Good Morning MABC family,
I love this time of year. This morning as I had my cup of coffee on the porch it was a cool 58 degrees but this afternoon will be in the high 80’s. And, it’s football season!
First things first! I will be doing some work from home this morning but will be in the office tomorrow and Wednesday instead. One, I want to be home with Sherry one more morning as we strive to get back to pre-surgery routines. Two, I am trying to combine trips to Wichita more efficiently. Tuesday is our men’s lunch at the Copper Oven at 11:30 am. Men, hopefully you can join us there. Wednesday is a men’s lunch at Newspring that is usually attended by around 500 men. I have invited a couple of younger men to join me there for lunch. Men, if you can’t make it Tuesday morning, maybe you can join me and others at Newspring at 11:45 pm. If you want a lunch you need to register ahead of time otherwise it doesn’t cost anything. I have been emphasizing with our men the need for us to disciple other men. Who is that man you have some connection to that could use good biblical encouragement alongside other men? Let me know if you decide to go so that I can look for you!
While sitting on my back porch having a cup of coffee this morning I was reading a couple a couple of insights from other leaders and church related research. Yesterday I mentioned the culture shift in our country and how it seems to be moving further and further away from the principles we try to live by as followers of Christ. I use the term followers because I really don’t like the word “Christians” any more for a couple of reasons. One was mentioned yesterday in Luke 14 as Jesus talked about the cost of being a disciple. Verse 25 says a large crowd was following Jesus. Jesus turns to the crowd and essentially says it is not enough just to follow me around for the “show.” He boldly tells them what he is interested in – committed followers – not just big numbers of “fans” so that he can post on social media how many “followers” he has. I use “followers” loosely there! He is interested in those who want to help him further the kingdom no matter the cost.
George Barna, Director of Research at the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University says “’Christian’ has become somewhat of a generic term rather than a name that reflects a deep commitment to passionately pursuing and being like Jesus Christ.” The CRC’s research says that despite 69% claiming the faith, in reality only a tiny minority of American adults (6%) possess a biblical worldview and demonstrate a consistent understanding and application of biblical principles. This research was done in 2021 and it falls right in line with the Gallup Poll numbers mentioned yesterday from 2013 suggesting fewer than ten percent of evangelical Christians could be called deeply committed. Gallup stated that most of those who profess Christianity don’t know basic teachings and don’t act differently because of their Christian experience. Maybe I can speak to that more next week.
Next week, we will take an even deeper look into culture and Jesus as we move forward in chapter 4 of Acts. Yesterday as I was reading chapter 4 again, doing some research and praying, I have come to the conclusion it will take two more weeks – maybe even three – to get through this chapter. I have to tell you that really throws off my tentative schedule for sermons for the rest of this year! Read ahead and pray about verses 5-21. On this beautiful morning, that’s what I hope cover. Let’s see what the Lord says!
Pastor Rick
