The Mess We's In

Farmer's definition of the “status quo”

This sermon will look at the current situaiton in the church of our Lord in America.

Introduction

Have you been a member of the church for several years?

You are aware of the shift, modification and changes that are being made in recent years.

“Change Agents” are seeking to change the church into another denomination

Issues today – did not exist 35 years ago

1 – Biblical Illiteracy

“Bible toters; Bible quoters” Classes for teens and adults focus more on

how to enjoy life, get along, be happy More sermons are “feel good” sermonettes Sermonettes will make Christianettes In many classes – more time is spent in play

than teaching the Bible

1 – Biblical Illiteracy

There has been less emphasis on LEARNING Facts, knowledge, Bible drills Memory work, BCV (Book, Chapter, Verse) Plan of salvation, worhsip, basic facts – not

known by majority Do you know:

Books of the Bible (OT and NT) Name of 12 tribes, 12 apostles, Major divisions of OT and NT

2 – Rejection of Restoration Plea

Some preachers are now teaching that the restoration plea is not valid

If we believe, teach, worship, practice, live – as they did in the New Testament – What will we be? New Testament Christians

The fact is – there are some ways we have not fully restored the NT church – Zeal, Spirit, Love, Prayer, Missionary fervor

Changes in culture do not change the principles

3 – Worldliness

1 John 2:15-17 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.

17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

3 – Worldliness

Years ago Worldly = drinking, dancing, partying Today Worldly = attitude, values, morals,

thinking, mindset, materialism We must be IN the world, but NOT OF the

world When we allow the thinking, mindset and

attitudes of the world to control us – there is a there is a serious problem with our salvationserious problem with our salvation

4 – Strength of Leadership The church is facing two leadership issues:

Lack of courage Lack of qualified men

Joshua 1:6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

1:18 Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage."

5 – Teaching of “Cheap Grace”

Grace is God's part in our salvation Obedience is our part in salvation Today – many are ignoring or rejecting the

obedience part Some are teaching – Auto Grace – Our sins are

automatically erased as we do wrong “Sola Grace” = We are saved ONLY by grace

and man does not need to do anything

5 – Teaching of “Cheap Grace”

Abuse of 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Some think that the blood of Jesus automatically cleanses us as soon as we sin – it is gone.

The Bible teaches – repent, pray, seek forgiveness from those we have wronged, make corrections in our life

6 – Rise of “Post Modernism”

Not many are even aware or know what this is Basic tenet – There is no universal truth “Truth for you may not be truth for me.” Years ago – we could disagree, debate what

the Bible teaches on some matter of doctrine Not possible today – Reject the Bible as

absolute truth Show what the Bible teaches – They say, “So

what?”

Conclusion

The Mess We's In – is the worldly, modern thinking and attitude – along with a lack of study, learning, knowing the teaching of the Bible.

If we don't know the Bible – we will be led astray by many false and worldy ideas and concepts.

Our challenge continues to be – IN but not OF the world around us