Avoiding the "D" Word

(from "Stuff Christians Like")

Getting Caught Off Guard By Divorce

I’m married, and if you are too, then statistically speaking, one of us is going to get a divorce.

I’m not writing that to be sensational, but I just want to be clear that it’s a big deal. And I don’t know if we Christians do a very good job of treating it as such.

Look at it this way: if one out of every two neighbors on your street got mauled by a bear, would you be more careful about bears? Would you buy books on how to keep your house safe from bears? Would you carry a gun and bear spray if there were in fact such a thing as bear spray? Probably. Yet, when it comes to divorce, we don’t do many equivalent things. And the ratios are equally as high as that bear scenario.

When was the last time you and your wife visited a counselor for just a tune up? What was the last book the two of you read together to strengthen your marriage? If you have kids, how many dates do you go on every month?

I fail at most of those things, so please don’t read finger-pointing in this post. My wife and I have far more fake dates at home (dinner after the kids are in bed) than real dates and for Valentine’s Day we got each other a hot water heater. It’s a “State Select” model which I’ve been assured is one of the sexier hot water heaters available. The finger is pointed at me. I just think divorce is something we should think about and maybe work on changing in our generation.

p.s. What's the best marriage advice you ever heard? Mine was that "In most relationships there is a "how person" and a "wow person." When the wow person tells the how person 'I've got a crazy idea, we should start a business and then learn how to paint and then go camping, etc, etc, etc, the how person will ask questions like 'where will we get the money for that, what about your job, when would we have the time?' They think they're contributing to the conversation but the wow person often takes it as an attack against the idea. So instead of saying "how" when a wow person comes up with a lot of ideas, the how person should say "wow" because the reality is that the wow person is going to execute maybe 1 out of 100 of the ideas and just wants to share the overflow of ideas with his wife. I'm the wow person in our marriage and my wife is the how. And that simple idea really rocked our world. John Woodall at North Point preached on that once. So what's the best marriage advice you ever heard? ~ Prodigal Jon


Having gone through a divorce myself, I never figured I would be one of the statistics. Just like dieting, everyone has a proven formula that works for them when it comes to avoiding the "D" word. Funny (ok, not really), but when divorce wipes out 21 years of marriage, you suddenly realize all the things you coulda, shoulda, woulda done differently. One can read all the marital books on love, intimacy, compatibility and still not 'get it'. Going to church together, praying together and learning each others 'love language' are not guarantees of success in marriage. Being equally yoked spiritually is a good starting point but this too is not a sure-fire defense against divorce.

You don't wake up one day and suddenly find your marriage in pieces. It's a slow fade. One that often starts with a drifting away into sin & self by one or both. Sadly, some do wake up one day and find that their covenant partner has given in and given up.

I think both see the clues. The question is, what do you do about it? Ignore the problems? Blame the other person? Or, do you remember your vows... "for better, for worse... till death do us part"? More than anything else, marriage survival depends on a covenant. My favorite line from the movie "Fireproof" is "Never leave your partner behind". That says it all. No matter what. The reality of life however is that we all have a sinful, self-centered nature. I sincerely believe this is the root cause behind most divorces regardless of the reasons given by those who leave.

Marriage requires both to make it work but divorce only requires one to give up.

The issue is not the mistakes we make or the faults we have. The issue is recognizing that each will fail to live up to your expectations at some point and that is where "for better or worse" comes in. Imagine if God 'left' us when we failed Him. One of the most common responses I hear from those considering divorce is, "I'm just not happy anymore... God wants me to be happy, right?"

Wrong. God wants us to be faithful; trusting in Him alone for our joy regardless of changing circumstances or feelings. No where in the Bible does God promise us happiness. What He does assure us of is His love for us. Love is His greatest gift to us and the most complex and difficult thing for us to understand. Why? Again, our sinful nature.... focus on self and not others. We can have everything in life and yet, if we have not love, we have nothing...

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails... ~ 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8



~ktf~
John

Who Is Training Our Children?

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. ~ Proverbs 22: 6

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. ~ Ephesians 6: 4

and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ~ 2 Timothy 3: 15


HOME SCHOOLING -vs- PUBLIC SCHOOLING

Many object to homeschooling or private Christian schools based on the fact that God has called us to be “salt” and “light” and to evangelize the world. Ironically, this is precisely why we chose homeschooling.

The Great Commission states: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I command you ” (Matthew 28:19-20, emphasis added). How is this likely apart from Christian education? How can I effectively “make disciples” of my children if I send them off to the government school forty-five to fifty hours per week? The Nehemiah Institute, The National Study of Youth and Religion, and the Barna Report have shown us clearly that our children do not even understand–let alone obey–all that the Lord has commanded. Moreover, how can our children evangelize our government schools if they don’t know what they believe and why they believe it? Not to mention that all of the evidence currently points to the fact that our children are the evangelized, not the evangelists, in our nation’s schools. They are the ones being carried away by every wind of doctrine. . . .

The Nehemiah Institute continues to demonstrate year after year that Christian children in government schools who actually retain anything close to a biblical worldview are the rare exception and not the rule. . . . Let me be clear–I applaud men and women whom God has called to teach in government schools. These people are front-line warriors, and they need to be right where they are. However, there is a big difference between sending fully trained disciples into enemy territory and sending recruits [children] to our enemy’s training camp.

If we do the latter, we shouldn’t be surprised when they come home wearing the enemy’s uniform and charging the hill of our home waving the enemy flag. ~ Voddie Baucham


The school system, be it public or private, should not be the primary source for the training of our children. Nor should this be left up to the church. Discipling our children must begin in the home. When it comes to teaching them the things of God, parents have the unique responsibility of teaching through the Word and by living out the Christian life. From an early age, a child should hear about the Gospel in order that their hearts will be open to the Holy Spirit. Children are not taught to sin... it's built in. This is exactly why they need to understand things like sin, God's wrath, hell, repentance, forgiveness, faith and the significance of the Cross. To simply teach them "God is love" or "Jesus is your best friend" without explaining WHY, is to deprive them of the life changing mercy & grace of God. Ultimately, we risk sending them into the world with a false sense of security that they are saved simply because they asked Jesus into their hearts.


~ktf~
John

Paul In The 21st Century

How would the postmodern evangelical church of the 21st century respond to the Epistle of Paul to the Galatian church today?

Here's a satirical look from 'Sacred Sandwich'...

IF PAUL'S EPISTLE TO THE GALATIONS WERE PUBLISHED IN CHRISTIANITY TODAY
(letters to the editor)

Something to think about when there is so much emphasis today on the emerging church methods that teach more about loving everyone to heaven and being tolerant (acceptant) of every new idea that comes along. America needs the the Gospel today just as much as the world did 2000 yrs ago.

Moral to this satire: Preach the Word and let God do the converting.

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." ~ Paul to the Galatians (Galatians 1: 6-10)


~ktf~
John

FADING FROM THE TRUTH

In a previous blog, I wrote about Fading from the Way; how sin creeps slowly into our lives. The song from Casting Crowns ("Slow Fade") was part of the inspiration for that post and again, this particular post on Fading from the Truth. I've discovered in my own life just how easy it is to slowly fade away from the truth and into sin or deception. Quite simply, the less we rely upon the Truth of God's Word, the more susceptible we are to falling into sin.

"The journey from your mind to your hands is shorter than you're thinking"



We would do well to remember that the methods used by Satan to draw us away from God are specifically suited for each one of us to prey on our sinful, pride-filled nature. When it comes to deception, he's the best. Since the biggest threat to his cause is the Church, that is precisely where he does his best work. The twisting, distorting and watering-down of the truth is what caused Adam & Eve to bring sin into the world. Throughout history, this has remained a constant technique of Satan in his attempt to deceive mankind. You'd think we would have learned our lesson in the Garden.

The war against truth remains today; more intense than ever.

In this day and age of postmodern influence on the church, there is an increasing assault on truth. What is truth? Can we really know what is true? The Bible is and remains consistent when it comes to displaying clearly what is true, regardless of how man perceives things. The problem facing the church and those seeking the truth is not a lack of authority on the truth. No, the problem is we're taking our eyes off the Word and instead, we're trying to apply our own understanding to interpret what truth is according to the influence of the world.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me". ~ John 14: 6

"So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." ~ John 8:31-32

In an effort to try and be more in-tune to and appeal to the culture, many churches are re-packaging the Gospel to make it less offensive. It seems there is more emphasis on tolerance than truth. Jesus not only revealed to us that He is the truth but, that if we continue in (live by) His Word, we will know the truth and with that knowledge (and commitment to His ways), we will be free. Free from what? Free from the bondage of sin. Free from the delusions and deceptions of the world. Slowly, we have chipped away at the truth by doubting and questioning Scripture. What used to be black and white has now faded into gray. Evolution. Homosexuality. The exclusivity of Jesus Christ. All are questioned. What used to be called sin is now defined as "just how God created us". To even think that there could only be one way to Heaven is being intolerant of all other religions. Even so-called Christian books and Pastors are teaching that "everything must change". How we read and understand the Bible. How we approach the Gospel. Less focus on literalism; more focus on thinking outside the box.

"It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray"

THE EMERGING MOVEMENT- Redefining Truth

In an article from Christianity Today, John MacArthur shares what he calls a metaphor for the whole emergent church movement. A young lady stated that she loves Donald Miller, the author of Blue like Jazz, because she wants to be religious but isn't prepared to let religion alter her lifestyle. “I’m a Jesus girl,” she said. “But I also like to go out and do tequila shots with my friends.”

Consider the countless best selling books that are changing the way Christians view the Bible and God. "The Shack", "Your Best Life Now", "Everything Must Change", "The Purpose Driven Life", "A New Earth and the Power of Now", "The Secret", "The DaVinci Code", "Velvet Elvis", "Sex God", "A Course in Miracles", etc, etc. The list goes on. All claim to have a new method, a new perspective on truth and knowing God. Is it any wonder why there is so much confusion within Christianity today? The Word is no longer good enough. The fade from the truth continues.

"Be careful little ears what you hear... Oh be careful little eyes what you see"

As Followers of Christ, we have been given a great gift. His truth has given us life and shown us the Way. Therefore, should not our deepest passion in life be to share this truth with the world?

Paul Washer speaking on the privelage we have in knowing the Truth...


John MacArthur's excellent book "The Truth War" is a refreshing reminder of this unseen battle that is taking place today. He points out how postmodern evangelicalism and the Emerging Church are deliberately dumbing down theology. To hear him explain the purpose behind this book, check out these two video clips... The Truth War (part 1) and The Truth War (part 2).

We can read all the inspiring books, watch all of the emotionally charged videos and attend all of the motivational conferences and still not find the truth unless we turn to the source. Jesus Christ. We can choose to follow those teachings that "tickle our ears" or, we can cling to the truth (1 Timothy 3:15) that has consistently brought men to their knees, humbled hearts, changed lives and given life & hope since time began.

"Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid"

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." ~ 2 Timothy 4:3-4

No doubt, we can find some truth in most everything. Even the most heretical teachings have a sprinkling of the truth in it. The question we need to ask ourselves is, "Why even waste our time or open our minds to false truths or partial truths when we have the real thing?" Truth is not what we make it to be. Truth remains truth whether we believe it or not. Even when popular opinion rejects the truth, our minds and our focus should remain on the truth; without compromise.

"The person who loves you most will tell you the most truth. One of the greatest distinguishing marks of a false prophet is that he will always tell you what you want to hear, he will never rain on your parade, he will get you clapping, he will get you jumping, he will make you dizzy, he will keep you entertained, and he will present a Christianity to you that will make your church look like a Six Flags over Jesus. And keep you so entertained you are never addressed with great issues such as these: Is God working in my life? Am I growing in holiness? Have I truly been born again?" ~ Paul Washer

Consider the words of Peter describing how some will come teaching heresies and spreading their false words causing many to fall into their deceptions...

"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep". ~ Peter 2:1-3

In these times of tolerance, the Church must remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding and preaching of the truth. Either we stand for the truth with boldness of we lose the battle. Peter, Jude, James and Paul all took a stand against false teaching. They boldly spoke out against those distorting the truth and preaching a different Gospel. Were they more concerned with being tolerant in order to avoid offending someone? Absolutely not!. Were they more concerned with looking like the world in order to make the Gospel more appealing? I think not. If by speaking out against heretical teaching we are labeled legalists or divisive, we are in good company as many throughout the history of the Church suffered far greater persecution. (1 Timothy 6:20-21).

"Much of the visible Church nowadays seems to think Christians are supposed to be at play rather than at war. The idea of actually fighting for doctrinal truth is the furthest thing from most churchgoers' thoughts. Contemporary Christians are determined to get the world to like them - and of course in the process they also want to have as much fun as possible. They are so obsessed with making the church seem "cool" to unbelievers that they can't be bothered with questions about whether another person's doctrine is sound or not. In a climate like that, the thought of even identifying someone else's teaching as false (much less "contending earnestly" for the faith) is a distasteful and dangerously counterculture suggestion. Christians have bought into the notion that almost nothing is more "uncool" in the world's eyes than when someone shows a sincere concern about the danger of heresy. After all, the world simply doesn't take spiritual truth that seriously, so they cannot fathom why anyone would". ~ John MacArthur ("The Truth War")

People claim to want to know truth. This is obvious in all the things we devour searching for it. Unfortunately, when it comes to Biblical truth, many choose to accept only the truths that fit into their lifestyle or system of values. Sadly, America is losing touch with the truth of the Word because we simply don't want ALL of the truth. To borrow the famous line from "A Few Good Men"... "You want the truth? You can't handle the truth!"

Test everything. Hold on to the good. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:21


"People never crumble in a day It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade"

~ktf~
John

Next 2009: A Passion for the Gospel

NEXT 2009

He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God. ~Psalm 78:5-7

Where is your hope? Do you have a passion for Jesus Christ that motivates, inspires and drives you to live fully for Him? Has your spiritual walk fizzled or has it yet to begin?

Next 2009 is a conference that will awaken the next generation of Believers. Not with the latest trend or fad in contemporary, emergent style methods but by going back to the 'roots' of our Faith. This is not another self-help, feel-good, motivational conference for those looking to sharpen their leadership skills. It's about recommitment to the message of the Gospel... as Christ intended it to be.

A new generation of young Timothy's is needed, who will guard the sacred deposit of the gospel, who are determined to proclaim it and are prepared to suffer for it, and who will pass it on pure and uncorrupted to the generation which in due course will rise up and follow them. ~John Stott

For more on "NEXT 2009", check out their website... Next2009

Next 2009 Facebook Group



~ktf~
John

FADING FROM THE WAY

"People never crumble in a day...It's a slow fade"
~Casting Crowns ("Slow Fade")

But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. ~James 1:14-15

Contrary to a popular phrase from the great theologian Flip Wilson, the devil does not make us do it. We are driven by our own sinful desires. It's in our nature. Ever since the first act of disobedience towards God in the Garden, humanity has been driven by a selfish pursuit of all things evil, wicked, lustful and greedy. We are consumed by the things of the flesh; the things of the world.

"Casting Crowns" released a song last year entitled, "Slow Fade" which portrays the effects of a sinful, self-centered life. The video that goes with the song brings to life a visual reminder of how we are dragged away, enticed and eventually destroyed by the sinful desires within...

"Be careful little eyes what you see...
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings"

We're often reminded that "the eyes are the windows to our soul"
(based on Matthew 6:22-23). There is much truth in that statement especially when we consider what the Bible has to say about our hearts...

"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" ~Jeremiah 17:9 (also see Mark 7:21)

The process of sin often starts with the eyes. The appeal of the world. The lust and desire for things or people. Sin doesn't always manifest itself in a moment. Temptation and the path to sin is a "Slow Fade". Initially or on the surface, our desires may appear to be a genuine response to a need. This is the first deception of Satan. We need this, we deserve this or my personal favorites, "God made me this way" or "God wants me to be happy". The desires of the flesh and even of our hearts often lure us into things that present themselves as good. At least we try to convince ourselves of that.

Our salvation should not be taken lightly. We are sealed through Christ and His sacrifice on the Cross but not immune from the effects of sin.The movies we watch, the things we read or listen to and the places we go can have a significant influence even on the most mature Christian. Never underestimate our capacity to fall into sin (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

In truth, I believe we're all aware of our actions and when certain desires are wrong. We try to justify our desires or think that one little time won't hurt. What we fail to realize is that each turn from the truth is part of a slow fade that hardens our heart to the guiding from the Holy Spirit. The more we ignore His prompting or correction, the further away this voice becomes. Our decisions, choices and sins form a gradual picture of who we are. It's the little things we do (or don't do) that can lead us away from the narrow way.

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." ~Matthew 7:13-14

"Be careful little feet where you go...
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow."

The consequences of our sins not only have an impact on us but, also on our children and those who are watching us. God calls us to be separate from the world. To live as light in a dark world. Consider too the testimony of our life to the world when we live and do as the world does.

"You'll never be able to speak against sin if you're entertained by it."
~John Muncee

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." ~Ephesians 5: 8-11

Each day we are faced with choices. What to think, decide and say. Where to go. What to do. We can choose to go with the flow, listen to our heart, follow a feeling or live by the Word. The Way may not always be easy, but through the Word, it will always be the 'light' that guides us to the truth and the life.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” ~Psalm 119:105

Not enough is preached about separation, not enough is preached against the world and the things of the world and its pleasures and its trinkets . . . . How can you love the very things for which Christ was crucified? Can you love the nails? Can you bless the hammer? Would you kiss the hands that crushed His head with a crown of thorns? Because when you say you know Christ and you are a disciple of Christ and yet you love the world, you do that very thing. Oh my friend, there is a great divide; a great separation. The Scripture warns us that those who are not separate now will be separated on that Great Day from the sheep and they will be labeled goats and they will find their place in Hell. ~Paul Washer

The words of this song have cut deep into my heart, reminding me of just how true it is that "people never crumble in a day... it's a slow fade". If we are not careful of the things we watch, listen to, think and say, we can very easily find ourselves, our marriages and even our lives fading away until there is only a shadow of what used to be.

~ktf~
John

Submission to One Another

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. ~ Ephesians 5:15-21

For those who've not yet seen the movie "Fireproof", I highly recommend it. Not only does it emphasize the significance of the marriage vow, it also presents why we must first deal with sin in our life before we can 'fix' problems in our marriage. The heart of this movie is how the Gospel message is woven in. A must see!!

The theme "Never leave your partner behind" really magnifies and reinforces why God describes marriage as two becoming one flesh (Ephesians 5: 31). Contrast that with the bigger picture of Christ and the Church and it's clear to see how great His love is for us. This is the model for marriage.

Mike Ratliffe at his blog "Possessing the Treasure" gives an excellent review of this movie by reminding us what it means to be submissive to one another...

Read it here: "Submission To One Another"


~ktf~
John

WHAT ATTRACTS SOMEONE TO CHURCH?

“As we commit ourselves to excellence in reaching people for Christ, help us to remember that the power is not in the methods or the means, but in the Person of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” ~ A.W. Tozer

In this day and age of Purpose Driven, Seeker Sensitive, culturally relevant, relational churches, it seems the primary objective is to get the person into church. If only we can attract the un-churched person into church and let them see that we're cool, relevant, funny and just like them, maybe then they'll like us and since we like Jesus, they'll like Him too!

And then what?

To be fair, I do believe that many churches want to see people get saved and become fully devoted followers of Christ. However, something has been lost in the process of attracting them with worldly methods instead of preaching the Gospel. We're more concerned about not looking like a church than we are in actually preaching and teaching according to the Word. We're afraid of offending someone or not being tolerant enough. Some even avoid using terms like "preach" because it sounds to pushy or in your face. Instead, we have 'experiences' and we 'communicate' a message. Did not Jesus preach the Word? (Matt. 4:17) Did not He teach the Apostles to preach? (Mark 16:15)

What have all these methods produced? As a result of marketing-driven church, what do we have? Large, attractive buildings with huge crowds. Is that the primary goal of the Gospel? Is this how we measure our success? It seems we have forgotten that the Church is made up of believers. Church should not be designed around the un-believer nor should it even be FOR the un-believer.

The notion that church meetings should be used to tantalize or attract non-Christians is a relatively recent development. Nothing like it is found in scripture; in fact, the apostle Paul spoke of unbelievers entering the assembly as an exceptional event ~ John MacArthur

Our purpose is clear; Glorify God. Our mission... Share the good news. Preach the Gospel. Reach the lost with the message of the Cross and magnify Jesus Christ in all that we do. Church is not about us. It's about Him. What we teach should draw people to Christ. How we live should draw people to Christ. How to have a better life is NOT the Gospel but, an effect of the Gospel. What attracts someone to church should be the desire to know God, experience salvation through repentance and faith and to grow spiritually. Needs oriented 'teaching' is not going to bring someone to Christ. No where in the Bible are we instructed to be constantly changing and adapting to the culture in order to reach the lost. Sure, we can deliver the message with a variety of methods but our focus should be on the message; not the methods. The level of excellence that so many churches strive to maintain tends to be more on the methods than the message. The result is a watered-down Gospel, weak or little spiritual growth and even false conversions.

Paul Washer reminds us of what church is supposed to be about...



“One of the most popular current errors, and the one out of which springs most of the noisy, blustering religious activity in evangelical circles, is the notion that as times change the church must change with them.” ~ A.W. Tozer

One former staff member of a popular mega church admitted that their church was "a mile wide and one-half inch deep.” (G.A. Pritchard- Willow Creek Church)

The Gospel message should be about showing people they are lost and in need of saving from God's wrath. Instead of trying to bring people to Christ to have their felt-needs met, It should bring people to Christ through repentance, forgiveness & justification. These are the real needs of mankind. The truth of the Gospel should expose sin, pride and self-righteousness, not be focused on building self-esteem or teaching people to be all they can be.

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ~ 2 Timothy 4: 2-4

What you win them with will be what is required to keep them coming.


~ktf~
John