A School of Brutality
The article "Storykill" on p. 42 of the March Gleaner I found to be troubling. It brought to mind, “Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). Our modern prophet has stated football has become a school of brutality and that Satan uses it to nullify the work of the Holy Spirit. As a retired physician who is passionate about preventive medicine, I am painfully aware of the injuries that can involve any age group that plays tackle football.
A Christian's Focus
I applaud the timeliness of Steve Vistaunet's article "Tribes" and Seth Pierce's "Highlighting Heresy" [April 2015]. We preach that the love of the world is growing cold while forgetting to keep our own love burning brightly within the church. We are to lift up Jesus, not the devil, not conspiracy theories, not hearsay about public figures. Those in darkness need the light of the world, not sensationalized details about how awful the darkness really is — believe me, they already know. Christianity's focus should be what's different, better and more relevant about Jesus.
A Revised Millennial Mission
I believe that the effort to reach our youth ["Oregon Churches on a Millennial Mission," March 2015] and retain them in the church is coming from a sincere and heartfelt desire to do the right thing. But … so far, I have seen or heard nothing of the need for prayer, conviction, confession and reform as part of the movement. … While I do believe that we need to embrace our youth in love and acceptance, we also need to train the most godly of our young adults [and] give them a rock-solid foundation in God’s Word under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Elders should mentor them and then allow them to lead our youth into the next phase of our church. These are Jesus methods: one disciple at a time. … We need a return to the undiluted gospel and worship services that glorify Jesus Christ. We cannot save ourselves or others with improved programs … or more modern methods. We cannot save our youth. That is Jesus' job. Point them to Him, not themselves.
Tara Brooks-Stockton, Troutdale, Ore.
