This Train

Came across an article titled, Brothers, What Shall We Do? and though I question some of the author's remarks, he nevertheless made some good points. Here's the conclusion of the article:

I’m convinced now that the repentance Jesus was speaking of is a way of life, which has little to do with being “saved” and a lot more to do with dying to oneself completely so that Christ might truly live. But this isn’t the “gospel” we hear being preached today. Jesus said, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted,” yet today’s “gospel” seems to me like one of exaltation—of personal ministries, of clever theologies, of “discipling” converts and planting churches, of discovering one’s full potential. Everywhere, it seems, one can be a “good Christian” and get away with it. Whatever happened to the challenge of John the Baptist, who warned the brood of unrepentant vipers of his day to leave the Jordan until they produced fruits in keeping with repentance? Jesus spoke of repentance as the “narrow gate,” and said that many rather go through the wide gate, which leads to destruction. I think he was talking about Christians, perhaps especially those of our time.

Today’s “believers” are a strange lot, quibbling over gender issues, rights and privileges, doctrines and interpretations. But for those who were cut to the heart at Pentecost, the chief question was simply “Brothers, what shall we do?” If we shared the same attitude to repentance, we would be willing to walk around the world, if only it were possible to undo our sins. We’d willingly renounce all we have. We’d embrace Jesus’ words: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven… the greatest among you is your servant.” We’d be part of a forgiven and freed people. And we’d know that Peter’s assurance that “love covers a multitude of sins” is the only basis for living a Christian life.

I have two boys, one who'll be turning 15 in a little over a week. Like other teen boys, he's interested in girls, dating, and sex. Recently, I gave him Joshua Harris' book, I Kissed Dating Good-Bye to read; he finished it in 2 days.

I think he also needs to read Josh's new book, Not Even a Hint, which deals with lust and sexual sin. As I was surfing the Net, I stumbled across Josh's site, where I saw a special offer for bloggers to receive a complimentary copy to review on their blog. So, if I qualify, you'll see a review soon, right here!