I see at least one of the comparisons made by a commenter above, “WWJD?” to be different in that it is in a sense self-contained. It doesn’t involve words ripped directly out of a scriptural context. And there are many people, some of whom are not Christians, think that Jesus was someone who did good things, and some even strive to emulate his work, whether they claim the label “Christian” or not. (The validity of these things is not my point.)

I don’t feel that I would have found someone wearing one of these shirts to be approachable, when I was not a Christian (once I learned what the letters were, and stood for). I would have believed that they were into advertising that they’re better than me, because they self-identify as Christian. Non-Christians are supposed to see and be drawn to Christ because of the love among Christ-followers.

*I wasn’t cool enough to recognize that there was an “o” lying on its side, so I was reminded of NTW–National Tire Wholesale (the former name of National Tire and Battery).

As others have stated, God has saved thousands through Aurelio’s ministry. Now for me pragmatism isn’t the rule of measure for a ministry because there are many false ministries and teachers who claim thousands of converts. But since my wife works at a C28 and I have personally met Aurelio I know beyond a shadow of doubt that God is being glorified through much of what happens there (not all because no ministry is perfect). They pray for tons of believers who come in as well and encourage them with the scriptures.

C28 is the perfect example of a ministry that is in the world but not of the world. They go to the culture while not sacrificing the preaching of Gospel as so many other churches and ministries do when they feed the poor and never tell them they are sinners in need of a savior. That is tragic. We must do as Jesus did: Go to the culture, love both the rich and the poor, and preach that they must repent and believe to be saved.

In the World (top blade); Not of the World (bottom blade). Our evangelism approach should incorporate both!

Jesus said His desire is not to take us out of the world (impossible), but that we would not be corrupted by the world in the process of presenting the gospel to the unsaved.

He prayed for our protection. And His protection is adequate.

At stake is whether we “insulate” ourselves from worldly influence = very good idea. Or we swing too far and “isolate” ourselves = rather ineffective!

Hope this brings clarity to each of your impassioned posts. Love hearing your heart for God.

By the way, I personally know Aurelio (founder of not of this world) and I fully support his genuine love for God, desire for the unsaved to come to Christ, compassion, and joy. I associate Not of this World, with him. And its a very positive message and brand.

Doug

Just out of curiosity, do you have permission to use the intellectual property of C28 on your webpage or are you simply ripping it off?

Further, I am sure you don’t wish to debate me, that really is no shock. If you want debate you have my e-mail.

It is important to clarify that your “harsh critique” is of the words of Jesus Christ and yes they are used in correct context. You would have no way to know what the context is because you did no research prior to foisting your blather upon the world.

You seem to have missed it the first time so here are the words of Jesus. Pay special attention to the part where it talks about the ones who hate those who are “not of this world” . You may wish to ponder where your hatred is coming from.

I will back up one verse to help you understand the point:

John 15:18-19 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.”(NASB)

So with your hatred, are you sure you are on the right side of this issue?

With regard to your assertion that your attack was not against an individual, consider the following. This phrase, the “incorrect propagation” as you put it, is HIS company and HIS ministry. So yes you are attacking him personally, but not to his face.

I must say I am astounded at your hypocrisy that you of all people would choose to be so critical of a ministry who uses an alternative means to reach out to the hurting.

You know, I find it not only humorous but quite telling the points that you left out of your reply so I will ask you again and expand a bit, let’s just say you are a responsible father of a teen boy. Would you rather have someone telling him to live a holy life, a life different from the world or would you rather your son go hang with porn stars so he won’t appear judgmental? Which ministry is more age appropriate for a teen boy? Tell you what, next time you visit Vegas, why don’t you and your family and friends from Vegas go do some ministry at a brothel. I think it is really important that your kids be involved in your ministry. You want them in the world like you right?

I though not.

I decided to post directly on your page as opposed to slandering behind your back as you see fit to do to to a man of God such as Aurelio Barreto.

I respect your work regarding eliminating the “Character Assassins” in our lives. It is a good thing Aurelio has you to assassinate his character for him. It is such a relief to have men of integrity such as yourself living the Christian life like this.

I am wondering if before you decided to climb up on God’s throne and judge Aurelio and his ministry if you even had the decency to investigate who they are, what they believe and what they do? Did you realize that over 10,000 people have come to Christ just through the ministry of the store? Who cares right? They have no influence in our culture. That question is answered in your blog, you wrote this before even checking it out, real cool.

Next, if you have an issue with him, why not man up and tell him? Not only would that be the thing that a man of character would do but it would be the biblical thing to do. (Mt 18:15)

One more thing to consider, C28 targets teens as the focus of their ministry. I would think you of all people would understand the importance of telling our youth to not be of the world. Would you have teenage boys hanging out with porn stars like you do? Honestly now, how effective would that be?

You as a leader of a “Christian” ministry know your Bible right? So let’s start with your words:
“I think “Not of this World” is a horrific/disastrous message. What is even a greater tragedy is for Christians to be getting excited about these 4 words.”

What I find to be a “horrific/disastrous” thing is that you don’t realize you are slamming the words of Jesus Christ. Yes that is right Mike you did not even take time to see if just maybe Jesus had something figured out that you don’t.

I will lead you and your sycophants who post here to the word, it is possible you have not opened it lately.

John 15:19 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.”(NASB)

You see Mike it is Jesus who has called us out of the world.

How about this one:
John 17:14 “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

It seems Jesus would have worn the shirt or even *gasp* slapped on a bumper sticker.