Maintaining the proper tension between church and state is critical for the Christian who wants to honor God in his response to government. So often, this point is the very one at which we fail.

Numerous questions flow from the necessity of such a tension. Do human beings have any rights at all? Certainly, we have none before God. But, what about in the context of human relations? Is there an implied right to life if God says “thou shalt not kill?” If not, what do we call such a dynamic biblically with regard to the person who should not be killed? Biblically speaking, is there such a thing as property rights? If not, do we as Christians have any recourse if someone decides to put a mobile home on our front lawn and move in?

At the same time, no discussion of Christians and government would be complete without some mention of the necessity of a free church in a free state. What does that mean? How should Christians look at the issue of separation? And what is the supreme law of the land and why?

These are not necessarily easy questions to answer for the Christian who is more committed to Scripture than the way he was raised or the way his “feelings tell him to feel.” On today’s edition of “Calling for Truth,” we will discuss these issues and more in Part III of our series on Evangelical Political and Cultural Engagement. Part II aired yesterday and Part I aired on March 18, 2008. Check the archives if you missed those foundational discussions.

To what end are we to work in the political and cultural arena as Christians? Ultimately, both spheres are arenas for God’s glory. The issue is really not about us but about that which God would have and that which brings honor to His Name.

That said, how then must we view the aforementioned arenas in terms of our involvement as Christians? There are certain dynamics that must be held in tension to be sure. For example, we must work for a seat at the political table while recognizing that the government cannot save anyone. We must affirm that faith cannot be coerced while propagating our faith in the political and cultural spheres. We must have a free church and a free state.

Maintaining the proper tension is often the problem in the thinking of evangelicals and indeed those who are not. On today’s edition of “Calling for Truth,” we’ll discuss working toward evangelical and cultural engagement.

• Manners are Getting Worse and the Christian Worldview
  •     Manifestations
  •     Why this is the case
  •     The solution
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• Did Jesus preach to demons in Hell between His death and resurrection?
  •     What about fallen angels in chains?
  •     What about the sons of God marrying the daughters of men?
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• Christians and Voting in the Presidential Election

We don’t hear much about repentance today. One of the reasons for that has to do with the fact that a whole segment of the evangelical church has purposely de-emphasized its role in salvation and indeed sanctification. Some would say that repentance from sin is not necessary for salvation and to talk of such is to add works to salvation. Of course, Scripture says that repentance is necessary for salvation and is not a human work. In fact, repentance and faith are both gifts from God and two sides of the same coin.

Another issue has to do with the reality that within that segment of evangelicalism that understands the need for repentance there is often a misunderstanding as to what it is. There is a failure to recognize the difference between what the Apostle Paul calls worldly sorrow vs. godly sorrow. The upshot of this deficiency of understanding is that persons often fail to repent when they need to before God and others. Not only does such a dynamic hinder sanctification but peace in human relationships.

An understanding of the nature and role of repentance is critical for salvation, sanctification, and our everyday relationships. If you want to have a better marriage for example, get hold of the biblical concept of repentance.

On today’s edition of “Calling for Truth,” we’ll talk about real repentance.

The world, in one sense, is energized by Satan and he through it is out to destroy our children. Jay Younts identifies with parents in an honest look at the ultimate problem we face. Contrary to what we might believe, the biggest problem is not necessarily with the world.

“Let’s consider one basic question regarding the issue of protecting our children from the entrapment of the world: Why? As in Why do they want to sin? Why can’t they see that it is more blessed to give than to receive? Why can’t they see that they don’t always have to be first? Why can’t teenagers see that sexual sin is wrong, always wrong? Why can’t they see that parents must be obeyed? The answer, of course, should not really be a mystery.”

While the answer should not be a mystery, to many parents it is. And, even to those who have the answer, a poor memory or poorer application in this area are major problems. Consider Jay’s further probing: “How did children begin their lives? Many would have us think that our children begin life neutrally with regard to obedience. It is easy to think that if I, as a parent, would be more patient and kind my children would respond more quickly to my instructions. While it is true that parents should be patient and kind, that by itself will not help children to be more obedient. The problem goes much deeper than that.”

On today’s edition of “Calling for Truth,” we will answer the question, “Why do children want to sin?” We will then talk about what to do about it.