This past weekend Dr. Michael Horton spoke at our church. He spoke mainly about the church-growth movement. Probably the most thought-provoking thing he said was this:
“A pastor once asked his congregation: If Satan were to take over a city, what would it look like? Various people gave various different answers. Then the pastor replied: If Satan were to take over a city, there would be white picket fences everywhere. The children would always say ‘yes ma’am’ and ‘yes sir.’ No one would drink, smoke, or swear. And everyone would go to a church on Sunday where Christ is not preached.”
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5 comments:
White picket fences? Sounds like Tuckster's neighborhood. Hmmmm . . .
That makes a lot of sense, actually. It is often our very depravity which drives us to God. If everything were "pleasant" all of the time, people would have no idea they needed a Savior! Good thoughts, Amy. :)
Okay, I think I’m being misunderstood. So, I will spell-out what I think Dr. Horton’s point was. :-)
Satan’s goal is to entice people away from God. He is, of course, pleased when people abandon Truth and revel in sin. But he’s equally pleased when people abandon Truth and lead a picture-perfect life. In fact, the latter scenario may be WORSE because people actually think, in their pride, that they are doing okay and they are self-sufficient. Sadly, many churches today are failing to preach Christ and, instead, are preaching feel-goodism. Simply living a “good” life and going to church does not mean you’re saved. You need to fully embrace Christ.
We need to remember that Satan is an Angel of Light. We’re misguided if we think everything that is of the Devil always, necessarily bears an “evil face.” Some things may look good – but they’re not. Thus, the white-picket fence illustration.
Wow, that is something to chew on for sure. Very well explained Amy, so true.
Preach it sister! :)
Excellent point. I remember a C. S. Lewis quote along the same idea, from "Screwtape Letters," I think. I'll have to find it.
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