How “SEX” points people to Jesus…

August 27, 2008

This is an unusual post and one that will probably garner some criticism…but I think the point is strong so I share it unapologetically.

It is interesting to track how people arrive to my blog through Google and other search engines. I have the ability to drill down to those kinds of stats through the hosting site I use. I found something interesting the other day…

If you take out searches for “Chris Lewis” and specific searches, one of the biggest search engine phrases that leads people to my blog is “sex in gatlinburg“! I thought that was pretty amazing!

Why does that happen and how does it point people to Jesus? Good question…I’m glad you asked!

Several months back, I did a post titled “Back from SEX in Gatlinburg” that followed up on a trip our youth at WAC had just returned from where we talked openly about the dangers of sex outside of marriage and the priority of purity.

Just to clear up any misunderstanding, let me clear up what’s happening here. Some guy (or girl?) is in Gatlinburg on business or for some other reason. They get on the internet in their hotel room and are looking for sex through prostitution. Among the various options they are presented with is a link to my blog. I just checked on Google and if you type the phrase “sex in gatlinburg”, my blog entry is on the front page.

When they end up on my blog, they read quotes from the messages that weekend from Chuck Bridges and Ricky Motes. They potentially click on other links.

Maybe they stay a while. Maybe they get interested.

Maybe the Holy Spirit speaks to them in that moment in that place.

Maybe a husband refrains from making a mistake he can’t take back. Maybe a father decides to honor his son or daughter by being faithful and pure.

Maybe a young lady considering selling herself for money realizes she is a Princess in the eyes of her King and she is precious and worth so much more than the cash she needs.

Maybe someone is reading this right now…and you needed to know that.

Maybe you just needed to know that someone is praying for you… right now… this moment…

Praying that you will make the right decision. God made you far too precious to live so cheaply.

Send me a comment if need someone to listen.

2 Comments | Evangelism, e3 | Permalink
Posted by Chris Lewis

Save time…subscribe by blog reader or email!

August 25, 2008

I shamelessly ripped this text off from the Swerve blog by Craig Groeschel and the guys at Lifechurch.tv. I read these guys regularly and recommend them wholeheartedly.

This will save you tons of time. If you read this blog or others regularly, you can save a lot of time by using a feed reader. Here’s how it works:

  1. You provide the blogs you like to keep up with.
  2. It monitors when there are new posts and delivers them to you in one place!

Here’s how you can receive automatic updates to this blog:

1) Use a Reader. Most blogs use RSS (Real Simple Syndication) “feeds” which can be aggregated together and displayed by what’s known as an RSS or Feed Reader. Some examples of free readers are Bloglines, Google Reader, or most of the newer web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari) have readers built in. Readers make it much easier for you to organize the feeds of all of the blogs you follow. If this is something you’d like to explore, you can visit our main swerve feed at http://chrislewisblog.com/feed/.

2) Email Subscription. If you’d rather have new posts delivered to your inbox as an email, you can easily subscribe here or by selecting “Subscribe Now” on the right side of this page and entering your email address on the next page where you have the option to subscribe by email. You will get a confirmation email that you must reply to and then each day you will receive one email with the latest posts.

3) Twitter. For those of you who use twitter…I recently started a twitter that you can follow at http://www.twitter.com/lewischris. You can get text messages or instant messages each time something new is posted to swerve.

By using a reader or subscribing to your favorite blogs by email or twitter, you can save a ton of time…which can free up more of your time to interact with others or explore and learn from other blogs.

1 Comment | Personal - Chris, Useless Information - Chris | Permalink
Posted by Chris Lewis

Hillsong’s new album and Michael Guglielmucci hoax

August 21, 2008
Michael Guglielmucci picture

Michael Guglielmucci singing Healer

I just read this new article (includes video) early this morning and I immediately had a couple of thoughts. In summary, let me give you the basic details:

Hillsong released the song Healer on their latest album. At a Hillsong service, Michael Guglielmucci performed the song while wearing an oxygen tank. He said the song was inspired after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As it turns out, he was never diagnosed with cancer. It may be that his own family was not aware of the deception.

This song has been used to draw many people to Jesus in spite of the circumstances or motives that led to its writing. In fact, a couple of months ago, I sent an email to our entire staff at WAC after I saw the live performance. It is incredibly moving.

I was reminded as I learned the news of this story that God can be glorified through less than glorious circumstances. Truth can be communicated even through people who are untruthful.

Phil 1:18 says “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”

TAKEAWAY: The motives of an individual do not take away from the Truth about a Sovereign God! He really is THE HEALER – the healer of sickness, disease, brokenness, hatred, unforgiveness, jealousy, debt, past failures, and ultimately death itself!

** Pray for Michael Guglielmucci and his family during this difficult time. It is my understanding he is undergoing counseling for this situation and he could certainly use the support of The Church as he seeks ”Healing” in this situation.

4 Comments | Faith, Miracles, My Thoughts - Chris, Worship | Permalink
Posted by Chris Lewis

Hamas Muslim converts to Christ!

August 18, 2008

This is a big deal! This guy is the son of one of the leading Sheiks in Hamas who trusted Jesus with his life – LITERALLY!

Man – we need to be thankful for the freedom we have here in America – but we also need to realize that those around us desperately need to experience life and freedom in Christ just like this guy!

Leave a Comment » | Evangelism | Permalink
Posted by Chris Lewis

Back from vacation…

August 18, 2008
Family in the lake.

Gracie, Chris, Tab, Topher, and Marybeth

I have been MIA for the last 10 days on a totally relaxing vacation with my family.  Sorry about not posting prior to the trip.  We ended up not having any web access.

After this refreshing hiatus, I will be back to regular posting this week.  God has stirred a lot of things in me lately and I can’t wait to share them with you!

Leave a Comment » | Family, Personal - Chris | Permalink
Posted by Chris Lewis

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