Here’s plenty of free reading from The Cost of Our Silence. We are seeing the consequences in culture of ‘Christians Taking the Path of Least Resistance.’ Some of the following book excerpts are extensive, but with over 300 pages in this book there is much more to read and digest. To read some 5-star reviews and reader comments on Amazon, click here. Enjoy!
(click chapter title/heading to read full excerpts)
America has over 300,000 churches, but our Christian influence is decreasing as the nation becomes more secularized. Our biblical values are no longer being consistently demonstrated and promoted…
It is time to wake up and strengthen what remains and is about to die (Revelation 3:2). We have neglected the study and application of God’s Word. We have failed to share our faith and openly discuss every human being’s biggest problem – sin. We have not resisted the world’s ways, and in fact, we’re just like them.
Because the church is struggling, so is the nation. Instead of being a beacon of light to the world, America has paved perverted pathways into deeper darkness. Rather than be an example of godliness, we have become a stench in the nostrils of a holy God. (But we do have the best entertainment, sports, restaurants, and reality shows, don’t we?)…
The Johnson Amendment (From the chapter, “The Separation of Christianity and State”)
We did not get here overnight. Attacks on religious freedoms and on the speech of Christians in America did not just ‘happen’ … The attempted muzzling of Christian churches and religious groups has gradually increased since a pivotal law was passed by a shrewd politician to intimidate people of faith. The repercussions have been devastating.
The 1954 Johnson Amendment passed by Congress stated that non-profits (read: Christian churches and conservative organizations) could not speak in favor of any political candidate. Was this even constitutional? This key but forgotten event paved the way for the increased squelching of free speech and because of the confusion and misinformation about the law, many religious leaders have been unnecessarily self-censoring for decades…
What Happened to Our Heritage?
Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honor of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the First Colony.” —William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation
In the earliest days in this land, when Christians experienced hard times, their desperation caused them to rely on God. Conversely, when things are going well, we often choose to rely on ourselves. Throughout history, the Lord often allowed trials and persecution in order to turn people back to Him. Men came to these shores hoping to establish a God-fearing settlement that would flourish on faith and freedom. [But] …we now know it is much easier to slide down to the world’s ways than to stay close to God and pursue holiness…
In 1965 the epic religious movie The Greatest Story Ever Told was released, retelling the story of Jesus Christ from His humble birth and His teachings through the crucifixion and resurrection. The media and critics at the time gave it excellent reviews and some even raved about the brilliant and inspiring, Bible-based production. Times have changed; but the gospel has not.
The gospel, aka the “good news,” is the greatest gift God has given the church, because its message is about Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the greatest treasure God has given the world. Like the apostle Paul, we are to deliver to others what we also received, because people’s salvation depends on it. No one would keep the best news in the universe to themselves – would they?
…Every person alive today and who has ever lived will stand on one side of eternity or the other.
Most of our Founding Fathers would have testified to the fact that this country was based on the morals and values in the Holy Bible. Standing for truth demanded a firm foundation without abandonment of principles and standards. It is so much easier to compromise than to reverse the devastating consequences of compromise.
Citizens of Germany know all about compromise. Perhaps one of the more known and respected Christian martyrs of the 20th century is Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and conservative Lutheran pastor famous for his stand against Adolf Hitler and the Nazi socialist party. He refused to compromise, and his beliefs and convictions ultimately cost him his life days before the Allies invaded Germany in 1945. Bonhoeffer once said:
If the heart is devoted to the mirage of the world, to the creature instead of the Creator, the disciple is lost … However urgently Jesus may call us, His call fails to find access to our hearts … for they have already been given to another.
The example he set for millions of Christians lives on today, and these words should keep true believers inspired and motivated: “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil;”
Since our founders established a system in which all three government branches were accountable to the people, they would most likely be astonished today that the people for which the Constitution was written have done little about the massive growth, recklessness, and unchecked power of the United States government.
The three branches of government are no longer equal and tragically, a handful of justices now dictate public policy, overpowering the citizens they were appointed to serve. Though our founders realized man craves power and they had the insight to place checks and balances on government, they might not recognize the country today.
Ducking the Issue of Sin
*Excerpt Coming Soon…
Americans are divided over moral issues, but our greater concern is that the church is divided as well. The number of Christians who believe in moral absolutes is also decreasing – including those who believe abortion, adultery, homosexuality, and idolatry are sins. We are not so separate from the world after all.
Political liberalism is one thing; we know exactly where leftist, anti-Christian folks stand by the politics they endorse, and they make no claim to know the same God or the same morality you and I do. But religious liberals are dangerous because they generally believe the same thing as leftists and yet claim to be Christian! They often use the same terminology as we do, but have very different interpretations and meanings.
Many religious liberals have assimilated into American Christianity. Some may not even realize the error of their ways while others are emergent leaders having set out to divide and deceive believers…
Listen to Me, O islands, and pay attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called Me from the womb; From the body of My mother He named Me. Isaiah 49:1
Americans have come a long way. Fifty years ago, abortion was taboo and people were embarrassed to even say the word, let alone consider the act. Today, abortion is so common one out of every three women in America will have at least one abortion in her life. Abortion has gone from being prohibited to being a private matter to being an openly promoted money-making procedure. Millions, including large numbers of Christian women, have had abortions, so let’s lay out some painful but neglected facts.
…Many people forget Planned Parenthood’s founder, Margaret Sanger, set out to use birth control “to create a race of thoroughbreds,” as she put it, and to control the population in America.
Abortion rates, particularly those from many of America’s inner cities, should cause us to wonder if the original vision and work of Margaret Sanger to reduce minorities is becoming a reality right before our eyes. Sanger’s American Birth Control League laid the groundwork for her first clinic in Harlem in 1929, an area of New York City heavily populated by blacks. Not many people have heard the truth about the dark history of Planned Parenthood.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) numbers indicate the horrific fact that nearly 72% of black babies are aborted in Mississippi. In February of 2014, CNS News also reported more heart-wrenching news. There are now more black babies aborted than born in New York City according to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene;
Margaret Sanger’s mission is not only being accomplished today, but continues to be promoted. Shocking new statistics show black and Hispanic populations taking the biggest hit. Is this not racism? Where are Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson? Where’s Oprah? Hillary Clinton said she is “in awe of Margaret Sanger” and was given Planned Parenthood’s “Sanger Award” in 2009.
Rebelling Against God-Ordained Marriage
*Excerpt Coming Soon…
Witchcraft is Out of the Broom Closet
It is hard not to notice the rapidly growing fascination in America with zombies, vampires, death, the occult, and the supernatural. Witchcraft has gone mainstream; casting spells is cool, black magic is exciting, fortune telling is fun, and killing zombies is sport. Are these just harmless, innocent fads or is there something more – something evil – behind the fascination?
… Christians should strive to obey the commands and warnings throughout the Bible regarding the occult, witchcraft, and idolatry. We should avoid any form of spirituality or godliness that denies Jesus is Lord Savior. The modern spirits behind the ideas, practices, and products of Hollywood and the gaming industry certainly are not acknowledging Jesus as Lord and God. The Bible cautions us about the dangers and subtleties of sin and its practices. John also writes, Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1)…
Common Core and Eroding Education
The whole point of education standards is to drive curriculum. Standards – in this case, Common Core tests – are the road map that determines what gets taught nationwide in the classroom; the curriculum simply adds the details. This is certainly not a new battle. From American patriots to world dictators to the average citizen, people have understood education is crucial to a society. For over a century, individuals have been seeking to capture the minds of children through public schools.
We should have seen obvious red flags regarding the government’s implementation of Common Core State Standards in public schools. It was a recipe for confusion and corruption when (1) Most American parents had never heard of Common Core, (2) Many teachers didn’t even know how to explain the standards, and (3) The Left vehemently attacked anyone who opposed Common Core. The entire project was funded by a power-hungry government, special interest groups, and wealthy elites – not necessarily in that order.
Joy Pullmann of the Heartland Institute warned:
People who characterize Common Core as anything other than a national takeover of schooling are either unaware of these sweeping implications or are deliberately hiding this information from the public…
Worldview War (Most Americans Believe in a Creator)
By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:3
Why is it so important to establish that the universe was intelligently designed by a Creator? For one, think about young children for a moment; their behaviors, beliefs, and lives reflect what they are taught regarding how they came into existence. If they know they were uniquely created and designed inside their mother’s womb by a God who loves them, they will live and treat others much differently. They would value life and have a different morality than if they are taught they are here by accident or because of some meaningless, random process.
Every life is a work of art and has purpose! Some people accuse Christians of being anti-science when just the opposite is true. How can Christians be against science when the Bible is full of knowledge and history? (The word ‘science’ simply means knowledge!)
Why does it seem Christians are almost always on the defensive rather than preaching the gospel, influencing culture, and standing up for Christ and His truth? Jesus Christ enlisted us in active service, and we are to make it our goal to obey and please Him (2 Corinthians 5:9). As soldiers of an eternal army, we cannot afford to be indifferent or ignorant about the intensifying battle all around us. When we are silent and fail to engage in warfare, we become ineffective for God’s kingdom including the important work of making disciples.
This epic battle between the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of darkness is real whether you believe the Bible or not. Jesus came to earth to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), and when He returned to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to help us fight (John 14:12).
The leaders of the armies are Jesus Christ whom God has exalted forever far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come (Ephesians 1:21); and Satan, the temporary ruler of this world (John 12:31) whose time is short (Revelation 12:12).
God allows us to choose what part we will play…
Then The End Will Come (part 1)
According to Scripture, when Jesus returns, His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east (Zechariah 14:4). So, when Jesus returns, we know from Scripture He will come from the east and will touch ground on the Mount of Olives. We can confirm this with the prophecy the angels spoke immediately after Jesus gave final instructions to His followers and ascended into Heaven, right before they all returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet. The angels said:
This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven (Acts 1:11-12).
But let’s not miss the fact that prior to His crucifixion, Jesus entered Jerusalem through this same Eastern Gate on Palm Sunday riding on a donkey (John 12:14). Written five centuries before the birth of Christ, the prophet Daniel predicted this exact event would take place. He also gave us the very date the Messiah would enter Jerusalem as King (Daniel 9:25), allowing people to worship Him publicly for the first time (John 12:13-15).
…At the return of Jesus Christ, He will enter the city through the now cemented and sealed Eastern Gate (Ezekiel 44:1-3; Nehemiah 3:29). This significant city gate is one of eight gates to Jerusalem and was walled up by Muslim conquerors in the 16th century. Just as the Bible teaches, the Eastern Gate to the city remains closed and will be sealed until the Messiah returns. The glory of the Lord will come by way of the gate facing toward the east (Ezekiel 43:4). The Eastern Gate is the only one that has been shut for 500 years.
Then The End Will Come (part 2)
On May 14, 1948, a most remarkable event took place when the nation Israel was born in one day, as prophesied in Isaiah 66:8. This is unprecedented in all of history: Over five million Jews have returned to Israel, and as predicted, the remnant was restored (Isaiah 11:11-12; Ezekiel 37:21-22; 38:8). Never before in history has a people been dispersed and scattered among the nations of the earth and then return to their homeland from the north, south, east, and west (Isaiah 43:5-6). Nearly a million Jews traveled south from Russia alone, tens of thousands have left France, and the emigration of Jews to Israel from other nations continues.
About the size of New Jersey, Israel is not just the center of the universe, but the center of attention politically, spiritually, and geographically. The Bible was proved true when Israel became a desolate wasteland for about 1,900 years, but today we see the fulfillment of several more prophecies, such as Israel will bud and blossom, and fill the whole earth with fruit (Isaiah 27:6; Isaiah 35:1-2). Israel now exports fresh produce to the world to the tune of 800 million dollars each year, including over 200 million dollars from flowers and plants.
Nearly uninhabited and desolate a century ago, this little nation exports well over 40 billion dollars’ worth of goods. Tourism is one of Israel’s major sources of income and economic growth, attracting a record 3.54 million foreign tourists last year. According to the World Bank, exports of total goods and other services Israel provided to the rest of the world were over $91 billion (USD). How is this possible? Some suggest it is because of the increased rainfall while others point to Israel’s irrigation technology. Let’s not forget God…
Aren’t You Judging Me for Making a Judgment? (this is from a bonus chapter in The Cost of Our Silence, held out at the discretion of publisher due to book length)
The phrase ‘Judge ye not’ is perhaps one of the most misunderstood and misapplied biblical concepts. Rarely does anyone want to confront sin, and rarely does a sinner want to be confronted. This presents a problem. The apostle Paul told the church at Corinth not to associate with people who claimed to be Christians, but were living sinful lives (1 Corinthians 5:9). He urged the committed believers to judge those within the church and let God judge those who are outside (1 Corinthians 5:12-13).
So let’s be very clear on this: We are not to judge unbelievers; we are to share the gospel with them, because without Christ and the Bible they have no moral compass. We are instructed to judge fellow believers as long as we do it with a spirit of humility and love, not hypocritically.
There are two types of judgment in the Bible: krino judgment is to “try, convict and punish”; anakrino is to “scrutinize, investigate and determine.”
Culture Collapses When Christian Conform (this is from a bonus chapter in The Cost of Our Silence, held out at the discretion of publisher due to book length)
For those of us unwilling to sit on the sidelines and watch the collapse of a once great Christian nation, we are compelled to understand how we got here, evaluate what can be done about it, and then decide individually what is within our power to do. How can we turn people back to God and bring a sliver of biblical morality back to our culture?
If the great Charles Spurgeon said – back in the late 1800s – the world has more influence on the church than the church has on the world, what do you think Spurgeon would say about America today?
Let’s look at six major players whose impact on our faith, freedoms, and morality in America has been devastating…
- END OF CHAPTER EXCERPTS
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