Do You Think Jesus Will Return In 2007?!?

According to a new study, 25 percent of the American population believe that Jesus will return in 2007. Um, is there a verse in the Bible that I missed? Wasn't it Jesus who said no one will know when it's his time? And not to mention, there are a good number of Christians who don't even believe in the rapture.

If you ask me it sounds like "Jesus" has been hanging around in Houston again...

Christmas At the Turner Home

What the Fa La La La?

They Will Know That We Are Christians By Our Buying Power
Ah, the beauty of the Christmas season. It's a time when Christians get the chance to show the world what it means to be true followers of Jesus: To that end, we set up our nativities. We sing our Christmas carols. We ring our Silver bells. And by golly, we find a way to mix in a little holiday potluck. And though all of those ideas are great ways to reveal our holiday spirit, according to an article by US Today's religion reporter Cathy Lynn Grossman, one of the biggest ways we celebrate Jesus is by purchasing his products, or at least, products we like to believe are gifts from him. According to the article, Christians put down $4.5 billion a year on religious books, gifts, and other spirit-filled knickknacks.

So, Joy to the world! Deck the halls. Go tell it on the mountain...

Because PRAI$E GOD, JE$U$ CHRI$T has come.
mpt

Secure Your Spot In Hell Today--AND WIN A FREE DVD!

Yep, that's right. An atheist organization has started an online campaign to encourage people of all ages to create a YouTube.com video where they fearlessly deny the Holy Spirit! And guess what? If you risk your soul, you WIN a free DVD about Atheism.

Why is this "whole denying of the Holy Spirit" a big deal? Well, mostly, because a lot of Christians believe that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the unforgivable sin. And truthfully, while I don't believe anyone should say anything against the Holy Spirit, there are several different interpretations of Jesus warning. But also, between you and me, I happen to think the "700 Club" is also an unforgivable sin, mainly because if anyone has proclaimed enough incorrect "prophecies" to be considered blasphemous, it's Pat Robertson.

But anyway, that's another topic!

So check out this link! You'll find that already hundreds and hundreds of people have VLOGGED their disgust toward "God the Spirit" and uploaded it to YouTube.com. Hence, according to most evangelical church's doctrine, securing their reservation in Hell.

Can I just make one comment. I mean, I don't claim to have all the answers. But all you atheists out there, why take the chance--even if you think it's only the slightest chance that denying the Holy Spirit might be a BAD thing to do--in hopes of winning a free DVD? It's a DVD, people. Is it really worth it?

I mean, I'm a follower of Jesus, but I'm certainly not going to purposefully piss off Buddha, at least, not for a DVD.


mpt

Jesus Was White, Darn It!

He wasn't, but a lot of Christians think he was. This is something I actually write about and poke fun at in "Jesus Needs New PR" [releasing August 07]. I thought it was an interesting article...

mpt

The New Switchfoot Tackles Big Questions

Switchfoot's new album "Oh! Gravity" hits stores the day after Christmas--which might I add, is a very strange time to release an album--and from what I've heard of it, it sounds pretty similar to the band's old stuff. SF needs this album to do well, especially after its album "Nothing Is Sound" pretty much flopped. Click the title of this post if you want to read Paste Magazine's review of the album. And btw: If you're not familiar with Paste Magazine, it's an amazing read. My friend Julie Johnson introduced me to this magazine about three years ago, and I have been a fan of it ever since. Great stories from artists you're not embarrassed to admit to your friends you actually listen to... But anyway, the day after Christmas make sure you run out to your favorite store and buy the new Switchfoot. Between you and me though--you might want to listen to it first...

mpt

Democrats Gonna Fail Bono?

This feature, suggests Bono's recent trip to DC was a waste of time! He was there to ensure the $1 billion American aid to Africa was going to remain once the Dems take charge in January. Let's pray the aid remains, but let's also pray how we as indviduals can be involved. Our government's kindness shouldn't keep us from doing all we can as individuals to help the African cause... i know that so many of you have...

best, mpt

Will be video blogging from time to time

Yeah, so I just figured out how to create video on my Mac. I know; I'm pretty slow. I'd demonstrate my cool skills today, but I'm sick and consequently, sound like I'm talking through my nostrils. So, you'll have to wait until I feel a little better. But anyway, maybe I'll introduce you to my parents or something while I'm home... That might be fun. One thing I failed to mention earlier was that on my way up interstate 75 toward Minster, Ohio, I passed the church in Monro, Ohio that boasts "Touchdown Jesus," the statue of our Messiah that makes him look like he should be screaming "touchdown!" I'd seen pictures of it, but it's actually uglier in person.

Christmas Coverage

Jesus always gets props at Christmas. This week US News & World Report features a cover story on Gnosticism vs. Orthodoxy. It's an interesting read.

Releasing September 1, 2007

As a writer, you're always looking forward to your next book or project. Well, that would be an understatement for me. I've been working for a little more than a year on my book: Jesus Needs New PR. I am beyond excited about it. I'm in the editing process now, as it doesn't release until the fall of 2007.

Tyndale House Publishers out of Chicago will be releasing it. And I love the people I work with at Tyndale. Not only are they kind and helpful and fantastic at what they do, they're taking a risk with this book. Why is it a risk? Well, because Jesus Needs New PR is not like anything that I've ever read from a faith-based publisher. And since Tyndale is best known for "Left Behind" and "The New Living Translation" of the Bible, this book is a rather big step for them. But you know, I really wouldn't want to take that step with anyone else--they've been wonderful.

As the release day gets closer, hopefully, I will be able to let you sample some of it. I can't wait for that. Until then, the topic is Jesus and his PR... let the conversation begin...

MPT