Attacks from the "woke" culture

 A research fellow at Cambridge University recently came under attack by parishioners when he declared in a recent sermon at Trinity college that Jesus Christ had a trans body. Many in the congregation left in disgust shouting "Heresy" as they left. The dean of the college defended the speaker saying that the sermon "suggested that we might think about these images of Christ's male/female body as providing us with ways of thinking about issues around transgender questions today." The university responded that neither the school nor the researcher suggested that Jesus was transgender, but that the sermon addressed the image of Christ as depicted in art and was in keeping with open debate and dialogue at the school.

As I mentioned in a recent sermon, the theology and beliefs of conservative Christians have been under attack since early in Christian history. These attacks have come from both within and without the church. I am currently reading Historical Theology by Gregg Allison, a 777-page study on the history of theology highlighting the specific tenets of the faith as it was developed through various historical periods. The author does an excellent job of addressing the challenges to each of these theological fundamentals that arose throughout history and how the church addressed those challenges. The sermon mentioned above is one more attack from within the church on the person of Jesus Christ and an attempt to please the woke culture that now exists throughout the world.

It is critical that we not allow such attacks go unchallenged. Every Christian has an obligation to study the theological beliefs that have been at the foundation of Christianity since its beginning. Every pastor has an obligation to preach theologically sound sermons that will help their listeners not succumb to the culture that seeks to undermine our faith. Every Christian parent has an obligation to teach these truths to their children so when they go away to college or into the workplace they will not be swayed by the challenges to their faith they are sure to face.

It appears that today's church will go to any length to appeal to the woke culture that exists in the world today. We will sacrifice truth on the altar of acceptability by the masses. We will offer messages that will tickle the ears of our listeners so as not to lose any of them. Too many are more concerned about making the mortgage payment on their buildings that they are in proclaiming the truth of God's Word. Such ministers will stand one day before God and give an account of their ministry. At the same time many pastors are standing faithfully for the truths found in God's Word. We should pray for them and encourage them in their work.

Those called into ministry today need to be very careful about where they pursue their education lest they find themselves being taught contrary to biblical teaching. Those in churches seeking pastors need to be very careful about who they call. Just because a person has an MDiv or PhD after his or her name doesn't mean they hold to biblical theology. The woke generation will not go away and will seek to infiltrate every area of society so it is imperative that Christians hold fast to the theological foundations that have served us well.

Election 2023

 A few days have passed since the mid-term elections ended. A few critical races have yet to be decided, and the votes appear to be so close that recounts are a possibility. Georgia will have a run-off that will decide their next senator.

The election didn't go as many predicted. It had been widely assumed the Republicans would sweep the election. Even many Democrats were admitting they were in trouble. The Republicans won the majority in the House but a much smaller majority than predicted, but until the Senate races are finalized, we will not know who will control the Senate. It was certainly a far cry from the expected sweep that was predicted. I've found it amusing that some House Republicans have been asking what mandate Americans have given them from this election. From my point of view, there is no mandate from this election.

The election shows again how divided this nation is. Personally, I blame both Presidents Obama and Trump for the divisions that exist. Both were very polarizing individuals who did nothing to unite the country. Much blame also goes to Congress who for years has suffered embarrassingly low confidence numbers among Americans. At least, I would be embarrassed by those numbers; it doesn't seem to bother them very much.

Because Congress will have no clear majority in either house I do not expect much leadership from those elected to national leadership. Both sides will work very hard to keep the other side from accomplishing much for the good of the nation. The President has already said he will work with the Republicans but on his terms with many issues not up for consideration. In other words, we can expect the same lack of leadership for at least the next two years.

That's why I'm thankful I am not looking for political leaders to turn this nation around. I have often said in my sermons that the hope of this nation does not lie in the White House, the State House, the Courthouse or any other human institution. Our hope lies in God who alone can change the hearts of mankind. 2 Chronicles 7: 14 continues to provide me hope. Until and unless this nation returns to God and the principles He gave us there is no hope for a better America, but He has promised to heal the land in which His people pray, confess their sins, and seek Him once again. That, my friends, is where our hope lies.

I hope you voted because I believe every vote is important. But more than that I encourage you to be on your knees seeking God for a national revival. The future of our nation and that of our grandchildren depends on such a revival. 

Is Your Church Ready?

 A few months ago I self-published an eBook titled Is Your Church Ready for Ministry in the 21st Century? People no longer leave your church service to return to homes surrounded by a white picket fence planning to sip sweet tea and watch fluffy clouds pass overhead. Many of these homes are struggling with issues that threaten their very survival. They want to hear a word from God about these issues, but they dare not admit to anyone they are struggling. Unfortunately, too many churches avoid discussing the issues that threaten many families today, so these families decide that God has nothing to say about these issues and there is nothing that can be done.

The book addresses sexuality issues, gender-identification issues, addictions, racial divisions, violence, suicide and many other issues common in the 21st century. God does have something to say about each of these challenges. There is much that the church can do to help families deal with these issues but only if we are willing to come alongside those that are struggling and help them walk through their struggles.

Such ministry can get messy. We prefer to reach people without significant issues in their lives, but that does not describe many who need Christ. Their lives are messy, and ministry to them can get messy as well. We may have to deal with some major ugliness in order to point them to Christ. I am convinced that is the ministry to which God is calling His church to perform.

Naturally, I would like you to buy the book. It's available through Amazon. You will find within its covers not only appropriate ministry suggestions for the various issues addressed, you will also find a wealth of information about each of the issues. I tried to pull together research and various studies on many of these issues to provide the reader with up-to-date information to better understand the problems faced by persons within their congregation.

Every generation faces new ministry challenges. This generation is no different. If we are to successfully present Christ to our current generation we must understand it and the issues it is facing. I believe this book can help you do that.