Complacent Christianity

Introduction

What country has the most Christians?

There are 390 Million Christians in Asia, South America, and Africa. Some of the most heavily persecuted places in the world and because of the rapid growth of Christianity there it is expected by 2025 that there will be 600 Million believers there.

Meanwhile, in America in 1990 there were 90% of Americans who claimed to be Christians, but now only 64%

Why in America is the number declining and it is growing in all of these other places?

We have become complacent believers, spoiled in our lack of persecution and have become comfortable in our Insta bio Christianity

We fail to live out the Great commission in Matt 28:19-20 in the easiest country on earth to do it.

Matthew 28:19–20 CSB

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Disadvantages to other countries

No Midweek.

Possibly no translation or very little options, the deaf bible just came out in the last few years.

Lack of resources for biblical education.

The Third Chapter of Romans hits on this topic. How do we counter complacency? How do we wake up? How do we take advantage of the blessings God has given us?

Body (our advantages)

Romans 3:1–8 CSB

1 So what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2 Considerable in every way. First, they were entrusted with the very words of God. 3 What then? If some were unfaithful, will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Absolutely not! Let God be true, even though everyone is a liar, as it is written: That you may be justified in your words and triumph when you judge. 5 But if our unrighteousness highlights God’s righteousness, what are we to say? I am using a human argument: Is God unrighteous to inflict wrath? 6 Absolutely not! Otherwise, how will God judge the world? 7 But if by my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say, just as some people slanderously claim we say, “Let us do what is evil so that good may come”? Their condemnation is deserved!

We parallel the Jews well in this passage who are complacent and not taking advantage of the blessings God has given us. Paul gives us advice:

Point 1 - Get in the word

When I was a slacker in high school and was complacent with an open book test

The creator of the universe has given you an open book test, the answer key. Will you be too proud to take it?

The Jews had the advantage of having the old testament which showed them how to live a life appeasing of God.

God has blessed us in extreme ways in the US. We have hundreds if not thousands of different translations of the bible. We even have the urban bible.

God didn’t intend on you living life without his textbook

B - est

I - nstructions

B - efore

L - eaving

E - earth

There are so many influences that we are getting instructions from somewhere. That is why it is more important than ever to dive into the bible.

When God gives us resources he expects us to use them.

Point 2 - Stop making excuses

What’s your excuse?

“I don’t have time”

Screen time (4 hours 19 minutes)

Nap time

Paul was showing an example of a popular human excuse at the time that basically was if my sin glorifies God is it really wrong?

Paul went on to say their condemnation is deserved.

When we make excuses before God, we are essentially saying “God, now is not a good time”

Tried it with Elaine, not a great thing to say to someone you love!

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 4:8 CSB

8 And what great nation has righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?

God has blessed us in many ways as the hub for Christianity in the world

Bible schools

Bible translations

Freedom to worship

The question is will we get back in the word, will we quit with the excuses, and will we live out the Great Commission?