McCain Endorses Calif. Initiative to Protect Marriage

servant424 »

Fri Jun 27, 2008 5:48 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 2

Finally, McCain is doing at least a little something to encourage the voter base that can get him elected. I'm pleased to see it, although he had my vote anyway - admittedly, however, it is a vote against the ultra-liberal policies of the Democratic party, regardless of its candidate, rather than a strong ballot for this representative of the GOP. However: while I believe it is our responsibility before God to be involved in the governing of our society, at all levels, electing a president or a party is not the answer to our problems. Repentance on behalf of those who claim to follow Jesus Christ and a return to the Biblical morals and values on which this country was founded is. Only a God-ordained, Spirit-led true revival will ultimately make a difference in this country - we are under the righteous judgment of a Holy God. Just like the cartoons say - "Repent, for the end is near." Our glorious King approaches - but the apostate church is turning its head and looking elsewhere for deliverance. Lord God, rend the heavens and come down!

Chuck Colson Diagnoses 'Heart' of Church Problem

servant424 »

Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:58 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 0

Thanks, Quecat - and to one and all. You are right -in fact, all of you make very valid points. I'm new to all this - have never participated in blogs, comments postings, etc. - didn't know this site existed until a week ago. It IS a huge help to read the thoughts and learn from the wisdom of other like-minded believers - and yes, it is also very helpful to hear comments from those who may not agree. Swords need to be sharpened to be effective - and while the Sword of the Lord doesn't need sharpened, my use of it certainly does!

Again, thanks to one and all -

Chuck Colson Diagnoses 'Heart' of Church Problem

servant424 »

Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:15 pm Agree: 6   Disagree: 0

I couldn't agree more - and I'm certain that most who read the article and/or take time to comment will concur. My concern is - what are we going to do about it? Are those of us reading this site, listening and responding to other Biblical apologists, teachers, sermons, websites (Josh McDowell, Ravi Zacharias, Christian Worldview Network, etc.) actually making a difference in our "little corner of the world?" Are we ourselves teaching - discipling - either in classes or one-on-one mentoring relationships? Are we so busy gathering articles and information that support us in our own beliefs that we are not actively engaged in our individual churches and neighborhoods? I know that I certainly have that tendency - I love to study and learn and am known in my circle as a well-informed and Bibically literate Christian - but I've been woefully lethargic about searching for ways to disciple others. That requires "getting your hands dirty" - getting down in the trenches where our neighbors and yes, even our church family, live painful, often hidden lives.

Colson is right - Jesus' commandment is to "make disciples, teaching them to observe all things." It's a word I speak first to me, but I challenge others - make certain that we who are aware of and concerned about the apostasy that is rapidly gaining such a stronghold in our American culture are equally concerned about (and actively teaching - and living ) the truth of the Word Made Flesh.

That being said - it has been a real validation to me to discover that there are others across the country who believe as I do - that the rampant apostasy prophesied for the last days is already here. We are about out of time - and I for one am asking God to burden me with the emotional realization that these "end times" means most of the people I know personally are headed for hell. Break my heart, Lord - and strengthen me for the task of speaking the Word into their lives and serving them with heart and hands directed and empowered by Your Spirit.

Where Do Preaching and Culture Meet?

servant424 »

Tue Apr 08, 2008 12:09 pm Agree: 5   Disagree: 0

Amen and amen to the comments of Evans and Batterson. In our sincere efforts over the past decade to reach an increasingly hostile and Biblically illiterate culture, we have watered down the Gospel to a "feel good, be happy, Jesus loves you" message. However, the Word - Old Testament and New - clearly illustrates that the God's amazing grace and love can only truly be understood and accepted - and eternally change lives - when they are presented side-by-side with the Holy God Who hates sin with a judgmental wrath. We are under His wrath unless and until we accept His grace provision of Jesus Christ. Music styles, dress codes, service times, and much more can be altered to "fit" today's culture and attempt to attract the lost - but the message must not be compromised. We've tried - it didn't work. We now have churches full of undiscipled and, in many cases, unconverted attendees whose lives and lifestyles attest to that fact. It is God and His Word that never changes - and it is only the Word of God, through His Spirit, that has the power to reach the lost, regardless of their culture.