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Nov 05
Sounds like some sci-fi title, maybe it is actually. Our country has elected a new president. The pundits are all making their spins. The newspaper and media will tell us all what we need to think of all of this since we do not know how to interpret the results. For almost half the country things did not turn out the way they wanted, while the other half got what they wanted or at least what they thought they wanted. Despite the results, as believers, our assignment and passion has not changed. The world we live in is definitely changing but what we are called to do and who we are called to exalt has not changed.
Let me make just a few wandering comments on what we can learn from these days. First, it is very interesting that both candidates could give “FAITH” answers to the key question or give an acceptable answer to the ?? two diagnostic questions. That is a reflection of our society today especially among our young people. Barna’s Revolution and Kinnamon’s Unchristian and Rainer’s Bridger Generation tell us that this generation has different “values” even as “believers.” The environment, economy, etc. are more important than abortion, homosexuality. This is evident in that our newly elected president gives the acceptable evangelical answer to what it means to be born again yet is among the most pro-abortion Senators in the Senate and attended for 20 years a church that preached hate and racism. A lot of professing believers especially the younger crowd have greater concern for saving the environment and saving their college scholarships rather than saving unborn babies voted their personal convictions.
Barna’s research indicates that many church goers have become dissatisfied with the “traditional” church and are moving toward the home church, cell church model. That trend may indeed be taking place. (By the way I am not opposed to this model, in fact we practice it India and France among our UUPG and to some degree even with our Hispanic ministry here in NWA) The problem with that trend can be and is in many cases multi-faceted. Many (not all) have no concept of what the New Testament teaches concerning the church (ecclesiology) and by the way the Church was established by God and all we know about it is found in the New Testament. ”Perimeters of Light” by Stetzer and Townes is a good read on this issue. My observation has also been that stewardship, service, and missions are generally anemic among the home groups as compared to the giving, going, and serving in the traditional church. One glaring characteristic is the lack biblical leadership who have some training in theology and Scripture. That does not mean that you have a Ph. D. but there needs to be some commitment to study and preparation. We don’t generally allow someone with no medical training treat our children.
What does all this have to do with “The Day After?” I am getting around to it. There is a great disconnect with “praying the sinners prayer” and “answering the diagnostic questions or key question” and becoming a follower of Jesus Christ. We certainly do not lead in our evangelism with issues such as abortion, homosexuality, greed, lying, stealing, cheating, racism, drunkenness, etc. We always lead with the Gospel. But the Gospel is powerful in its change. ”Old things have passed away and all things have become new.” We are teach them “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” The reason Jesus tells us to teach them is so that they will obey Him.
How do we view this circumstance? We must first acknowledge the disconnect between confession and conviction. This is not an indictment on the younger generation but rather on the older generation in not passing the baton of faith in a sufficient manner. We taught the form without the substance or heart and they have rejected the form or the window dressing and there is nothing underneath. Teaching children at an early age can bridge the gap of this problem. Giving priority to teaching children the truth of Scripture is absolutely necessary. Many of our values and convictions are shaped as children. Check out the survey results from the Awana website. Many of those who leave the faith of their fathers were never really taught the Scripture that was the foundation for the behavior. Their hearts were not changed only their outward behavior was bridled until they could escape the bridle.
We must be authentic, engaged, and relevant. That’s a mouth full. Kids know when we are not real or do not know why we are doing what we are doing or do not practice what we say. They know when we don’t have a good answer for their why questions regarding what we believe and what we do.
The gap is widening which we can see in these election results. What my generation and above consider moral issues have become less of an issue which was reflected in the difference in the vote from 2004 until 2008. I know “it’s the economy, stupid”. That’s my point exactly. Economy trumps morality even among a significant amount of folks who answer our questions acceptably. The gap is widening. There are more lost people in America today than ever in history. The opportunity is great, but if we do not seize the moment the door will close and we will become Europe. . . until next time. Wes