This evening in our new class, “Apologetics and the Gospel,” we hear from Russell Moore share his heart from his new book, “Onward”. Below is his opening words on the inside cover jacket:

“We can be Americans best if we are not Americans First. The days ahead will be different than ever before. We may be seen as strange in American culture. We will be forced to articulate things we once could assume. That is nothing to wring our hands over. That is no call to retreat or to surrender, and it’s also no call to keep doing it the way we’ve been doing it, except at a louder volume. If so, onward Christian Strangers. Our message will be seen as increasingly freakish to American culture. Let’s embrace the freakishness, knowing that such freakishness is the power of God unto salvation. Let’s march onward with the confidence of those who know that the gospel didn’t emerge in Mayberry, and doesn’t need a Bible Belt to sustain it.”

I wish every true lover of Christ would read this book because the Church needs to apply “seek first the kingdom of God” in a way that she never has had to, at least here in America. The apostle Peter says,

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense (apologia) to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect . . .” 1 Peter 3:14-15

With the escalating fear of Muslims taking over this country(like the Romans took over Israel), the increasing intolerance of biblical Christianity with its position on marriage and the exclusivity of Jesus as the only way of salvation, and the implosion of a moral center for sustaining a democratic government, true followers of Christ must learn to love/seek/trust in the kingdom of God first, if we are to be the best earthly citizens for our earthly country. America needs more than ever to see that there is an everlasting kingdom and country to die and live for, and a King whose government does not harm its citizens. But if the true church in America acts, talks, and lives its life as if there is no other kingdom besides America, not only will we lose what’s left of our earthly country, but we will lose our ability to be salt and light for those who live in darkness.

I heartily recommend this timely and eye-opening read by Russell Moore!