Lately, I have read the various questions, andswers and comments which the brothers and sisters write concerning different issues that is going on in our society. The Lord laid this on my heart to ask everyone this question: "What are the most pressing issues that is hitting the Body of Christ today?" I am not just talking about the AME Church or any other demonation, but what is God showing us as a body of believers collective and individually, that we need to deal with? What do we need to do about it if anything?

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2002

Answers

We are complacent. Sort of like what Zephania warned against.

" And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil."

Sometimes I wonder if we can get so carried away with what we have that we are not looking for his appearance. What does the church look forward to? Jesus' return, or prosperity? Do we love his appearing?

Carmen

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2002

Due to our complaceny we are Biblically illiterate, spiritually immature and have misplaced priorities. If Bill Gates offered $1 million dollars to the average parishoner in our churches to correctly name eight of the minor prophetic Books of the Bible in one minute or less I would guess that less than 30% of the potential millionaires would walk away with the check. However, if we are asked about matters pertaining to our fraternity/sorority, college alma mater or singing groups from the Platters to Boyz-to-Men we are veritable walking encyclopedias. Fundamentally, we do not hold our faith experince in a high priority, except in time of crisis like sickness and death. QED

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2002

Bill all i an add to that is to say AMEN!

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2002

My response should have read, Bill all I can add to that is to say AMEN!

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2002

Elder Crawford, in my view, what seems to be pressing matters in our denomination are oiling institutional matters and very little about biblical immperatives to issues that face us all. We are more and more looking inward than outward and onward. In this part of the world, HIV/AIDS, perversive and grinding impoverishment, etc., are dialy realities of society, including racism. And, my experiences point out that there is nothing dangerous than that because it suggest that we don't have a revelation of what God is pointing us out to, especially considering the history and confession of this denomination.

-- Anonymous, September 19, 2002

I co-sign to what Sis. Carmen and Brothers Bill and Robert had to say!!!

-- Anonymous, September 19, 2002

What a great question Elder Crawford!I feel 1.) POVERTY is a pressing issue both in this country and around the world. Scripture is very clear we are to take care of the poor. 2.) The world epedemic of Aids, so many people dying and so many children left as orphans. 3)Fullfilling the great commission to take the gospel message to all corners of the world, we need to be planting new churches and starting new ministries, stepping into this world with boldness to do these things. Instead of waiting until we have enough money 4.) Racism and Sexism withing the body of Christ, these two things are tools of "the children of darkeness to seperate us from God"

-- Anonymous, September 19, 2002