Yesterday I ran my obligatory article on the future of Calvary Chapel, but did so with little enthusiasm.
On a macro scale it doesn’t matter much, on a micro scale I truly believe that each person needs to focus on the local church and it’s health.
As the church and individuals we have far greater matters to deal with on the horizon...like this;
“The Associated Press surveyed more than a dozen economists, think tanks and academics, both nonpartisan and those with known liberal or conservative leanings, and found a broad consensus: The official poverty rate will rise from 15.1 percent in 2010, climbing as high as 15.7 percent. Several predicted a more modest gain, but even a 0.1 percentage point increase would put poverty at the highest since 1965.
Poverty is spreading at record levels across many groups, from underemployed workers and suburban families to the poorest poor. More discouraged workers are giving up on the job market, leaving them vulnerable as unemployment aid begins to run out. Suburbs are seeing increases in poverty, including in such political battlegrounds as Colorado, Florida and Nevada, where voters are coping with a new norm of living hand to mouth.”
—Poverty will remain above the pre-recession level of 12.5 percent for many more years. Several predicted that peak poverty levels — 15 percent to 16 percent — will last at least until 2014, due to expiring unemployment benefits, a jobless rate persistently above 6 percent and weak wage growth.
—Suburban poverty, already at a record level of 11.8 percent, will increase again in 2011.
—Part-time or underemployed workers, who saw a record 15 percent poverty in 2010, will rise to a new high.
—Poverty among people 65 and older will remain at historically low levels, buoyed by Social Security cash payments.
—Child poverty will increase from its 22 percent level in 2010.
Analysts also believe that the poorest poor, defined as those at 50 percent or less of the poverty level, will remain near its peak level of 6.7 percent.”
Right now, American corporations are earning the highest profits as a percentage of GDP that they have ever earned.
Meanwhile, the same corporations are paying their employees the lowest wages as a percentage of GDP that they have ever paid.
Here in Oregon, 20% of the state is on food stamps.
While we fret about what people are doing in their bedrooms or what books they’re reading, we are ignoring a storm coming of unprecedented ferocity in our generations.
Our resources and our faith are going to be tested to the hilt…especially at the local church level.
I, for one, am terrified.
I believe in biblical prophecy.
Thus, I see where there will clearly be end time beasts economically, politically, and ecclesiastically.
I also see that these beasts have been here before and are present even now. (Rev 2-3)
Because I believe in biblical prophecy and the sovereignty of God, I do not believe that these prophecies cannot come to pass.
What I don’t see in scripture is that we are to use this knowledge to to try to prevent the prophesied events or tear each other to shreds as agents of the enemy.
We are here as ambassadors of the King, representing His kingdom…we need to study that job description more carefully.
The allegation has been made that I no longer care about the issues that created this blog.
Nothing could be farther from the truth.
I simply believe that the best thing I can do for those who have been in abusive churches is empower them to think for themselves, think biblically, and help restore their relationship to Christ despite what has happened in the church.
Each one of you is a vital part of the Body of Christ and we need you well.
To do nothing more than seek “justice” leaves us stuck in the place we were wounded…and that is the greatest injustice of all.
They tore down the idol statue of Joe Paterno at Penn State over the weekend.
Save yourself the trouble…don’t build them…in life or in your mind.
1. The gay community is getting real close to overplaying their hand. They have done a phenomenal job in changing the social dynamic to accommodate their lifestyle and mainstream it. However, like many churches, they have not changed the heart, only behaviors. If they keep pushing, there is a backlash coming…I feel it in my own heart. Tolerance and grace… yes, acceptance as normal…hell no.
