The Preacher’s Pulpit                          Dr. Joe Tims

TEXT: Luke 18:8

SUBJ: Has America Lost Her Faith In God?

Introduction:
America has a church on every corner and a new one starting daily.

America has more Bibles than they know what to do with and a new so called translation is coming out weekly.

But all the EVIDENCE points to a drastic DECLINE in faith and moral strength.

According to a recent Barna Survey (accepted by conservatives), only 22% of Adult Americans believe in Moral Absolutes.

Among Teenagers the figure drops to only 9%!

This decline in Faith and Moral Strength can be traced to three areas:

I.    POSTMODERNISM

(Prov 23:7 KJV)  "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee."

    A.    Prior to the 60's, America was still people of enlightenment.

    B.    We found meaning in self and God.

        1.    Character

        2.    Conviction

    C.    However, during the 60's this all began to Collapse.

        1.    Drugs
        2.    Drunkness
        3.    Divorce
        4.    Departure

    D.    There is a universal acceptance of no ABSOLUTES!

    E.    Two major Philosophies came to the front:

        1.    Europe - “I am alone in the universe.”

        2.    American - “I am alone in the universe and I would like some help to cope (not change),”

II.    THE COLLAPSE OF BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCHES

(2 Tim 3:16-17 KJV)  "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: {17} That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

    A.    After WWII, Bible Believing Churches emerged as a strong and growing force in the American Life.

    B.    While there were some doctrinal issues of disagreement, the essential were in agreement.

    C.    But in the 60's so called Scholars and experts began to openly deny the Scripture.

    D.    Philosophy began to be the rule of belief!

    E.    Psychology began to replace Preaching.

    F.    Theology in the pulpit is reduced to “cute stories” and “psychological pablum.”

    G.    The results are seen in:

        (2 Tim 3:5 KJV)  "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

III.    THE MARKETING OF THE CHURCH

(2 Tim 4:3-4 KJV)  "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; {4} And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

    A.    Churches are now in the marketing business!

    B.    People are considered consumers.

    C.    The Gospel is considered a product.

    D.    Churches look little different than shopping malls.

    E.    We are more concerned with attracting crowds than we are introducing God to people.

        (John 2:14-16 KJV)  "And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: {15} And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; {16} And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise."

    F.    Church has become big business instead of House of Bread for hungry sinners.

CONCLUSION:
According to the Book of Revelation, unless revival comes the light could be removed from the lamp stand. Where are you today in relationship to God. Are you SAVED? Are You committed to a New Life in Christ? It must start with you and Me today.

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