by Bob Russell
God has entrusted us with the most outstanding nation in the history of the world. The United States’ freedom, technology and wealth have enabled the dissemination of the gospel throughout the world.
For believers to have a cavalier attitude toward the moral freefall that threatens our future is both spiritually naïve and a terrible stewardship of the blessings our forefathers passed down to us.
Jesus warned His disciples that following Him would put them in conflict with the culture.
He said things like (to paraphrase slightly):
“If the world hates me, it will also hate you” (John 15:18)
“I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10:34)
“I am sending you out as a sheep among wolves” (Matthew 10:16)
“I will set father against son and … daughter-in-law against mother-in-law” (Matthew 10:35)
That is why our ancestors used to sing hymns that equaled battle cries, singing such refrains as, “A mighty fortress is our God,” or, “Stand up, stand up for Jesus, you soldiers of the cross.”
They understood that Jesus had called them to a battlefield, not a playground. They took seriously Paul’s admonition: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11).
Signing peace treaties.
In recent years, many churches have dropped all images of war in favor of a peace treaty with the world.
We speak of Jesus as a healer and leader, but not Lord and King. We shout grace, whisper repentance and make inordinate attempts to ingratiate ourselves with those who oppose us.
We retreat into silence in the face of horrendous evil and hope it will all go away.
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SOURCE: ChurchLeaders.com
At just twenty-two years of age, Bob became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches & conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups.
More from Bob Russell or visit Bob at www.bobrussell.org
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