Church, we have to know what time it is.
It is not time to rehearse the same rote lessons we always have.
People need answers on how to faithfully navigate a rapidly changing culture. They aren't getting those answers from those who are stuck preaching "Here's why the church down the street is wrong" for the 80th Sunday in a row.
I worry the churches of Christ have left thousands of people unprepared for standing firm in this decaying society because we’ve been too busy arguing over esoteric eschatology debates or making sure rooms filled with baptized Christians hear why baptism is essential every week.
On the other hand, it is not time to abandon Scripture.
We have to strive to remain firmly grounded in the inspired Word less we be tossed about by the world’s deceiving winds. Too many times Christian cultural engagement is being done from the world's playbook, ending in compromise.
I'm sure it strikes many of you as odd to see nominally Christian outlets parroting the exact same sociopolitical talking points as the media - as if a Godless society can instruct us on race, justice, public health, or anything else. We think it's pretty odd, too. It's not time for capitulation.
That's why I strongly believe in the work we're doing at Focus Press.
We aim to talk about the things that matter to Christians in the real world, even the things that often go untouched due to taboos and pressures. Too many Christians have been left adrift at sea by preachers who look at cultural issues and say “not our problem,” or scream “YOU CAN’T BIND THAT” to shut down any discussion of wise living and applying God’s principles in confusing times.
We do what we do to help folks have the Scriptural knowledge to "understand the times." We want to be the place where discussions happen. We want to be where Christians know they can turn for thoughtful, reasoned, Bible-based answers, even when they don’t always agree with us.
I do not like to do this kind of post, and that’s why I don’t do them often. But as times are incredibly tight, you can imagine how slim the margins are becoming at donor-based works like ours.
If you've benefitted from our work, whether through the podcasts (Think Deeper, Godly Young Men, Who Let the Dogma Out?, and Get Out of Porn), our books (such as Convicted and Church Reset), our devotionals (iGrow, Family Worship Guide, etc.), Think Magazine, or our regular articles and emails, we hope you'll consider supporting us going into the new year.
You can make a tax-deductible donation at focuspress.org/donate or by contacting our office or sending a check (info on the site).
Or, if a big donation isn't in the budget, we certainly understand. In that case, I'm a big proponent of our online subscriptions. That way you can support our work AND get all kinds of content in return!
On Focus+ we offer all kinds of video, audio, and written content each week to help you grow in your knowledge and learn how to navigate this world with a Christian worldview. Subscriptions start at $10/month.
Or, if you want to support my work directly you can become a paid subscriber here and receive access to all the premium content I post. Subscriptions are $8/month, or less if done annually.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who subscribe and support!