The April 13th issue of Newsweek featured a cover with the blaring headline: “The End of Christian America.” The title was not a question but a declaration. A subheading for the story stated, “The percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen 10 points in the past two decades.”
An old axiom reminds us that he who defines the terms wins the debate. Whether the article represents reality is entirely predicated upon how one understands the descriptive “Christian nation.” If the predominant religious make-up of a nation determines its label, then assuredly we remain a Christian nation.
76% of Americans still identify themselves as Christians, rendering comparatively insignificant the 1.2% Jewish and 0.6 % Muslim segments. India’s identity as a Hindu nation is never questioned, despite Hindus comprising just over 80% of the population.
One cannot escape the sense that Newsweek made its case with some relish. Indeed, many in the secular media choose to portray conservative Christians as being out-of-touch with the sophisticated worldview of 21st century humanity, one which assumes that there is no such thing as absolute truth. Christianity’s exclusive claims are abhorrent to those who relativize all beliefs and lifestyles.
There is no denying that the influence of the Christian worldview, so formative in the founding of our nation, has been in decline. If present patterns continue, we will follow in the footsteps of Western Europe where Christianity has dwindled to merely a sideshow to the dominant secularism.
But the sleeping giant of American Christianity is slowly awakening. The theme for a major national conference this summer is “The Great Reversal: How Christians Will Change the Future”—the third such annual event in this series (see Americanvision.org). Despite the prognosis that the impact of Christianity in the U.S. has been relegated to the dustbin of history, a groundswell of revival is calling our nation back to her spiritual roots. It remains but wishful thinking for the enemies of the faith to declare the era of Christian influence in America over.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Superior Weaponry
The nations of the world are in a ceaseless struggle to achieve military strength and ultimately superiority. Nearly every day we hear news of some nation testing a new missile or another pursuing nuclear weapons. The U.S. has followed a doctrine of peace through strength, of achieving overwhelming military dominance, thereby deterring others from taking offensive action against us.
The Bible speaks to the role of superior weaponry in the familiar story of David vs. Goliath. The shepherd boy defeated the veteran warrior--not through an overwhelming display of strength but because of his unwavering confidence that God’s power would bring him victory.
As the Israeli army quaked in fear with their impotent king, David answers Goliath’s defiant words with the following: “The battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
A timeless lesson from this story is that the Almighty is not limited to human firepower in granting victory. Goliath fell because God inspired a boy to trust him and guided his sling-impelled stone to its deadly mark.
Today in America we face giant challenges to our moral and economic integrity. The circumstances appear to be so overwhelming that there is little we can do but submit. Despair can be immobilizing, the apparent disparity of strength paralyzing.
But we who know God must remember the lesson of David. The Lord delights in using the efforts of the weak and “outgunned” so that His name and power are justly honored when deliverance comes. Let us be encouraged to step out in faith and take action to resist the will of the “giants” in our land. The battle is not lost. Rather, it is time for the people of God to rise to the occasion and recognize that ultimately His power will prevail.
This ancient story does not teach pacifism. Instead, faithful men are called to utilize whatever means at their disposal, recognizing that victory ultimately comes through divine intervention.
The Bible speaks to the role of superior weaponry in the familiar story of David vs. Goliath. The shepherd boy defeated the veteran warrior--not through an overwhelming display of strength but because of his unwavering confidence that God’s power would bring him victory.
As the Israeli army quaked in fear with their impotent king, David answers Goliath’s defiant words with the following: “The battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
A timeless lesson from this story is that the Almighty is not limited to human firepower in granting victory. Goliath fell because God inspired a boy to trust him and guided his sling-impelled stone to its deadly mark.
Today in America we face giant challenges to our moral and economic integrity. The circumstances appear to be so overwhelming that there is little we can do but submit. Despair can be immobilizing, the apparent disparity of strength paralyzing.
But we who know God must remember the lesson of David. The Lord delights in using the efforts of the weak and “outgunned” so that His name and power are justly honored when deliverance comes. Let us be encouraged to step out in faith and take action to resist the will of the “giants” in our land. The battle is not lost. Rather, it is time for the people of God to rise to the occasion and recognize that ultimately His power will prevail.
This ancient story does not teach pacifism. Instead, faithful men are called to utilize whatever means at their disposal, recognizing that victory ultimately comes through divine intervention.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Making It to Heaven
Most people hope to make it to Heaven. Regardless of how much fun you might be having now, there is an inherent recognition that life will eventually end. But many wish to delay departure for as long as possible. As a popular country song puts it, “Everybody wanna go to Heaven, but nobody wanna go now.” For every person, however, the time to pass on will come.
Assuming you wish to enter Heaven’s gate, how will you get there? Understandably, there are some very diverse opinions on this subject. We know that God is holy, just, merciful, and good. Hence, it seems perfectly logical that to be granted an eternal home in Heaven one must strive to be as good as possible during one’s years on earth.
Indeed, a survey of 1000 randomly selected adults last year confirmed this perspective as dominant. Only 28% were convinced that it is impossible for someone to earn their way into Heaven through good behavior.
The critical flaw in this perspective, however, is that it is God who determines the qualifications for residency in Heaven, not human reasoning. He has spoken decisively on the subject: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” Thus the door to Heaven is opened by the work of God Himself in changing the human soul and imparting spiritual life. Through the work of Christ, God grants saving grace. The changed soul responds by embracing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Don’t be deluded into thinking that you can achieve sufficient goodness through your own efforts. God doesn’t grade on a curve. The required perfection for heavenly citizenship comes only through the merit of His Son, Jesus. The necessity of the crucifixion points to the inability of humans to be saved apart from Christ and His work.
Assuming you wish to enter Heaven’s gate, how will you get there? Understandably, there are some very diverse opinions on this subject. We know that God is holy, just, merciful, and good. Hence, it seems perfectly logical that to be granted an eternal home in Heaven one must strive to be as good as possible during one’s years on earth.
Indeed, a survey of 1000 randomly selected adults last year confirmed this perspective as dominant. Only 28% were convinced that it is impossible for someone to earn their way into Heaven through good behavior.
The critical flaw in this perspective, however, is that it is God who determines the qualifications for residency in Heaven, not human reasoning. He has spoken decisively on the subject: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” Thus the door to Heaven is opened by the work of God Himself in changing the human soul and imparting spiritual life. Through the work of Christ, God grants saving grace. The changed soul responds by embracing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Don’t be deluded into thinking that you can achieve sufficient goodness through your own efforts. God doesn’t grade on a curve. The required perfection for heavenly citizenship comes only through the merit of His Son, Jesus. The necessity of the crucifixion points to the inability of humans to be saved apart from Christ and His work.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Prudent Investing
We are told that, since the 2008 general election, three trillion dollars have evaporated from investment portfolios across the country. Retirement accounts have been decimated, causing no small degree of consternation among those concerned about preparing for the future. The pattern continues.
What should a prudent investor do in these turbulent and distressing times? Which investments are likely to pay off in the long term? Which are most likely to appreciate or at least maintain their buying power in the face of a severe recession or worse? If you investigate these matters you will find a spectrum of responses proposed by financial gurus and money managers. Whom should you trust? Which advice is worth risking your future financial solvency by following its prescription? There are no easy answers.
The fact is, however, there is a capital depletion of far greater consequence than the precipitous decline on Wall Street. If we desire America to prosper in the long term, it is vital that we rebuild her spiritual capital. For, without such a foundation, we are headed for crises that will dwarf the current economic turbulence.
During the Great Depression times were economically tough, but the moral fabric of the nation prevented widespread chaos. Today, we have lost much of the spiritual foundation that once held communities together. Weekly church attendance, as one indicator, has been steadily declining. In 1990, 20.4 percent worshipped weekly in church. In 2007 the figure dropped to 17 percent. And it is projected to be just 10 percent by 2050. Our society has become secularized and relativized to the point that many no longer believe in objective truth.
While the importance of a free market, sound money, and a government that fulfills only its God-given mandate are important, they pale in significance to the spiritual values of our civilization. Christians must be busy recapitalizing true faith and character. From the right spiritual capital will eventually flow the economic stability we all desire.
What should a prudent investor do in these turbulent and distressing times? Which investments are likely to pay off in the long term? Which are most likely to appreciate or at least maintain their buying power in the face of a severe recession or worse? If you investigate these matters you will find a spectrum of responses proposed by financial gurus and money managers. Whom should you trust? Which advice is worth risking your future financial solvency by following its prescription? There are no easy answers.
The fact is, however, there is a capital depletion of far greater consequence than the precipitous decline on Wall Street. If we desire America to prosper in the long term, it is vital that we rebuild her spiritual capital. For, without such a foundation, we are headed for crises that will dwarf the current economic turbulence.
During the Great Depression times were economically tough, but the moral fabric of the nation prevented widespread chaos. Today, we have lost much of the spiritual foundation that once held communities together. Weekly church attendance, as one indicator, has been steadily declining. In 1990, 20.4 percent worshipped weekly in church. In 2007 the figure dropped to 17 percent. And it is projected to be just 10 percent by 2050. Our society has become secularized and relativized to the point that many no longer believe in objective truth.
While the importance of a free market, sound money, and a government that fulfills only its God-given mandate are important, they pale in significance to the spiritual values of our civilization. Christians must be busy recapitalizing true faith and character. From the right spiritual capital will eventually flow the economic stability we all desire.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Obama Beats Jesus
As shocking as that declaration may be to some people, it is precisely the headline that appeared in news outlets recently. The full statement is: Obama beats Jesus as American ‘hero.’ The story is based upon the results of a new Harris poll asking citizens to name the person they admired enough to call their No. 1 hero. The 2,634 respondents spontaneously named the person for whom they had the highest regard.
In 2001 an identical poll was taken. The top two then were Jesus Christ and Martin Luther King. Obama had yet to make his appearance on the national scene.
For the record, this is not a political issue. I would be equally incensed if the poll had found that any other politician had replaced Jesus in the top spot.
As Christians, we regard Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of God who came to save His people from their sins. He certainly deserves higher status than merely being considered a “hero.” But the fact that a poll finds that more Americans have a greater regard for Barak Obama than Jesus Christ is not insignificant.
Jesus is the only person who ever fully achieved His billing as a great man and the Savior of the world. None who believe in Him will ever be disappointed. In contrast, President Obama’s sky-high approval numbers have already begun a significant decline. He cannot live up to the messianic aura that has surrounded his candidacy and early presidency. He is only human; he will make mistakes; he will disappoint.
We must resist the mass frenzy that places any mere human on too exalted a pedestal. We are called to pray for our civil leaders, but we are commanded to worship Jesus Christ.
A poll is simply a tool to gauge public opinion. In this case, the Harris poll reveals an ominous trend that will lead to regret and disillusionment.
In 2001 an identical poll was taken. The top two then were Jesus Christ and Martin Luther King. Obama had yet to make his appearance on the national scene.
For the record, this is not a political issue. I would be equally incensed if the poll had found that any other politician had replaced Jesus in the top spot.
As Christians, we regard Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of God who came to save His people from their sins. He certainly deserves higher status than merely being considered a “hero.” But the fact that a poll finds that more Americans have a greater regard for Barak Obama than Jesus Christ is not insignificant.
Jesus is the only person who ever fully achieved His billing as a great man and the Savior of the world. None who believe in Him will ever be disappointed. In contrast, President Obama’s sky-high approval numbers have already begun a significant decline. He cannot live up to the messianic aura that has surrounded his candidacy and early presidency. He is only human; he will make mistakes; he will disappoint.
We must resist the mass frenzy that places any mere human on too exalted a pedestal. We are called to pray for our civil leaders, but we are commanded to worship Jesus Christ.
A poll is simply a tool to gauge public opinion. In this case, the Harris poll reveals an ominous trend that will lead to regret and disillusionment.
Monday, February 9, 2009
A Positive Lesson from MLB
With Super Bowl XLIII now history, some us look forward to the start of Major League Baseball. Unfortunately, most of the news about MLB recently has been bad. Some of the game’s biggest stars have become tainted with allegations of steroid use. But let me wash away those sordid stories with one of great inspiration and instruction.
Back in the mid 80s Tim Burke started pitching for the Montreal Expos. Burke set a National League record with 78 appearances in his rookie year in 1985 and won his first eight major league decisions. By 1987 he became the leader of the Expos’ bullpen, going 7-0, with 18 saves and an outstanding ERA of 1.19. He was voted to the NL all-star team in 1989 when he saved 28 games and went 9-3 for the season.
When Tim and his wife discovered that they were unable to have children, after much prayer, they decided to adopt four, special-needs children: two from Korea, one from Vietnam, and one from Guatemala.
As a consequence of his growing family, after considerable prayer and soul-searching, Tim made what many considered an unbelievable decision. He decided to walk away from his baseball career. You see, he had discovered that the travel involved in professional baseball significantly hampered his ability to fulfill his roles as husband and father.
When he left the stadium for the last time, reporters asked why he was retiring. “Baseball is going to do just fine without me,” he said. “It’s not going to miss a beat. But I’m the only father my children have. I’m the only husband my wife has. And they need me a lot more than baseball does.”
Tim Burke’s decision had eternal consequences. He chose to honor His God-given responsibilities and forsake a career that offered wealth and fame, but at the expense of his family. Burke is thus a powerful role model for today’s conflicted world.
Back in the mid 80s Tim Burke started pitching for the Montreal Expos. Burke set a National League record with 78 appearances in his rookie year in 1985 and won his first eight major league decisions. By 1987 he became the leader of the Expos’ bullpen, going 7-0, with 18 saves and an outstanding ERA of 1.19. He was voted to the NL all-star team in 1989 when he saved 28 games and went 9-3 for the season.
When Tim and his wife discovered that they were unable to have children, after much prayer, they decided to adopt four, special-needs children: two from Korea, one from Vietnam, and one from Guatemala.
As a consequence of his growing family, after considerable prayer and soul-searching, Tim made what many considered an unbelievable decision. He decided to walk away from his baseball career. You see, he had discovered that the travel involved in professional baseball significantly hampered his ability to fulfill his roles as husband and father.
When he left the stadium for the last time, reporters asked why he was retiring. “Baseball is going to do just fine without me,” he said. “It’s not going to miss a beat. But I’m the only father my children have. I’m the only husband my wife has. And they need me a lot more than baseball does.”
Tim Burke’s decision had eternal consequences. He chose to honor His God-given responsibilities and forsake a career that offered wealth and fame, but at the expense of his family. Burke is thus a powerful role model for today’s conflicted world.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Needed: A Spiritual Stimulus Package
For months we have heard the call for a strong economic stimulus package to “get our economy moving again.” A proposal to supposedly do just that is making its way through Congress. Partisan debate is questioning or praising the merits of this legislation, as government efforts so far have clearly been ineffective.
We are being bombarded with reports that the present economic malaise is unprecedented, at least since the Great Depression. Unemployment is worsening every week, it seems, as big-name corporations, and the business down the street, reduce their payrolls to deal with the recession and declining worldwide demand.
These tumultuous economic times should drive individuals, and the nation, to recognize that there are issues in life of greater consequence than the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the Gross National Product.
How serious are we about repenting of our sin before God? Do we regard the worship of God of greater importance than watching the Super Bowl? Do we take seriously God’s directives in Scripture concerning marriage, family, the Sabbath, and preparing for eternity?
The Bible declares, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.” America is in trouble because we serve many gods. The present economic crisis is a symptom of a deeper, spiritual crisis. The ultimate answer will not be found in job creation and tax cuts but in humility and repentance.
Americans’ greatest need is for a paradigm shift produced by spiritual conversion. Rather than serving the god of economic prosperity our chief purpose should be to glorify our Creator. The deficit of greatest consequence these days is not government overspending but the lack of spiritual vitality. With the right God in focus, the economy will take care of itself.
When our churches are full of people seeking the Lord Jesus Christ we will have turned a corner. Until then, we can expect the consequences of the spirituality deficit to compound. Stimulating the soul of America is our greatest need.
We are being bombarded with reports that the present economic malaise is unprecedented, at least since the Great Depression. Unemployment is worsening every week, it seems, as big-name corporations, and the business down the street, reduce their payrolls to deal with the recession and declining worldwide demand.
These tumultuous economic times should drive individuals, and the nation, to recognize that there are issues in life of greater consequence than the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the Gross National Product.
How serious are we about repenting of our sin before God? Do we regard the worship of God of greater importance than watching the Super Bowl? Do we take seriously God’s directives in Scripture concerning marriage, family, the Sabbath, and preparing for eternity?
The Bible declares, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.” America is in trouble because we serve many gods. The present economic crisis is a symptom of a deeper, spiritual crisis. The ultimate answer will not be found in job creation and tax cuts but in humility and repentance.
Americans’ greatest need is for a paradigm shift produced by spiritual conversion. Rather than serving the god of economic prosperity our chief purpose should be to glorify our Creator. The deficit of greatest consequence these days is not government overspending but the lack of spiritual vitality. With the right God in focus, the economy will take care of itself.
When our churches are full of people seeking the Lord Jesus Christ we will have turned a corner. Until then, we can expect the consequences of the spirituality deficit to compound. Stimulating the soul of America is our greatest need.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)