“Ray, I thought I'd share some fact with you. I just reviewed the FBI crime index, the teen pregnancy index, index of religion in the states, and index for each different religion in the states for 2007. The funny thing I found was that crime and violent crime rated highest in the most religious parts of America. Teen pregnancy did the same. The most concentrated area in America for both was not only the most religious portion of the our nation but also where Baptist was the leading church body. The less religious and more secular areas rate were significantly less in all categories mentioned. So if people who choose to not believe in god so they can do all the horrible things his rules tell us not to do, why isn't the less religious portion of the American population doing them? Just curious. Does this prove there is a correlation between religion, crime and teen pregnancy? Since this was just a quick run through with only a few sources used, I'd say no, but it really makes me wonder. It also greatly helps to refute some of your claims about those who reject your god.”
This is a good question, and it brings out the essence of what our ministry teaches. The modern church has proclaimed a false gospel that has produced millions of false converts (those we commonly call “backsliders”). Do a little study among your atheist friends, and you will find that many are in this category. These people are normally bitter at Christianity. They feel cheated; and so they should. They heard a false gospel, and had a false conversion, and the Bible warns that those who experience such, will end up in a worse state than before their so-called “conversion.”
However, even more tragic than the creation of false converts who fall away from the faith, is the category of false converts who stay within the Church. They profess the Christian faith, but as your statistics confirm, their hypocritical lifestyles don’t match what they profess. The Bible calls them “goats” among the “sheep.” In the Middle East it’s extremely difficult to discern goats from sheep as they flock together. However, a good shepherd can tell the difference. The day will come when the Good Shepherd will separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep (the true converts) will go into everlasting life, and the goats (the false converts) will go into everlasting damnation.
Here is the difference between the true gospel and the false gospel. The false message says that you should come to Christ “because something is missing in your life--you have a God-shaped hole in your heart. God has a wonderful plan for your life.” But there is no biblical precedent for a message of life-improvement upon conversion. None. In fact, the Bible says that you will have trials, tribulations, temptations and persecution.
The reason any of us should come to Christ is because we are deceitfully wicked sinners, and we desperately need a Savior. Without the mercy of God in Christ, we will come under God’s just wrath, and end up in Hell. We should come to Christ for no other reason.
The false message is very popular for obvious reasons, and that’s why popular preachers who preach the false gospel have such large followings. However, some people (like yourself), are beginning to see the discrepancy and asking why. It’s our earnest prayer that they listen to what we are saying, and reform the message that’s being preached.
Disclaimer: Worldview Weekend, Christian Worldview Network and its columnists do not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the feedback button.
How about "I know the plans I have for you, plans for hope and a future"? Yes, trials are inevitible. That doesn't negate a knowing that you need God in your life. Click here to reply to this post
Not So Fast...
Posted On: 05/01/08 09:30:13 AM
Age 45, FL
Yes, there is hypocrisy in the church. But that doesn't answer why non-believers do better in these areas than us. I mean, are they less sinful in some way?
As a believer, I absolutely hate to admit it, but I believe the real reason is that certain socio-economic stratas tend to be more religious than, say, the upper stratas. Thus, we find that the more religious folks are typically (I'm guessing) low to low-middle class, probably most do not have a college degree, and so forth.
And these things go hand in hand with poor life choices. Thankfully, this is not a rule, but it is played out all too often.
And that's just bull to act like preaching that there is a "God-shaped hole in our hearts" is a false gospel! What do you think Cornelius had? Or Peter? Or John? They weren't told they were sinners--they just felt the need for Jesus!
Let's not play that game. I got saved at six years old--REALLY SAVED--and I didn't get saved because I realized I was a sinner, etc. I got saved because I loved Jesus and the desire of my heart was to have fellowship with Him. He did the work that was needed, even if I didn't understand all the theology.
The Bible says that we win some with live...and others "as pulling them out of the fire." There's no "standard" way for people to be attracted to Jesus. Some come because they love Him, some because they need help, some because they fear hell, some because they recognize the sin in their lives and want cleansing. He'll save them all. Click here to reply to this post
Bible Belt becoming luke warmed hmmm
Posted On: 04/30/08 07:59:34 PM
Age 33, OK
Taught religious traditions by men but lacking a fear of G-d.
I said a few times if people in our city cared about Jesus as feverently as they cared about sports this city would be on fire. Too much trying to be big city and cosmo than to be small town believers.
Wake up America. Click here to reply to this post
False Believers...
Posted On: 04/30/08 06:13:21 PM
Age 64, OR
Amen! The so-called Bible Belt is replete with those who posture their lives as being "born into the church" or "Christian by heritage" and ignorance of Biblical Truth. I call this Country Club Christianity and nothing more than a social religious following...lemmings chasing after men, not God. Click here to reply to this post
false gospel
Posted On: 04/30/08 04:27:05 PM
Age 35, PA
Thanks Ray. Please keep up the good work you and hundreds others who will contend for the faith. Click here to reply to this post
FBI Stats Selectively Used: Day Has Real Truth
Posted On: 04/30/08 04:08:35 PM
Age 55, TX
Love ya, Ray, but the stats your friend passed along were selectively used to make believers look bad. The REVERSE is the truth. Check out the real stroy in The Irrational Atheist by Vox Day. But your overall point remains valid - the church in America is in trouble. Keep up the (otherwise)good work! Click here to reply to this post
Good Point
Posted On: 04/30/08 11:12:56 AM
Age 33, SC
Good job Ray of showing the need for true biblical evangelism particularly in the "Bible belt". I live in this part of America and I can assure you that while the churches are everywhere and people fill them week after week, our morality is no different than the Northeast. We need the truth of God's Word to go forth in power. Click here to reply to this post