Evangelism

I just returned from a whirlwind trip to the West Coast (Sacramento, CA) where I had the privilege of being a part of the development of the National Slavic District Council of the Assemblies of God. Between forty and fifty Slavic speaking ministers, mostly Russian and Ukrainian, met together to discuss the possibility of coming into the Assemblies of God and forming a district in our fellowship. I was thoroughly impressed with the spiritual dynamic, commitment to the Word of God, passion to reach lost people, musical anointing, and earnest desire to see God do a work among the Slavic immigrants into the United States as well as those back home. Many of these individuals have a testimony of persecution resulting in prison incarceration because of their faith. Each of them are gracious and dedicated people of God.

These are amazing days in which we live. Only a few years ago the Iron Curtain posed one of the most significant threats to world peace. Today the Soviet Union no longer exists. Interestingly, Russia recently declared the Russian Orthodox Church to be the official state religion. It would appear that with this development, repression of other religious faiths will become the norm. Please pray for the church in Russia. Many believers are concerned that freedom of religion will be more curtailed under this new policy that it was under Communism. US missionaries, including AG, are being examined as to their ability to operate in the nation.

Still the church in Russia is strong and those here in the USA are committed reaching the lost with the good news of Jesus Christ. Our world continues to change and we must be vigilant and prayerful for our brothers around the world. "Father, may your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Amen!

American Idol

OK. I admit it! I watched American Idol last night. I was amazed the way the show started.

"My Jesus, My Savior. Lord there is none like you."

What an incredible expression of praise and worship to the Lord. God receives glory in some of the most unlikely places. I realize some of the contestants seem to have a personal relationship with the Lord. However, for the entire group to give such a powerful expression of exaltation to the Lord was astounding to me.

What is going on in our culture today? Is the AI incorporation of a song with such lyrics indicative of something profound going on in our nation? Is this just symptomatic of those who are smart enough to realize there are profits available when Christian music and values are a part of the program? Does this indicate a spiritual awakening may be under way? Is this just an incorporation of good music into the American process and has no spiritual significance? To you, what might this indicate is happening in American culture, if anything?

I would like to hear your thought on this as we traverse this journey together.