By every measurable standard it is clear that Biblical Christianity in America is on the decline and in a growing state of crisis. Youth, being heavily influenced by a public education system increasingly hostile toward God, are leaving the faith in record numbers. And many professing Christians do not understand, or disagree with, basic tenets of Biblical Christianity.
In 1 Peter 3:15, we are taught to be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks us about the hope we claim is within us as followers of Jesus Christ. We know the Bible is the eternal true Word of God. But when sharing our faith with unbelievers, is it enough just to say “because the Bible says”? Or should we also be prepared to explain why we know what the Bible says is truth?
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Joining us to discuss this, along with Biblical Creationism and the dangers of evolution teaching, is Jay Seegert of Creation Education Center. Learn more about Jay and CEC.
An impressive and interesting information, thanks for sharing and great effort.
Talking about churches, I'm in the same club. I live in a huge metro area and have been to hundreds of churches, looking for the ones claiming to be 'biblical' and all of that. Sure, they claim it, but not so. I would be willing to go to one that is at least pretty good, but can't even find that. I found one once but it is just too far to go regularly, and uphill. I would give much to simply find a group willing to meet in a public building, THAT is the real church. Just true worship to the Lord (without all those blasty drums), reading the bible, praying, and a word of knowledge here and there like the bible says. If you read the bible you see how the church is supposed to function, so different from what you see within the walls of what they call 'church.' You must read the bible to know the truth, there is no other way. We should be doing that anyway. Don't wait for the wolves to feed you. Just start in the gospel of John, read through the NT, then the other gospels, then the OT in order. It makes more sense as you go, pray for God to show you His truth. ( :
On top of that, there is an agenda to make it that way. To give you an example, just look at the back packs they sell now for school kids. I saw one the other day with two truly evil looking types on it and the words 'long live ebil.' No, I'm not making this stuff up. Another one a few years back had the angry birds on and the slogan "I'm building an evil empire." Who makes these? Yes, conspiracies are real, and so are the theorists who are aware of them like me. (See Psalms 2 and other places in the bible for more examples of conspiracies). The point is you have to be vigilant over your kids, don't just assume all is well if you hear no evil. It's a real battle!
The problem out there is that kids get acculturated into the culture of the world by many avenues. There is media; tv shows, movies, music, computer games etc., books, and so on. There is peer pressure. I see kids as young as 1st grade dressing like las vegas, off the shoulder glitzy tops, short skirts, tight pants, its sexualized. It takes a real 'go against the tide' strong personality to dress normal in school and endure all the relentless ridicule they will receive for going against the tide. That is why they always have to have that item that all their friends have, or the gadgets, etc. With kids being saturated in today's evil worldly culture it is almost impossible to keep them pure despite the best efforts. They are robbed of all innocence at such an early age. I see it all the time and it is heart breaking.
And I must add that every parent should dig deep into what their kid is involved in at school. For example, what books are they reading? I see so many occult books that are passed off as just for 'fun' and to get kids into reading. What books are the teachers reading to them during read aloud times? Many older grade teachers read Harry Potter books to them (red flag: sorcery, occult, etc.!). What halloween activities are going on? Not to mention ways they will try to sneak in the gender neutral stuff and other things. It's not just the math, english, and basic subjects to watch out for, but assemblies, teacher agendas, etc. Just pry into these things, look in your kids back pack, ask questions, do your homework too. It's your job.
In my opinion, feel good youth groups are more insidious and dangerous than cut and dry, this is what it is, atheist public school education. A well prepared child can see through it, while in a so called "Christian" group, things get grey fast. By the way, does anyone remember how Daniel never strayed while living in the most pagan, anti God society in his day? Why? Because his parents brought him up in the ways of The Lord, and as a man Daniel exclusively trusted God. And he was sorrounded by such paganism that would make public education blush.
We must remember that none of us are immune to the influence of worldviews being indoctrinated and influencing Christians here in our country and abroad. This article singles out the public school system, but we must also address that much of the homeschooling curriculum is ripe with the fruits of false doctrines and lies from satan. To condemn one and not address the fallacy of the other is irresponsible to say the least and borders on idolatry. Many of us live in neighborhoods where homeschooling is practiced and I must say there is absolutely no difference in the lifestyles of the homeschooling verses the public schooled families. The sins mentioned in 2 Timothy chapter 3 pertain equally in the minds and hearts of the homeschooling movement as well as publicly educated families, so we must be very careful when singling out a movement as the catalyst for the downgrade of society.
There is no social institution upon the face of this earth this is not neutral and to claim there exists one, would be a lie.
Because of public school education, our youth are becoming more hostile to God……I personally know homeschooling families that are hostile to our LORD Jesus Christ as well. In visiting with graduates from so called Bible colleges, our families are told by these educated young adults that God did not create the world and everything in it, in six literal days for 'a day is as a thousand years.'
To say that public school education is the only social venue that creates hostility to our LORD is irresponsible to say the least. Given the fact that sin rules in homeschooling families as well as families that choose public education would be a more realistic analysis. We have placed the topic of homeschooling education on the back of the golden calf and worship it as if it is the answer to all of our worldly problems. And to be perfectly honest here, the homeschooling families in our area are far more 'socialist and social justice prototypes' than our public schooled families.
And when I hear these words coming from homeschooling families, "It takes a village to raise a child," then we need to take heed and step back and check our self righteousness out at the door. It is easy to blame one social venue and ignore the sins of other social venues.
Hello, Just a thought : is it really true that there exists a NEUTRAL ground in the public schools? Jesus says 'you are either with me or against me'. Public schools reflect an 'against HIM' position, not a NEUTRAL position. They speak nothing of the King, nothing of the Lord of all, nothing of His Lordship even though they do come under His Lordship. They will never acknowledge His Lordship, because their foundation is Godless. It is governed by secular humanist who are not NEUTRAL.
Nothing in the world is neutral, if I were to follow your premise to the end, I couldn't have a business because I deal with people who are not Christians, I couldn't invest in the stock market because there are companies in portfolios that might be questionable, I couldn't go to a restaurant because the chef might not be a Christian, or fly an airline that might not have Christian pilots……..that's why Paul said you can't be of the world, but you can't leave it, so while in it live your life in such a way that when people speak of you Christ will be honored.
And yes, my son at one time attended a Christian school of good repute, till he got home and complained the kids used the foulest language. He was even asked why he didn't use foul language, he simply answered, we don't use foul language in my home. So neutral is as neutral can be. The secular school he attends now, doesn't meddle with homosexuality, controversial social issues, nor anything I an see where it's diametrically opposed to the bible, in fact his science teacher said, "we are required to explain evolution, but I don't buy it, creation is more plausible." This was a science teacher in a charter school. She met criteria, but she included intelligent design. There are Christians that question creation……….
Funny thing, when you speak of Jesus and His teachings, most in the church think you are some sort of religious nut for desiring to share your faith in Christ alone.
Here in America, we condemn the un-501c. 3-churched folks because they are not an official church member and yet most churched I know do not read their Bibles, are not filled with the Holy Spirit, and roll their eye balls when you say the Name of Jesus.
I do not believe the public schools are damaging our children nearly as much as the Laodicean church structure is, for as goes the church, so goes the rest of the culture.
Although I had been in a church for many years that had scriptural teaching, I did not realize I was only being fed milk, not meat. I felt guilty and unspiritual in my lack of interest in reading the Bible. It was only after I was confronted with some false teaching in a small house church group I joined that I dug into the Bible for answers and started to realize what I had missed. I now drive 1 hour each way to a very small church where there is expository teaching AND discernment. It feels like a remnant. I recently learned that when the pastor went to expository teaching years ago, 65% of the congregation left. The remaining members are enthusiastic and thirsty for the Word.
I wish I had a do-over where it concerns my son. Because I felt ill-equipped and not as “spiritual” as others at church, I relied on the church and youth ministry to teach proper doctrine to my son. It’s worse now at that church—they are using spiritual formation curriculum, which is introducing mysticism in the children’s ministry.
I am grateful to God and humbled that I was woken up to what is going on in the churches instead of being that proverbial frog who was slowly boiled to death.
P.S. And, the Lord told us to: 1. read the bible 2. pray 3. watch 4. worship Him 5. spread the gospel 6. hold allegiance to His eternal Word the bible 7. obey and submit to Him above all else, or only Him when a contradiction exists 8. not listen to false ideologies to the contrary
and since none of that has changed, neither should what we do change. That is the test of loyalty. It is easy to follow the law of the Lord in fair weather days. But the days ahead will grow darker. The pressure will increase. The fair weather followers will fall away. But we must continue marching on until the finish line, run the race to win, and reach the ultimate rewards that await. For me, all I need is to know that I brought Him honor and glory despite the obstacles. God bless you!
Lastly, within the culture I have observed, even from within churches; the phrase that we live in a 'post Christian era.' Now sure, many are falling away into unbelief or apostasy and so forth. But the way it is stated takes it for granted or even gladly. It goes along with the new age idea of the age of aquarius that they want others to adopt. First, nowhere in the bible does it divide out such a time period. Christians are to proceed as always, sharing the gospel of salvation, spreading it with the same urgency as ever if not more, just as the Great Commission mandated us to do. We won't modify, relent, slow down, or stop for any schemes to the contrary. We won't acknowledge or adhere to false systems that don't even apply at all, let alone to us. We will march forward through rain, snow, hail, blizzards, and anything else and won't stop for anything! ( :
It boils down to: parents, teach your children in the way of The Lord, so it goes well with them. I don't trust anyone with the mind of my son, error and false teachers are too subtle today, only those grounded in the word can see the rampant heresy and apostasy unfolding before our eyes.
As far as witnessing goes, we all have different backgrounds to use. But even if we just use scripture, it says God's Word will not return void (it will pierce their heart). But, a good example is this: the bible has to be divinely designed just by the way it was written, over thousands of years. It has God's signature all over it! 1. The Exodus into Israel from Egypt outlines the plan of salvation, gospel message (out of sin, etc.). 2. There are similitudes and analogies that are also prophetic (Joseph and 1000 others as a type of Christ) and the bible even states this (google; here a little, there a little, bible verses). 3. Prophesy that has been fulfilled with thousands of years between utterance and fulfillment (sometimes it has dual applications too). 4. The overlaying message of the whole Word of God is: repentance, redemption, reconciliation to God.
There is more, but that is a start.
Hello Rosinavoz and Dave,
My experience is twofold, I attended a Christian school, years later is when I was saved, that particular school taught me nothing of Jesus Christ and I mean nothing. I was attending a church in my hometown that went seeker friendly/emergent, too many red flags, the children went to Sunday school while the adults worshipped separately, ironically the teaching for the children was in keeping with traditional Christianity, straight out of the bible. I know this because after service my son and I would discuss what he was taught, it was accurate and very biblical. For the adults on the other hand, things went down hill fast, the last straw was when the then assistant pastor said he kept Warren's The Purpose Driven Life next to his bible and every Christian should be reading it daily, then and there I knew it was time to retreat from that "church," today it's filled with social gospel acolytes and those that think going to Sunday worship will save them. I'm of the opinion it's better to be exposed to NEUTRAL things of the world than so called FALSE Christian things, for instance I'd rather listen to neutral jazz music than say a radio broadcast of a known wolf spreading heresy (plenty of those around, just listen to Moody radio it's depressing) or read a neutral book than one that says Christian on the binder, but is corrupt. The world is not good, but false Christianity is worse. Dave, my son's school, so far, has not been invaded by gender teachings nor religion. It's neutral, which is fine by me, I've become the de facto pastor for my family, I live in a big city and the majority of the churches are compromised, I think I've found a small group of believers that are gathering in a Christian school auditorium every Sunday for worship and scripture reading, that's what has become of worship where I live, either you compromise and attend a big building with dead teaching or you gather with like minded followers of Jesus and worship in a gym or auditorium. It's heartbreaking how far things have slid.
Thank you Manny. We go to a small reformed fellowship but a bit scared of some legalism creeping in. Its hard, to your point to find a solid church but also many of the small fellowships have allowed not even secondary issues to become primary, if that makes sense.
Manny-
Have you had any experience with family integrated churches? I have been studying it because we believe that the children should worship with the parents, but I am seeing some dangerous teaching coming out of it as well. For example:
Bible commands we worship together, no age segregation at any time
Sending children to school even Christian is a sin. Scripture would also command that children be taught by parents
Women should stay at home since you guess it the Scriptures demand it
These are just some of the issues I see with the movement and not all family integrated churches ascribe to these type of behaviors, except for maybe the first one.
My fear is the movement infringes on parents' liberty on how to raise their children. yes Scripture provides direction in raising children, but not sure sending your child to public school would necessarily be a sin.
Just wondering if you had any experience with any of this because I read much wisdom in what you are writing.
Hi Dave,
It's all complicated. Some parents don't have the subject matter background. These days homeschool is the best way to go but not all can afford to do that since one must stay home. Parents are to teach their kids and raise them in God's ways and are their guardians. The state is slowly trying to take this away. School used to be a good place to learn and it just depends on the situation, parents don't know everything as they are not trained in all the subjects (like high school). There is so much danger now that homeschool is the only safe way to go.
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I work in public schools and see it for myself. The good thing is I am a filter that weeds out the undesirable elements from the students as I have that control, so it just depends on the teachers also. If I were a mom I would definitely stay home! The bible does say that. Only now usually both parents work and can't afford it and don't plan it out otherwise in advance and so on. Ever notice how the system got a good 'two-for-one' once women started working? The husband used to be able to support the whole family, now that both parents work, it takes both salaries to make the same ends meet. Hmmm…. so what did we gain?
I would agree with women staying and raising their children. My wife does as well. I think we gain nothing but lost children. I think Scripture teaches that a woman should effectively raise her children but also at times engages in commerce. I am thinking here of the Proverbs 31 woman. Thank you for the input!
Agreed, it's terribly hard, I'd say almost impossible to live off one income and raise a family, mortgage, medical insurance, food, electricity, water, home insurance, auto, auto insurance, gas, repairs, clothing and goes on and on. And the way this country is running head first into socialized medicine will just further quicken the meltdown, when that doesn't work then Caesar will demand ration based med care. The standard of living has been degrading steadily, but the only ray of sunshine in this dark cloud is Jesus Christ. He will take care of us, if we get on our collective knees and pray for peace and comfort during the coming storm.
In my opinion, worse than the public school system is the feel good, all inclusive youth groups, that focus on feelings rather than doctrine, while mixing it with Christianity, a little leaven goes a long ways. This will confuse a young person faster, than the cut and dry atheist public school system. Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending public education, BUT sending your kid off to a "Christian" school can be just as dangerous. The remedy to both is very simple, prepare your kid at home, speak to them, and when they encounter error whether in church, public school or christian school they can identify it and guard themselves. We've been fortunate, very fortunate, my son has attended two public schools and by the grace of God they have been neutral, my son is in his second year of middle school, his school is a charter school, but they focus on traditional school subjects, you have to be involved in your kid's education whether public, private or religious. Never take it for granted just because the word Christian is in the title or the label.
The sad state of biblical knowledge and understanding in professing Christianity is shocking, no one reads their bible. They've been convinced by years of error filled teaching not to. It's easier having a wolf tickle the ears of sheeple. Christians need to wake up, pick up their bibles, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and understand the times we live in. Utter ignorance and laziness are the reasons for the decline of knowledge in the body. As the days grow darker, and things get worse, how will they understand if they don't read the Word?
Wow…I couldn't agree more with your comment. Christian schools are not what they used to be and in some churches, it would be better to keep your kids home than send them to youth group. We need to get back to basics and do the hard work of training our children ourselves so they will be on a firm footing when they are out in the world and even Christian settings where the Bible is no longer central.
Yes, and have you seen Lighthouse Trails list of "Christian" colleges that have gone contemplative? Most of them, for the rest it's a matter of time just like dominoes. My feeling is that schools for the younger are going that way too. I would avoid like a plague any of those youth groups for kids at church. With the apostasy, they are just indoctrinating "The Next Generation" with heresy and apostasy to fit a particular agenda (dominionism, etc.). The bible is not taught anywhere. The devil doesn't want the sheeple reading it or being taught what it says. WE need to do it for ourselves as commanded by God. We need to train up our children, etc. As usual you are spot-on!
"feel good, all inclusive youth groups"
Yeah, just follow the money on this one, because you know who brings them and who has the money.
Your post should be more welcoming and kind. You may get another believer that way. Your not fortunate. Ignorance and laziness exist in this world. Christians are people. Each one "will wake up" based on their intelligence and morals. The days are not growing darker. Technology makes our lives better by the day. Computers, cars, etc. I don't believe anyone truly comprehends the bible completely. I wish more people were intelligent. I could use a little more myself. I read the posts. We probably look like idiots to God. And to others that read these posts. Very simple.