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Advocates of “Christian” political activism in the United States spend a lot of time telling us how the deck is stacked against them. They are correct. A secular society is never friendly to Biblical viewpoints, and rarely even sympathetic to the concerns of Bible-believers. Consistent and vigorous evangelism is a far more effective means of social change. A continuously growing population of righteous and faithful Christians will have dramatic effects on any local community. While I always advocate the communication of Biblical truth on public and political policy, I prefer to spend the majority of my time and money on evangelism and discipleship.

For every ounce of hostility to Christianity we find in America, there is a pound in the UK. One of today’s daily Telegraph editorials considers belief in the Bible dangerous, comparing it readily with radical Islam, and insisting those that affirm it be excluded from the political process. Make no mistake, similar opinions now find a home in America too. I consider them to be the fault of “Christian” political activism rather than the enemy of it. A particular segment of Christianity has become so unalterably preoccupied with political change, their witnessing and discipling responsibilities have been almost totally ignored! Consequently, conservative activism has grown while Biblical Christianity has declined. Am I wrong?

I wrote a provocative headline because I wanted you to read an article from Sunday’s daily Telegraph. It is one of the most disturbing stories you will ever read regarding abortion. A UK woman named Lucy Cavendish tells an appalling true-life story of magnificent disregard for human life and relentless commitment to self. I believe we can be fairly certain Lucy is simply a lost, sinful, deceived woman in need of Christ, but her views reveal something about the condition of Western society today. It is long past time for believers to wake up, speak up, and refuse to back up until we’re taken up on eliminating the legal murder of the unborn!

I have recently expressed concern that many Baptist pastors and missionaries are enthusiastically promoting speakers, authors and teachers that are sub-par in doctrinal and (consequently) philosophical understanding. This week I was grieved again by three further examples, as those calling themselves fundamentalists justified the blunders and missteps of their favorite evangelical pundit.

This morning I clicked play on a message that helped focus my concerns. As I compared it with those I’ve heard from the “leading Christian thinkers” of our day, I discovered a monumental difference. These words resonate with conviction and assurance that only consistent and deliberate study in God’s word can bring. Talk of cultural dynamics and the psychological processes of the post-modern mind were conspicuously absent; praise God.

Dr. Rick Flanders was featured at the Conference on Baptist Fundamentalism last month at Maranatha Baptist Bible College. He spoke on an historic mistake by fundamentalists, and in doing so defined a chief problem today. It is one of the best sermons you will ever hear on foundational principles for ministry philosophy. I thank God for men that stand firm against the tide! Please make time to listen.

Download A Mistake by Fundamentalists

The world spends a lot of time working on the perversion of ideas, and in this case celebrations, that could potentially be beneficial to the cause of Christ. Patrick of Ireland was a man worthy of recognition it seems. Unfortunately his remembrance has taken on a negative connotation in ungodly society. On a day when many have used his holiday as an opportunity to sin, it is good to reflect on a person that spent his life pointing sinners to Christ. Happy St. Patrick’s day!

Some of the best selling Christian books in the United States tell believers how to confront “difficulty”. Messages of encouragement in “hard times” bombard us on evangelical radio and television. Fortunately (or unfortunately) however, most Americans have no concept of what true hardship looks like. That is why we need reminders, like this one, regarding a very real crisis in Kenya. While we are traveling to multi-million dollar bookstores in our air-conditioned SUV’s, where we buy $25 self-help books on “coping with the harsh realities of life”, others learn by experience. We ought to praise God today for our quality of life, and learn to pray for brothers and sisters in Christ around the world that face disaster and death.

We have been faithful in promoting several top-notch music sources on this site, including Sacred Audio.com for web downloads, and Abiding Radio.com for online listening. Good purchase sources for CD’s include Majesty Music and The Wilds. Today we add to that list Rejoice Music from Pensacola Christian College. I have not purchased (or sampled) a great deal of their products to this point, but thought perhaps someone who had could let me know what they think. In any event, I am glad fundamental schools are taking it upon themselves to offer increased access to conservative content during an era in which quality materials are hard to find.

I find myself returning often to a blog written by a church-planter in China. His writing style is informal, but often passionate and convicting. I was reminded of our tremendous freedom while reading Hide! It’s a Visitor. When you visit, be sure to browse the Archives and check out his Blogroll too. I think you will find yourself encouraged, and perhaps prompted to witness more urgently where you live.

Apparently Dr. Kevin Bauder is writing a series of missions-focused articles for the Fundamentalist blog Sharper Iron. I just came across another gem this morning on the topic of church planting. Few writers speak with greater clarity or understanding on the subject. These will certainly find their way into my permanent files.

Dan and Karis Seely were appointed to Cameroon, Africa with Baptist Mid-Missions in 2005. After spending time with them at Candidate Seminar that year, and later while on deputation, we have grown to appreciate them very much. Today we follow their ministry via the internet. Once in a while Dan hits a home run with his blog commentaries, as he did with an October 19 entry on Mike Huckabee.

I recently discovered a couple of terrific articles from Dr. Kevin Bauder of Central Seminary. In the first he addresses the Biblical validity of missionary field councils. The second considers local church authority, and how it relates to the practical work of a missions agency. Two controversial topics Bauder handles with ease.