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Dear Student,
There is something old, and also something new, happening in our culture today. I will mention the old, but I want to dwell on the new because we are seeing a movement of God that may be unique in the history of the church.
The something old is the lament by the elders of a society that the younger generation is “going to the dogs.” This is nothing new. It goes back at least 2,400 years to Plato, whose complaint about the youth of his day could have been written by a 21st-century educator, parent, or pastor.
But what is new in today’s younger generation is nothing less than the sovereign work of God, as He places within their hearts a hunger for the unchanging truth that is found in His Word. This resurgence of interest on the part of twenty and thirty year-olds in biblical truth and the great doctrines of the Protestant Reformation is so incredible that historians and analysts are already taking note of it.
These same historians view Ligonier Ministries as in the vanguard of this rediscovery of Reformed theology. This awakening includes an emphasis on God’s holiness, sovereignty, and transcendence as well as on His grace by which He provides salvation for sinners, and the undisputed authority of Scripture in all matters.
This is the most profound fulfillment of my life’s vision—and I am overwhelmed with gratitude to God. These are significant days in the history of this ministry, and I want to ask your help in closing out 2007 in the strongest manner possible so we can continue moving forward. Please let me explain why this is important, and why youth are being drawn to theology with real substance.
One reason this resurgence in the desire for truth is so gratifying is that it flies in the face of those, even in the broader Christian world, who say that the only way to reach young people is to change the message. Thus we see the proliferation today of man-centered worship and theology that is not only fizzy or soft on truth, but offers little of lasting spiritual nourishment.
I believe the younger generation in particular is reacting to the lack of soul-satisfaction in this shallow stream of American Christianity and is seeking something more. That’s why the message doesn’t need to change. What’s needed is to teach the Word of God with a clarity and conviction that will unleash its life-transforming power.
All of us hunger for a “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19) that gives us hope. But hope for this or any generation is found in the truth of Scripture. God’s Word provides the anchor young people are searching for today, and at Ligonier Ministries we will continue to proclaim the greatness of God, the pre-eminence of Christ, the trustworthiness of the Bible, and the great affirmations of the Reformers: sola scriptura, sola fide, and sola gratia: Scripture alone, faith alone, and grace alone.
What a privilege it is to offer the Bread of Life that nourishes these hungry souls. It is our sacred calling and responsibility to hold forth the Word of God. I have never been more invigorated than I am today by the way the younger generation is devouring God’s truth and asking for more. This awakening is evident in the growth we have seen at Ligonier Ministries in the past few years. It’s the blessing of God on our commitment to teach a faith that has solid biblical content.
But I must also say that there is a concern weighing on my heart as I write to you. Even as God has thrust Ligonier into the center of one of the most exciting movements the church has ever witnessed, we are at a very critical point in our own history.
God has set before us unprecedented opportunities to impact tens of thousands more young people here in America and around the world with the biblical truth they are seeking. In order to respond fully to these challenges in 2008, Ligonier needs a strong year-end response from friends like you who believe in this work. The urgency of my request is fueled by the recognition that this is the time to press forward with renewed energy, to pull out all the stops in fueling the younger generation’s passion for God.
The goal we need to achieve is clear. Currently, we’re running $293,000 behind budgeted donations for the year, and we truly need your help to finish 2007 with the accounts balanced. That way, we will be at optimum strength in the new year to continue leading the way in the young generation’s historic and thrilling search for truth.
These next few weeks are so important to us. Will you pray deeply about the gift you can give? I look forward to your gracious response. Thank you for standing with me in these exciting days of ministry.
Sincerely,
R.C. Sproul
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