Understanding Our Times and Knowing What to Do 1 Chron “And the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do…” Cf. Lk

The “Culture Wars” Jesus came to “grant division”, even within households, “three against two and two against three”. Cf. Lk

"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” As Culture Declines, the Church Must Remain the Church Remaining in the World Without Being of the World Jn

As Culture Declines, the Church Must Remain the Church Remaining in the World Without Being of the World "Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor

As Culture Declines, the Church Must Remain the Church Remaining in the World Without Being of the World “so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world” Phil 2.15

As Culture Declines, the Church Must Remain the Church Remaining in the World Without Being of the World "You are the salt of the earth….You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all….Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Mt

As Culture Declines, the Church Must Remain the Church Remaining in the World Without Being of the World

Characteristics of the Secular Church A Watered-down Message -- 2 Tim 4.3 The secular church takes on the world’s theology The message of the cross is a stumbling block to the world -- 1 Cor ; 2.2

Redefined Mission A Watered-down Message Mission of the church– 1 Tim 3.15 The secular church allows the world to decide its agenda “Therapeutic Christianity” “Outreach” instead of “Evangelism” “Self-help” Entertainment Characteristics of the Secular Church “Help Ministries” not irrelevant -- Rom But the real disease -- Eph 2.1-8

A “What Works” Methodology Redefined Mission A Watered-down Message The secular church takes on the world’s methods. E.g. Secular corporate management style E.g. Worldly fundraising methods E.g. Bait and switch technique Characteristics of the Secular Church

A Shift in Values A “What Works” Methodology Redefined mission A Watered-down Message E.g. Entertainment replaces Worship Characteristics of the Secular Church E.g. “Success” (growth) replaces faithfulness E.g. Happiness and self-esteem replaces holiness and salvation E.g. Rap sessions replace Bible study

Role of the “Minister” Changes A shift in Values A “What Works” Methodology Redefined Mission A Watered-down Message E.g. A specialist in therapy, seeking to “cure” the symptoms E.g. Becomes an entertainment expert for our young people The Biblical Role -- 1 Tim ; 2 Tim 4.2 Characteristics of the Secular Church

Legalistic Sectarianism Role of the “Minister” Changes A shift in Values A “What Works” Methodology Redefined Mission A Watered-down Message Sectarianism = the belief that the church has been fully restored Characteristics of the Secular Church

2. Both the secularist and the sectarian assume that perfection is within reach through our own reasoning, self-reliance. Legalistic Sectarianism Sectarianism = the belief that the church has been fully restored How is this a result of secularization? 1. The secular mindset fails to see how it itself is a product of its own culture. Characteristics of the Secular Church

Legalistic Sectarianism Role of the “Minister” Changes A shift in Values A “What Works” Methodology Redefined Mission A Watered-down Message Characteristics of the Secular Church

Questions: 1. Will the secular church be able to pass its faith on to the next generation? 2. Will a secular church remain the church at all? 3. Will it have any impact on society? 4. What happens when people realize they can get their “needs” fulfilled better elsewhere?

“He who marries the spirit of the age will soon become a widower”