Thus saith the Lord: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for on these things I delight." Jeremiah 9:23-24
"Oh to Grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be. Let thy goodness, like a fetter bind my wandering heart to Thee!"
I don’t know exactly what to take from this remark. I have a few inferences and fragile conclusions, but mostly questions. Washer has made a heavy statement about the possible future persecution of Christians in the U.S. and this is a topic that should be discussed more thoroughly. Really, he makes his comments almost as if they are imminent. How do we evaluate and undertstand such remarks? Do we just dismiss this? Is there any validity in his statements? If not why? If so, then what do we draw from this? Is he referring to all Christian or only those who are squarely focused on these secular moralistic values and political issues?
This is a very heavy statment ~ In view of the way America does seem to be moving, it would not be unreasonable to think that persecution could or is already coming ~ Especially in light of the new 'laws' on hate crimes, homosexuaity, abortion, and so forth. There is an increasing hostility towards those who stand on and proclaim the Truths of God's Word. We do know that Jesus himself prophesied a time when persecution would come to those who follow him, and even now persecution exist in over 60 nations of the world (for the very reasons that Paul Washer mentioned) ~ Should we as a nation think that we are exempt? Again from scripture and examples from other nations, it would refer to those who ARE Christian...is there really any such thing as a 'silent' Christain? Scripture does not seem to indicate that ~ Jesus, the diciples, and Paul seemed to always be finding themselves before the 'political' areana one way or another...either through the disgruntled members of socity, religions leaders, or because of the 'laws' of the land ~ meaning they were not conforming to those laws that were contarary to serving the One True God. We must put on the full armor of God and stand ~
Hi Susan/bloggers, I do not have a blog of my own so I am commenting from "Open ID." I came across your blog, Susan, through your youtube page...and it never ceases to amaze me how God's sovereign Providence oversees even the most seemingly insignificant actions of my day--like clicking a link with my mouse!
Anyways, this has been a subject that has weighed on my heart quite a bit throughout this year and had made me feel a discouraged by some of the apathy and lack of foresight many fellow believers around me seem to have. Of course, it's never good to be a doomsayer just for the sake of it--but I don't think the "imminent sentiments" I share with Washer are in vain, so here are a few of the biggest things 2008 have taught me with respect to Washer's warning:
1) The Messianic fervor surrounding Barack Obama.
A leader who just a few days ago said "SCIENCE holds the key to the survival of our planet" after appointing experts to his science advisory board, who clearly have a man-centered agenda with no concern with respect to God and are most likely ignorant of any pro-life ethics questions as it relates to genetic research and the like.
2) The brutal persecution experienced by and continually experienced Sarah Palin and her family.
3) The best-selling books on the NY Times lists were "spiritual" in nature--marketed mainly by guide and guru to millions, and vocal denier of the cross, Oprah Winfrey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA
Be aware also, not just of the anti-Christ bias in higher/lower education, but of the art currently defining our culture.
Many Christians readily disregard movies today as being mindless and vulgar, but that's not the case at all. Many of most acclaimed films out are skillfully crafted, powerfully profound statements about the human condition--which in their subtle ways help shape a worldview for people that is fundamentally anti-Biblical. The people who have all the power in Hollywood have proved to not just be artistically conscious, but politically and "spiritually" (anti-Christian of course) conscious. We ignore their influence at our own peril.
And lastly, the mainstream "Christians" of today are people who I think would call Paul Washer a hateful extremist. Think Rick Warren and Joel Osteen and the shallow, Marxist, Gospel-hiding, man-centered messages they ultimately promote.
And even though the "gay marriage" debate may have been "won," I assure you that's only because many OLDER people voted---the younger generation most definitely does not share the same values, and the gay activists are getting a lot less tolerant of religions and religious people who want to block their progress in achieveing their "fundamental right."
Nothing has "blown up" yet of course, but I agree with Washer that the seeds are here.
Finally I urge everybody to read this letter by Whittaker Chambers:
I'm watching Joel Osteen on Larry King Live on CNN right now...listening to his message of "hope" in these "trying times" and to remind people that "God loves them," etc...it's ridiculous to me that people are SO numbed to truth and blinded by foolishness that they'll buy into this junk!
Then I remind myself that I would be NO different had Christ not saved me as he had. And here's the thing. Along with Paul Washer's warning of "persecution" came the idea that the church in America shows the hints of a slow, but sure "Awakening."
What a lot of true Christians fail to realize in their efforts to avoid "offending" people, (you warn against this in your quote on your main blog page) is that people are THIRSTY of "HARD TRUTHS" these days--especially young people.
The reason why young people don't respond well to AMerican "Christianity" is because they don't see anything distinguishing about it from other religions or from worldliness. The idea that most people would "shy away" from the truth is false--sure, many will, but many are also sick of the triviality and numbness that characterizes their daily lives. and desperate for hearing a sermon like "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
As "fallen" as people may be, they aren't all stupid. They know what "B.S." is when they see or hear it, and a lot of peopel can sense the "B.S." of the false Gospel that pervades many American churches. Are they wrong? Nope! They just haven't heard the truth yet, and many are seeking without even knowing it.
People want answers to questions like: how could the "loving God" of Joel Osteen allow for such evil in our wartorn and uncertain world? What sets Jesus apart from all the other religoius leaders of history? etc...
5 comments:
I don’t know exactly what to take from this remark. I have a few inferences and fragile conclusions, but mostly questions. Washer has made a heavy statement about the possible future persecution of Christians in the U.S. and this is a topic that should be discussed more thoroughly. Really, he makes his comments almost as if they are imminent. How do we evaluate and undertstand such remarks? Do we just dismiss this? Is there any validity in his statements? If not why? If so, then what do we draw from this? Is he referring to all Christian or only those who are squarely focused on these secular moralistic values and political issues?
This is a very heavy statment ~ In view of the way America does seem to be moving, it would not be unreasonable to think that persecution could or is already coming ~ Especially in light of the new 'laws' on hate crimes, homosexuaity, abortion, and so forth. There is an increasing hostility towards those who stand on and proclaim the Truths of God's Word.
We do know that Jesus himself prophesied a time when persecution would come to those who follow him, and even now persecution exist in over 60 nations of the world (for the very reasons that Paul Washer mentioned) ~ Should we as a nation think that we are exempt? Again from scripture and examples from other nations, it would refer to those who ARE Christian...is there really any such thing as a 'silent' Christain? Scripture does not seem to indicate that ~ Jesus, the diciples, and Paul seemed to always be finding themselves before the 'political' areana one way or another...either through the disgruntled members of socity, religions leaders, or because of the 'laws' of the land ~ meaning they were not conforming to those laws that were contarary to serving the One True God. We must put on the full armor of God and stand ~
Oh ~ I'm open for dialog or comments. As I am curious as to how others view the direction we are or maybe going.
Hi Susan/bloggers, I do not have a blog of my own so I am commenting from "Open ID." I came across your blog, Susan, through your youtube page...and it never ceases to amaze me how God's sovereign Providence oversees even the most seemingly insignificant actions of my day--like clicking a link with my mouse!
Anyways, this has been a subject that has weighed on my heart quite a bit throughout this year and had made me feel a discouraged by some of the apathy and lack of foresight many fellow believers around me seem to have. Of course, it's never good to be a doomsayer just for the sake of it--but I don't think the "imminent sentiments" I share with Washer are in vain, so here are a few of the biggest things 2008 have taught me with respect to Washer's warning:
1) The Messianic fervor surrounding Barack Obama.
A leader who just a few days ago said "SCIENCE holds the key to the survival of our planet" after appointing experts to his science advisory board, who clearly have a man-centered agenda with no concern with respect to God and are most likely ignorant of any pro-life ethics questions as it relates to genetic research and the like.
2) The brutal persecution experienced by and continually experienced Sarah Palin and her family.
3) The best-selling books on the NY Times lists were "spiritual" in nature--marketed mainly by guide and guru to millions, and vocal denier of the cross, Oprah Winfrey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA
Be aware also, not just of the anti-Christ bias in higher/lower education, but of the art currently defining our culture.
Many Christians readily disregard movies today as being mindless and vulgar, but that's not the case at all. Many of most acclaimed films out are skillfully crafted, powerfully profound statements about the human condition--which in their subtle ways help shape a worldview for people that is fundamentally anti-Biblical. The people who have all the power in Hollywood have proved to not just be artistically conscious, but politically and "spiritually" (anti-Christian of course) conscious. We ignore their influence at our own peril.
And lastly, the mainstream "Christians" of today are people who I think would call Paul Washer a hateful extremist. Think Rick Warren and Joel Osteen and the shallow, Marxist, Gospel-hiding, man-centered messages they ultimately promote.
And even though the "gay marriage" debate may have been "won," I assure you that's only because many OLDER people voted---the younger generation most definitely does not share the same values, and the gay activists are getting a lot less tolerant of religions and religious people who want to block their progress in achieveing their "fundamental right."
Nothing has "blown up" yet of course, but I agree with Washer that the seeds are here.
Finally I urge everybody to read this letter by Whittaker Chambers:
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/hiss/chambersletter.html
I think it sums up the times really well...
Sorry 1 more comment!
I'm watching Joel Osteen on Larry King Live on CNN right now...listening to his message of "hope" in these "trying times" and to remind people that "God loves them," etc...it's ridiculous to me that people are SO numbed to truth and blinded by foolishness that they'll buy into this junk!
Then I remind myself that I would be NO different had Christ not saved me as he had. And here's the thing. Along with Paul Washer's warning of "persecution" came the idea that the church in America shows the hints of a slow, but sure "Awakening."
What a lot of true Christians fail to realize in their efforts to avoid "offending" people, (you warn against this in your quote on your main blog page) is that people are THIRSTY of "HARD TRUTHS" these days--especially young people.
The reason why young people don't respond well to AMerican "Christianity" is because they don't see anything distinguishing about it from other religions or from worldliness. The idea that most people would "shy away" from the truth is false--sure, many will, but many are also sick of the triviality and numbness that characterizes their daily lives. and desperate for hearing a sermon like "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
As "fallen" as people may be, they aren't all stupid. They know what "B.S." is when they see or hear it, and a lot of peopel can sense the "B.S." of the false Gospel that pervades many American churches. Are they wrong? Nope! They just haven't heard the truth yet, and many are seeking without even knowing it.
People want answers to questions like: how could the "loving God" of Joel Osteen allow for such evil in our wartorn and uncertain world? What sets Jesus apart from all the other religoius leaders of history? etc...
Those are my thoughts :)!
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