In the past, American culture was built on the morality of Christianity and it was respected. To fit into the culture, you were a part of the church. Preachers evangelized people to a cause—Christianity—because Christianity is the avenue in which strong, moral families are built. That’s true. But the past generation was taught to ask, “What would Jesus do?” “What will He do for me?” If I follow this moral conduct, I’ll be a respected citizen and God will bless my marriage and so forth.
Today, however, “If Christianity is a means to American values, says Russell Moore, America can get by without it, because America is learning to value other things.”
Today’s shifting culture is much different. There is a decline in American morality according to God’s standard and a decline of Christians in the Bible belt where I live. Why? People no longer need the church to fit into the “new” culture. America has shifted her values to a world view instead of a godly view. The world view is the norm and what’s accepted by many. Christianity has become the minor of the two. This sounds bleak but actually it’s exciting.
For the first time in a long time we can evangelize people as the disciples did in the beginning of the church age. (Acts 2)
In the past, according to Moore, the question was, “What would Jesus do.” In other words, we’ve taught people how to live a good moral life. Today, Moore challenges, the question should be the one Jesus asked his disciples,
“Who do you say I am?” (Mark 8:29)
It’s time we preach Jesus. True faith is based not on good conduct but on the person of Jesus Christ. We’ve forgotten who God is. No wonder many who claim to love God don’t know they are offending Him and His laws.
My words were inspired today by an article written by, Russell Moore, who is the eighth president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, about a shift in American culture. His words stayed with me. In order to evangelize America today we need to understand the culture and what people need most—Jesus.
This is my attempt to convey Moore’s words to you. I highly suggest you visit is site. www.russellmoore.com
God put laws in people’s hearts:in Old Testment time, there was no prohibition for polygamy. Even so, some people want to stay in monogamy only: Noah, Issac, Joseph, Job,etc only wanted to stay in monogamy. True love supports monogamy. In New Testament time, some people use divorce to avoid punishment of polygamy. Only True Love holds meaningful marriage.
Thanks for sharing Micca!! This is a good perspective check for me, a needed one too. I’ve found myself at times a little overwhelmed at times as I think about the world my kids will grow old in. Praying we are building a solid foundation for them, like you did with your’s. I thought of your words about your son crying after the recent marriage ruling when I heard the song, “Jesus, Friend of Sinners”, He’s breaking your boy’s heart with what breaks His.” Good job Mom!!