How do we live in a culture that is hostile to Christian values and faith?  What are the alternatives?

We could accommodate to the pagan practices of the culture by accepting the same attitude as most people around us.  We could fit in by acting as others act in dress, food and language.  We would be no different than unbelievers.

We could continue to privately believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior and practice our faith personally and at church but live like everyone else on a daily basis.

We could refuse to interact with the culture as a whole and try to undermine the majority of institutions that we consider hostile to our values.

We could wait for a revival expecting God to restore the "good old days" when Christianity was foundational to our society.  This is to deny our present situation and to fail to see the opportunities that we have today.

Lastly, we could engage our culture.  This requires us first to commit to the covenant community of Christ's Church.  As a church we interact with the community to bring benefit and value to the community.

Daniel's testimony demonstrates how we are able to be free even in a dictatorial society.  We can contribute to a broken down world.  Not only will Christ's Church surprise but it will thrive.

In April we will study Daniel to see his testimony.  We continue to focus on blessing our city and region.  Please be a part of a Care Group.  Let us continue to grow as we spiritually confront the culture wars.  We are not culture warriors, but spiritual warriors recognizing that we are not fighting flesh and blood but spiritual powers.  The greatest threat to our soul is our own idols and unbelief.  Repent of your trust in human efforts whether your own or others to satisfy your soul.  Find the Savior to be your sanctuary and your hope.  He alone will satisfy.

May God bless us so that we can be a blessing to our city.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Pastor Doug

April 2010