A Tragic Proof of the Accuracy of the Bible

Two news items on violent crime Sunday turned my stomach. There are other places to read about the terrible nature of these crimes but they were particularly heinous. A gunman kills eight people in a North Carolina nursing home. And, in a Boston suburb, a 23 year old man turns on his family, brutally kills two of his sisters before being gunned down by police officers. The violence was directed toward those that were completely defenseless. A 17 and 5 year old in the incident in Boston; the victims in North Carolina ranged from age 78-98. The age of one nurse that was killed was not released.

These horrible stories only attest to the truthfulness of the Word of God. Jesus said in Mark 7:21 “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts…murder…” and in Isaiah 1:5-6 we read “…The whole head is sick and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it…” Both the Old and New Testament remind us of the fact that man’s fundamental problem is a sin problem which affects his total being.

One should have no problem grasping something of the meaning of total depravity with news stories such as those I referenced. Neither should one demand for a long list of evidences for the Bible’s accuracy. The manuscript and archaeological evidence is clear. But, so are the news headlines. Just something to think about.

Snow and Young Adults

Sunday was a great day for many reasons. The music was great. A good number of people were in church in both of our morning services including guest. I was excited about the message from Romans 13 on the Christian and Government. One of our men brought a friend that has recently affirmed his faith in Christ. What a blessing it was when this man presented himself as a candidate for believers baptism at the conclusion of the service. The church appropriately broke into applause as he was introduced. But, there was more excitement to come as the second service ended- snow!

Snow was falling and falling fast; not a typical Georgia snow but a snow like our friends from parts north see all the time in the winter. We are talking big flakes of the perfect texture for making snowballs and snow men. Kids and kids at heart were running out of the church so fast it looked like the last day of school. People leaving church that are not from Georgia and have seen snow all their lives must have had a good laugh watching all the excitement. The fun was short lived but snow men were going up on virtually every street.

The snow looks so white and so pure. It brings smiles to the faces of kids and even those who did not play in it could not help but looking at it in amazement. It seemed to do wonders and was the topic of discussion without a doubt.

Here is a thought to ponder on. What would it be like to see people running into church? What if there was something so exciting and so attractive that people were drawn in? Just suppose that what God was doing was the topic of discussion. Just think of what it would be like to see kids and young adults running into the church! In case you have not been paying attention, they aren’t.

According to a Facts and Trends Winter 2009 article, “The number of baptized younger adults in the Southern Baptist Convention is down from about 100,000 to 35,000 in a decade. The trend holds true in other denominations as well.” We are simply not reaching this 18-34 year old age group. Their world is not the same as the world of Andy and Aunt Bee or Ward and June. A significant number of them grew up in broken homes. Depression is as common as the cold. Many never had a single godly mentor. The times they have attended church have not seemed related to the world they live in and not provided answers to the questions they are asking.

What is the answer to this? I like what Ed Stetzer said in the article I mentioned. Making yourself or your church cool will not draw young adults. “The answer is to make your church more godly and true to the Word of God. That is what will draw young adults.” He is right. I for one have not written off young adults. I look forward to the day that we see large numbers of them coming to church and excited to be here!