|
|
|
|
|
|
Links |
Jesus made it clear that many of those following Him did so not because of the miraculous signs vindicating His Deity. After the miracle with the five loaves and two fishes, Jesus said "you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled." ( John 6:15.)He carefully outlined to them the true meaning of His mission on earth, claiming to be sent by the Father. He said "I am the bread of life."(John 6:48). Many of His followers withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. ( John 6:66).
Jesus then asked the twelve"Will you also go away?" Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life and we have believed and have come to know thatYou are the Holy One of God." (John 6:67-69)
Paul, while in jail at Rome, requested the leading men of the Jews to come visit Him. They desired to hear his views. They set aside a day and came in large numbers. Paul tried to pursuade them concerning Jesus. Some were convinced but many were not and decided to leave. At that point Paul made a monumental statement saying
Let it be known to you therefore, that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen. And when he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves. (Acts 28:28-29)
Now for 2,000 years this salvation message of Jesus has been proclaimed. While millions have responded in a positive way, untold millions, have gone away without accepting Jesus as the answer that makes life meaningful. In all these instances the words of Peter are as relevant as when he spoke them in the Lord’s presence. "Lord, to whom whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)
Today, the United States, stands at the moment of decision. Jesus is virtually asking this nation that same question he asked the disciples "Will you also go away?"
Related to the above, Barna addresses the crucial situation now facing this country. He feels the typical Christian church has limited shelf life if major changes do not take place. He anticipates one of two things happening that will influence this country during the first half of this new century -- massive spiritual revival ande moraaal anarchy.
Two things emerge in Barna’s thinking. The first is that the time frame could be five years or less. The second is that he is praying for revival, but his professional opinion is to expect moral anarchy. If his analysis is correct, the American Dream could become the American Nightmare. Crime will skyrocket, absenteeism will climb, immorality will run rampant, divorce rates will escalate - not to mention all forms of ethical behavior getting worse and worse. (www.barna.com - excerpt from “The SSSecond Coming of the Church”)
All indications point to a crisis coming in America’s history. Is five years too short a timeframe for a new direction? It would seem so. However, Barna’s outlook is based on careful researched information. He has always tried to formulate opinions on the cautious side, being careful not to exaggerate a position. One thing is certain; if change does not happen, we will plunge head on into a situation that may not be reversible. The only answer is Jesus. No other answer will suffice. The question is still being asked, "Will you also go away?" The obvious answer remains -- To whom shall we go? He is the way the truth and the life.
