Christian In The World...Even Public Schools

I have often been asked the question regarding the limits that Christians have when it comes to their faith in the public schools.  Having typically answered with, "As long as you don't force anyone to pray with you or converse with you about your faith, then there is nothing that can be said."  This answer is a display of my ignorance of legal jargon, but I was very encouraged when I run across this post by The Gospel Coalition regarding this issue.  But before I let you go, let me remind you that too often we have let the threat of offending someone silence our proclamation (Joshua 1:7, 1 Cor 16:13-14).  So...how far can we take our example for Christ in the public school?  Read this article for the answers.

A Little Good News Today

Having observed several years ago the vast negativity and gross moral behavior that plagues our news media, it had become very difficult to continue watching the news.  After being asked my opinion of recent event reported in the news and being caught off guard, I decided to include news consumption as a part of my regular routine.  Having watched the news the last couple of weeks, I have decided that my initial assessment has not changed.  With an average total of thirty stories every news cast (including weather and sports), most of the stories were about murders/major crimes, others were over major trials, with drug/gang issues and child/animal neglect receiving equal attention.  Several stories pertain to political issues that seem to be the same issues that were discussed when I quit watching the news fourteen years ago.  And the rest were sports and weather.

As Christians, with hearts burdened for the lostness in our world, Ann Murry’s 1983 hit song, “A Little Good News Today” would be a breath of fresh air.  We prefer reports of people doing good to others, or people celebrating victories in life other than personal achievements that are often found in sports.  In the last two weeks, I heard only four stories that really encouraged me out of an average total of 400 stories.

Just as each newscast is accustomed, I have started this particular post on a negative note. But now I will quickly turn to the more positive side of things by reminding us of the sovereignty of God and His work within His creation.  Even though we live in a fallen world that promotes self-pleasure, self-gratification, and a long list of other self's; as growing followers of Christ, we begin to notice the lostness even more.   But the lostness – although a burden to our souls – magnifies the Holiness of God.

Now stay with me; when the Apostle John writes about the light and darkness in 1 John 1:5-7, he suggests that we keep using the light of Scripture to see the darkness in the world.  When the light penetrates the darkness, nothing can hide.  That is how it happens, as we walk with Jesus – who is the light – our sins are identified by the light and we cannot hide in them.  As we are in the light of Jesus, we see the lostness of the world and we become burdened.

The solution, rejoice in the fact that we see the darkness of the world because of our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit.  This is the hope, in that the world is temporary, yet by faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have a promised eternity.  Secondly, rejoice in the successes of this world, even though the news will not report it.

Even though the norm of our media system today neither edifies nor encourages Christian morals; when in fact, they refuse to inform the public of good news in fear of offending someone, God is not finished with His creation.  Although God may be disappointed with how things are, He is never caught off guard nor surprised when things happen.  And as the rock of morality continues to be chipped away at, know that God preserves His remnant.

The Night Before Sunday

My first blog post, and this post just so happens to be on the eve of Sunday morning worship.  With that thought, I wanted to share with you that after 14 years of ministry, some things have changed, while others have not.

Reflecting on the fact that I am concerning myself with blog creation rather than gorging myself on sermon preperation is one of the major changes to a typical Saturday night. Watching football instead of having worship music softly playing in the background for inspiration is another difference.   But other things have not changed.

Spending time in family worship is always a blessing; however, Saturday nights are supercharged.  Although family worship happens every night, Saturdays seem to be extra special, because we pray for our worship service the following day.

Another thing that remains the same is the excitement of the next day.  After preperaing throughout the week and the blessings that come from worship through study, the anticipation of sharing this with the hearers gets my blood pumping baby.  It is a tremendous blessing to speak on behalf of our great God.  While preparation during the week has changed the dynamic of my Saturday night, the emotion and excitement of the next day remains the same.