Are There Absolutes in Your Faith Walk?

Matthew 7:26-27

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

In Bible study yesterday – we were discussing heretical teachers and if there were absolutes in our faith walk. We were looking at 2 John and John was warning his readers about false teachers. The world seems to be filled with them these days – even the church seems to have its share of them.

One of my favorite shows comes on at different times and different channels most days – but as often as possible I try to be in front of the TV when it comes on. The Andy Griffith Show is one of my favorite all-time shows. I grew up watching Andy – Opie – Barney – and Aunt Bea. Times were good for many in Mayberry and even the unchurched were fairly moral and had values in town. This show took place during the 50’s & 60’s – just a few states south of Maryland.

I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately – our youth – and our society as a whole – are far beyond the sins of Mayberry it seems. Our communities used to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here and feeling safe. As a matter of fact – I can remember watching Mayberry as a child. I remember doors without locks and a feeling of love and safety.

How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful as a society? A 1994 survey conducted by Josh McDowell’s ministry team showed some startling results (even for 28 years ago). The study showed that among churched youth from 11-18 – within the last three months: 66% lied to a parent – teacher – or another adult; 59% lied to one of their peers; 36% cheated on an exam; and 23% intentionally tried to hurt someone. Additionally it showed that 55% have engaged in sexual behavior by age 18; 50% say they are stressed out; and 55% say they are confused. Remember – these were the churched youth! And only 28 years ago! Lord knows what the survey would show today!

Vertical or Horizontal Faith?

2 Timothy 3:1-5

¹ But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Church people often don’t like to hear that we are all sinners – I know I don’t like to be reminded of it – yet here is a scripture that reminds us that in the end times people will be lovers of many things other than God. If we aren’t reminded of our sinfulness and the grace of God that overcomes that sinfulness – we might just fall into the trap of thinking that we are OK just as we are and God’s grace will cover it all. God’s grace does cover it all – for those who repent and seek after Him – but I would never preach that all we need to do is say a prayer and God covers it all. There needs to be a heart change – a heart change that causes a life change. Faith without works is dead – says Jesus’ brother James (James 2:26).

We’re planning to hold a revival at Trinity. The revival will begin on a Sunday morning and run Sunday night through Wednesday night. Plan now to attend. Plan now to invite someone to these awesome worship services. Revival is a great time to invite folks that already attend another church on Sunday mornings but might like to visit our church. The theme of the revival will be The Great Awakening.

Easter Is Everyday!

Romans 8:1

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Easter has come and gone for another year. Churches were packed Sunday from sunrise services through regular and extra worship services. Some of my colleagues had to hold Easter services off-sight for a variety of reasons. Some wanted to reach the unchurched and thought off-site might be the best way to do this.  Some would have had to hold so many services in their current facilities that it made sense to go off-site to a larger facility. Some for both reasons and maybe some others as well. I imagine that some saw larger crowds than they will see all year until Easter next year – April 12th.

If their attendance was anything like I have experienced over the years – although there were some visitors – like family visiting for the long holiday weekend – folks looking for a church or simply the C&E folks (Christmas and Easter) – mostly the higher attendance is a product of the regular folks all attending on the same Sunday. Sadly – studies show that regular for some means once or twice a month – something less than most every Sunday. When attendance on a regular Sunday is say 75 and on Easter it blossoms to 125 with only 10 visitors – that suggests that if your regulars were more regular – your normal attendance might be closer to 115 than 75.

When The Foundations Are Being Destroyed

Psalm 11:3

When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?

Andy Griffith is one of my favorite all-time shows. I grew up watching Andy – Opie – Barney and Aunt Bea. Times were good and even the unchurched were fairly moral and had values in Mayberry. This show took place during the 50’s & 60’s just a few states south of us.

I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately – our youth – and our society as a whole – are far beyond the sins of Mayberry. Our communities used to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here. As a matter of fact – I can remember watching Mayberry as a child – and thinking our community was like it. How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful?

A 1994 survey conducted (I know – 25 years ago) by Josh McDowell’s ministry team showed some startling results. The study showed that among churched youth from 11-18 – 66% lied to a parent – teacher – or another adult in the previous 3 months. Continuing – 59% lied to one of their peers – 36% cheated on an exam – and 23% intentionally tried to hurt someone. I was blown away when I first read that survey in 1994 and I only imagine it has gotten worse.  Additionally – the survey showed that – 55% have engaged in sexual behavior by age 18 – 50% say they are stressed out – and 55% say they are confused. Remember – these were the churched youth! And 25 years ago!

Is Everyone Welcome?

1 Corinthians 12:26

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

At a Bible Study – not too long ago – the discussion on a Psalm went to community and small group connections. We talked about how important our connections as sisters and brothers in faith really are to our spiritual walk. Body ministry is very significant and not to be taken lightly. The church is a place for folks to connect and support one another. We should rejoice with those who rejoice and suffer with those who suffer.

Have you ever heard the phrase – the church is a hospital for sinners? In that statement – the church is trying to say that we are more than a building. The church is the people of God gathered – and we are a safe place for sinners. Why – because the Lord we serve offers forgiveness for sin and we ARE all sinners. I love the old bumper sticker I saw many years ago – it read: Not Perfect Just Forgiven.

Jesus told His disciples He came to live and die – to offer forgiveness to all who sought it. Luke 24:45-48 – ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷ and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things.