What Used to be Basic
(This is a continuation of the article from last month, printed with permission of the author. For anything in parentheses, I take responsibility!)
“What used to be basic, universally-known truths about Christianity are now unknown mysteries to a large and growing share of Americans--especially young adults. For instance, Barna Group studies in 2010 showed that while most people regard Easter as a religious holiday, only a minority of adults associate Easter with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” This is foundational. This is pivotal. “The theological free-for-all that is encroaching on Protestant churches nationwide suggests the coming decade will be a time of unparalleled theological diversity and inconsistency.”1 What does this all mean?
(Part 1 stopped here.)
It means that we’re headed in the wrong direction. The further we stray from the principles established by God, the more confused and depraved we become. The lines of immorality have been pushed to the point where it appears there is no shame. (And no limit!) Would our forebears have had any idea of the extent to which society would plummet, both in character and morality, they would most assuredly have made every attempt to safeguard the future of their children.
Does the future lie with progressives (Leftists) who easily adapt and change--or with conservatives who remain faithful to the old paths? Are Christians today basically too mean- -or too cowardly?
Or have we become the church in Laodicea, which back then was considered one of the strongest churches? “Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked….” Revelation 3:16-17.
“With atheists becoming more strategic in championing their godless worldview,…the increasing reticence of Christians to engage in faith-oriented conversations assumes heightened significance.”1 Why would a Christian be reserved about living and sharing his faith in Jesus Christ? Could it be because neither the Word nor the Lord is real to them? And could that be because the doctrine presented to most Christians is hollow, self-contradictory, confusing, bland, or unmotivating? “Christianity has arguably added more value to American culture than any other religion, philosophy, ideology or community. Yet, contemporary Americans are hard pressed to identify any specific value added.”1 There is an urgency for Christians to live Christ-like lives that build trust and point individuals to the Jesus we serve. Why should non-Christians trust Christ, if we do not live loving, humble, obedient, self-sacrificing lives that follow the way of the Master?”
May we be the hands and the feet of Jesus that restore the tranquil appeal of our faith in God. May we show the world the powerful transformation that can take place when Christ gets a hold of us. May we boldly proclaim the wonder of His love, the depth of His mercy, and the richness of His grace. May we live so that society longs for what we have in Jesus Christ. Therein lies the answer to the world’s calamities!
(Well-said! May we be the hands & feet of Jesus Christ. Of course, in a republic this also involves making the best Christ-influenced political choices & letting others know why.) Pastor Geoff "Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory." Timothy 3:14-16