Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out - "It's OK"

The Rev. Dr. David Eberhard will periodically do an article called "Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out." He will challenge us with his thoughts and experience as a leading churchman in America. While we may agree, or not agree, he will share with us what he has learned that works in the local parish. Over his forty years of experience in the ministry, he has always tended to be ahead of the current curve of church practices and is always "pushing the envelope" to get us to expand our thinking.

Is it ok to be a Christian today, and to express your confidence in your faith, grounded in the Word of God? Some feel the only way the local parish can grow is by watering down your beliefs providing a "lite" religion. We are afraid that we may offend someone, or turn others off by our firm beliefs. Go easy on - Creation, Messianic fulfillment, Virgin Birth, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. See which way the winds are blowing, and accept everyone's ideas on these basic truths. Yet, one finds this capitulation just leaves a void in ones' life. We have found that people want substance, solid Bible based doctrines, that do not change with every whim of the day. What may be politically correct may not be what is true. People are fed up with half truths, sensationalism, anything goes, and outright falsehoods. Lives becomes drained of all purposes and meaning. It is time to stand up and be proud and vocal as a believing Christian.

Interesting enough Christmas has made some small strides in finding its way back into society. The popular cry has been over: The Holy Days vs. holidays & festivals. The Christ Child vs. penguins & snowmen. Even Santa struggles to survive the season. Now, manger scenes are slowly returning to the town square accompanied by menorahs, and other religious symbols. Christians have a right to display symbols of their faith; we need not hide them from the political correct people. And yet, all too few churches display a manger scene outside or even inside of their facilities. If the Christ Child means so little to a church, what more can you expect of a society. How many members of a church even display a manger scene in their homes, or their children's home ?

The church needs to be a special place, different from all other places in our lives. It is a haven of comfort, acceptance, and love. The church is the gathering place for God's people to be about God's work. Children come to learn about the Savior of Man and the Son of God. The family gathers to hear the powerful words of God's forgiveness and love. Together, they raise their voices in joy and praise. Let the church be the church! Stop tinkering with the truths, end the dumbing down of faith, stop the endless litmus tests and over zealous restrictions on membership. We have lost enough churches-- many of them closed because they failed to be the church, they failed to be faithful to God's Word.

It is ok to be a Christian, it is right to stand tall in your beliefs, and correct to be the church.