[b]THE CHALLENGE[/b]There is no ecstasy unless we are willing to also experience his agony. (Tony Campolo)What we do in this life echoes throughout eternity." (Gladiator)We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a power that the [21st] century does not reckon with. But we are spiritual pacifists, non-militant, conscientious objectors in this battle to the death with principalities and powers in high places We are content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous. (The diary of student Jim Elliot, martyr)Mission field / Mine field?Everyones panicking about this generation. * In the West our friends are leaving church like rats from a sinking ship. * In America 4 out of every 5 kids currently attending church will have left before they graduate High School. * In Europe theyve left already. * Our role models are pretty sad individuals on the whole - like super-models weighing 23% less than the average woman, or pop stars worshipping their own egos. But heres the bottom line: Its OK! Gods with us! Hes not left us alone to get depressed and die. Right now Hes mobilizing an army. Something incredible is stirring in the generation. New sounds. New passion. Unstoppable prayer. Radical dreams. Dangerous connections. A brand new rhythm to the ancient vision.Its time we made it clear. Its time we put the record straight this generation is not a minefield full of treacherous hazards to be avoided. This generation is a mission field hungry for the gospel of Jesus.Well I never pray, but tonight Im on my knees; I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me. (The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony)And the Gospel works as powerfully and wonderfully as ever.I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ because the Gospel of Christ meets every need of every human being on this planet. (Tony Campolo)Jesus is coming back. Jesus is alive.
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon
Whilst on a whole this article seems fine, there are one or two negative things I need to point out. The quotes by Tony Campolo are good, but he has changed since those quotes. He believe's in interfaith dialogues and that non Christians can get to heaven if they are 'good'.I view the article as a challenge to the Church in the West to wake up out of our apathy and complacency and to snatch souls out of the fire.Let's do that. Time is short.
Thanks for sharing this Greg!
_________________Robert Wurtz II
Right now Hes mobilizing an army. Something incredible is stirring in the generation.
_________________Christopher Joel Dandrow
This is a very timely message for us in the Faith. We should be on the offensive spiritually thus keeping the enemy off balance but we're averse to coming out swinging. The enemy has no shame and will use whatsoever he can get his hands on, loved ones from babies on up to cause us grief and to try and derail the work of God in us hence the need for spiritual warfare. the Lord has convicted me of being to lenient with the enemy and allowing him too much room to hinder God's work by attacking my family. brethren we must be vigillant against the enemy for he moves about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, that doesn't sound like someone who wants to play nice. i'm from africa, lions have big sharp teeth, huge paws and can weigh 400lbs and are not above eating the young of the other animals, in short we have to be aggressive but not beyond what the Lord allows but not below what the Lord expects lest we get mauled badly. let us gird up our loins and put on the Lord's armour, take hold of our weapons and give the enemy as much grief as the Lord would have us give him.
_________________Farai Bamu
