I recently read an article titled 8 Assumptions Pastors Can’t Make in a Post-Christian Culture. We live in a culture where Christianity is becoming less and less significant in the lives of people. Sunday is no longer a day of worship but a day for fun and sports. There is nothing wrong with fun and sports necessarily but among many other things in our culture they have become far more important than the worship of God and even our Christian faith. I would like to briefly address some the subjects in this article.
 
Biblical Literacy
Pastors can no longer expect that people know the stories of the Bible. Many people have never heard these stories even within many of our mainline churches. Pastors can no long say, “We all know the story of …..” This poses a problem and a challenge. The problem is that the Bible is the foundation of everything Christianity believes and stands for. It is our source of doctrine and authority. The majority of Americans do not know what it really teaches and many don’t care.
Pastors must be faithful to study the Bible and teach the truth of God’s Word so that people understand its relevance and significance. We cannot afford to give in to our culture and succumb to the cries for tolerance. If we do, then true biblical Christianity will crumble.
 
Frequent Attendance
Regular church attendance used to mean attending two to three times a week. Then it reduced to about three times a month. Now one to two times a month is considered regular attendance. This speaks to the attitude of the people and to the inability of pastors to demonstrate the significance of worship and Bible study.
 
Consistent Giving
Giving for many people has become what they do when they have some money left over. There is a decreasing commitment to support the local church with a regular monthly gift. No one likes to hear the pastor preach on giving but the Bible clearly makes it a priority for ever true follower of Jesus.
 
Political Alignment
This country may be more divided over political issues than any other time since the Civil War. People are becoming more and more polarized. For Nebraska there had been a general alignment around conservative political views but that is changing especially among the younger generations. When our political views become our primary issue, the church will become more and more divided. The focus of pastors must be upon God’s truth not politics.
 
Awareness of and Agreement about Biblical Sexual Ethics
Now there is a hot topic. The Bible is clear about improper sexual behavior and about gender. Yet, our culture is telling us that the Bible is wrong. Our culture uses feelings, desires, and circumstances to identify sexual preferences and gender. These parameters have no consistent meaning and are as fickle as the changing of the weather. True followers of Jesus must carefully and lovingly reveal what God has said and demonstrate why God’s ways are actually good for human beings.
 
A Recognition of the need for Salvation
Many people do not believe that they need a Savior. Even for people who believe there is a God do not believe they need anything other than to please themselves. The concept of sin is rejected in favor of a pluralistic view of religion. According to our culture, accepting or rejecting any particular religious belief is simply a personal choice.
Jesus and the Bible are clear. Sin is the issue between God and humans. Jesus came to take care of our problem by suffering for our punishment. He arose from the grave and offers life to anyone who will accept it. He proclaims that he is the only way but offers salvation to everyone. This is the message of true Christianity. We do not want to be arrogant about the message but we must desire to faithfully and truthfully reveal God’s grace and mercy in salvation.
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I am sure that some may not agree with me or may even take offense at what I have written. My purpose has not been to offend but to address some very important issues that the Church of Jesus Christ is facing in our culture which has truly become a post Christian culture. In addition, my purpose has been to encourage true followers of Jesus to evaluate their lives, beliefs, and responsibilities in order to maintain a consistent witness for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

​A few years ago I was talking with some young people about some biblical subjects and the word “doctrine” was used in the conversation. One girl responded, “I hate that word!” I explained that the word doctrine simply meant teaching and referred to that which we believed the Bible taught. She replied, “I know but I still hate that word.”
 
This student expressed a sentiment that is felt by many people today. The word “doctrine” seems to have many negative connotations. First, doctrine is often associated with controversy. People see that different religious beliefs often cause arguments and division. Second, doctrine is associated with narrow-mindedness. People often believe that those who hold strongly to their doctrinal beliefs have been led astray and are not open to the possibility that their beliefs may be wrong or need adjusting. Finally, people often believe that doctrine, particularly biblical doctrine, is not relevant to our current culture and time.
 
These various opinions are based upon one’s own perceptions, experiences, and personal beliefs (doctrines). Most Americans think they are progressive in their thinking and believe that science can explain most everything and/or their experiences determine what is true. They often see truth as relative. So what is doctrine and do we really need it?
 
As mentioned earlier, doctrine simply means teaching or that which is taught. It may refer a particular position taught by religion or government. It can refer to a body of teachings relating to a particular subject, not just religious subjects. The word used in the Greek New Testament means teaching, instruction, or that which is taught. The verb form of this word refers to the act or process of teaching.
 
When a person goes to a university they are taught doctrine on various subjects. When we send our children to school they are taught the doctrine of math, science, English, and many other subjects. So we understand that doctrine is not actually a bad word because we all have doctrines that we have been taught or have come to believe about people, government, history, science, religion and many other areas of life.
 
Yet, the word doctrine, when applied to religious belief systems, is still perceived as a negative word. Do we really need doctrine today? Isn’t doctrine a thing of the past? Isn’t belief in Jesus enough? Why can’t we just believe what our experience tells us is true? Since the Bible is so old, how can its teachings really relate to our current reality?
 
Our belief system about God, life, and relationships determines how we act. I am referring to what we really believe to be true. We tend to live our lives according to values and beliefs that we have adopted through experience and education. Our parents, family members, teachers, and other influential people have taught us life principles either good or bad.
 
Every person has a theology, a belief system about God, which affects their life and actions. Even atheist have a belief system about God. Of course they do not believe in God and that does affect how they live their lives. This belief system about God may be called ones faith or religion which involves at least some kind of doctrine.
 
Rich Mullins wrote a song several years ago called Creed in which he rewrote the words to the Apostle’s Creed and set it to music. One line in the song says, “I believe what I believe is what makes me what I am.” In other words, he was saying that his belief system affected everything about his life and actions.
 
One’s belief system or doctrine determines how a person will act or react to real life situations. For instance, if a person truly believes that it is wrong to be unfaithful to their spouse, that person will avoid situations that may cause them become attracted to another person. If a person truly believes that any kind of sexual activity is good and healthy between two consenting adults, then that person will not put any limits on sexual experiences.
 
There are many examples of how one’s beliefs determine their actions or reactions to real life situations. Therefore, it may be concluded that one’s belief system about life and God (that is one’s doctrine) needs to be clearly identified and verbalized.
 
Take some time to evaluate your beliefs, not what others tell you should believe but what you really believe about life, relationships, and God. Can you clearly state what you believe and how those beliefs affect your life? Do you actually live differently from what you say you believe? What is your belief system based upon? Are your beliefs based upon the Bible, traditions, experiences, or what you were taught by others?
 
Doctrine (that which one believes about life, relationships, politics, God, religion, etc.) determines how a person lives their life. Doctrine is a part of life, every life.

​Every New Year, thousands of people make new resolutions, set new goals or just determine to improve their lives in some way. The New Year is an excellent time to do that. When a new calendar year rolls around we often think of new beginnings or a fresh start. Possibly the most common New Year’s resolutions revolve around exercise and losing weight. It seems after the holidays, filled with delectable treats and excessive eating, people are prompted to make a change and lose a few pounds. Dieting programs, exercise gyms, and exercise equipment sales annually spike in January.
 
In addition, grocery stores stock up on low calorie products of all kinds. When I worked at Walmart, we reduced space for cooking products and fattening foods and increased our supply of diet meals and yogurt in late December and early January.
 
Yet a recent report released by the online grocer FreshDirect revealed that customer’s consumption of liquor and wine increased 40% in the first two weeks of February while juice-cleanse sales dropped by 25%. In addition, shoppers bought 15% more ice cream and desserts and 35% more pizza in early February than during the first two weeks of January.
 
Obviously, people begin the year with good intentions to lose weight but fall off the wagon within a month’s time. In fact, a study by Foursquare and Swarm revealed February 4th is the day people are most likely to fall off the wagon.
 
I too have been the victim of starting the year with new exercise and weight loss goals only to stop a few months or weeks into the year. It is very difficult to change a bad habit or start a new habit when you have little or no success in that area of your life.
 
Regardless, every year I evaluate my accomplishments and short comings of the previous year and set new goals for the coming one. I enjoy setting and reaching goals because it gives me a sense of success and achievement. Though I never reach all of my goals, I do accomplish things that I never would have done had I not set some specific goals for the year.
 
Paul said in Philippians 3:12-14:
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
 
Always looking forward toward new or higher goals gives us a positive outlook on life and keeps us focused on something good rather than focusing on our past failures. Every one of us can point to things we don’t do well, failures, or character flaws in our lives. No one is perfect. But we do not have to let our failures define who we are.
 
In addition, we can all point to things we have accomplished or done well in life. Though this can be a great source of encouragement to us, it can also hold us back if we focus too much on the past without looking toward new goals. Focusing too long on our achievements can make us prideful and prevent us from seeing that we have potential to continue doing more with our lives.
 
Paul said that he put the past behind him. This includes his failures and accomplishments. He continued to focus upon what was in front of him and the goal of achieving God’s higher calling for his life.
 
We should not forget the lessons that we have learned from our failures and disappointments but we must not allow the past to hold us back from striving to do better. Sometimes we need to forgive others as well as forgive ourselves and then move forward. Forgiveness is sometimes much easier talked about than achieved. It can be very difficult depending upon the extent of the pain. Yet, for those who know Jesus Christ, forgiveness rests at the very core their existence. We have been forgiven much through Christ’s death and shed blood. We are called to forgive as he has forgiven us.
 
Looking forward is the essence of hope. In Jesus Christ our hope is an assurance of what he has promised regarding our eternal destiny and our life here on earth. We have the assurance of eternal life with Jesus not because of what we have done but because of what he has done. We also have the assurance of his power and presence in our lives for he promised to never leave or forsake us.
 
Therefore, let me encourage you to look forward to this New Year by setting some realistic goals for what you would like to accomplish in order to grow in your relationship with the Lord and to improve your life here on earth.
 
Let us commit to strive toward achieving the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

I feel compelled to respond to the aftermath of our presidential election.​ Regardless of who you voted for or how you feel about the results, I would like to address those who read this from the point of a follower of Jesus Christ and a leader in his church, not from any political perspective. I will not tell you which way I voted so don’t ask. I do not want what I have to say to be tainted by my own political opinions. Political opinions are just that, opinions which have been formed by our experiences, circumstances, and those we listen to.
 
Some of you are very disappointed and angry over the results of the election. Others are elated and excited over the results of the election. I find that people who love and trust in Jesus Christ are on both sides of the issue. Often, regardless of which side you are on, you are unable understand the other side.
 
Let me say that there are a lot of ungodly responses on both sides of the issue that we as followers of Jesus Christ must not give in to. Many Trump supporters are gloating and acting very arrogant over the Republican candidate’s victory. These are inappropriate and ungodly characteristics for a follower of Jesus. On the other hand, many Clinton supporters are angry and acting out with violence and verbal attacks against those who voted against her. These are also inappropriate responses and ungodly characteristics for a follower of Jesus.
 
Ultimately what is happening is that Satan is once again dividing the Church of Jesus Christ, this time over political views. If you claim Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, if you claim to love him and follow him, and if you care about establishing his Kingdom on this earth, then you must not allow this political situation to divide the Church or cause you hatred toward the other side.
 
Friends, we have a much greater purpose and agenda than the politics of a nation. Certainly, I believe that we as Christians, who live in a country where we have the opportunity to participate in the political process, should take advantage of that opportunity. However, the politics of this nation is not God’s primary concern. I know there are some of you who would disagree with that but the Word of God teaches us that God has a much larger agenda than the presidential election of the United States of America. In fact, the United States of America is not found in the Bible anywhere.
 
Before Jesus left this earth he did not command his followers to go elect people to public office and pitch a fit when you don’t get your way or arrogantly gloat when you do.
 
Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; teaching them to obey all I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
 
Most of you recognize this passage as our primary marching orders. We call it the Great Commission. The priority of every true follower of Jesus Christ is the advancement of his Kingdom, his Church, through the proclamation of the Gospel and the spiritual growth of those who believe.
 
Therefore, followers of Jesus must not let this election divide us nor steer us from accomplishing the will and purpose of our Savior and Lord. We must not attack and argue with those who follow Jesus Christ yet disagree with us politically. We must not allow Satan a foothold in our lives or in the Church through anger and bitterness. Bitterness will destroy our individual lives as well as the unity in the Body of Christ.
 
Friends this is a time to set aside our differences and come together for the glory of God and for the exaltation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I don’t know if the people of this nation are going to be able to unify for the good of everyone in the country. I don’t know if this will divide our country even more. But I do know that we must not let it divide the Church. I know that we must not verbally attack each other, fire off angry slurs or make proud derogatory remarks. I know that if there is ever a time for the Church of Jesus Christ to unify around the Gospel and Jesus’ purpose for us, it is now.
 
I implore you to set aside your angry or proud feelings. I urge you to forgive those you disagree with. And I beg you to obey the words of Paul in Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
 
The response of every follower of Jesus Christ should be to pray for our new president elect (whether you like him or not), pray for our leaders in congress to make wise decisions regarding the good of this country, pray for peace in our country, and most importantly pray that we will have the opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who don’t know him.
 
Perspective #2 tomorrow