Salt and Light: FrontLine
FrontLine | Volume 34 • Number 2
In the corrupt and tasteless darkness of this world, Jesus gives us hope. With a remarkable series of blessings that we call the Beatitudes, He explained how His followers become the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Have you noticed how each new day brings news of another shocking descent into deeper depravity? Society goes from bad to worse, but Jesus reverses the curse for His followers. Much of the Bible was written under moral and spiritual conditions that were worse than our own. There have also been some very dark times in American history. Our ancestors have guided us about the right way to use biblical principles to draw near to God and cry out for genuine revival. Through the Beatitudes we can see how the goodness of God leads a nation to repentance. The feature articles in this edition of FrontLine magazine show us how these overflowing blessings can be applied in churches, families, and nations.
Taigen Joos explains that, for Christian parents, the four walls of our homes are our first mission field. Here we can make disciples by being salt and light for our children.
Byron Foxx alerts us to the serious dangers that our nation is facing at this moment. His article helps us look in the mirror of God’s Word to see the sins of our nation and to heed God’s warnings.
Tom Alvis helps us evaluate our Christian influence in a post-Christian culture. Some of our Founding Fathers were men of strong faith. Preachers of the past were not afraid to confront moral issues, even when those issues were embedded in political discussions. His article gives us five steps that will help us maintain a godly influence in our local, state, and federal governments.
“You’ve seen it on the news: hundreds of people with very different viewpoints swarming state capitol buildings in opposition to bills that would promote righteousness. Much of their rhetoric is presented in a heated or hateful manner.” Arin Hess, acting as a chaplain to the legislators in Nebraska, demonstrates how we can be like salt and light to minister to our elected officials.
Steve Thomas reminds us to hold on to the God-given mission of the church. He warns us that the missional church movement is putting the gospel at risk by insisting that the Great Commission includes social responsibility along with evangelism. It’s time for churches to return to their God-appointed task.
Don’t miss Tim Senter’s article about hospice chaplaincy. Here’s an excerpt: “We walk into the homes of people who realize their autonomy is fading, that they are in control of less in their life than ever before, and that their helplessness grows with each passing day. Yesterday this patient was a World War II fighter pilot, instructor, historic plane aviator, and successful aircraft restorer. Today, in a moment of lucidity, he realizes he is losing his cognitive abilities and grieves deeply.” How would you minister to such a person?
Jim Tillotson’s column emphasizes that for our salt and light to be effective, we must make contact with the needs of those who are in darkness. He asks, “When was the last time you did something exceptionally nice for an unsaved person? When was the last time you went out of your way to help an unsaved person, not expecting anything in return, for the opportunity to share the gospel?”
Mark Minnick’s column highlights how Horatius Bonar taught us to preach prophecy, reminding us about a much-needed theme in this turbulent world. And among the other columns, don’t miss Carl Wood’s answer to this interesting question: If you were stranded on a desert island with only your Bible and five other books, which books would you choose? We think you will enjoy his answers.
We hope that this edition of FrontLine will help you become salt and light in your city and state by drawing closer to Christ.
Gordon A. Dickson
Features:
SALT AND LIGHT IN YOUR CITY STATE AND STATE
Gordon A. Dickson
God’s Word gives us guidance on how to respond to a corrupt society.
FROM THE HOME TO THE WORLD
Taigen Joos
For Christian parents, our first “mission field” is within the four walls of our home.
FOUR WAYS GOD JUDGES NATIONS
Byron Foxx
Is our nation in danger? Yes!
CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE IN A POST-CHRISTIAN CULTURE
Tom Alvis
God has given relevant instruction to His people about their responsibility to government.
LOBBYING FOR JESUS
Arin Hess
As you can imagine, it is easy for elected representatives to become weary in well doing.
THE SALTY, LIGHTBEARING CHURCH
Steve Thomas
Past generations of Christians insisted that Jesus Christ commissioned His followers to carry out one mission: make disciples in every nation.
SHALL WE DISDAIN WHAT GOD ORDAINED?
Gordon A. Dickson
You can follow four steps to honor the Lord when left-leaning groups target your state’s constitution.
DEPARTMENTS
MAILBAG
ON THE HOME FRONT
NEWS FROM ALL OVER
HEART TO HEART: Finding Calm in the Quake
Linda Craven
AT A GLANCE: Treeology
Layton Talbert
WITH THE WORD TO THE WORLD: Being Salt and Light
Jim Tillotson
REGIONAL REPORTS
CHAPLAIN’S REPORT: A Day in Hospice Chaplaincy
Tim Senter
EVANGELIST’S PERSPECTIVE: Joy and Rejoicing
Jerry Sivnksty
Pastor’s Insert:
- First Partaker: Preach Prophecy! – Mark Minnick
- Bring … the Books: Five Books for a Deserted Island – Carl Wood
- Straight Cuts: Does God Guarantee Healing? – Curt Lamansky
- Windows: Listen! – Dave Barba
FrontLine • March/April 2024. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.