Most Adults Feel Accepted by God, But Lack a Biblical Worldview

[Xenia]

I thought this to be so sad....

Ventura, CA) - How people react to moral issues is a common challenge these days. The Supreme Court nomination of John Roberts, funding for stem cell research, the war in Iraq and against terrorism, sexual abuse by clergy, the Terri Schiavo case, gay marriage, and many other recent issues have brought people’s moral convictions into play. Yet, in spite of the fact that most Americans consider themselves to be Christian, very few adults base their moral decisions on the Bible, and surprisingly few believe that absolute moral truth exists. These are among the findings from a new national survey conducted by The Barna Group among a representative sample of 1002 adults.
The survey also revealed that most Americans say they are "deeply spiritual," feel "accepted by God," and believe they have a clear personal understanding of the meaning and purpose of their life.

The results of this Barna group study:
http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=194

These two verses come to my mind:

Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

and..

2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

.

[MissyKay]

THe Barna group is a great resource if you want to know what is happening in the American church. And your warning, Xenia, is very timely. Thanks for sharing.

[Rhadaghast]

The verse I think of is: depart from me I never knew you. the operative word, is knew you.

Rev 3:20 was not written to non christians. It was written to a church. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone opens the door, I will come in with him and commune with him. These people were stating they were christians, but did they know Jesus. Would Jesus ask to come into be with them if he already was?

Anyone can say a pray and walk down an isle. Jesus asks for more.

[ProfessorAlan]

Anyone can say a pray and walk down an isle. Jesus asks for more.

But that (saying a prayer and walking down an aisle) sems to be the entire focus of the modern evangelical church service?????

[Xenia]

Not at our church! We don't have an "alter call". During the closing prayer (most times) the pastor will ask anyone who wants to be saved to raise their hand. Then if someone does he just says afterwards to make sure and get with him or one of the worship leaders... This is one of things I love about my church. No one is pouncing on you for anything... We want folks to me moved forward by the Holy Spirit...

[Tamera]

I don't think the point is whether or not somebody goes to the altar to get saved. You can get saved anywhere (even outside of church) :eek:). But what happens after that person's salvation? Is he left alone to just go on his merry way as long as he pay tithes, becomes a member, and attends church three times a week?

Or are we as a church coming along side that new convert and discipling him, and becoming a friend and mentor? Are we teaching that new convert to follow after God, and giving him a support system to help him? Are we giving him unconditional love and encouragement when he fails, so he can get back up and try again without feeling judged?

When we do that, when we become the church, than more "Christians" will be following the narrow way that leads to salvation.

[Krezca]

We have lost our way as the church and are operating with the same values and principles of the world. We have to become true disciples whose first loyalty is to him and not some man or denomination.