The church finds itself in some difficult times . . .
doctrinally
morally
societally
financially
We stand at a crossroad. Will we despair and compromise or will we persevere and stay true?
Challenges the Church Faces Due to Our Society:
We live in a world where we’re supposed to be politically correct and pluralistic (accepting of all beliefs) or face scrutiny, skepticism, and accusations of intolerance.
We live in a world where people want some semblance of spirituality but are not so sure they want what the church offers … too narrow, too out of touch.
Options for Dealing with Societal Difficulties:
- Ignore and further alienate ourselves from the real world.
- Combat those who oppose us.
- Compromise by watering down truth to make the church more appealing to the masses.
- Wisely make the most of every opportunity in ways that stay true to God and His Word.
The fourth option is the most biblical:
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. (Jn. 17:15-18)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom. 12:2)
Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Eph. 5:15-16)
Church Leaders: Remember the real essence of the church. Remember God’s desire to present the Bride spotless (Eph. 5:25-27). It’s your responsibility to line up with God’s purposes and design in all you do, not to appeal to the masses and to lift Jesus up, not ourselves.
All Church Members: We need to remember that we will stand before the Lord one day, accountable to Him for what we say and do (Rom. 14:12; Heb. 4:13). His judgment is what matters, not what society deems proper, not what pleases people but rather what the Lord says matters, what pleases Him.