Oldtimer

John, it's because we're slowly, but surely, being taught to be politically correct, at satan's direction.

We shouldn't upset anyone by stating loudly and clearly that abortion is murder. We should be tolerant of other's beliefs. Tolerate is a code word for condone. If we don't condone, we are cast as hate mongers, racists, and a host of other negative labels that the "world" is applying to us. And the most frightening label to many is some form of committing "hate crimes". Even by verbally rejecting the actions of others. Thus, the freedom to speak out is being erroded on all fronts.

TV preachers are telling us that we should love everybody. Love is a code word for "condone" their behavior. Local church pastors often don't want to offend anyone dropping money into the collection plate by not "condoning" their lifestyles.

Christian symbols of faith are offensive to some others, so we shouldn't display them. Season's Greetings is the preferred way of acknowledging the birth of Christ. We're politically correct if we spend Sunday, April 8th, hunting eggs and eating chocolate rabbits.

IMHO, far too few want to don the armour of God, as it's easier to stroll around in a T and shorts while being politically correct and fitting into today's society. Sadly, one day they are going to wake up and wonder what happened. How did we end up with a one world religion and one world government, just by being politically correct?

I fired him too early last year with no regrets. He's either clueless or playing dumb to keep his show going. Probably the former since he's not saved.

He's not dumb based on the display of his "stuff" at WalMart. Was looking for a box of greeting cards when I ran across a whole section devoted to his expensive, vanilla, "inspirational" products. After a couple of minutes looking at his self promotion, moved on to look elsewhere.

Our church provides a meeting place for a troop of Girl Scouts, the organization that provides leadership training for young girls. GS Pledge and GS Law: http://gstroop680.org/pledge.htm These girls have a great deal of learning/changing to do in order to live up to the law they pledge to uphold. Spare the rod and spoil the child is highly evident during and after these meetings.

From what I see in society today, you couldn't pay me enough to teach school these days. When I grew up spanking was common. Parents, grandparents, aunts, teachers, etc. had full authority to swat a bottom when a child was out of line. Even a perfect stranger could speak up and correct a child without fear of being arrested. BTW, our parents had a rule -- if you get spanked at school, you'll get another one when you get home. They meant it and we knew it. Thus, our parents never had to carry out that act of punishment. And that was without behavior modification medications!!!!

Thanks, Jerry.

I'm kinda old fashioned in some ways. Usually have a half dozen pens lying around to make notes on paper. Found that I don't like to borrow books from other folks. I have to hide the pens to keep from underlining, drawing stars and writing "the Bible doesn't say that!" in the margins.

SALVATION and THE PUBLIC INVITATION What's your thoughts on this? I feel the man does make some good points.

Jerry, thanks for the link. Especially since it led to "the rest of the story" that I spent some time reading this morning. http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/BTP/Dr_Max_Younce/Invitation/toc.htm Planning to revisit when I have more time and will probably print out the pdf.

It isn't a coincidence that I read this, this morning.

Briefly.... Yesterday, I had a conversation with a man seeking answers and expressing doubts. Our conversation was interrupted, and I'm sure it will be resumed later. During this pause, how to respond to him is embedded in what I read this morning.

Thank you.

Carring a bible in the open where people can see you can be a character builder for a Christian. People will know exactly what it is and who you are (i.e a "bible thumper") and it's one of the easiest ways to find out who among your group who loves the bible and who doesn't. It will also embolden other Christians who may be to afraid to profess their faith for fear of being picked on or ostracized. If I see a person carry a bible, say to work, I'll be more likely to strike up a conversation about the things of God than if he/she didn't. And you'll be surprised how much courage others Christians who may work with you will start to show. You can't get this with an electronic device. Not that I'm against having these things. I have an bible app on my phone that I highly recommend. But they shouldn't replace the book itself.

And as in church I want to go to a church where everyone has the bible out. There's nothing like that in the world.

Not only for the main worship service. To see people open their Bibles during Sunday school and Wednesday Bible studies, too.

We have one lady who likes to "play" with her electronic device during those times. I don't know what it is except it's an earlier version, according to her. From observing her, it appears to be distracting to her, as well as those around her. That's why I used the term "play" with it. She can't be concentrating on the message, with all the "clicking" she's doing.

As to carrying a Bible, I frequently do, these days. Especially when I know I'm going to be sitting for awhile, as in a doctor's office. It's interesting to observe folks out of the corner of my eye. If they think I'm not looking, people will often give the Bible a second glance, even if they don't mention it. It's in effect a silent witness to others.

Back to electronics, for a moment. I think they are fine for private study. At home, for example, when reviewing our SS lesson, it's convenient to quickly look up referenced verses. And to look up definitions of words I don't understand. And, sometimes, to do research when I disagree with the author's premise on a particular subject. However, there's one downside to a computer screen. I can't write notes on it. I tend to scribble notes as I study.

Thanks, all, for posting the links in this thread. I've just added them to my bookmarks and will re-visit as time permits.
There's much to be studied there. Just wish there were more hours in the day.

Born of depression era parents, grew up on a small share-cropper farm, without modern conveniences. When I married at age 21, my parents still didn't have running water or an indoor toilet. Remember well when electricity came to our farm. Prior to that Mama cooked on a wood cookstove and we ate supper by oil lamp light. That was back in the early 50's. Remember that specifically because to hear the news, we'd go outside and listen to the radio in Dad's 1950 model car.

Since I've been old enough to be "aware", I've watched the change in society with the implementation of "social programs". IMHO, the "Great Society" did its part to ruin society. Plus, looking back into history, the New Deal and "a chicken in every pot" has brought us to ruin. Yes, ruin. We (society) just aren't admitting it, yet. The stats posted earlier are just some of the indicators of what our "entitled" and "me" society has brought us to this point.

Often, when reading the Bible, I see parallels between what's happening today and what brought down God's wrath on the Hebrews. Often, too, wonder if we're in the end times. Naturally, there's no way of knowing if this is indeed the end times or we're simply going to experience a fall similar to those in the past suffered by others who turned from our Creator.

The other day I was thinking about how few people around me can truely count their blessings. If they've never lived without air conditioning or a flushing toilet, those aren't blessings to them. If they've never had to split firewood for a kitchen stove, a microwave isn't a blessing. One more... If they've never had to grow, dig, and peel their own potatoes, it isn't a blessing to pick up French fries at a drive through window. Today, instead of being thankful for the conveniences of this age, so many demand them as a right. Society must ensure that no one has to go without _________ that didn't exist 50-100 years ago.

In closing, when society provides, the recepients must conform to what society dictates, not what God expects from each one. Anyone want a bite from an apple?