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The Cultural War Rages On - What's a church (and pastor) to do?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by TheRev, Jul 25, 2006.

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  1. TheRev

    TheRev New Member

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    Evidence of a cultural decline is abounding. Over 50,000,000 babies sacrificed on the altar of convenience... the radical push by homosexuals for same-sex marriage and special consideration... pornography floods our news stands and the internet... sexual promiscuity floods television networks... and on and on it goes.

    Our theology tells us that the Bible holds the answers to all of these social evils, but it seems there is a disconnect between our beliefs and and our behaviors. Do you agree? Why or why not and if so, what do you think we can or should do to stop the slide on this slippery slope?
     
    #1 TheRev, Jul 25, 2006
  2. StefanM

    StefanM Well-Known Member
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    What can we do? Preach the word. Live it day by day.

    We can't change the culture, but we can strive to be as faithful as possible, leaving the rest to God.
     
    #2 StefanM, Jul 25, 2006
  3. rbell

    rbell Active Member

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    This "cultural decline" is making the USA more and more like 1st century society, IMO.

    Advantage: Being a "fair-weather" Christian becomes more and more difficult as the lines in the sand become clearer.

    Ultimately, the church and its leaders here will be stronger for it. Maybe less numerous...but stronger nonetheless.

    That and 50 cents might buy you a newspaper.
     
    #3 rbell, Jul 25, 2006
  4. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
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    That has occurred since the beginning of man.
     
    #4 gb93433, Jul 26, 2006
  5. J.D.

    J.D. Active Member
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    Preachers must sacrifice their popularity to boldly proclaim the judgement of God against all unrighteousness of men, and they should start by exposing the ear-tickling hirelings that make merchandise of the church.
     
    #5 J.D., Jul 26, 2006
  6. TheRev

    TheRev New Member

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    J.D. I agree. I feel we must fulfil Jesus' declaration that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We are not called to salt and light ministry -- we are the salt and the light -- which IMHO is a big difference. I feel this involves loving our neighbor enough to confront him (howbeit in love) with the truth.

    Therefore, while it is uncomfortable it seems necessary to carry the Gospel to the abortion clinic and reach out in love... to carry the Gospel to Gay Pride celebrations in our communities... to stand for and defend traditional marriage (one man and one woman only) while there is yet time... to fight against pornography flooding our culture and internet... to carry the Gospel to public schools in our community and take God back to school... to cry out for justice for people like Terri Schiavo... and the list could go on and on, but you get the idea.

    I guess in short we pastors need to step up to the plate and lead out in these kinds of endeavors. If we content ourselves to preach only from the relative comfort of our pulpits, I'm afraid our country will continue on this slide. Agreed?
     
    #6 TheRev, Jul 26, 2006
  7. J.D.

    J.D. Active Member
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    I generally agree, except I think the MAIN task of the preacher is IN the pulpit, and the main task of the people is IN their respective families, and then we collectively approach the larger society as a "people, zealous of good works". I don't follow reconstructionism or dominion theology, but I do believe that Godliness of the church positively affects society in general, which in turn glorifies God. Our objective should be internal to the church, and any external benefits to society is a secondary consequence.
     
    #7 J.D., Jul 26, 2006
  8. IIJohn7

    IIJohn7 New Member

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    "WE" can't do anything. Only God Himself can change our country to where it should be. As TheRev said, we are the salt and the light.

    The light shines into darkness and illuminates sin. Thus displayed, the sinner has to determine wether s/he is going to revel in the sin, or repent of it and turn to God.

    As Dr. Hudson said, salt never heals wounds, it only stops the spreading of contamination. We can preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season, but all "WE" will be able to do is stem the tide.

    It's up to God to do everything else.
     
    #8 IIJohn7, Jul 27, 2006
  9. TheRev

    TheRev New Member

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    Seems to me we need to get the "salt" into contact with the corruption and shine the "light" into the darkness. Too many of us want to content ourselves with fulfilling our religious duties within the four walls of our sanctuaries and never get our hands soiled binding up the wounds and pouring in the oil. It's the "in the trenches" brand of Christianity that America needs today. I don't think enough of evangelical Christianity is truly being the salt and shining the light as we should. What say ye?
     
    #9 TheRev, Aug 3, 2006
  10. Major B

    Major B <img src=/6069.jpg>

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    what to do?

    I'd say joining the fight on the side of right and getting involved would be a good start.
     
    #10 Major B, Aug 3, 2006
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