February 23rd, 2020 Message Notes

FOUNDATIONS - WEEK THREE

Message Notes

“What Every Human Needs"

Matthew 8:1-4 NIV

Breaking Down Labels:  What Non-Christians Really Think About Christians
By Thom Rainer, December 22, 2016

Thom Rainer has interviewed thousands of unchurched non-Christians. Among the more interesting insights he has gleaned were interviews with him about their perspectives of Christians. Here is a list of the most common 7 statements, in order of frequency:

1. Christians are against more things than they are for.

“It just seems to me Christians are mad at the world and mad at each other.
They are so negative, they seem unhappy.
I have no desire to be like them and stay upset all the time.”

2. I would like to develop a friendship with a Christian.

“I’m really interested in what they believe and how they carry out their beliefs.
I wish I could find a Christian who would be willing to spend some time with me.”

3. I would like to learn about the Bible from a Christian.

“The Bible really fascinates me, but I don’t want to go to a stuffy and legalistic church to learn about it. It would be nice if a Christian invited me to study the Bible in his home
or at a place like Starbucks.”

4. I don’t see much difference in the way Christians live compared to others.

“I really can’t tell what a Christian believes
because they don’t seem much different than other people I know.
The only exception would be Mormons. They really seem to take their beliefs seriously.”

5. I wish I could learn to be a better husband/wife/dad/mom, etc., from a Christian.

“My wife is threatening to divorce me, and I think she means it this time.
My neighbor is a Christian, and he seems to have it together.
I am swallowing my pride and asking him to help me.”

6. Some Christians try to act like they have no problems.

“Harriett works in my department. She is one of those Christians who seems to have a mask on. I would respect her more if she didn’t put on such an act. I know better.”

7. wish a Christian would take me to his or her church.

“I really would like to visit a church, but I’m not particularly comfortable going by myself.
What is weird is that I am 32 years old,
and I’ve never had a Christian invite me to church in my entire life.”