A Must Read for all Christians

I am finishing up the book, "A Christian Manifesto" by Francis A. Schaeffer, and I must confess that I believe that it would profit all believers to be challenged by his radical teaching. Though this work was published in 1981, you would think that it was written last week because of his keen insight and strong attack on issues facing the world and the church.

Here are some quotes that I would like to specifically point out...

The basic problem of the Christians in this country in the last eight years or so, in regard to society and in regard to government, is that they have seen things in bits and pieces instead of totals. (17)

They have failed to see that all of this has come about due to a shift in world view--that is, through a fundamental change in the overall way people think and view the world and life as a whole. (17)

Liberal theology is really humanism expressed in theological terms instead of philosophic or other terms. (21)

The humanists push for "freedom," but having no Christian consensus to contain it, that "freedom" leads to chaos or to slavery under the state (or under an elite). Humanism, with its lack of any final base for values or law, always leads to chaos. It then naturally leads to some form of authoritarianism to control the chaos. Having produced the sickness,humanism gives more of the same kind of medicine for a cure. With its mistaken concept of final reality, it has no intrinsic reason to be interested in the individual, the human being. It's natural interest is the two collectives: the state and society. (30)

For those interested, you can find a copy of this at your local Christian bookstore, Borders, online, or at http://www.crossway.com/

Bibliographical Information:

Schaeffer, Francis A., A Christian Manifesto. Copyright 1981, Crossway Books, Wheaton, IL.

Response to a Question Regarding the Popular "Dare To Share Conference"

I was recently asked about my opinion regarding the very popular "Dare 2 Share" conferences that are sweeping the nation. Recently, I was asked for my opinion regarding the conferences...below you will find my response.

Please understand my heart in writing this response. My hope is to advocate for Christ-centered Biblical truth that stands in great contrast to popular teaching and methodology today. I pray that this humble attempt will provide clarification to many who have been asking me about this event.

Dear (name omitted for confidentiality),

Thank you for sending out the e-mail requesting feedback from the Dare-to-Share conference. I am really sorry that I am just now getting back with you.

I have read much about these conferences, attended luncheons, and have visited with youth pastors and students whom have attended these conferences. Some parents of my students have also done the same and we have some concerns regarding the Dare-2-Share conference. I just returned from speaking at a D-Now conference in another state and was asked my experience and my opinion regarding this ministry as well.

First I would like to start by saying that I love the concept of getting students excited and equipping them for kingdom service and the spreading of the gospel. I believe that I disagree more with the methodology and the theology behind such conferences.

May I ask you some questions about the conference? Does this conference promotes such a big view of God that his Holiness stuns us? It has been my experience that this conference does not teach students that there is none who seek after God, no not even one, is this correct? It is also my understanding that this conference does not teach that it is impossible for anyone to be saved apart from the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, or am I mistaken? Furthermore it is my understanding that it is not clearly presented that unless a person repent and believe, there is no real conversion. What has been explained to me is that students are encouraged to present two options to people and call them to a decision. I am wondering where the supernatural regenerating work of the Holy Spirit happens in this?

Students and youth pastors alike do not describe this as an event that demonstrates the radical conversion of the Christian to come out of the world and to take up his cross, deny himself, and follow Christ. My real concern is this teaching is not so much grounded in Biblical doctrine as it is emotional hype.

I recognize that I may be completely off base, and would really appreciate knowing this first hand, which I guess means that I might need to attend one of the conferences. However, looking at what I have seen from those that attend, I am afraid that though there may be a temporary emotional response, and yes perhaps numbers to support this, I am wondering if these are genuine conversions, or simple human "decisions."

Please understand that my intention is to advocate for Christ-centered, God-exalting truth that promotes that Christ alone is the way and to follow him may cost you your very life, but it is worth it. Thank you for asking for follow up regarding this conference because I do believe that this demonstrates your desire to offer Missouri Baptists the best in missions training.

Your brother in Christ,

Aaron

Prayer Requests for Tomorrow Night

For those interested in specific points of prayer for tomorrow night...here you go!

First, let me share with you an answer to prayer over the past week. Recently Rachel and I began praying that there would be an open door to the Bayshore apartments in Arnold. I know that there are Hispanics that live there, but have had no clue how to reach them. Well, Sunday morning we had a gentleman show up because he saw the sign on Telegraph Rd and was excited that there was something available in Spanish. Guess what??? He lives in Bayshore! Praise the Lord! He is going to be joining us tomorrow night. Pray for him.

Other areas include:

• Continued prayer for Daniel, his congregation, and his family as he is stretching himself teaching and preaching. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless his ministry as he writes for the Red Latina, a local Hispanic Newspaper, and leads his congregation at Centro Cristiano.
• Those whom we have already seen in attendance - Armando and Ingrid, and Ingrid's daughter.
• Prospects for the future...Antonio, Bricio, Elias, and many others!
• More time for me and help as I continue to learn the language.
• Pray with me for a great awakening to truth and that we might see a core group of people wholly committed to the truth of the Scripture and in great joy be motivated to worship and a desire to see others do the same.
• Financial support to fund an add for the paper, materials for study, etc.

Aaron

Update on Hispanic Ministry in Arnold

I am sorry that it has been almost a week since I have posted an update...but here is the information...

We had 4 in attendance last Tuesday...and had a very good meeting! We are meeting in a new room on the main level of Rockport. We like this new space because we are able to keep the keyboard and supplies all in one area! Thank you to the Sunday School class that is allowing us to do this!

We had something really awesome happen this morning! We met a new brother from the Dominican Republic. He came to Rockport this morning because he drove by and saw the sign in Spanish. He was excited because this is the only Hispanic Ministry in our area that he knows of. He is planning on joining us on Tuesday for the Bible Study.