As a church we exist in a historical context.  That historical context goes beyond 1924 and the American Baptist Association.  It goes beyond 1904 and the General Association.  It goes beyond 1845 and the Southern Baptist Convention.  It goes beyond the Reformation.  It goes beyond the Dark Ages.  It goes all the way back to the first century.  It goes back to Jesus and disciples and a promise: "…on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

 

We do not exist because of or for an association or convention.  We exist because of and for Jesus Christ.  Associating with like minded churches provides numerous benefits.  But the historical context of our existence always takes us back to Jesus.

 

As a church we exist in a Biblical context.  In this context we learn that Jesus is our head and that His Word is our final word.  He determines our doctrines and those doctrines inform our practice.  So that when the world looks at us they ought to see Jesus.

 

And as a church we exist in a cultural context.  Culture differs from continent to continent, country to country, region to region.  Which is why if you cross cultures you will find different attire, different song styles, different methodologies, but in Jesus' churches you will always find the same Gospel.

 

Stay in one place long enough and the culture shifts where you are, as it has in American culture.  We no longer live in a twentieth century American culture.  The twenty-first century has brought with it a new culture of morality and religion.  To be prophetically relevant to this culture, our preaching and ministries must be Biblically informed and culturally aware.  We cannot stick our heads in the sand and pretend we are still in the 1950's.  We must encounter our culture where it is as it is with the unchanging and ever relevant Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

In the end we will answer to Jesus for how we existed in our historical, Biblical and cultural context.  Did we love Jesus and glorify God through Him?  Did we love one another and demonstrate Christianity in our mutual care?  Did we love those who lived in our culture and graciously confront them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ that they might be saved?

 

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. (Colossians 4:5)