This Is Our Era
Series: This Is Our Era
April 14, 2024
Pastor Brandon Whitford
Episode Notes
”Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting
a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make
you become fishers of men." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going
on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their
boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in
the boat with the hired servants and followed him.“
Mark 1:16-20 ESV
The heart and soul of apprenticeship — being with your master for the purpose of becoming
like your master.
“A person who is simply a man of faith is [not] a disciple.” - Saint Maximus in the 7th Century
Jesus isn't looking for converts to Christianity; he’s looking for apprentices in the kingdom of
God.
“The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those
who ... are identified as christians will become disciples — students, apprentices, practitioners
— of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the Kingdom of the Heavens
into every corner of human existence.” - Dallas Willard
Cultural
1. At least 4 in 10 US adults (41%) have experienced higher levels of psychological distress in the past 2 to 3 years.
2. More than 1/3 of U.S. high school students have reported mental health challenges.
3. 40-50% of marriages end in divorce.
There is a growing overall prevalence of inappropriate, intense, and poorly controlled anger in the U.S. population. This anger was especially common among men and younger adults and is
often associated with decreased psycho-social functioning.
There are fewer friendships, lack of connection, meaning, and purpose. People feel unseen and
this has created a culture of emptiness.
4. Death by suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death among youth and accounts for 57%
of all violent deaths.
5. Suicide rates increased by 30% in 44 of the 50 U.S> states across every age group, while
the most dramatic increments were observed in men from 45 - 64.
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Its not a moment we chose, but its the moment we’ve been given and we all have a God given
purpose in it.
Political.
1. Just 4% of American adults believe the political system is working extremely or very well.
2. A growing share of the public dislikes both political parties. Nearly 3 in 10 people express
unfavorable views of both parties.
3. A little more than a year before the presidential elections, nearly 2/3 of Americans say they
always or often feel exhausted when thinking about politics, while 55% said no, I feel rage
when I think about politics.
4. More than 8 in 10 Americans 86% say the following is a good description of politics -
Republicans and Democrats are more focused on fighting each other than actually solving any
problems.
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Evangelical.
1. 53% of those identified as evangelical christian agreed with this statement.
The Bible like all sacred writings, contains helpful accounts of ancient myths, but is not literally
true.
2. Almost half, 44% say that’s Jesus was a great teacher but that he was not God.
3. More than 55% believe the Holy Spirit is a force but not a personal being.
4. More than half - 58% believe God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity,
Judaism, and Islam.
5. 38% believe religious belief is a matter of personal opinion and not tied to objective truth.
6. 56% believe that christians have no obligation to join a local church or community of faith.
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“I hear people say I don't have to go to church to become a christian, and they are absolutely
right, salvation is through faith alone in Christ alone. But you also don't have to go home to be
married, but if you say away long enough, your relationship will be affected.” - Tony Evans
Will you have a thriving marriage We exist to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to Everyone,
Everywhere, Every Day.
We (Your story, Our Story) exist to bring the good news of Jesus Christ (The Story) to Everyone,
Everywhere, Every Day.
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