As often as possible I try to be in front of the TV late at night. The reason, Andy Griffith is on. This is one of my favorite all-time shows. I grew up watching Andy, Opie, Barney and Aunt Bea. Times were good and even the unchurched were fairly moral and had values in Mayberry. This show took place during the 50's & 60's just a few states south of us.
I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately, our youth, and our society as a whole, are far beyond the sins of Mayberry. Our communities use to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here. As a matter of fact, I can remember watching Mayberry as a child. How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful?
A 1994 survey conducted by Josh McDowell’s ministry team showed some startling results. The study showed that among churched youth from 11-18, within the last three months: 66% lied to a parent, teacher, or another adult, 59% lied to one of their peers, 36% cheated on an exam, and 23% intentionally tried to hurt someone. Additionally it showed that, 55% have engaged in sexual behavior by age 18, 50% say they are stressed out, and 55% say they are confused. Remember, these were the churched youth! And 13 years ago!
Something fundamentally wrong has happened in our culture that is shaking the very foundation of our society, especially our youth. The ground work isn’t being laid properly, the foundations aren’t sound. And the walls are being raised out of plum. The crash will be great if we don’t correct the problem soon. We’re building our lives on the sand instead of the rock. We all remember what the Word says concerning this, don’t we?
Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. Matthew 7:26-27
Our society is moving away from Absolutes. Things that even our society wouldn’t have thought of years ago are commonplace today. We were once one nation under God but have almost become just another nation in the world. Traditional Biblical truths are being eroded and watered down. The Judeo-Christian values most of us were raised with are being undermined.
Most of our youth lack the most basic moral perspectives that previous generations took for granted. If it feels good, do it is the philosophy of the day. And the me generation follows it to a tee.
What about the church? Absolutes are being abandoned here too. Psalm 11:3 says; When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The church is moving away from Absolutes, absolutes of the faith. Denominations are voting on issues these days that should never even come into question. Biblical truths that should never have been questioned are being brought into question by a sinful segment of the church. Biblical principles are being cast aside.
We have failed to listen to the wisdom God placed in His Word. As Colossians 2:6-8 puts it; So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Our foundation must be the Absolutes found in God’s Word. Truth doesn’t change or take a holiday. Situational ethics doesn’t work. We cannot decide on the fly what to believe. We must have a basic, absolute truth that can and has stood the test of time.
In time I will be preaching a series of sermons on the Absolutes. Come and hear what God’s Word calls absolutes. Take these teachings to heart and pass them on to the generations that follow. Who knows, we might be able to return to Mayberry yet. Wouldn’t that be grand?
I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately, our youth, and our society as a whole, are far beyond the sins of Mayberry. Our communities use to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here. As a matter of fact, I can remember watching Mayberry as a child. How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful?
A 1994 survey conducted by Josh McDowell’s ministry team showed some startling results. The study showed that among churched youth from 11-18, within the last three months: 66% lied to a parent, teacher, or another adult, 59% lied to one of their peers, 36% cheated on an exam, and 23% intentionally tried to hurt someone. Additionally it showed that, 55% have engaged in sexual behavior by age 18, 50% say they are stressed out, and 55% say they are confused. Remember, these were the churched youth! And 13 years ago!
Something fundamentally wrong has happened in our culture that is shaking the very foundation of our society, especially our youth. The ground work isn’t being laid properly, the foundations aren’t sound. And the walls are being raised out of plum. The crash will be great if we don’t correct the problem soon. We’re building our lives on the sand instead of the rock. We all remember what the Word says concerning this, don’t we?
Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. Matthew 7:26-27
Our society is moving away from Absolutes. Things that even our society wouldn’t have thought of years ago are commonplace today. We were once one nation under God but have almost become just another nation in the world. Traditional Biblical truths are being eroded and watered down. The Judeo-Christian values most of us were raised with are being undermined.
Most of our youth lack the most basic moral perspectives that previous generations took for granted. If it feels good, do it is the philosophy of the day. And the me generation follows it to a tee.
What about the church? Absolutes are being abandoned here too. Psalm 11:3 says; When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The church is moving away from Absolutes, absolutes of the faith. Denominations are voting on issues these days that should never even come into question. Biblical truths that should never have been questioned are being brought into question by a sinful segment of the church. Biblical principles are being cast aside.
We have failed to listen to the wisdom God placed in His Word. As Colossians 2:6-8 puts it; So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Our foundation must be the Absolutes found in God’s Word. Truth doesn’t change or take a holiday. Situational ethics doesn’t work. We cannot decide on the fly what to believe. We must have a basic, absolute truth that can and has stood the test of time.
In time I will be preaching a series of sermons on the Absolutes. Come and hear what God’s Word calls absolutes. Take these teachings to heart and pass them on to the generations that follow. Who knows, we might be able to return to Mayberry yet. Wouldn’t that be grand?
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1 comments:
That would be grand, Pastor. The Church today has not really heard such teahings. Instead of "Absolutes", the teaching today is "Encouragement", albeit translated as "You'll be okay". No matter what the life style is. The most obvious reason for that kind of teaching is the fear of offending certain members of the congregation which would adversely affect the roster. The only churches that will insist on such teachings are not subject to committee considerations. I hope that came out right.
Besides, it will be even more difficult to teach givien what the US Congress now defines crime to include. The attack on the body of Christ is getting more creative.
But it is certainly a needed teaching for us here and I'm sure will be very well appreciated
God stay with you, Rev.
Joe Mensah
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