1) I would have to say that the culture of self is most prevelant in our consumer mentality. Every commercial is aimed at “me” because “I” deserve whatever it is that they are selling. By purchasing their product, my life will be better some how.

I think the only way to deal with this is through the preaching of and living out the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to keep in mind Hebrews 10:34b where the writer says, “since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.”

2) Ouch! I would say in many churches it is the man-centered programatic materials we use. In many churches, we talk about how we can be better persons or we discuss the things of God without much talk of the gospel and why it is important in our lives. The gospel is usually assumed and implicit (if at all) rather than explicit and used as the starting point for that day’s particular lesson.

I ain’t touching the broader evangelical movement. I think what can be done about it is a return to the gospel. It seems as though that needs to be made explicit at all times. Here in the SBC, I think the gospel message has somewhat fallen through the infrastructure that we call Sunday School. I think this is one reason we are in the situation we are in where we need to pass resolutions calling for repentance and a striving for regenerate church membership.

Thanks again. These were thought provoking questions.

Terry Delaneys last blog post..A Better Start to the Week