Crosswalk.com en-us Tuesday, November 18, 2008 Tuesday, November 18, 2008 rss.aspx support@crosswalk.com support@crosswalk.com http://media.salemwebnetwork.com/crosswalkredesign/images/display/crosswalk_logo_blue_tiny.gif http://www.crosswalk.com/singles/comments/feedback/ http://www.crosswalk.com/11595801/ ...I had to look at the moon last night, perhaps it was really was blue. Seriously an article in Crosswalk about some of the wrongs of the Bush administration is about as frequent as a blue moon. Thanks for the article. May we all continue to test all the spirits, even those in our own political/spiritual camp, and may we always call for the Justice and Mercy of God through Jesus Christ! Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:50:11 GMT 11595801 Furnituremaker http://www.crosswalk.com/11584036/ I realize that politics is one of the idols that America worships,but I still have to ask since when did God ever use politics to accomplish His will? Since when did God's People ever vote for what He wanted? Have you so soon forgotten the Samuel Saul issue. Politics is mans idea, not God's. The people, including God's people never want what God wants, and at every turn quickly vote for that which they want, not what He wants. God wants us to "deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him" we can't even vote for that in our own lives most of the time.Case in point,I wonder if Tyler Hammonds was able to effect real change,Godly change by shutting down the strip bars,Adult movie theatres and porn shops?Was he able to usher in true repentance and a turning of the hearts of the people back to the Lord Our God?This is all that really matters and is critical if we want the Lord to bless and heal our land!everything else is frivilous man pleasing.God can only bless obedience. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:38:36 GMT 11584036 Randal http://www.crosswalk.com/11595695/ A link to this article has been posted on the website GoodNewsNow.com. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:02:29 GMT 11595695 marysunkes http://www.crosswalk.com/11595686/ I have had the joy of knowing the adult Laura and she truly is a miracle. She also stirs to life within each of us the vision of how God sees us: in spite of our "flaws" we are beautiful, sinless (after His washing), and wholly His. Thank you Linda for reminding us that miracles don't always come the way we'd like, but in the manner which God wishes to use to teach us more about Him and His love for us. Eva Marie Everson Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:09:42 GMT 11595686 PenNhnd http://www.crosswalk.com/11583350/ This article is an answer to last night's prayers for guidance and courage in my calling. Thank you for the insightful words. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:10:34 GMT 11583350 AnnaLDavis http://www.crosswalk.com/11595739/ I was raised on very emotional sermons, not always biblicly correct in content, but when I look back on my life I notice that God ultimately brings me to truth (Jesus). Not to say that accuracy is not important, it is. Jesus said to the scribes that '(Ye) search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they (the scriptures) testify of Me (Christ). The whole of scripture is a raising of our emotions, will and passion to reveal Jesus Christ alone. "The First and Primary Object." Great article. Pastor Glen Keener Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:09:57 GMT 11595739 gjkeener http://www.crosswalk.com/11595690/ So be angry if you must phat, but does that give you the right to destroy property? I think not. Just as the prolife movement must use peaceful and law abiding methods to bring about change, so must the gay rights folks, that is what Mr Colson is saying. And while you certainly have the right to your opinion on gay marriage so does the other side. Clearly God has an opinion as well, Matthew 19: .....4And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Please notice it says male and female, not male and male or female and female! Apparently the majority in California agrees. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:31:56 GMT 11595690 Furnituremaker http://www.crosswalk.com/11595550/ Sadly it appears as though we will not be able to agree on this issue. The message of the Gospel encompasses all of the promises which the death of The Lord Jesus Christ has purchased for us, and not the message of salvation only. The New Testament is full of references to going into perfection, that being becoming like the Lord Jesus Christ. It is because the church of today has abandoned the teaching of going on to the Fullness of Christ that there is no change in the life of the average Christian. We simply believe that when we come to the throne of Grace that this is all there is until His return.I do not subscribe to any one denomination. Denominationalism is in effect the living demonstration of 2Timothy 3:5.Christians cling more firmly to a denomination and its scriptural interpretations than they do Christ and His teachings and the teachings of the early apostles.See Rom8:28,Matt5:48,Luk6:40,2Cor13:9,Eph1:4-5,3:19,4:12-13,Col1:28,4:12,2Tim:3:17,Heb6:1,13:20-21,James1:4,1Pet5:10 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:05:14 GMT 11595550 Randal http://www.crosswalk.com/11595687/ Hate to tell everyone but people, even Christians, do not go see Bond because of his Christ-likeness. I am not saying it is right but the longed after 15-45 male demo goes to see cool gear, stuff go boom, gun fights and girls. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:56:09 GMT 11595687 torath http://www.crosswalk.com/1396014/ My husband and I recently took our younger two children to see High School Musical 3. I came to a conclusion while watching the movie: romance is only in the movies. I was thinking about how my husband isn't romantic and how I had these idealic dreams about love and marriage. What I realized after meditating on it all for a while and seeking the Lord about it, that romance is 1 Corinthians 13. That romance is not just up to the man, that the woman can certainly take part in it. I am studying it all a little further, preparing for a Bible Study through our church and I came accross this article. I see I'm not the only one. We ladies have to do our part in cultivating romance by understanding our husbands weaknesses and practicing 1 Corinthians 13. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:47:03 GMT 1396014 kzambini13 http://www.crosswalk.com/11559337/ For fruit trees to be fruitful they have to be covered in manure. This is equivalent to suffering in our lives which causes fruit to be brought forth. Pruning is also required. This is "dying to self" or having circumstances or situations which remove from our lives those things which hinder our walk with God. Even if we are already producing fruit, pruning produces more fruit. What feels like God's displeasure or discipline may be His smile of approval. So "count it all joy when you fall into various trials" (James) Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:30:11 GMT 11559337 hjmclean http://www.crosswalk.com/11558014/ Loved this article. Very timely for me as my husband has been very ill and is in hospital. I had failed to ask the Lord about His plans for this week and made my own plans,booking flights to see my son and family including Robert (16months) whom I haven't seen since April. Instead my husband was admitted to hospital and was declared to be very ill. Suddenly all my focus shifted - first to my husband, then to the medical and nursing team, then to our Saviour - our very present help in time of trouble. And I have experienced joy in turning the pain, anxiety and disappointment over to him. My church family have all rallied round with prayer, offers of practical help and love and I have felt so supported. There could not have been a better experience! My husband is now much better (answered prayer) and even becoming interested in Spiritual things for the first time! (More answered prayer) Praise the Lord with me. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:15:59 GMT 11558014 hjmclean http://www.crosswalk.com/11595738/ I wholeheartedly agree with the author, and the recent elections bear witness to the tremendous erosion of maintaining and demonstrating a Biblical worldview. No matter how much pressure is directed toward an a follow of Jesus, the discussion must rebound to what the Lord stated his position was. Call it what ever you may wish to, but the bottom line is how does it all stack up against Jesus and not a "pastor said this","my daddy believed this way"," my church" teaches this remember please what the Sovereign of the Universe stated in Matthew 7: 21-23, at that final time when standing before the Lord God, your political, emotional, personal "feelings" are going to turn to dust. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:26:45 GMT 11595738 problem1 http://www.crosswalk.com/1333551/ The article " Reach into Your Time Pockets for Bible Study", was an excellent way to make time for the Lord and studing his word. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 02:05:54 GMT 1333551 Tacyrain http://www.crosswalk.com/11584123/ I saw and heard Somaly Mam on Oprah. She said she feels dead inside. Surely it takes the power of Jesus to forgive such horror! The spread of this particular sin is very widespread and it is easier to pretend it doesn't exist than to feel helpless to rescue evry one of these poor girls and women. May our merciful and just God give us opportunity to help and strength to pray fervently against such unspeakable wickedness. May Your Kingdom come, Lord Jesus! Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:28:54 GMT 11584123 lovejoylynn2 http://www.crosswalk.com/11595687/ *sighs* I don't understand the male fascination with James Bond. From what I've seen (and that's not much, thank heavens) Bond takes women for granted, breaks the rules, and is, essentially, worldy in every respect. The kind of character Christians should probably avoid at all costs, or if they watch at all, it's going to be one of the safer Bonds. In this case, it sounds like Daniel Craig might be helping the Bond franchise turn a corner, just a little bit. Timothy Dalton's Bond did the same thing in "The Living Daylights." All that aside, however, we need to be cautious, like the previous poster mentioned. There should be limits to what we, as followers of Christ, allow into our thoughts. What might be safe for you may not be good for someone else. Remembering that simple truth in your reviews may be a good place to start. Don't always encourage something just because you loved it; please take all aspects of the film and others' possible reactions to it into consideration. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 06:01:34 GMT 11595687 hobbit4christ http://www.crosswalk.com/11595687/ I am shocked that this movie is featured on a Christian website. The scriptures tell us not to allow the world to CONFORM us (Rom. 12:2). And the scripture tells us of GOD'S characteristics and how we must display them in our walk (Gala.5:22 & Colo.3:12). If God IS INDEED Love lets also have the qualities in 1 Corin. 13:4-7 (1 John 4:8). How would you feel if you PASTOR went out to see this? Would you invite JESUS to see this movie with you? Tell me what is so great about James Bond? What characteristics does he display which reflect Jesus? What's next? Scarface? I bought Casino Royale and threw it away as God asked me what kind of example I'm setting. Casino Royale, a VIOLENT role model for kids, gave people the interest to GAMBLE, sex outof wedlock. "Be Holy like I am Holy" Count the cost of being a Christian like Paul did (Phili. 3:7-8). When in doubt, ask what would Jesus do? Meditate on this. & *sigh* yes, I am familiar with the story of David... but how about JESUS? Sat, 15 Nov 2008 05:02:08 GMT 11595687 Recruiter http://www.crosswalk.com/11595688/ If it takes less than an hour from thought to suicide, than the time it takes to get to the Golden Gate Bridge, park, walk out onto the Bridge, and jump is a preventative measure in itself as it is more than 1 hour from just about anywhere. It's hard to conceive that people who are bent on killing themselves will not find another way to do it. Besides the nets will likely become an attractive nuisance for thrill seekers who will just jump into them. Pastor is correct in pointing out the liberal hypocrisy at work here. This is especially true as the "right-to-die" advocates prepare to put an assisted suicide measure on the California ballot. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:02:02 GMT 11595688 wkane@kanegeotech.com http://www.crosswalk.com/1287852/ This is a good article. Thanks 4 sharing! Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:43:45 GMT 1287852 iluvcrosswalk http://www.crosswalk.com/11595550/ Randal: I'm repeating what Moore says in his article, "They simply chose to minimize the power of His saving grace by adding to the Gospel in certain ways and detracting from it in others." This is exactly what both you and Moore are doing. You're putting the Christian life on the same level as the Gospel which is adding to it. The Christian life is the fruit of the Gospel; it is not the Gospel itself. If you were to proclaim the gospel to an unbeliever what would you say? I'd say that Christ fulfilled the law in your place by living a perfect life, to the punishment of your sin by dying on the cross, and rose from the dead so that we could have eternal life. And his perfection or righteousness is credited to us as a free gift. What denomination are you from if you don't mind my asking? I'd like to know where you are coming from. I'm a confessional Lutheran. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:23:37 GMT 11595550 erapp http://www.crosswalk.com/11582544/ I'm the mom of a 15 yo & a 19 yo. I've read the series as has DD#1. DD#2 read Twilight, and at this point I would allow her to read the rest. I don't condone the self-destructive behavior of Bella in New Moon, but I don't think the book is coming from the POV that her behavior is a good thing. I think that the way it's depicted could be a learning experience of why it's wrong to go that direction after that kind of loss. I think that the growth of Edward & Bella's relationship over the series is wonderful. As their relationship progresses, both have to sacrifice for the greater good, & they finally are able to have a future together despite the obstacles. I also think the commitment of the Cullens being willing to fight their instincts in order to keep from harming humans is a positive aspect of the story. I think most girls mid teen and older can handle the themes and content of this series, and enjoy it, with parental guidance. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:15:50 GMT 11582544 stateofgrace http://www.crosswalk.com/11594620/ A link to this article has been posted on the website GoodNewsNow.com. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:39:01 GMT 11594620 marysunkes http://www.crosswalk.com/11595685/ A link to this article has been posted on the website GoodNewsNow.com. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:35:48 GMT 11595685 marysunkes http://www.crosswalk.com/11582544/ I have to disagree as well. I really think you were looking too hard for a reason to dislike these books. It's a shame really that so many people in the Christian community shun so many things around us, is it any wonder that people walk away from our faith, or reject it altogether? This series of books definitely has some negatives but the positives are there as well - unfortunately I don't have enough characters allowed in posting my response to share all of them. Maybe you could open your mind & focus on those positives a little more. I think this is a much better influence than what is given in other books or on television. My daughter brought home a magazine from Youth for Christ that even gave a positive review, which was what really prompted me in buying the books and reading them for myself! If we're going to pick apart everything in this manner, we're only going to push people away from us & our faith. That's not what Christ wanted us to do. Remember that. ;) Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:30:54 GMT 11582544 bradswife http://www.crosswalk.com/11582895/ Drat. Another flashback. Latro ut intelligam means, 'I rant in order to understand'. I'd intended 'Latro, ergo sum' (I rant, therefore I am), but Dennis Miller beat me to it. I'm a priest, not a plagiarist. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:17:31 GMT 11582895 FrDarryl http://www.crosswalk.com/11582895/ If you look up Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), it has a picture of cloud-shrouded Oxford University (the other OU - without the annoying fight song played on car horns in downtown Dallas the Friday night before The Game - whoah! flashback...) You squint in confusion, a grin creases the cheeks aloft, and Voilà - Bob's your uncle! I've written of this phenomenon in one of my rant blogs (the other being Latro ut Intelligam: I rant therefore I am): http://daddjordan.blogspot.com/2008/07/annual-weather-cycle-in-britain.html Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:00:14 GMT 11582895 FrDarryl http://www.crosswalk.com/11595688/ Pastor Beam, There are a few flaws in your reasoning. Facts are that half of suicides attempts are made within an hour from thought to act; another 25% are less than 5 minutes. That is why a barrier would work. Studies show 94% of those stopped do not try again. Unlike someone suffering terminal cancer, Suicide is NOT A CHOICE. You write people are irrational at the time of action. True-they are simply finding a way to stop their pain. Mental illness is a biochemical and structural problem. Not a rational choice. Patrols & cameras on the bridge stops 70 people a year who try to jump. Problem is the lethality of method. You can't call 911 halfway down versus taking pills and alcohol you can. California already has over $15 million annually in suicide prevention alone; more for training, classes, education about suicide! The board of directors decided 10/22 that by doing nothing, they would condemn 24 people a year to death. Nothing to do with being liberal, just being human. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:45:26 GMT 11595688 boondockmom http://www.crosswalk.com/11595649/ Dr. Ross is a great guest. Thanks for having him on. He loves his numbers, so I think to make his answers clear and understandable, carefully stated questions are the challange to be met. But I love listening to him anyway. Why The Universe Is The Way It Is is helping me contend for the faith with an athiest I am talking to on line-an intellectual type. It's also helping me witness to a co-worker who said she believes in evolution, but also believes in the Bible, but just didn't know how the two went together. Now I can show her and confirm special creation along with the hard science she is familiar with! Is that great or what??!!! Thanks again. Peggy Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:27:24 GMT 11595649 pmal http://www.crosswalk.com/11559337/ The word autumn also occurs in Psalm 84:6 NIV As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools It is a wonderful psalm Mike Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:06:43 GMT 11559337 mtillema http://www.crosswalk.com/11582544/ I couldn't disagree more with this artical. Bella may be lacking slightly in self worth,but you have to take into consideration that she comes from a broken home. This is expected. Edward is protective of her, not controlling. You paint him to be overbaring and obbsesive. I don't feel that portrayes his character at all. He loves Bella, passionately, he adores her. As a mom of 4 girls I would want that kind of love from a man for my girls. I don't feel like its an unhealthy relationship at all. He lurks in the distance because Bella insist that he stay not nessecarrly because he dominating. You portray a very leagalistic point of veiw to a book that is completly safe and inocient. Shame on you. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:05:42 GMT 11582544 momof4girls http://www.crosswalk.com/11595550/ erapp:Pauls contention was not that the Gallatians were adding to the Gospel, but that they had jumped ship to another gospel Gal 1:6-7 and have reverted to the law of Judaism. The Gospel is not outside us, it is to be in us, and to be demonstrated in and through us in our manner of life (conversation). The message of the Gospel (Good News) is that of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and He and His message are to reside and resound in and through us. The Church is not changed because in reality it is not converted. it is not at all inappropriate to question the salvation of those who years later show no change(Matt 3:10,Matt7:17-19,Matt12:33). These are they who do not let Him who is the Savior of the church refine them as silver and gold. These are critical issues, and like Nicodemus you need to with prayer dig into these issues and find what the truth of the Gospel is. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:02:32 GMT 11595550 Randal http://www.crosswalk.com/11595706/ If there's no God, what's the point of being good? If there was no God to give us a moral compass, who's to say what's right or wrong? If we aren't working for an eternal reward or have no hope of a better future why work to change the present and make it better? Without God there's no hope and the world does not make sense. Creation cries out that there's a God and scientists are finding out daily the extreme complexity of the world around us, making it harder and harder to deny the presence of something far greater than us. Through Christ we not only have the hope of an eternal future but we can find forgiveness, peace, joy, hope. Christ is the only one who can bring peace to a guilty soul. We are starting to see what the world could be like when people abandon what should be their first love. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:04:51 GMT 11595706 KeysChristian http://www.crosswalk.com/11566435/ My problem is what happens if you are already with someone like this. I'm in a relationship with someone that is more than half of the things shown in this article, and its bringing me down alot. I thank the Lord for showing me this article and almost telling me that this is not a healthy relationship. But because we have 2 kids I dont know what to do in regards with leaving the relationship or staying, we're not married yet, just living together, and I know that that's not right either but I haven't been able to say yes to marrying him yet, because of how he is with me, constantly putting me down, and stuff. I'm just in a battle to do what I know is right or to do what might be right for my kids. I'm so confused if anybody out their has any opinion please contact me. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:51:07 GMT 11566435 jessica.lane http://www.crosswalk.com/11581982/ A word in time! It was just Sunday that I was saying to one of my sisters that the church is not prepared for persecution. Christians in the West believe that entering the kingdom of heaven will be without a cost to us. What we mistakenly view as persecution are things like criticism or of a church member is gossiping about us. Most of really are not prepared for the Anti-Christ system that is already at work! Even some of our bible schools teach that we will be raprured before the period of tribulation. The question that I always ask is- why would there be an Anti-Christ system with the Christians absent from the earth? That would not make any sense. We need to gird our loins with this truth that there will be a time of severe persecution as told in Matt 24 & Rev 13. Continue to spread the word to all the people and ministers that you know. That's what I am going to do. God bless and strengthen you Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:21:10 GMT 11581982 macknam http://www.crosswalk.com/11595550/ My initial contention is that Moore is adding to the gospel just as those who Paul condemns in Galatians do. The Gospel is outside of us - Christ's perfect life, death, and resurrection. The progress we make in our sanctification is not the Gospel. The very thing that Moore pooh poohs - Christ died for our sins and gives us eternal life, i.e. the Gospel - is what sanctifies us. The reason why Christians appear indistinguishable from the world is because we are still sinners who need to hear the gospel. This article expresses my argument better - http://www.gccnm.com/Files/RosenbladtChristDiedForChristian.pdf Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:00:27 GMT 11595550 erapp http://www.crosswalk.com/11583016/ Spanking and physical discipline are Biblical as the above post listed but also in those verses is the command to correct and teach. Just hitting a child will not help but a firm but gentle smack can and does work to get their attention, let them know who is in charge and instantly get them to stop misbehaving so you can then sit down with them and talk about the incident and why they were physically disciplined. Yes some kids will not respond well to physical discipline but others respond to little else. It is up to a parent to use wisdom on how they discipline a child and other Christians to realize that our form of discipline may not line up with another person, but we have no right to step in or judge them ("Christian commentators that advocate spanking lose credibility immediately.") unless they are harming the child in some way. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:53:21 GMT 11583016 torath http://www.crosswalk.com/11595687/ Bond is back in action as the director says the title may be odd, but the plot is familiar. Yet again I am surprised with the action and technology used by the movie Quantum of Solace .One was Bond's cell phone camera capabilities, it is very much related to the current political frame I think http://www.80millionmoviesfree.com Is where I saw and remarkable movie it will be Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:28:47 GMT 11595687 certinora http://www.crosswalk.com/11584119/ A link to this article has been posted on the website GoodNewsNow.com. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:16:07 GMT 11584119 marysunkes http://www.crosswalk.com/11582544/ I just read Twilight to see if it is appropriate for my 12 year old and I give this book an astounding approval - for those who are ready for this kind of Christ-passion and Love. Honestly, Mark, when I read your review, I wondered if we had read the same book! Bella without self-confidence? "There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends." Bella from the beginning sacrificed her preferences and finally her very life for others! She had so much self-confidence in fact that she was ready to practice the greatest love! Not caring what others thought. This story has been told again and again in our greatest lit, the Bible not excluded. It is, for one, about the love of God for his creation, and the love of creation for its God. No question that Edward is a Christ figure and Bella, His Bride. We love and fear Christ, as Bella did Edward - for his beauty and power with which he saved her life. She then gave it back to him. What could be more beautiful? Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:03:16 GMT 11582544 Mommysheryl http://www.crosswalk.com/11595550/ The initial contention which you asserted was that Moore is teaching the Law, as outlined in Galatians. In Galatians Paul corrects those who returned to the Mosiac and Levitical law stating that the law makes no one righteous. On that we (you,I and Paul) agree. Christ's sacrifice for us(in our place)is the only way which God the father could redeem us to himself. on that we all agree. Where we disagree is in the "working out of our salvation" Phil 2:12. What Moore is exposing is the reality that many whom call themselves Christian are indistinguishable from the world. This is because they do not apply the Gospel to their lives. I agree that what Christ has done for us is the focus of our lives, but it is still part of the Gospel as we are to go on into perfection, becoming transformed to the place where we the world no longer sees us, it only sees The Lord Jesus Christ. This is real change. This is what the world needs, and what the Father initiated the entire plan for, see Heb 2:10 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:59:12 GMT 11595550 Randal http://www.crosswalk.com/11584174/ Reconciliation takes two willing parties. While the aim of the story was to showcase God's provision, there were many, many attempts at reconciliation. We do not wish to further trash Tom by revealing the depth of his betrayal of Sandra and their children, suffice it to say Tom was absolutely unwilling to discuss reconciliation. It has been more than 3 years since he has seen his children. He does not return their phone calls or acknowledge their birthdays. Based on his actions, he is not interested in either a relationship with them or a reconciliation. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:58:09 GMT 11584174 RebekahMontgomery http://www.crosswalk.com/11595373/ While this article might turn some people off with Mr. Burney's overly direct approach, the premise of his article is exactly right--we are facing moral and political decline in epic proportions. The truth has been compromised and we are paying the price. Today, 75% of our kids are leaving their faith, America is only country where Christianity is declining (http://www.revivalandawakening.org/call.html), 7,000 US churches die and close their doors every year, & the US is now the fourth largest unchurched nation in the world. How did this happen? I believe the answer is twofold--not all on pastors. A. The pulpit has compromised the truth and, equally to blame, B. Parents have not heeded God's directive of being the primary spiritual influence in their children's lives, hence the breakdown of the family and the church. What will it take to make us wake up? China is praying for persecution of our believers to wake us out of our stupor. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:33:59 GMT 11595373 jferwerd http://www.crosswalk.com/11595550/ Randal: Yes there are references through out the gospels of what we must do - that's called the law. There are also references to Christ's saving work for us, which is the Gospel. The distinction between law and gospel is found throughout all the scriptures. Both are important. Through the law I see how much of a sinner I am and know that I can't do any of it. Therefore daily I repent, remember my baptism and cling to the saving work of Christ. That’s putting on Christ. That's identifying with His death, burial, and resurrection. That's denying myself and submitting to His will. As Christians we will have our crosses, but they aren’t ours to choose. I don't deny that good works should flow from us as the fruit of our faith, but if we emphasize our works over Christ's, we put the emphasis on the wrong syllaaable. By the way, I’m not a dispensationalist, so the Rapture thing doesn’t apply to me. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:59:44 GMT 11595550 erapp http://www.crosswalk.com/11595690/ DEAR MR. COLSON: If it was YOUR marriage that had suddenly been declared null and void in a popular vote, don't you think YOU would be just a little angry? Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:20:53 GMT 11595690 PhatDajuan http://www.crosswalk.com/11583268/ I read more than just a financial message here. There is something new growing in the political arena, that is giving indications that its true nature will be clearly seen before long, maybe even before it truly is in power. It just may be that those who helped plant this garden will see that what is growing is not what they really expected, and they may help to pull the weeds. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:00:33 GMT 11583268 doriweb http://www.crosswalk.com/11590402/ WOW! Thanks for the great article. I see myself so much in what he's describing and I see why I hold on so heavily to my flaws and failures. I've talked to other men as well who have spoken of the same thing and now this article has brought it to light and made it so understandable. While I may not agree with everything he wrote (that's my limited perspective), I certainly see and understand far better about myself and other men. I'll be linking to this in several e-mails today. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:04:17 GMT 11590402 youthrev http://www.crosswalk.com/11595646/ Amen to this article. Thank you Crosswalk for the grace of this article.... And this is Love, that while WE were yet sinners Christ died for us....... We are all sinners saved by Grace and as such need to reach out with compassion. I know that I tend to not love those who oppose me. May we all bear fruit worthy of repentance and love one another! Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:02:21 GMT 11595646 Furnituremaker http://www.crosswalk.com/11595550/ erapp: If you truly believe what you stated then you have not heard the Gospel. It is not true that Christ has done it all, and all we have to do is strap on the Rapture ejection seat and wait to be catapolted out of here. All through the Gospels references are made to what we must do. We have to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh. We have to identify with the death, burrial and reserrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We must continually submit our will to His. We must Deny ourselves, take up our Cross and follow Him. The mega community Churches are full of the country club Christians, those who are not putting off the old man and putting on the new man, those who are not being renewed in the spirit of their minds, those who are not presenting themselves as living sacrifices. If you are not seeing evidence of the saving grace, and the demonstration of the power of the gospel in you life then there is cause for concern. We should be progressively Changing. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:45:18 GMT 11595550 Randal http://www.crosswalk.com/11595550/ Moore is doing what Paul condemns in Galatians. Moore says that Jesus dying for our sins to give us eternal life is not the whole gospel. I think Paul would disagree; he gives the gospel in 1 Cor. 15:3-4. Moore claims that his gospel is "radical," but it isn't; it is just the law. He focuses on our obedience rather than Christ's obedience for us. The real gospel proclaims that Christ has done everything already in our place and that God imputes his righteousness to us. Now that's radical. Looking at myself for evidence of salvation would bring even less than a "tentative hope"; it would eventually lead me to either despair or atheism, because the only evidence would be how much of a sinner I am. I'd rather look to the evidence of Christ's obedience. In him I have absolute assurance. If going to church every Sunday so I can hear that Christ forgives my sins makes me a "near Christian," then call me a near Christian. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:58:02 GMT 11595550 erapp http://www.crosswalk.com/11590428/ Since when did God ever use politics to accomplish His will? Since when did God's People ever vote for what He wanted? Have you so soon forgotten the Samuel Saul issue. Politics is mans idea, not God's. The people, including God's people never want what God wants, and at every turn quickly vote for that which they want, not what He wants. God wants us to "deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him" we can't even vote for that in our own lives most of the time. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:51:55 GMT 11590428 Randal