QUOTE FROM A NEWSPAPER (RELIGION SECTION):
William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, took to the streets of London preaching to the drunks, prostitutes and downtrodden that Jesus Christ was their only hope to escape from the grip of sin. Now, 142 years later, people still are downtrodden and in the grip of sin.

When I read this quote, another quote came to mind, that of Charles Dickens: "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Many years before and after Mr. Booth's experience Christianity has been packaged and re-packaged, only to find the harvest still ripe and the world still hungering for truth.

Billy Graham was recently honored with the opening of a grand library in his name. In his "acceptance" speech, he remarked that it's "not about the building." And it wasn't. It was about him, God's Evangelist. I must admit that among the many notable advocates of the faith, Mr. Graham stands out as the symbol of Christian purity, humility and dedication. He spent over 60 years leading people "to Christ." But the weeds seem to be thriving right along with the wheat, and the wheat is looking less genuine.

Many who are called Christian often behave in a non-Christian manner. Truly devout Chrisitans tend to be judgemental and unapproachable. Others lead lives that indicate, aside from regular church attendance, that they are really no different than their unsaved brethren. Like the bumper sticker says: Christians aren't perfect --- just forgiven.

William Booth's "good news" (gospel) also has remained unchanged over the years. It is founded on the statement that everyone deserves to die and burn forever because they have rejected God. Even those who follow "God" are rejected if they deny Christ, his son. Booth's premise that only Christ can bring folks out of the grip of sin is right on. But it is only a small part of a cumbersome formula (plan of salvation), when it really should be foremost.

God would have us be perfect. He will not give us a pass, no matter how many times we recite the Sinner's Prayer. The perfection process spans eternity and is necessary to make us good and obedient children. The perfect plan of salvation is the following of his own perfect and obedient son, Jesus. Jesus communicated the love of the Father, as well as the will of the Father. And Jesus, knowing our weaknesses and desires, accepts nothing less than our complete reconciliation with our Creator. He gave his life to that end.