now what?
Did you see the cover of Newsweek a couple week's ago with the headline article, The End of Christian America?
Worth the read. Al Mohler is quoted extensively and offers great insights. . .
While the post-Christian days that confront us are a challenge, I'm convinced that they also offer Christ-followers abundant opportunities. Politics has failed to produce for the church the much-longed for power and influence. Politics has failed to prevent the cultural slide toward secularism. Even as Americans at large now look to the government as their Provider and Savior, it is time for the church to give up its politics idol. So now what?
Now is the time for the church to return to the only thing we really have to offer the world. . . . the good news of Jesus Christ. Let's belief it. Let's talk about it. Let's live it out through humble service.
Our way forward is through service. . . . so come serve with us at our 2nd Annual Serve Day on Saturday, May 16. (Contact Pastor Ken to get involved!)
Christians should and must serve in every area of cultural engagement and profession, including politics, but let us not put our hope and trust in politics, but in the Lord and His kingdom that transcends all earthly kingdoms. Let us not despair. Jesus is the victor. The Gospel wins. The end is sure.
Its a well attested fact that the church is best when she is against the ropes and suffering persecution. That may well be our future lot. There is much in Scripture to sustain our souls when the suffering comes.
National Day of Prayer is next Thursday, May 7. As usual there will be a gathering at the flagpole at City Hall. If you can, come on over and let us pray for our community and country together with other Christians throughout SLO County.
4 comments:
Looking forward to being one of the 400 at Serve Day...isn't it the 16th?
I think you're right, Janice. Thanks for catching that. . . .I've changed it.
Hi Pastor Tim,
I agree that it is both disheartening, and encouraging to read about the "End of Christian America." It's disheartening because we're losing our roots, and as Christians we're bound to only become a more and more marginalized minority. But as you pointed out, it's encouraging because "Its a well attested fact that the church is best when she is against the ropes and suffering persecution." For too long, American Christians have not had to face persecution. I think this lack of persecution has pushed us into mediocrity of our faith. I've heard the American Church compared to the Church of Laodicea in Revelations 3. As a whole, I'd say we're pretty luke-warm.
Biblically, I take heart in passages like James 1, 2 Timothy 3:12, and Matthew 10:28. But there have been a few current (or more recent) events that have also encouraged me:
* The story of Miss California, Carrie Prejean and her decision to stand by her convictions.
* The story of Mary Ann Glendon and her decision to forgo the honor of the Laetare Medal given by Notre Dame University,
* And the story of the former President of In-N-Out Burger, Rich Snyder and his desire to impart a bit of Christianity into the workplace.
I came across these three pieces of news in the last week or so, and they've been greatly encouraging to me.
I hope in light of the "End of Christian America" these give you hope and encouragement as well.
In Christ,
Brian
Good words, Tim...and thanks for pointing me to that article. Speaking from Bosnia, a country that is definitely not Christian in any way, I am reminded that God doesn't need to work his will through a political agenda or even the will of the majority. We pray for more people to understand the life changing truth--not just the popularity or cultural influence--of the Gospel.
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