Good morning on this Saturday, October 27th. The Psalmist wrote, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..." (Psalm 33:12). Recently I read a research article which was very troubling to me as both a U.S. citizen and a pastor. The article revealed that 20% of the U.S. population is either atheist (doesn't believe there is a God) or agnostic (doesn't believe that one can know if God exists) and doesn't claim any connection with any religion whatsoever. That percentage has been growing throughout the years. When I entered the ministry almost 50 years ago the percentage of Americans who labelled themselves atheist was only about 4% of the population. That means it has increased nearly five-fold in less than 50 years! Even more troubling is the breakdown by age of the respondents. For those in the age group under 25, the figure is closer to 35% . There is a seismic shift occurring in attitudes toward God in our culture.

Add to that the figure of only 5% of those who are church members being fully committed and devoted followers of Jesus Christ and you have a darkening picture of genuine faith and discipleship in the Christian faith. More and more there is evidence of folks languishing in lethargy when it comes to the things of God.

Adherence to a Biblical world view and Biblical values is also at record lows according to research by George Barna. Humanism and practically every other "ism" has crept into our lifestyles and it is showing more and more in our nation.

We can say with the Psalmist, "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" (Psalm 85:6).

In next week's blog I'll provide some solutions to reverse these trends. Be sure to read what I have to say in my next blog.

Our missionary to Nicaragua and former intern, Jason Kratochvil will be speaking in tomorrow's  a.m. services, and tomorrow night we'll have a reception to mark the conclusion of Derek and Melissa Glynn's internship at Edgewood. Please plan to join us for these services.
Mel Brown  

Good morning on this Saturday, October 20th. In preparation for my 44th Anniversary/Retirement  Dinner, November 8th, the planning committee asked my wife to provide a series of pictures which depict our family and ministry at Edgewood throughout the years. Barb has spent time with our daughter Lori, going through albums and boxes of pictures to select the ideal representative photos, and I would sneak some peeks at some of them throughout the process. Wow, what changes have occurred throughout these 44 years. The three biggest changes for me have been hair, weight, and wrinkles! What happened to all that thick black curly hair, that slim trim figure and that smooth tight skin - they have truly vanished away. When I came to Edgewood as a young 25 year old guy I weighed 155 lbs. and now, lets put it diplomatically, that was a few pounds ago. I used to tell folks that I was so skinny in those days that I only had one stripe on my pajamas and when I would stick out my tongue and turn sideways, people mistook me for a zipper. I've lost so much hair throughout these years my head looks more like a cue ball than a Chia Pet. As for the wrinkles, lets just say I could be a good candidate for one of Debbie Boone's Lifestyle Lifts.  But I would not turn back the clock or change my life for all the tea in China because they have helped me to become the person I am today and have been part of fulfilling the will of God for my life.

The struggles have produced patience because tribulation produces patience (Romans 5:3), the grey hair has produced knowledge and wisdom in the pursuit of righteousness (Proverbs 16:31), the sicknesses have produced empathy and compassion (Zechariah 7:8-10) and the heartaches have produced appreciation  and joy (Ecclesiastes 7:14). Through every circumstance the Lord has been my companion, seen me through and given grace sufficient to meet all my needs. As He said, "... My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9).

It is so comforting that through all the changes the years bring, God is unchanging (Malachi 3:6) and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Tomorrow's special speaker will be the new president of Baptist Bible College, Mark Milioni. I hope you'll be there to hear his message.
Mel Brown

Good morning on this Saturday, October 13th. When Jesus was being interrogated by Pilate (the Roman governor of Judea) before He was condemned and sent to the cross, He was asked a series of questions, "What have you done,?" "Are you a king,?" and "What is truth?" Jesus answered the first question by stating that His kingdom is not of this world; He answered the second question by saying that Pilate was correct in referring to Him as a king because He was born and came into the world for that purpose to bear witness to the truth. He added that those who were of the truth would hear His voice. Pilate's third question "What is truth" went unanswered, but Pilate had heard enough to proclaim, "I find no fault in this man" (John 18:35-38).

What is the right answer to Pilate's question about truth? Truth is usually defined as that which is in accordance with fact or reality as compared to mere appearance or falsehood. When Jesus proclaimed that He is the way, the truth, and the life in John 14:6, He was confirming that He is the embodiment of truth. All that He is, says, and does is true. He is the very essence of truth.

When someone is sworn in to testify in a court of law, they promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. That is the essence of Jesus Christ as truth. I

We have recently been bombarded with political ads on TV with claims and counter claims. So-called facts and contested facts often with half truths or even little truth. When I fact check some ads I find lots of distortions, untruths, and "political spin." I am sick and tired of those playing loose and fast with the truth.

Thank God that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever and is always the truth. Now that is a comfort and blessing in a world so filled with falsehood!

Tomorrow's sermon is another in the series, "It Is All About Jesus." I hope to see you there.
Mel Brown
                 

Good morning on this Saturday, October 6th. We are a people who are always focusing on the importance of being first. First place is the coveted place in graduating classes in school. Finishing first in an athletic contest is the acme of success to competitors with all Olympians striving for the coveted gold metal. Kids often rush to be first in line to go to recess or lunch. Radio stations have promotions where the first 10 callers win the prize. The first one to hit the buzzer on game shows has the opportunity to answer the question and win on Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune. Many brag about being the first to have a new product such as the new IPhone or IPad.

But the first that Jesus asked us to constantly pursue is often neither coveted nor practiced in many Christian's lives. Jesus said, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). The word "seek" in this verse is both imperative and continuous in action (present tense) which means we are to constantly, seriously, and with absolute prioritization seek God's kingdom (rule) and pursue the righteousness of Jesus Christ in our lives.

When I was a young Christian I read Sheldon's book, "In His Steps" which presented the case of people who would regularly ask themselves the question, "What would Jesus do?" and then attempted to live their lives by doing what Jesus would do. The impact on their decisions, priorities, and actions was incredible in every area of their lives.

Are we willing to make that the first in our lives? That is the most important question we can consider as followers of Jesus Christ  because it is the most important first of all.

Tomorrow's sermon begins a series entitled, "It Is All About Jesus." I hope to see you there.
Mel Brown