The sub-title of this book is “Secularism, Cluture, and the Church.”
I became interested in this book having read many of Mohler’s previous books. I have had on my heart a grave concern for the direction of the Lord’s church. What was most shocking for me in this book was the concept that many, many people who call themselves Christians have never read the Bible. The ignorance of Christians today is astounding and the primary cause for “progressive Christianity” which is the subject of a future posts. He wrote this book long before the COVID19 and the truths foretold are amaizing. Mohler is the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
From Mohler’s book: “Western civiliation and the Christian Church stand at a moment of great danger. Facing them both is a hurricane-force battle of ideas that will determine the future of Western civilization and the soul of the Christian church. The forces arrayed against the West and the church are destructive ideologies, polices, and worldviews deeply established among intellectual elites. The political class, and our schools. More menacingly, these forces have also invaded the Christian church.
From threats to religious liberty and redefinitions of marriage and family to attacks on the sacredness and dignity of human life, the perils faced by the West and the church are unprecedented. How should Christians respond to this challenge? The Gathering Storm provides the answer, revealing how secularism has infiltrated every aspect of society and showing how Christians, equipped with the gospel of Jesus Christ, can meet the storm head-on with hope, confidence, and steadfast conviction. Addressing each dimension of this multifaceted challenge, this urgently needed response equips Christians both to give an answer for the hope that is within them and to contend for the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints.”
Chapters of the book:
Chapter 1: The Gathering Storm over Western Civilization
Chapter 2: The Gathering Storm in the Church
Chapter 3: The Gathering Storm over Human Life
Chapter 4: The Gathering Storm over Marriage
Chapter 5: The Gathering Storm over the Family
Chapter 6: The Gathering Storm over Gender and Sexuality
Chapter 7: The Gathering Generational Storm
Chapter 8: The Gathering Storm of Religious Liberty
Testimony of Theodore (Ted) Matteson
My story is simple. I’m a sinner in love with Jesus, the Christ. I stand here today through a series of God instances and by God’s grace. I truly live in this grace for He has said in Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. I can look back on my life and see all the forks in the road of grace that God was protecting and guiding my walk. I was born and grew up in the Methodist Church. I have always known who God is; however, I did not ask for His gift of eternal life or submit to His lordship in my life. I was a “paid-in-full” member of the Lord’s “frozen chosen.” In my life, I did not do things worthy of God’s notice. I never smoked, drank, or whored around. I made good grades in school, wrestled for sports, did my best to be a good child for my mom and dad. When I graduated from high school, I joined the Air Force which resulted in 26 years 28 days of honorable service. In 1973 I married the love of my life Sherry Dufford, and we were given two daughters and seven grand children before my Lord took her home in 2015. So you can clearly see an unremarkable life from a world perspective.
I can identify with Peter. What a blessing it must have been to personally be in the very presence of the Lord. Peter knew the Lord’s love enough so that when he was fixing to drown in the sea during the storm, he called for Jesus. Matthew 14:28-31 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter came down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the boisterous wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Regardless of Peter’s “little faith,” he knew enough to call on the Lord.
On 7 September1987, I could not walk, button my shirt, stand unassisted or even write my name on a paper. I was told I had Multiple Sclerosis for which there is no cure. At that point in time, the doctors could not guarantee I would ever regain my faculties. I felt like my world had come to an end. All my years in the Air Force; what was going to happen to me? What was happening to my family? How would I support them?
That night, everything I had thought important in my life changed. Isn’t it funny in the truth of His Word when He says Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. But at that time I was scared. My wife and I prayed together for the first time. God’s justifying grace was extended to me. Through God’s sanctification which included Bible study, Christian fellowship and service, and a very special weekend in the Emmaus program, I submitted to Jesus’ Lordship in my life on 1 April 1995. It was then I received assurance of my salvation. 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
I still do not know what God intends in my life but I know I walk in His grace. In grace I seek is righteousness. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. It is in His grace that I walk knowing Hebrews 13:5 ….; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. It is in His grace that I walk knowing Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. It is in His grace I have a place to live with my daughters and be a part of my grand childrens’ life. It is in His grace having good health. It is in His grace my Lord has given me a saint called Alison Harris and allowed my heart to care much for her. It is His grace he allowed me the mind to study His pure Word and obtain Pastor Credentials to minister and pray where He needs me. It is His grace He has set before me a house of worship called the Community EFC Monroe and serve there as an Elder praying for my pastor and congregation. It is His grace…It is His Grace…It is His grace.
In closing of the testimony I celebrate this truth 2 Samuel 22:47 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.
Humbly Submitted.
Ted Matteson
Theodore (Ted) Matteson
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Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
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The Pure King James Bible (KJB) 