Ed Stetzer recently has written about the death of “cultural Christianity” and in response to yesterday’s election results, writes a new blog post today in which he points out that the church is losing the culture war. He goes further to point out that we should begin considering what it means to be the church in a “post-cultural war era”.
Within his most recent article relative to election results, another piece of data I believe should be elevated for attention and recognized as an ominous bellwether of the state of the church. Stetzer points out that only 57% of “evangelical pastors” supported the pro-life, pro-family candidate in the election. We will no doubt following the election hear from sincere brothers and sisters in Christ that we are in need of a “revival” across the land…but that need for “revival” is not just a general one among the populace—it is a need at home within the sphere of evangelical Christianity when 43% of the leaders attending to pulpits and the sheep of those local congregations have thrown babies and the sanctity of marriage and families upon the altar of secular humanism.
Revival comes when God grants it, and we certainly should pray for that among our Nation (and the world). We must also give special attention to praying for a revival within the midst of the demographic hap-hazardly labeled as Christians. Liberal theology and secular humanism has wreaked such havoc that within this group there are unfortunately many lost souls--worse yet some of these lost souls are even standing in pulpits selectively retrieving scriptures ala carte to support their idols or are ignoring scripture all together just to pass out pop psychology messages encouraging you to be all you can be as they seek build up their own personal earthly kingdom rather than seeking to build up the Father’s kingdom.
Where Biblical truth stands, it will divide and let it be so—we must stand for the entire Word of God as it is with the power of God’s Word that souls will be saved and it will be with the power of His Word that our spiritual backbones will stiffen when persecution comes—and persecution is coming and coming quickly. Let us lovingly seek to disciple our fellow “Christians” in a way that helps them mature in their biblical understanding so that they will be able to withstand the challenging days ahead. As we faithfully pursue this endeavor, should any of these individuals still be lost at this time may their hearts be pricked by the Gospel and drawn to repentance before the mercy of our Heavenly Father.
And for the church in the “post-cultural war era”, we should strive to be Biblically healthy churches. It has always been important (Semper Reformada) and continues to be so as the temptation to cater to the populace will continue to fall heavily at the door steps of the church. If the concern for having Biblically healthy churches strikes a cord with you there are a few things you can do or consider doing. One, whole heartedly with prayers, words and deed support Biblically faithful pastors who exposit the Word faithfully and without reserve each week. Two, study what the Bible has to say regarding ecclesiology. A good guide for such a study is to start with the IX Marks. Third, consider donating to this very unique ministry at IX Marks so that they can continue the process of helping to foster healthy churches both at home and abroad.
Let us pray that God will use us as vehicles to share his Word as he draws home the lost and may He Bless and protect the shepherds He has chosen and placed over his people.
God Bless.
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