I just finished reading an article on the Internet that states that this generation of young adults (20's-30's) would classify themselves as spiritual or religious, but don't want to be associated with anything "organized" by way of church, defined fellowship, or denomination. Basically, if you believe the article and poll, this generation is not interested in conservative politics or the need to link together for greater Kingdom advancement. Now I will state that if the perspective "out there" is that a conservative understanding of the Bible and being theologically conservative equals being politically conservative, I too might reject church life. Unfortunately, the republican party and conservative Christianity has at times been too closely aligned and the lines of the two have been blurred. The Church should never assign itself to a political party because I believe that we together are to be a prophetic voice to government. Sometimes that may please republicans and sometimes that may please democrats. The bottom line is...are we pleasing God?

My perspective is that I am to call both parties (or ALL parties) to a Scriptural perspective and an obedience to God's ways. That is what prophets did in the Old Testament. I see prophets calling to account evil kings and kings who were said, "to have a heart after God". The Church is not a special interest group or a political action committee. We are the Body of Christ commanded to be salt and light to a decaying and dying world. Republicans are not the answer. Democrats are not the answer. Only the CROSS is the answer! We critique, in a right spirit, President Obama when he is pursuing things that violate the commands of God. In like manner, we critique republican leadership when they are pursuing wrong things in the light of God's Word. This generation needs to see and hear the prophetic voice again in the pulpits and people who make up the church. The reason they are drifting away is because they see the inconsistencies and even hypocrisy we carry when we let things slide because it's our favorite party, while we cry "godless" to the other party. You don't have to be too smart to see the problem. That being said, I do believe that this generation is looking for a righteous cause to be linked up to and I believe that it can be the church's finest hour in reaching out to them and mobilizing them in greater Kingdom purpose.

We are seeing with our very eyes that crumbling of the "kingdoms of this world". We are running swiftly into an era that is going to show us that answers and solutions are not in the halls of government, but rather in the ways of God. People are seeing and sensing anarchy just on the horizon and there is great concern and even a sense of "revolution" in the air. Don't let this bring fear or anxiety to you. This is the moment that God can use to demonstrate His powerful ways through His people and His Church. We know that Jesus is the answer, but the only way most people come to that conclusion is when all their other options have failed them. It is not enough to look at bad legislation or evil policies and simply yell at and say, "Bad, bad". It is time to put our own houses in order and demonstrate the reality of God's Kingdom in our lives and in the Church by walking in peace, joy, hope, and true freedom. Believe me, people will notice what is happening in you when everything else is falling apart.

Isaiah 61 says that "gross darkness" would cover the earth, but in the midst of that darkness a "light" would arise. That light would draw "kings and princes" to it's rising. I believe we are that light. I believe the Church is that light. I believe where sin abounds, grace does even more abound! It is time to put everything in order. The glory is getting ready to fall from an open heaven. It's a time to thank God you can be a part of His Church. The answer really is just around the corner!

Planting a Cross

Pastor