INTRO: George Barna's latest poll and statistical study shows that from 1997 to 1998 American church attendance dropped 9%, and the average church budget dropped 15%. Chuck Colson wrote: "Although the West is still called a Christian culture by some, it is not. It is distinctly post-Christian, dominated by a relativistic world-view." Many churches and denominations have abandoned historical Christianity for a "social gospel," and a merely human Jesus. The Rev. Bill Phipps, newly elected moderator of the United Church of Canada denies that Jesus is God, or that He rose from the dead. In Chattanooga, and across America, people no longer think it matters what your religion is, as long as we just get along (see article from Times.) What then should we do in such a time as this? LIFT HIGH THE CROSS! IN PRACTICAL TERMS, HOW?

I. LIFT IT HIGH BY DOING WHAT YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU HAVE (vs. 11).
A. Paul had bad eyes, so he dictated and preached.
B. You may not have Paul's gifts, but instead of bemoaning that, use what
God has given you.

II. LIFT IT HIGH BY PREACHING GRACE NOT WORKS (vss. 12-13).
A. People love "works religions." (see comments from Phipp's membership)
B. Works religions are self-deceptive, and rooted in pride.

III. LIFT IT HIGH BY ACCEPTING PERSECUTION (vss. 12, 17).
A. In the 1st century, Jews who received Jesus were ostracized and worse.
B. Paul was beaten and jailed many times.
C. Our persecution is likely to be scorn and ridicule.
D. How important is Jesus to you? Are you willing to exalt Him at your
own expense?

IV. LIFT IT HIGH BY LEADING A MORAL LIFE (vs. 14).
A. The American culture gets less like conservative Christianity every day.
Paul Weyrich says we have lost the culture war. Bill Bennet's latest book,
"The Death of Outrage," says that the average American no longer cares
much about moral issues. Dr. Allan Curry recently wrote: (Quote)
B. Everyone knows that the President of the United States has had immoral
affairs, and has lied about it to everyone. Yet everyone says to ignore it.
C. Our churches are defending and promoting immorality (see letter to
editor about the United Church of Christ.)
D. Morality matters. Lift high the cross. Lead a moral life, and God
will bless you. Don't be a hypocrite, but speak out for integrity.

CONCLUSION: There is much in our society that tends to discourage and dismay us, but God tells us to be courageous (Joshua 1). Let's not circle the wagons, or retreat, but let's lift high the cross. Use your God-given gifts. Preach grace. Speak up for the Lord, even if ridicule comes. Lead a moral life. Amen.