Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘nation’
The State of the Church
Typically in February the President of the United States addresses a joint session of Congress and delivers the traditional “State of the Union.” This year’s address was much different. In a symbolic way it reminds us that the state of our union is somewhat uncertain at this moment. There is always plenty of political maneuvering and rhetorical gymnastics associated with such speeches. However, at this time in our nation there exists an increased division and dissension. O how we need a spiritual awakening in our land! My greatest burden is not just for the state of our union politically or economically but for the state of the church spiritually. You see, the condition of the nation is deeply rooted in…
Read MoreNews About A New Booklet!
Have you wondered in recent weeks what more you can do for your country? On this President’s Day I am excited to announce the publication of a new booklet, The Need of Our Nation. We all are concerned about the direction of our beloved nation and burdened to see a spiritual awakening in our day. This short volume addresses, from God’s Word, the core issue and the only solution. President’s Day was originally set aside to commemorate the birthday of the first president of the United States. For believers, it is also a reminder to pray for our president every day (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Every president is just a man, and like every man, he is a sinner in need…
Read MoreThoughts for Christian Citizens
All Christians have a dual citizenship. We are temporary, earthly citizens of the nation where God has providentially allowed us to live and we are eternal, heavenly citizens of a much better country! In the words of the old song, “This world is not my home, I’m just passing through.” The Lord’s people ought to be the most caring, principled, and helpful citizens of their present nation, but they must also remember that they are only pilgrims on their way home (Hebrews 11:13-16). When Christ lived in one of the most pagan empires of world history He did not lead a revolt against Caesar. Think of it! He had to answer the interrogation of the Pharisees and live under the…
Read MoreChristians, the Constitution, and Our Country
A few days ago I put a copy of the United States Constitution in my briefcase as I left for a trip. On board a flight I determined to read it through at one sitting, slowly and thoughtfully. As a Christian I am a citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20). In the words of the old song, “This world is not my home, I’m just passing through!” Yet in the good providence of God the Lord allowed me to be born in the United States. I am very grateful for the privilege of living in a free land. I am glad to be an American. Every blessing is also a responsibility. We are stewards of each gift God gives us, and…
Read More5 Books to Read About America
I love America. God has been gracious to our land and I thank the Lord for the privilege of being born in this country. Like so many of you, I am burdened about the spiritual condition of our country and praying that there will be real repentance and revival at this critical time. The sad reality is that a whole generation of young people are growing up without ever hearing the spiritual foundation and true history of our nation. And it’s not just the children! Many older Americans are beginning to forget where we came from and how we got here. Permit me to recommend a handful of books that every patriot should read… The Constitution of the United States…
Read MoreThe Need Of Our Nation
It is easy to fuss at the darkness around us and fail to do the very things that bring true light into our dark world. Political conservatism and true Christianity are not the same thing. As followers of Christ our hope is in God and our help comes only from Him. This week we celebrate the birthday of our beloved America. I love my country and long to see a spiritual revival in our land. It is the hope of our nation and the need of every generation. Would you join me in making this week a week of prayer? Every celebration should be cause for us to remember the goodness of God and look to Him again. As you…
Read MoreReaching A Generation
We are all concerned about the direction of our communities and our country. It is easy to spend all of our time listening to the commentators and talking about how wicked the world has become. God’s people have a work to do – the one work that can truly make a difference. Only the gospel of Christ can change hearts and homes. All people need the gospel. My pastor often said, “You can’t witness to the wrong person!” People of every age and background need the Lord Jesus. Yet in many ways the heat of the battle for souls is to be found among young people. As go the young people so goes another generation. Satan knows this. Adolph Hitler…
Read MoreA Word for Christians about President’s Day
President’s Day should be a reminder to pray. To pray for our president and for our nation. It is easy to complain. It takes no effort to criticize. But prayer is hard work, and it is the only work that can truly make a difference. Our country is in great need of leaders that know more than their agenda…that know God. Proverbs 28:2 says, “For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.” God, give us a man of understanding and knowledge! Much can be learned from the history of American Presidents, both good and bad. Just outside my office at Crown College is…
Read MoreThe Rising Death Toll
I enjoy laughter and love life. I wish that every thought could be a happy one. But that is not the world in which we live. Ours is a day of spiritual warfare. It seems the attack is stronger than ever and the casualties are great. War is a terrible thing. Death is inevitable. In World War I over 16 million people were killed. More than 75 million in World War II. 1.2 million in the Korean Conflict. 3.8 million in Vietnam. The death toll continues in the modern War on Terror. We read the statistics, but it is the realization of one truth that is most staggering: every number was an eternal soul. Stand at the Vietnam Memorial and…
Read MoreWhy I Believe in Local Church Youth Ministry
For the last twenty years I have had the joy to be involved in youth ministry in some way. It is the passion of my life to point another generation to the Lord Jesus and His truth. I am more convinced than I have ever been that this is a critical ministry of the local church. It is not just the work of youth pastors and “professionals.” It is the mission of every older man and older woman who desires to impart God’s truth to the next generation (Titus 2). Youth ministry is not “ministry light.” There is nothing light about it. This is serious business. It is work and warfare. Youth ministry is at the front lines of Satanic…
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