In today's Message About Purpose and Strategy I want to point you to the verse that declares what I am here to do. It is Eph. 4:12, which says that pastors and teachers are given to the church to equip the saints (that's you) to do the work of the ministry. You need all the help you can get. Pastors serve in many ways. One aspect of this responsibility is to help you understand your surroundings and think biblically.

While my work environment is encouraging and supportive of my faith, you are trying to represent Jesus in an increasingly hostile world. You're immersed under a flowing tide that opposes your faith. You swim daily through troubled waters and you're in need of strength to make it and fulfill the mission God has for you.

It seems to be getting harder and harder to represent Christ in this world. It is not that being a Christian means something different now than it used to; the standards have not changed. But that's the point! God's standards have not changed while cultural standards have. The world is changing, but the gospel stays the same. As our world is slipping farther and farther away from God, the way back to him is now as it always has been. Your leaders here at Dayspring will continue to point your attention to what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. That's our role. Consider yours.