Like Jesus, he lives a Jewish lifestyle - eating only kosher food and praying from the Hebrew scriptures. As Jesus did, he eats (and drinks!) with people who were far from being religious - and often had very meaningful conversations with them. He also follows the teachings of Jesus and repeatedly reads the Gospels throughout the year.
He tells the story of a friend of his - a youth pastor at a local church who joined him in his quest. "But he only lasted a few weeks. He told me:
"I can't keep this up. I work at a church full-time - so I can't live like Jesus."
Doesn't that say so much about church life?
We talk about "discipleship" - continually becoming more Christlike in our lifestyle and actions. But if someone (who's paid to help us do that) actually tried doing it in a meaningful way, they would either find it incompatible with church life or be removed from their position. The author continues,
"In the evangelical church we focus on attending services, teaching Sunday school, becoming an elder or deacon, singing in the choir, getting involved in a small group and exercising our spiritual gifts for the benefit of the body. Almost everything we do is focussed on ourselves."
He's not against these activities but refers to Jesus saying that "healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do".
"Throughout this year, as I've tried to eat and drink with those who were outside the church, something interesting has happened. I'm beginning to feel more comfortable with those who don't know the Lord than I am with those who do know the Lord. Those who don't know the Lord are much less judgemental. They are open to new ideas."
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