The Missing Ingredient
Jerry N. Watts
Acts 9:31
The first time that I grilled hamburgers, it was a disaster. I took the ground beef, made the patties just like I had seen my dad do it, prepared the fire just like dad had, and watched over the patties until they became light brown through and through. I was SO proud. In fact, I was SO proud that I was uncharacteristically the first one in line! On this burger I spared nothing! All the regular condiments were applied; cheese (2 slices), tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and all the rest were a part of this GREAT burger. All was well UNTIL my first bite. Now, it all looked good, was prepared with great care, and was the envy of everyone there. But it tasted horrible. Why? I had left out one ingredient, salt. There was no seasoning on the meat and the word 'bland' did not even touch the description of the taste.
In the 21st century, the American believers and church, have more resources than at any time and any place throughout the history of Christianity. We have books, curriculum, technology, music, and much more, we have everything anyone could ask for to develop the best church in history-and still the American church is losing ground in our culture. In fact, we are losing ground faster than at any time in American history. We are weaker than at any time in American history. And we are dying faster than at any time in American history. Wonder why that is?
Perhaps we could gather preachers, theologians, as well as rank and file church members and come with a list of reasons, but would that list contain the real truth? Let me ask-''Why do you think the church is so weak today?''
As I have studied and prayed about this subject and today, I believe we can find the answer in our message today. Turn with me to Acts 9:31.
To set a clear context, consider there were 3 or 4 significant events of note. First, there was the stoning of Stephen. This event impacted both the believers and the opposition in a signif ...
Jerry N. Watts
Acts 9:31
The first time that I grilled hamburgers, it was a disaster. I took the ground beef, made the patties just like I had seen my dad do it, prepared the fire just like dad had, and watched over the patties until they became light brown through and through. I was SO proud. In fact, I was SO proud that I was uncharacteristically the first one in line! On this burger I spared nothing! All the regular condiments were applied; cheese (2 slices), tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and all the rest were a part of this GREAT burger. All was well UNTIL my first bite. Now, it all looked good, was prepared with great care, and was the envy of everyone there. But it tasted horrible. Why? I had left out one ingredient, salt. There was no seasoning on the meat and the word 'bland' did not even touch the description of the taste.
In the 21st century, the American believers and church, have more resources than at any time and any place throughout the history of Christianity. We have books, curriculum, technology, music, and much more, we have everything anyone could ask for to develop the best church in history-and still the American church is losing ground in our culture. In fact, we are losing ground faster than at any time in American history. We are weaker than at any time in American history. And we are dying faster than at any time in American history. Wonder why that is?
Perhaps we could gather preachers, theologians, as well as rank and file church members and come with a list of reasons, but would that list contain the real truth? Let me ask-''Why do you think the church is so weak today?''
As I have studied and prayed about this subject and today, I believe we can find the answer in our message today. Turn with me to Acts 9:31.
To set a clear context, consider there were 3 or 4 significant events of note. First, there was the stoning of Stephen. This event impacted both the believers and the opposition in a signif ...
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