From My Perspective - - -

In many places in our nation, Church Attendance is waning and Church Giving is declining. Part of the reason is the economic situation – unemployment; home foreclosures; increased costs for basic necessities – these and other factors are causes that bring about the effect of lower amounts of expendable monies. We have seemingly lost a sense of thrift along the way that would have had a disciplined budgetary approach in personal affairs, such as, first - set aside one-tenth of available income as a Tithe; second – set aside another one-tenth for personal Savings; and carefully budget the remaining 80% for housing, necessary utilities, food, clothing, prescribed medications, etc.; medical coverage; etc.

When we get to the point where spiritual decline becomes a factor, it suggests a personal frustration and disillusionment with religion rather than an enlarged faith and confidence in God. If one wearies of an Eternal God, something will come along to fill the void and vacuum that is occurring in one’s life. One such “void-filler” is the announcement of an Atheist Rally in Washington, DC on March 24th, 2012. Why are they gathering and what is their aim? They are very declarative on their webpage and announcements: “Join Us For The Largest Gathering Of The Secular Movement In World History - The Reason Rally: A Celebration of Secular Values.” They go on to say: “The Reason Rally is a movement-wide event sponsored by the country’s major secular organizations. The intent is to unify, energize, and embolden secular people nationwide, while dispelling the negative opinions held by so much of American society…It will be the largest secular event in world history. There will be music, comedy, great speakers, and lots of fun… and it’s free!” They assert that the Rally will be held “…at the National Mall, non-theists from all corners of the nation will descend on Washington, D.C. en masse to deliver the good news: We’re huge, we’re everywhere, and we’re growing.”

Who are the Contributors to and Sponsors of The Reason Rally? The submitted list includes: “The Reason Rally is sponsored by American Atheists, American Humanist Association, Atheist Alliance of America…” and several other groups. Their use of the phrase – “to deliver the good news” - is intriguing. Their version of “good news” obviously omits redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 1:7). Endorsement will be given: “Nonreligious Americans will be receiving video greetings from two federally elected officials at the Reason Rally…California Representative Pete Stark and Iowa Senator Tom Harkin both accepted invitations to welcome a crowd expected to be in the thousands at the National Mall for a day to exercise free speech and freedom from religion.” Their rationale – free speech!

When God is removed from the equation in the affairs of State and in Personal Lives, what can one expect as the end result? Romans 1:18-23, 28, 32 indicates what is occurring in the secular world from the spiritual perspective – the bigger, eternal picture: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man…And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting…who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” The Reason Rally reminds one of Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Our nation and culture is on a path that is circling the drain and spiraling downward. We need to be emboldened to put forth a greater effort and make a louder declaration of The Only Good News – Jesus Christ and that He provides salvation and redemption for all who will believe in Him. Consider these things with me!