The Macedonian Call (A Last Chance Call From A Dying Nation) Conclusion of Acts Sermon Series

What if the souls of man could talk? When we look at our society it is obvious that there is great pain, fear and confusion. Do you hear the lost and hurting screaming out you name?

Researchers find that nearly 70 percent of Americans are on at least one prescription drug, and more than half receive at least two prescriptions. Twenty percent of U.S. patients were also found to be on five or more prescription medications. 1 in 10 Americans are currently using anti-depressants. Antidepressants are most common among Millennials . This is the demographic which is least likely to attend church.

Who Are Millennials

·         80 million young adults born between 1984 - 2001 approximately 30% of US population.

·         By 2014, 36% of the U.S. workforce will be comprised of millennials.

·         By 2020, 46% of all U.S. workers will be millennials.

According to Current research by Tom Rainer, When asked to describe themselves, two-thirds used the term Christian. Interestingly, nearly three in tenpicked either atheism, agnosticism, or no preference. In other words, they have moved completely away from certain belief in God. When asked if they were “born-again Christians”, using a precise definition provided by the interviewers, only 20 percent affirmed this definition of belief and experience. And when presented with seven statements about orthodox Christian belief, the researchers found that only 6 percent of Millennials could affirm them and thus could be properly defined as Evangelical. 6 percent of one of the most influential generations in our society could be defined as genuine Christians.

How did this happen? It has been a gradual progression throughout the generations. It started with the extreme religious views of my grandparent’s generation which led to burnout in my parents’ generation aided by the hippy era, followed by a total abandonment of Christian values of my generation.You hear of such stories all the time. Grandparents grieve over their kids not “going to Church” whose grandkids have no real interest in church life. How many stories have you heard of an old-fashioned fiery preacher whose kids saw so much hypocrisy that they just gave up on the church scene except for special occasions and raised their kids to be “free thinker”?

This is truly sad! What is worse is that while an entire generation has been cast by the wayside the church for the most part has watched. The majority of Church goers are those born from 1922-1960. Almost every is a church filled with those under 50. Even then it is controlled by those over 50. The Baby Boomer Generation and the Mature Generation make up the vast majority of churches. Services and outreaches are very much dependent upon their styles and methods. And we ask why there are not more “young people” in church. Nearly 60percent of these generations are religious and attend church weekly. Many required their children to attend services and carryout strict observance to religious standards, boycotted any kind of rock music, and stood against all things modern.

My parents’ generation burnt out by the extreme views of their parents, products of the hippy era, and began to leave the church. Watergate, the advent of MTV, single-parent homes, and latchkey experiences played influential roles in their development. They were the first generation to embrace the
personal computer and the Internet. They welcome diversity, are motivated by money, believe in balance in their lives, are self-reliant, and value free time and having fun. I’ve heard many Gen X’s, (parents between 30-50) talk of how they have decided to give their kids everything they never had. They are more likely to skip church for work, vacation, or extra downtime.

If we are honest, most churches, especial those in rural areas are targeting the same groups as we have for 100 years. We have all but ignored the cries of those in need. And while the church has not changed its approach or adjusted its hearing to the cries of the lost we have lost touch with over 50% of our nation’s population. Wake up church we are losing ground. Let’s not let our own traditions strangle the future of our children and our children’s children. It’s easy for the church to become deaf to the cries of those in pain in our society. To turn a blind eye to their suffering, and an cold shoulder to their problems.

                There is a work for each one of us to do and we must do it.  As we finish up our study of the Book of Acts we will look at The Apostle Paul and how he responded to the Macedonian Call to serve and share the love of God. We will see that from that moment he was busy about the gospel. Despite facing fierce opposition, tempting distractions, and opportunity to abandon the mission, he did whatever was necessary to share the message of Christ. In the end though he lost his life at the hands of a ruthless emperor he was victorious in Christ!  Are we willing to do the same?

I assure you that there will be struggles, there will be opposition, there will be times when we feel as if we have run aground and our hopes are ship wrecked. But if we stay the course to then end neither height, depth, powers or rulers can stand between us and the message of the hope of Jesus Christ. The Enemy will come with great distractions, of idolatry, religiosity, fear, threats and discouragement. But If we continue in what we have been called to do we will reap a harvest if we do not grow weary!

So church h lift up your face get your focus back on where it ought to be and that is on sharing the gospel We are to be a light. We must reach out to the hurting, train new leaders and give up some of our former things in order to reach an unreached people group among us.

Are you willing to do whatever it takes to reach the lost? No matter the cost? No matter how it goes against your style, tradition or even comfort zone? Jesus did not come to save those who are well but those who are dying? Are you with me? Will you be willing to do whatever it takes? No matter the cost? Because what we are doing is not working. Are we willing to deny ourselves and follow Christ? Because our families, our children, grandchildren depend upon how we respond to this challenge.

The future of this church depends on how well you remember this warning. The future of this town depends on how will you carry out this message. The future of this great nation hinges upon the faithfulness of God’s people to humble ourselves and seek his face, are willingness to repent of our sinfulness and seek His face.
                                         I say again , ARE YOU WITH ME?