There was a book recently published called “The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, And What Will It Take To Bring Them Back”. The book contained largely the findings from a massive research project funded by major institutions. The three researchers were a pastor, a program director for the Tim Keller center for apologetics, and a professor of political science at University of Illinois. Their findings pointed to the greatest religious shift in American history. Specifically, the greatest decline in church involvement and the highest rate of church closure the country has seen in her history. Increasingly, the culture has been shifting away from Christian teachings and principles, and increasing in pluralistic ideals.

This probably is not shocking to most of us, but what should be shocking is the rate by which it is happening. It is quite percipitous. Some people react by trying to fight the culture, some react by trying to hide from the culture, and still others accommodate or succumb to the culture. All these responses ultimately fail the Biblical call to dwell in the culture and seek it’s good (Jer. 29:7) while remaining distinct from it (John 17:14-19).

So what are we to do? How are we to think? What are we to love? The authors offer several important principles to stand on, but I want to offer one pathway for you to think about this week. First, remember that we are exiles from our true home, our true identity and citizenship, which is with our God in his presence.