But we have to first recognize the problem before we can talk about solutions. The problem is that one generation in the last century failed at the helm. If we can recognize that then we can examine why and how and talk about how to fix it.
Recognize the problem?
Currently I am preaching through the Book of Acts. I am still on chapter one, taking my time and moving slowly.
Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James
the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas
the brother of James.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
The apostles walked about a kilometer, 5/8 of a mile, from the Mt. of Olives to Jerusalem to go into the upper room, where they prayed. There were 120 in all. And I thought what a prayer meeting that must have been. How I would have loved to been there--to meed the different apostles and those that worked with them.
Peter, who soon after that preached to the very ones who crucified Christ.
Thomas, who soon after that became a missionary to India.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her other sons were there.
And the list goes on. These were the first generation Christians, those whose lives had been personally touched and changed by the Lord himself. They were praying together; fellowshipping together.
Then I thought of my own life. I have sat under the preaching Dr. Myron Cedarholm, Dr. Weeks, John R. Rice, Monroe Parker, Bob Jones Jr., Bob Jones III, Peter Masters, Dr. G. Dollar, Dr. Hollowood, Lester Roloff, Ron Comfort, and many, many others. Sure you may not agree with them all, but that doesn't matter to me. The fact is that I sat under a wide variety of Godly men, and heard them preach and heard the pray, and prayed with them.
From my graduating class there are presently a number of pastors, presidents of Bible colleges, teachers in Bible colleges, missionaries scattered all over the world, powerful evangelists preaching the word, women working in various aspects of the Lord's work, etc.
And you are complaining about the past?
Where have you been looking? At liberal churches perhaps?
Of course in the churches and colleges I grew up and attended we had nothing to do with the SBC :smilewinkgrin: