It would be easy to fall into the trap of following in the footsteps of others. I prefer to think outside the box. I want to be as innovative as possible. That is my intention as I evaluate the current American and world scene.

The signs of the times point to the very strong likelihood that the days of the earth as we know it are numbered.That means that the time remaining for America and Americans is probably limited.

Where is the church in this scenario? And, which church do we mean? How is the church defined? What about believers? Are all believers Christian? Are all "Christians" really Christian?

Are the Pentecostal, charismatic, and fundamental preachers on television correct in their assessment of the days in which we live? For the most part, "Christian Television" is dominated by very conservative preachers with a very conservative view of life, theology, and politics. I think this is the real truth: most of them do not understand conservatism theologically or politically. Most of them are parroting what they have heard other televangelists say ... especially if the "sayings" pull in lots of money!

Will the real church ever stand up? The church that is not built on a "faith cult" platform or a "grace cult" platform or a "celebrity cult" platform is the most likely candidate to be the body of Christ. Will that church ever stand up and be noticed?

When the true worshipers worship, God will respond to their need. There is a man who does fundraising for at least two so-called "Christian" networks and more than a few televangelists and he says God does not respond to our need but only responds to our "seed" (money). What a pitiful, outrageous, and phony scheme to extract money from the desperate and the uninformed. 

So, while the world is on the verge of experiencing the fires of The Book of the Revelation, the real church is not being heard because it is drowned out by the incessant noise of the shouters, dancers, motivational speakers, and phony fundraisers.

If, by chance, anyone happens to read this and is tolerably (a good Ozark word) close to agreeing with me, I will appreciate receiving a response. 

Please respond by email to drpaulcollins@sbcglobal.net.

P.S. In my next blog, I may offer some insight into the current political scene in America.

Health and Wealth Verses Faith and Grace

“Christian” television shows are revealing some fascinating factors regarding the interests of today’s “believers.” The most popular subjects/topics are those that promote physical health and financial wealth. These are followed by relationships, positive/possibility thinking, and seven steps to success. Every topic, every subject, every emphasis is tied together by a special “kind” of “faith.”

 

Have you noticed? I seem to be finding fault. Actually, I’m simply “sounding off” to focus attention on something that is being neglected in the quest for self-improvement. Two primary foundations of Christianity are being increasingly overlooked: grace and genuine faith.

 

Grace is central to biblical theology. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ --- by grace you have been saved --- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7).

 

Faith is more than believing something in our intellect. Even in the absence of proof, it is sincerely accepting something in our innermost being as being real and genuine. The eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews is famous among many people as the “Hall of Faith.” Usually, it is verse one that is most often quoted … Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. In these days of the ongoing arguments between evolutionists and creationists, I am fond of reading verse three. It tells a lot about my theological stance regarding faith, creation, and the power of the Word of God. It says, By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

 

To summarize: grace (God’s favor) provided for our immortality in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ; faith is an invisible force that enables us to accept the supernatural power of God’s Word. Money cannot accomplish your redemption. Good physical health is worth a great deal, but it is idolatry to worship the human body. Grace and faith, these two, should be preached more than “Health and Wealth.”