I know what they mean in this article, but these guys need to get a clue.
First and foremost—they need to READ the Bible. I’m willing to wager a lot of these guys are like me and haven’t really cracked it open to read since Sunday school days. I read through the Gospels again as an adult, and it was a completely different experience. The thing that probably stood out most to me was the constant mischaracterization of Jesus. Paintings portray Him as a big-haired, doe-eyed Bee Gees impersonator. People who don’t know anything about Him talk of His love and compassion and His “teachings” (all in very vague generalities, of course). Jesus—in the Bible—is a no-nonsense, fearless guy. Some of the things He said and where He said them and who He said them to....imagine climbing the podium at the DNC and decrying homosexuality, abortion, and any/all social welfare. You’d be lucky if you escaped alive. Jesus did this consistently for years.
Then, look at the punishment he endured. For an excellent visual reference, see “The Passion of The Christ.” Who can know this stuff and feel that Jesus is wimpy and girly?
Another thing that a lot of people respond to is consequences of our actions. There are many people out there who have been blessed with the actual vision (and sometimes actual experiences) of Hell and Heaven. If you don’t believe that at least some of them are real, then you wouldn’t believe in Heaven and Hell anyway, so it’s not like you’re totally losing people. Lay it out there. “This is what you face, or this is what you COULD have—it’s up to you and which path you wish to walk. Here’s how...” Churches are too often caught up in an almost ethereal mysticism with regards to Scripture.
Some of the best churches I’ve been to do an outstanding job as well of relating Scripture to actual life issues, most notably finances. It was a LONG time before I went to a church that actually taught why you should tithe, and how that can directly impact your well-being.
Biblical literacy, clear consequences, real-life applications. Churches that do this, unapologetically, in a “take it or leave it” fashion will draw plenty of folks. Churches that try to compromise are going to lose them.
I’m once again readng through the Bible and am in Judges. Talk about blood, gore, masculinity, and war! Wow, it’s sometimes difficult to read. (I’m female.) Both Old and New Testaments are inspired Scripture, so we have to read and understand it in totality. The artists’ renditions of a sissified Jesus and disciples are just plain fiction. It was no wimp who braided the whip, upturned the tables, and ran the moneychangers out of the temple. Most of us couldn’t endure ONE DAY of what those early disciples, apostles, and Believers did.