Crosstalk: January 5, 2016

Jim began by noting that while there are churches that are taking a stand for biblical truth, there are others that are capitulating to popular thought and opinion. Some have compromised on marriage, morality, decency and life. Others are so focused on entertainment that God's Word is hardly regarded. Some have cut out portions of Scripture because they are in conflict with a world that has turned itself against God. Some pastors are feeling the pressure of church boards and/or congregations to avoid certain issues for the sake of unity. Jim then introduced Sam Rohrer. Sam is the president of the American Pastors Network and the Pennsylvania Pastors Network. He served 18 years in the Pennsylvania legislature and was a former candidate for governor in Pennsylvania. In his role with the American Pastors Network he encourages pastors to boldly preach biblical truth, especially on issues affecting our current society. Jim stated the following, '...in all we talk about today, the number one issue that pulpits must proclaim across this nation and not compromise on is the life saving message of the gospel—Jesus Christ died for our sins, he was buried he rose again the third day—this is a message that is essential and is the basis for everything else we talk about here on the broadcast today.' Sam replied by stating that he was glad Jim began where he did because that's the point where freedom begins. He doesn't believe it is possible to really understand or appreciate civil freedom until you understand and have tasted spiritual freedom which is being free from our bondage to sin. That must be the primary message of the gospel but unfortunately that's where Sam feels many pastors stop. After that, pastors need to take people to the point of discipleship and that is something greatly lacking in America today. For Sam the whole issue comes down to whether or not you recognize that God through Jesus Christ is authoritative and is all truth. This is the difficulty we face as our culture moves away from a Judeo-Christian recognition of who and what truth is into the subjective culture. This means that today, the 'odd man out' is the Christian. You can hold a firm view on everything else but not on biblical truth yet it's biblical truth that God will ultimately measure us by both now and later. So if you've ever wondered what happened to the concept of 'Thus saith the Lord', join Jim as he has Sam answer that question in this 2016 challenge to America's pulpits.