It is not 'scientific doubt,' not atheism, not pantheism, not agnosticism that in our day and in this land is likely to quench the light of the gospel. It is a proud, sensuous, selfish, luxurious, church-going, hollow-hearted prosperity.
In the United States, "numbers" impress us. We gauge the success of an event by how many people "attend" or "come forward." We measure "churches" by how many "members" they boast. We are "wowed" by big crowds. Jesus questioned the authenticity of this kind of record keeping. According to the account in Luke 8, when a crowd started following Him, Jesus began speaking in parables so that those who WEREN'T genuinely listening, WOULDN'T "get it." When crowds gather today, speakers are extra conscious of communicating in a way that is accessible to everyone. Speakers [today] don't use Jesus' [truth and righteousness and wisdom] to eliminate people who are not sincere seekers.
The fact is... He just wasn't interested in those who fake it.
The American church is a difficult place to fit in if you want to live out New Testament Christianity. The goals of American Christianity are often a "nice marriage," children who "don't swear," and good church attendance. Taking the words of Christ literally and seriously is RARELY considered. That's for the "radicals" who are "unbalanced" and who "go overboard." Most of us want a balanced life that WE control, that is "safe," and does not involve suffering.
Francis Chan, Crazy Love
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Something to consider and think over. I pray that the Lord would help me to have such a heart as to be called one who is "radical" or "going overboard" for His Kingdom!
God Bless
maryjane