Recently the Barna Group came out with a new study that showed Albany/ Schenectady/Troy as the #1 Post Christian Cities in America (See study HERE) and the 2nd from the bottom of the most Bible-Minded City in America (See study HERE). It is easy to see his finding when looking around at our immediate culture. We think, “ya, that makes sense” and then feel overwhelmed and discouraged…but let’s not stay there.
Let us remember what the Gospel according to Matthew says, “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Living on Mission with Jesus as good missionaries means that we are to know our culture and be prepared to speak the counter cultural message of the Gospel into it. It is going to take wisdom and hard work, but as a result God’s glory will be manifested, and his will people receive great joy. Will you join Him?