Last month in London the British Humanist Association launched an advertisement campaign on London Buses with this message: “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” As unbelievable as it is sad that such an ad could come from where Christianity had such deep roots, the fact remains that Christianity is rapidly loosing ground in European countries. Churches and Cathedrals sit mostly empty. Some estimates say that as few as 5% of the people have any connection to a church. Oh, well, that’s across the “pond” and has little to do with America.
Tragically, America is hot on the heels of our European counterparts. “Ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake," will appear on Washington, D.C., buses starting next week and running through December. The American Humanist Association unveiled the provocative $40,000 holiday ad campaign Tuesday.” Now, this is truly remarkable, is it not? It is not just London buses; it’s Washington, D.C. buses! I suggest you go to WWW.FOXNEWS.COM and read the article entitled ‘Why Believe in God?’ Ad Campaign launches on D.C. Buses.
I hope as you read it that you sit back and ask yourself ‘What is America coming to?’ and as you ask it I hope you will also ask what can be done about the growing secularization of America? Whatever conclusions you draw, here is one that seems we can not miss. Christians have got to stop being silent! We need to, in love, show our friends and acquaintances that there are valid reasons to believe in God. For your edification take some time to meditate on Psalm 115 as a means of solidifying in your mind that there is a God and that our God is unlike the idols man worships.
The approaching Christmas season provides an ideal time to make the greatness of our God known to others. Use the words ‘Merry Christmas’ and not ‘Happy Holidays.’ Quit worrying about offending somebody! Send Christmas cards with a message about Christ. Speak up for Him in conversations at work and company parties. When it comes to a growing secularization in our land, silence is not golden!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Our Nation Has Spoken
After what has seemingly been an unending campaign (I recall watching the first Democratic debate in July 2007) we now have a President-Elect. While I disagree with the positions of Mr. Obama on abortion and the definition of family and the war against terrorism, he is our President-Elect and his achievement is deserving of our congratulations. My political differences and the differences in our values do not change the fact that I am still called upon by Scripture to pray for him. He will be the President and our duty as Christians is to pray.
For those that disagree with him, I would also say that we will do absolutely no good complaining about his being elected. This election will be discussed and debated and analyzed from every possible direction. Regardless of which man was elected, mean spirited and critical comments would be made. Without a doubt there will be those types of comments made about Mr. Obama. May derogatory and condescending remarks not come from the lips of those that claim to be disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. Unbelievers around us will watch our actions and listen to our words. He has been elected to the highest office in the land and his historic victory commends our respect for him as our President. While we have legitimate areas of disagreement and cause for concern on fundamental issues we dare not fall into the trap of a sharp and critical tongue toward him. This shows a lack of respect for the office and worse yet, a lack of understanding of the injunctions of Scripture. Consider these passages from God’s Word:
Romans 13:1-2
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."
1 Timothy 2:1-2
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
In addition to supporting the new President through our prayers and actions the results of this election should call out to the church to redouble our efforts and deepen our commitment to personal evangelism and discipleship and apologetics. Why do I say that? Beyond the popular vote and the electoral vote was a vote about worldview. A worldview is one’s philosophy that provides an approach to understanding God and man and how man relates to God and the world. President-Elect Obama received 52.33% of the popular vote while Senator McCain received 46.38%. There is a rather clear difference of worldviews in our great nation. May the church be more committed than ever to follow the command of 1 Peter 3:14-17, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
As we face troubling days let us be marked as men and women who know and love truth. Let us be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have in Christ. Let us show respect to those with whom we differ.
Our nation has spoken. Now, we must speak to the nation one by one. By the way, is that not what we were supposed to be doing all along anyway? Did not our Lord instruct us to make disciples? This is not a time for Christians to complain but rather a call to make known our Lord’s name to those in our circle of influence. Our nation has spoken, now may believers within this great nation speak the message of new life through a saving relationship with Christ.
For those that disagree with him, I would also say that we will do absolutely no good complaining about his being elected. This election will be discussed and debated and analyzed from every possible direction. Regardless of which man was elected, mean spirited and critical comments would be made. Without a doubt there will be those types of comments made about Mr. Obama. May derogatory and condescending remarks not come from the lips of those that claim to be disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. Unbelievers around us will watch our actions and listen to our words. He has been elected to the highest office in the land and his historic victory commends our respect for him as our President. While we have legitimate areas of disagreement and cause for concern on fundamental issues we dare not fall into the trap of a sharp and critical tongue toward him. This shows a lack of respect for the office and worse yet, a lack of understanding of the injunctions of Scripture. Consider these passages from God’s Word:
Romans 13:1-2
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."
1 Timothy 2:1-2
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
In addition to supporting the new President through our prayers and actions the results of this election should call out to the church to redouble our efforts and deepen our commitment to personal evangelism and discipleship and apologetics. Why do I say that? Beyond the popular vote and the electoral vote was a vote about worldview. A worldview is one’s philosophy that provides an approach to understanding God and man and how man relates to God and the world. President-Elect Obama received 52.33% of the popular vote while Senator McCain received 46.38%. There is a rather clear difference of worldviews in our great nation. May the church be more committed than ever to follow the command of 1 Peter 3:14-17, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
As we face troubling days let us be marked as men and women who know and love truth. Let us be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have in Christ. Let us show respect to those with whom we differ.
Our nation has spoken. Now, we must speak to the nation one by one. By the way, is that not what we were supposed to be doing all along anyway? Did not our Lord instruct us to make disciples? This is not a time for Christians to complain but rather a call to make known our Lord’s name to those in our circle of influence. Our nation has spoken, now may believers within this great nation speak the message of new life through a saving relationship with Christ.
Monday, November 3, 2008
What an Opportunity!
Who could deny that we are living in challenging days? Political corruption, economic crisis, and global conflict dominate the news. The problems before us are greater than our ability to correct. We can not vote our way out, buy our way out, or maneuver our way out. People are disturbed. There is a prevailing sense that troublesome times are ahead. Young and old alike are perplexed by the increasing confusion around us.
The church of the Lord Jesus Christ alone can hold forth the one answer for the ills of our day. The answer is a Person and the effective work of that One. Our precious Lord Jesus Christ is that One Person and His saving work is the one answer that we are to hold forth. The opportunities are all around us to do as Paul exhorted us in Philippians 2:15-16 to “…be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life…”
My personal desire for my life and for those that I pastor is that we are indeed living blameless and innocent lives. This is not a result of works but a life of grace that flows from the cross. As we live in abiding fellowship with Him through repentance and faith and daily yielding up our all to Him- His life flows through us.
It is true- these are challenging days. But it is also true that we have a confirmed message. “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10) For this reason, we should “…encourage one another, and build up one another…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Realize too that our being built up is not just for our benefit but also for reaching out to others. In these days, men are seeking truth and are searching for hope. May we be ready to offer the only remedy for the pains of our day- the message of the cross and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ!
The church of the Lord Jesus Christ alone can hold forth the one answer for the ills of our day. The answer is a Person and the effective work of that One. Our precious Lord Jesus Christ is that One Person and His saving work is the one answer that we are to hold forth. The opportunities are all around us to do as Paul exhorted us in Philippians 2:15-16 to “…be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life…”
My personal desire for my life and for those that I pastor is that we are indeed living blameless and innocent lives. This is not a result of works but a life of grace that flows from the cross. As we live in abiding fellowship with Him through repentance and faith and daily yielding up our all to Him- His life flows through us.
It is true- these are challenging days. But it is also true that we have a confirmed message. “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10) For this reason, we should “…encourage one another, and build up one another…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Realize too that our being built up is not just for our benefit but also for reaching out to others. In these days, men are seeking truth and are searching for hope. May we be ready to offer the only remedy for the pains of our day- the message of the cross and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ!
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