September 14, 2018
Some
Things Are a Shame, but Not a Shock
The trajectory of our culture and
our country is truly a shame given its powerful Christian heritage. But it is
also not a shock. The Apostle Paul warned us that when people stop worshiping
the Creator and start worshiping the creation things will not go well. (Romans
1) He also warned that it is possible for a person and a culture to sear it
conscience and as such it can then do anything! (1 Timothy 4:2 )
I recently returned from a trip to
California, the state where I was born and raised. The natural beauty still
remains, but the culture has been corroded. It is truly a sensate society, a
culture of carnality and sensuality. The overt homosexuality and covert
attempts of transgender identity changing confirm the truth of Paul, that when
man rejects and suppresses the Truth he then worships the self. (Romans 1)
California is truly a culture of
narcissism. But let's be honest. This is the natural default of all of mankind
apart from a relationship with the Savior. Christians of any culture must
determine to do two things.
- First, we must always heed the words of Paul:
Do not be conformed to this
world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:1-2)
John also added, Beloved, do not love the world or the things of the world for if you love the world the love of the Father is not in you. (I John 2:15)
Make no mistake, we are in a war. As C. S. Lewis reminds us; "Every square inch of the universe is claimed by God and counter-claimed by Satan." This means war!
John also added, Beloved, do not love the world or the things of the world for if you love the world the love of the Father is not in you. (I John 2:15)
Make no mistake, we are in a war. As C. S. Lewis reminds us; "Every square inch of the universe is claimed by God and counter-claimed by Satan." This means war!
- Second, as believers in Jesus we are to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). It does not matter in which state or country you live. Our calling is to bring the good news to a lost and dying world. For it is only Jesus who offers the only durable and reliable message of hope - eternal life.
Let me challenge you and myself to
pray for an opportunity to share the Good News. Might I also challenge us to
look for the opportunity... and might I challenge us all to take the
opportunity when we see it.
Serving Him with you
Until
He comes for us,
Fred