Timeless truths from The Champion that span generations
THEN
From the Liberty Champion’s “Serve Christ full-time in any job, vocation” (Vol. 11, No. 13; January 1994):
Francis Schaeffer once claimed that: 50 years ago, if Christian parents had encouraged their children to go out into the workforce and be the best they could be in their chosen field instead of forcing them out onto the mission field, there would have been Christian lawyers on the Supreme Court in 1973 when Roe v. Wade changed the history of American society.
This is not to say that today’s Christians should bypass the mission field or the church pulpit, but rather, it points to the alarming fact that America — now more than ever — needs Christian professionals.
… At Liberty, we have the privilege of not only choosing our careers but studying in a uniquely Christian environment.
… Remember, there’s no such thing as a part-time Christian; regardless of whether you study to be a doctor, politician, teacher or a pastor, you are a beacon of light in this world of darkness.
NOW
In church, many times there is talk about going into the mission field or getting involved in ministry and serving the local body; however, there’s also often forgetfulness that the mission field can be in the workforce.
Oftentimes, Christians can be quick to criticize career fields as being “corrupt.” However, doesn’t that make it even more vital to have Christian workers in those fields so that they can spread the gospel and bring light to a dark world?
God has given his people a mission: “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation,’” Mark 16:15 says. Career fields are infused throughout all the world, and it is our responsibility to influence them for the sake of the gospel.
Liberty teaches students how to execute their career field in a moral, honest and godly manner. It is absolutely vital to follow God’s calling and make his name known.
THEN
From the Liberty Champion’s “Prediction: occult fantasy a dead end” (Vol. 19, No. 09; November 2001):
I can make a strong prediction that if I asked students at Liberty University if they knew what their sign was, 90 percent or more would know. Is that any indication of the effect astrology has had on our culture?
… Another clear example of our culture’s obsession with the paranormal and the occult is the success of the “Harry Potter” series.
Children are introduced to astrology, palmistry, shape-shifting and other parts of the occult fantasy.
… Adults are introduced in the same way, when out of curiosity, they read their horoscope or find out their lucky numbers.
… My question to those who find it innocent to read horoscopes or those who find positive moral values in “Harry Potter,” why give something that is a threat to your faith the time of day?
NOW
In the book “Thoughts for Young Men” written by J.C. Ryle, he states, “Sin will not come to you, saying, ‘I am sin;’ It would do little harm if it did. Sin always seems ‘good, and pleasant, and desirable,’ at the time of commission.”
I really wrestled with this quote after reading it. How often do we as Christians do things that seem harmless and fun, yet they are sin?
Horoscopes can seem “fun,” but in reality, the Bible tells us to stay away from evil. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says, “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”
I urge my fellow “Harry Potter,” astrology and crystal enthusiasts to turn to God’s word to see what he says about the nature of these practices. Do they bring you closer to God or farther away?
Denny is an opinion writer for the Liberty Champion
