Opening Prayer

“A State of the Church Address”

Introduction Remarks

South:

80% of the Nation's growth

Growth 5X’s Faster than MW & NE

In 15 years - most populace region in U. S.

South:

More deaths and more births than any other region in the country

Racial Diversity in the South

South:

92.5% of urban areas growing in 2006

98% of professing evangelicals in the South are certain about the existence of God

South:

96% of professing evangelicals in the South claim religion is important in their lives

Only 58% attend a service at least once a week

South:

Nearly 30% attend a couple of times a year or fewer

Only 40% believe there is one true interpretation of Scripture

South:

53% believe differing interpretations of faith are valid and

57% believe that many religions can lead to eternal life

South:

25% never give anything to the kingdom of God and

51% give less than 2% annually.

95% of professing Christians have never led another person to Christ

South:

The unbelieving population in the South is 70,000,000

South:

4,000 churches close their doors every year - Barna

South:

4,000 churches close their doors every year - Barna

The end justifies the means?

The end: higher attendance

The means: whatever works

The Cross a symbol of God's grace or my worthiness?

God exists to make my life wonderful?

Shouldn't the church be about me as well?

The results are in and we both lost!

We both exchanged the glory of the Incorruptible God So where should we look?

Is God, God-centered or man-centered?

The Lord will not forsake His people for His name's sake. 1 Samuel 12:22

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 23:3

Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions for the sake of your goodness, O Lord. For your name's sake, O Lord pardon my guilt for it is great. Psalm 25:7

For your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; Psalm 31:3

Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love! Psalm 44:26

Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider your wondrous works; they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love, but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea. Yet you saved them for Your name’s sake, that you might make known you mighty power. Psalm 106:6-8

Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory Isaiah 43:6-7

I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake Isaiah 43:25

For my sake I defer my anger, for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, for my own sake, I do it, My glory I will not give to another. Isaiah 48:9-11

Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O LORD, for your name’s sake Jeremiah 14:7

Thus says the Lord GOD: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, and the nations will know that I am the LORD, is not for your sake that I will act, says the Lord GOD; Ezekiel 36:22-23; 32

From Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever! Romans 11:36

Our Need - To be radically God-Centered

What are we called to do?

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God! 1 Corinthians 10:31

Serving - whoever serves, let him do it as one who serves by the strength which God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:11

And it is my prayer that you would be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7

Am I radically God-centered?

Closing prayer