Reaching The Don’ts

Reaching the Don’ts – There’s Still Time

Recently, I heard a celebrity announce that she is an atheist.

I cringed as I heard her speaking words of discouragement to anyone who would listen, especially her younger generation of fans.

Sadly, she’s not alone.

The number of dropouts from the faith are on the rise and their sphere of influence is growing.

This isn’t just a “celebrity” thing.

The dark side of social media

The results of a Barna study, published in an article by the Family Research Council, states in part that  “43 percent of Millennials are considered “Don’ts” in Barna’s research, meaning they don’t believe or know if God exists.” – (Carman/Closson, 2021, para. 8).

Friends, that is terrible news.

It also points to the dire need to reach these people.

God providentially knows who His people are, but since we are not God, for us that means the harvest is still ripe.

The Holy Spirit is here to guide us – so keep praying and looking for those opportunities for reaching the “Don’ts”.

But even though our culture does not want the Bible, God, or the church, it is important for followers of Jesus to remain faithful. As fewer people share our theological and worldview commitments, Christians will need courage that was not required of recent generations of believers. – Barna Group Research Study.1

Courage For Reaching the Don’ts

As the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians in pleas for unity in the advancement of the Gospel . . .

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. – 1 Corinthians 15:58, (NASB).2

Others may think of us as working in vain for a lost cause, but we are working for the Lord and that’s what matters.

Lord, help us to see the “Don’ts” through Your eyes.

We ask for more opportunities to reach these lost people

so we can share the Good News in a world caught up in darkness.reaching the don'ts

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1 Quotation courtesy of Barna Group Research Study. Carman, Molly, and Closson, David. “New Barna Research Reveals Extent of America’s Loss of Faith” June 22, 2021. para 10. Web. Accessed September 8, 2021.  Retrieved from https://www.frc.org/blog/2021/06/new-barna-research-reveals-extent-americas-loss-faith

2 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

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How to defend the faith without raising your voice

Defend the Faith Without Raising Your Voice

Did you know that the following phrase is an actual “search” term on the internet?

“Defend the faith without raising your voice.”

I love that!

That means more Christians are searching for the right and Biblical way to present the truth of the Gospel to others.

With love

With humility

And, with facts.

We have evidentiary facts of what we are told in the Bible and they do validate our faith.

Even so, all of the divisiveness we’re seeing right now will only get worse.

Jesus told the disciples – 

If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. – John 15:18, (NASB).1

 

We should have bold confidence in our faith and the courage to stand for our faith in a disbelieving world.

Learning to meet cultural lies head-on is not only important to us as adults, we must also pass on what we learn to the younger generation.

They are literally bombarded everywhere with lies about God, the creation account, and His design for marriage – not only from some politicians, but also on television, the internet, and in some public schools (see stopcse.org.)

If you’re a parent or grandparent – you might be thinking right now, “Help!”

Where can a person go to learn how to answer those anti-God arguments that we know will continue for the rest of our days?

I’m glad you asked.  🙂

defend the faith without raising your voice

Stand For Reason in a Hostile World

Learning how to defend your faith – it’s not too late!!

The Stand To Reason website offers some incredible and helpful resources to choose from, including podcasts, articles, videos and more.

Plus, there’s this:

Stand To Reason University

I bet I can guess what you’re thinking . . .

Classes? – Who has the time?

Trust me, I get it.

Your time is valuable.

But, the world has changed, and this very hostile culture is pushing messages of fear, division, and hopelessness.

Training in Apologetics (defending the faith) is helpful.

I’m currently enrolled in STR University, and highly encourage you to consider signing up as well.

Here’s the skinny:

  • The classes are free.
  • Biblical instructors guide you through each course.
  • You’ll learn practical and loving ways to share your beliefs and why you believe what you do.
  • The video classes are under 30 minutes, some even half that.

You can take valuable classes such as:

Are the Gospels Reliable History?

The Case For The Resurrection

Answering Nine Challenges to Jesus’ Deity

What kids today are facing from cultural influencers is heartbreaking, but knowing about those dangers and preparing the next generation is not only important, it’s biblical. 

To do so we must know what we believe; we must have thought it out; we must be able to state it intelligently and intelligibly. Our faith must be a first-hand discovery and not a second-hand story. It is one of the tragedies of the modern situation that there are so many Church members who, if they were asked what they believe, could not tell, and who, if they were asked why they believe it, would be equally helpless. The Christian must go through the mental and spiritual toil of thinking out his faith, so that he can tell what he believes and why. – Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series. The Westminster Press, as quoted in preceptaustin.org.2

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1Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

2 W. Barclay quotation is from the 1 Peter 3:13-22 commentary. [2020.] Courtesy of Precept Austin, https://www.preceptaustin.org/1peter_verse_by_verse__313-22., 1/06/20. Subheading, “Make A Defense Not An Apology.” Web. Accessed 7 September, 2022.

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Labor Day 2022

Happy Labor Day 2022

Do you have any Labor Day plans?

Hopefully, you have the day off to celebrate with your family or friends.

My husband will be firing up the smoker to make something delicious.

He’s a famous grill master (at least at our house).

I’m in charge of the “side” dishes.

Seriously, an entrée without sides is like a day without sunshine, am I right ? 😉

Beyond those eagerly-looked-forward-to menu items, without question, we‘ll be flying our American flag at our front door.

With that in mind, on this Labor Day 2022, we’d like to express our thanks to the American workforce.

Labor Day 2022Hard-working men and women who labored for years to build this country from the ground up.

Brick by brick.

Stone by stone.

Their efforts, and more importantly, our Judeo-Christian heritage and faith in God are what made America great.

As we learn in the Book of Ecclesiastes, verse 9 and beyond, God is sovereign and He has set eternity in our hearts.

9What benefit is there for the worker from that in which he labors? 10I have seen the task which God has given the sons of mankind with which to occupy themselves.

God Set Eternity in the Heart of Mankind

11He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, without the possibility that mankind will find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.

12I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; 13 moreover, that every person who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—this is the gift of God. 

– Ecclesiastes 3:9-13, (NASB).1

As we relax with family and friends this weekend, let’s also remember and rejoice in “His” work in our lives

Happy Labor Day!

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1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

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Casting Crowns Healer Album

Casting Crowns Healer Album – Blessing Hurting Hearts

A few days ago, the Grammy® and Dove Award-winning Christian rock band, Casting Crowns, released their new album, “Healer Deluxe” on Sony’s Provident Label.

You may have heard some of the earlier songs on christian radio, but new ones were added that are uplifting fans all over. 

Every song on the album showcases the band’s skillful songwriting, likable melodies, and meaningful lyrics.

The band’s frontman, Mark Hall, is a truly gifted songwriter and vocalist.

From the many fan comments I’ve read regarding the title track, this song has struck a chord with many people.

No doubt, we live in a world full of suffering and antagonism.

Jesus is our only shining light in a world plunging into darkness.

Even more than healing our bodies, we need the Healer to heal our hearts and seal our souls for eternity. 

“The title track, a sweeping, big-voiced plea-turned-prayer, speaks to the things we often try instead of turning to the Healer.

The point of this song is that healing is not going to come from the people we’re voting for, or the people we’re following on screens,” Mark says. “It’s only going to come from Jesus. He is the Healer.” – Mark Hall, as quoted, from castingcrowns.com.1

Casting Crowns 2nd Opinions

Admittedly, there’s one song on the album that had me cracking up in laughter.

Have you heard “2nd Opinions” yet?

If not, let me help you with that!

As you will see, this melody is more lighthearted and fun, but with lyrics that get an important message across.

To know what’s in the Bible, you have to actually read it.

Props to Mark Hall and also Matthew West for writing the catchy lyrics.

Casting Crowns Healer Tour

The Casting Crowns Healer Tour is happening now.

You can find if your city is on their tour schedule right here:

https://www.castingcrowns.com/

Upcoming venues include cities in California, Florida, Texas and more.

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1 Mark Hall quotation. “About” page. [castingcrowns.com]. n.d. Web. Accessed August 25, 2022. 

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Major League Grace

Little League Game, Major League Grace

Never in a million years did I think I’d ever share a video from the major sports network, ESPN.

But, I’m delighted to share this one with a glimpse into America’s greatest pastime – Baseball.

major league grace

Sometimes it takes a young teen to remind us what the God-given qualities of compassion and forgiveness are all about.

See if this doesn’t tug at your heartstrings.

What a beautiful scene to witness – the epitome of sportsmanship, but beyond that – major league grace. 

Even more amazing is the way that God so readily forgives us when we come to Him with humility.

No matter “what” we’ve done, no matter how much we’ve hurt Him, God will forgive our repentant hearts.

In one of Jeremiah’s final “turn back to God” prophecies spoken to Judah, the prophet reminded the people that the hearts of man can be deceitful.

God’s truth is paramount.

The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick;
Who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17:9, (NASB).1

As guilty sinners, we deserve eternal punishment and yet, God sent us His Son.

The blood of Christ redeems us.

Because what has happened in the resurrection is cosmic in its significance. It is akin to what happened when God created the universe. You read the very beginning of the Bible, and what do you discover? That: it was darkness over the face of the land, and into that, the power and might of God shines. – Christian pastor and author, Alistair Begg, of Truth for Life teaching ministry.2

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1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

2 Quotation from Alistair Begg, Christian pastor, author, and founder of Truth For Life Teaching Ministry. “Then They Were Glad”, April 17, 2022. para. 28. Web. Accessed 21 August, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/then-they-were-glad/ 

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