I believe that hip-hop artist, “Propaganda”, provides a very fascinating perspective about the state of westernized “christianity” which we can all learn something from, regardless of perhaps coming from diverse backgrounds.
Peace and God Bless!
Church Leadership
“Gentrification of Christianity”~Featuring Sho Baraka
“Theologian Stanley Hauerwas says that ‘the heart of the gospel is that you don’t know Jesus without the witness of the Church.’ As church membership declines, will this witness be dampened? Writer and hip-hop artist, Sho Baraka, explores the history of the Christian faith, why its growth has slowed in western societies, and how the Church can reclaim our role as witnesses of Christ”.
Insight: “Church, Please Ensure that Your Leaders Practise What They Preach at The Very Least”
Beware of False Teachers within the Church
The Church, particularly within the West, is in serious danger today. I do not say this for the sake of needlessly instilling fear in people(esp. believers), however I also cannot overemphasize the importance of what I am about to share. Within 2 Peter 2:1-3(emphases below are mine), we are plainly forewarned about the presence of false teachers within the Church:
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Do you really know your captain?
This is a great post! I enjoyed the illustrative connection that you made between “Saving Private Ryan” and the ongoing spiritual warfare which we constantly face in our lives.
As Christians it is both absolutely amazing and reassuring that Jesus, the One who conquered the grave and overcame the world, is working on our side!
Like you identify near the end of this post, it is simply not possible for us(or anyone) to faithfully and wholeheartedly pursue an intimate relationship with God without first knowing Him. The only way where we are really able to get to know God is through His Word. Through the transformative power of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, our hearts will be molded into being joyfully obedient to God. I believe that it is this very form of joyful obedience that the Lord desires for all His Children to pursue.God Bless!
Saving Private Ryan, Photo by Amblin Entertainment – © 1998
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Ephesians 6.10-13
Many of you may remember seeing the movie Saving Private Ryan. The movie is not for the faint of heart, particularly the opening scene. All the ugliness and brutality of war is graphically portrayed so that the viewers would understand the depth of sacrifice the dead and the…
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Theological Reflections 