I wanted to say that i am not afraid of the gospel.Mark i purchased a book this week entitled How to Become a Better You by a Pastor named Joel Olsteen of Lakewood Church.After listening to your sermon again i think i realize that this book is what you described as a Lesser Gosphel. I think I would categorize it as a Self Help Gosphel.I was reading it at work and im about one qaurter done with it and surprisingly im not feeling better but the book started to make me increasingly aggitated.This book is trying to give a crash course in redemption while all the while spouting about your self esteem and confidence and how easy it is for one to feel better by repeating sentences of almost a subliminal nature “im good enough im talented, people like me etc.” THese are all wonderful things to say to one’s self but i think that after listening to you talk again that this book makes me think that it is a perversion of the Gosphel.I am Not Ashamed of the Gosphel.I just thought that you would appreciate this since hearing your sermon for a 2nd time made me see what i was reading fit into exactly into a Lesser Gospel. Ithink ill stick with My Bible for learning how to become a better me.  I hope this message reaches you well Thank You Spring Arbor Free Methodist Devin Morris

posted on March 01, 2008

Thank you for the extensive, unadulterated truth.  From experiece and searching, it is quite remarkable and rare.  On that note, where is the cheering section?  Are ya there yet?  Are ya there yet?
I’m sure you don’t base sermon value or any absorbtion on their feedback - ha. But really!?!
I intend to liven them up one day or be ostracized...but I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GREATEST NEWS!!  Praise God for SAFMC leadership and voice -
I pray for you now Pastor Mark, that whenever you open your mouth, words will continue to be given you so that you keep making known the mystery of the gospel and declare it fearlessly as you should.  Amen.

posted on March 13, 2008