I've seen many threads on the subject of the collapse of culture in general and especially the US. In the US we've been blessed for a long time with freedom of religion. But has this actually contributed to a stronger and more dedicated church? Oftentimes the gospel spreads quicker, and the church becomes stronger, during times of persecution. Our New Testament was written during a period of intense persecution. A lot of people talk about wanting to get back to our roots, the early church. But what about the persecution, are we willing to take that on as well?
I wonder sometimes if politics has taken the place of the gospel in the minds of many people. In other words: If I get up on my soapbox and rant about the evils of government and society, I'm demonstrating my commitment to Christ. Erwin Lutzer says it nicely in We Will Not Be Silenced:
Do we so fervently try to save the culture because we secretly know we're not ready for its collapse? What will we do when it does collapse? We know it's coming, the scriptures promise it. Where does our faith and trust lie: In our Lord, or the cultural supports that have made it possible for the church to become fat, lazy, weak and ineffectual?
I wonder sometimes if politics has taken the place of the gospel in the minds of many people. In other words: If I get up on my soapbox and rant about the evils of government and society, I'm demonstrating my commitment to Christ. Erwin Lutzer says it nicely in We Will Not Be Silenced:
"We in America have been blessed with the ordered liberty that has helped maintain the church: a government that has permitted the adherents of Christianity to freely observe their faith, a shared belief in constitutional freedoms, widespread and generally accepted Christian moral values, etc. But as these supports are being dismantled, can the church in the United States survive without them?
Perhaps yes. Perhaps no.
How tragic that in this time of increasing darkness, some lampstands are flickering while others are being blown out. Too often we are coasting on our past blessings, unwilling to repent of our worldly values and passionless response to Christ. Jesus predicted, 'Because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold' (Matthew 24:12).
Whether we will only talk about repentance or actually repent depends on how desperate we are about the shifting foundations beneath us. Are we willing to not just read the words of Jesus but actually heed them?"—Page 67
Do we so fervently try to save the culture because we secretly know we're not ready for its collapse? What will we do when it does collapse? We know it's coming, the scriptures promise it. Where does our faith and trust lie: In our Lord, or the cultural supports that have made it possible for the church to become fat, lazy, weak and ineffectual?
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