CAN WE RESCUE OUR CULTURE?
This past week the Hawaii Senate voted to end daily prayers offered before each session1.This is yet another example of our culture continuing to utilize the phrase “separation of church and state” as an excuse to eliminate the recognition of our heritage set up by our forefathers. In addition, our news media spends a high percentage of its time focusing on what is bad and the ugly of our world. But, recently some very good news…
This past week the Hawaii Senate voted to end daily prayers offered before each session1.This is yet another example of our culture continuing to utilize the phrase “separation of church and state” as an excuse to eliminate the recognition of our heritage set up by our forefathers. In addition, our news media spends a high percentage of its time focusing on what is bad and the ugly of our world. But, recently some very good news…
came across my desk but was hidden by the networks and most likely never found its way into our local papers. But, here is the good news that should encourage. A school board in the Chino Valley Unified School District in California, agreed recently to extend its "Bible as/in Literature and History" course to both juniors and seniors in high school. The School Board President James Na was highly impressed not only by the 25 students who came forth to tell why but also the Board members who voted 5 to 0 in favor of this course2. It is a small beginning but a vote of confidence nevertheless in the secular realm. It will be interesting to watch to see if the ACLU steps up and threatens a court challenge as they recently did in the Hawaii Senate. Paul reminded Timothy that God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Tim 1:7)
Why should we be sharing this? And what should we be thinking of doing with this nugget of good news? What vision or dream can come of this? Dr. Dan Wallace wrote back to not only thank us for this nugget of good news but to also challenge us to “think outside the box”. Here’s his question back to us here at bible.org: “I wonder if bible.org could work with some academically responsible groups around the country to get the Bible into the secular curriculum. We could offer a free NET Bible to the students, and have that funded by private donors. It could have a huge impact on America's future.” This is a huge challenge and yet God has specifically reminded us to pray: “Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2) and further is fulfilling what our Children’s
Ps 78:4-6 We will tell the next generation about the Lord’s praiseworthy acts, about his strength and the amazing things he has done…so that the next generation, children yet to be born, might know about them. They will grow up and tell their descendants about them.
Perhaps God will call you to take part in this challenge to impact the next generation and change our culture. It appears to me that in addition to identifying an academic group to work on a curriculum, churches need to adopt their secular schools that their children attend as Dr. Tony Evan’s is doing with his program: National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative (NCAASI). Bible.org is willing to offer our online Bible Study
One of bible.org’s volunteers, who is teaching the book of 2 Kings, wrote this as his application in his lesson taught today, which is applicable to this challenge. Never fear! God is at work. Even when we are not the primary recipients of God’s blessings, we are to tell others about it and challenge them to expect God to work. “For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)” Then rightly so, as Psalm 78 says, after hearing the good news we are to invite others to share in the joy and challenge them to join us as we enter the harvest (Luke 10:2, Matt 9:38). Would you be willing to pray with us for someone to step up to the challenge and lead this effort as well pray for those laborers that will go into the harvest and take part in this effort? If so, send us a note or comment on this blog that we may know your heart.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/AP/Search/US/Default.aspx?id=1278888
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Education/Default.aspx?id=1282504
One Comment
Pam K
A Return to our Foundations
For the most part public education was very tied to learning as a means to furthering the knowledge of God–the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
A hard-copy NET Bible would be wonderful; but I have seen much damage to Christianity done by teachers whose sole purpose is to subvert belief in it. In thinking outside the box the primary need is to prepare courses that are complete–can be delivered without local instructors, and possibly done by interactive computer programs.
Student Bible Clubs that have been trained in Churches to help students who are experiencing the Word for the first time could disciple those who are taking the classes in school. Leaving the world of darkness and coming into the light of God requires assembling themselves together–possibly first at the school, and then quickly into the Church.
Also, let's make sure that we don't get pigeonholed into the Bible as history. In an era where society has opened up to every demonic spirit imaginable, this would seem an appropriate time to introduce children to the Holy Spirit. The New Testament taught through the focus of truth (Truth) is just one of many possible options that would allow much broader revelation of the Bible's real worth–relationship with God and citizenship in Heaven.
Many blessings on you as you seek God's guidance and direction.