Torch, Summer 1998

0 urs may be the greatest period of history in which to live for Jesus Christ. Thanks to the sacrificial ministries of many of God's people, more copies of the Bible are in circulation today than ever before. Tens of millions of people formerly isolated from Christian witness by oppressive governments are now exposed to the message of the Gospel through vibrant local churches, radio, television, videos, the Internet, and numerous other means. Churches in Third World and Pacific Rim nations report people coming to faith in Christ at staggering rates. To say that this is a great time in history is not to say that we have no challenges. The challenges to biblical Christianity are everywhere. Our culture finds ways to reward those who flaunt immorality, believing that character issues, if relevant at all, pertain only to humanistic motives and economic outcomes. Spirituality can take the form of any religious or non-religious expression, save that of a Bible-based faith, and be welcomed. Tolerance has become the highest moral value, except tolerance for Bible believers who are singled out and denounced for taking the Word of the living God seriously. Sadly, the growing church seems to have a diminishing impact 2 Torch on the thinking and the morality of our culture. One reason for this loss of influence is a growing accommodation to the thinking of our age. Dr. James Sellers' article in this TORCH issue shows how easy it is to compartmentalize our thinking to accommodate non-biblical thought and end up denying the faith as it is revealed in God's Word. Sadly, the growing church seems to have adiminishing impact on the thinking and the morality of our culture. Another reason for this loss of influence is a lack of personal commitment. Dr. Paul Dixon, president of Cedarville College, spoke to the seduction of convenience in a recent chapel service on campus, and his challenging message is also included in this TORCH. Among the images the New Testament uses to describe Christians' influence in a fallen world are "the salt of the earth," "the light of the world," and "a city set on a hill" (Matthew 5:13-14). The desperate depravity of our culture creates unparalleled opportunities for witnessing. But to the extent that the thinking and lifestyle patterns of Christians are distorted to accommodate the culture's dictates, the salt loses its flavor, the light dims , and spiritual standards crumble. In reality, God is, and He has spoken. He has spoken in both the written and the Incarnate Word. Since what He has said is absolutely true for time and eternity, Christianity is not open to redefinition. At Cedarville College, our mission is "to offer an education consistent with biblical truth." Our commitment to the Bible as God's inerrant, infallible Word is non– negotiable. We affirm that God's Word pertains to all of life, and we seek to integrate its truth into every aspect of our walk, including academic disciplines. As you read of Cedarville's exciting advancement plans in this TORCH issue, be assured that our goal is to position the College to prepare even more students to make an impact on their world for Jesus Christ.