I laugh every time I see that commercial.
It's a fake Honest Abe giving an honest answer and getting into honest trouble.
At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it? Shall we expect some Trans-Atlantic military giant to step the ocean and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia, and Africa combined could not, by force, take a drink from the Ohio or make a track on the Blue Ridge in a trial of a thousand years. At what point, then, is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring amongst us; it cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we be author and finisher. As a nation of free men, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.
The above speech was given on January 27, 1838 by the real Abraham Lincoln (28 years old)- more than 20 years before the start of the Civil War. Even in his early years, Lincoln understood that the destruction of our country could only come from within. What is the key to the downfall of a nation such as ours? When will we lose our strength, our privilege, and our freedom? We will lose these things when we forget our Christian heritage and forsake the Christian principles upon which this nation was founded.
When I say we, I don’t mean we as a country, I mean we as Christians. Churches across this country have forsaken the teaching of sound doctrine and have forsaken the simplicity of the Gospel. In many places they teach a man-made gospel: a gospel of health and wealth – a gospel motivated by nickels and noses – a gospel not found in scripture. We are challenged to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). Light illuminates and salt flavors, purifies, and preserves. Many churches are weak and have ceased to be salt and light. Many are no more than places for social gatherings.
Could a country like ours crumble – a country with 1000’s of churches – a country known for its missionary efforts throughout the world? Many years ago England was the center of evangelistic outreach for the world. According to the 2005 Church Census, only 6.3% of all those who live in that nation attended any church on Sunday… any church at all. A nation that was once a beacon of light to the world is now growing dark within.
A 7th grader came to see me three days ago. She was concerned about her salvation. I asked her, “On a scale of 1-10, how sure are you that you are on your way to heaven?” She said, “7.” I John 5:13 says that we can know that we have eternal life. But she didn’t know. As I explained the Gospel to her, I drew a picture of the cross. I asked her what it meant. She had been diligently searching for the truth and had attended services at other churches in the area. I expected to hear her say something about Jesus dying on the cross, but she could only tell me what she had been taught at other places. Her only response was, “I don’t really know. It’s something about God.” She knew little because she was taught little. Thankfully, that evening she heard the simple truth of the Gospel. She humbled herself before God and became a “10” Christian. The change away from scripture is often a subtle, slow drift, but the effect is devastating.
Some of the warning signs of a self-centered church or life.
Great theology is replaced with great psychology.
Obedience is replaced with expedience.
Supplication is replaced with manipulation.
Holiness is replaced with busyness
Principle is replaced with passion.
Commitment is replaced with convenience.
Knowing God is replaced with knowing about God.
When does this happen?
When individual Christians cease to be salt & light.
They become light-less and salt-less.
The focus is on self.
It happened to Sampson – the strongest man (physically strong).
It happened to Solomon – the wisest man (mentally strong).
It happened to David – a man after God’s own heart (spiritually strong).
How does this happen?
When we become full and satisfied
(just like Sampson, Solomon, David, and the children of Israel),
and we forgot God. (Deuteronomy 6:11-12)
How is this prevented?
Don’t forget God.
How healthy is your church?
How healthy are the Christians in your church?
How healthy are you? Really?
PM
Matthew 5:13-16
Ye are the salt of the earth:
but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted?
it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world.
A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick;
and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Deuteronomy 6:10-12
And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land
which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob,
to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,
and houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not,
and wells digged, which thou diggedst not,
vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not;
when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
then beware lest thou forget the LORD,
which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt,
from the house of bondage.
No comments:
Post a Comment