the church. Change is inevitable. And for the church to grow and mature, it must change & make changes with the times. If we’re not willing to change, we’re not going to grow. But understand not all change is good. There are certain things that shouldn’t ever change. Our problem is figuring out what we can change and what we shouldn’t change. We sure don’t want to all change in an area God doesn’t want us to change. So what things are changeable and what things shouldn’t be changed?

1. Things that are Changeless in the church…

I was picking up my 10 year-old son, Connor, from school last week when I inquired about his day. “Dad, today was one of my best days ever.” When I asked what made it so great he said with excitement, “My P.E. teacher, Coach Gaylor, called me by my name today.” “You know what that means don’t you, dad?” Connor asked. “That means he now knows who I am,” he concluded.

That little story reminded me that we all want to be known as more than just “a somebody.” In fact, nothing is sweeter than hearing our own name called and nothing more frustrating when someone just calls you “hey you” or can’t get your name right. Our names are important to us. Not to long after I moved to Childress I introduced myself to one of our elderly ladies following church services. I asked her, “Have I met you?” She responded, “Yes, three times.” Needless to say, I remembered her name the next time I saw her.

Do you remember the popular television show “Cheers?” The show was based around a bar in Boston, and the theme song from the show stated that Cheers was the place to be because, “You want to be where everybody knows your name.” They knew that we just want someone to know our name.

I love the way Jesus says in John chapter 10 that he’s the Good Shepherd and he knows his sheep by name. Did you catch that? He knows your name. You are more than just a “hey you.” That ought to put a little spring in your step. And if you want to have “one of your best days ever” like Connor, then I suggest that you remember that there’s a Good Shepherd that knows you by the sweetest name of all… your name.