107 Coldren Street, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904, United States
Pastor's Corner
To Our Dear Belmont Family,
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of the Him who hate called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
INFLUENCE
In life there will be challenges. Challenges make one think in ways we don’t normally think. In these last few weeks, the Lord has laid upon my heart how we are to influence others, especially the next generation, for Jesus.
Many of us have said how the culture has changed as it is so different than when we “gray hairs” we're young. I’ve a pastor friend that would say what one generation tolerates the next one accepts. I’ve done some self-examination and must confess I tolerate much more than my parents would. I’m a great grandfather now. There are three generation of “Moores” behind me. If each generation tolerates, it concerns me what my great-grandchildren will accept. Since I pastor a church of multiple generations, how will the church influence the next generations? I’ll limit myself to just three tolerations we will face as a church.
1. Language- We tolerate language that former church generations would rebuke. There are words and statements we have become comfortable with that should have no place coming out of the mouth of a Christian. Well, you know everyone talks like that. Peter tells us we aren’t to be like everyone. Then we lament why the next generations have potty mouths, but they have learned from us.
2. Eyes And Ears – We listen to and watch inappropriate stuff. Most television, movies, center around sex, violence, and the occult, yet we tolerate them. The Bible condemns all that. I know this is hard to hear, but your heart will tell you it’s true. There is such a mixed message to the next gernations to what it really means to a Christian.
3. Priority – When I was young, Sundays were church. I didn’t have a vote, it was church. We say young people just don’t come to church. If you were anything like me when you were a young man or woman, the reason I spent so much time in church is because my parents said you will go to church! I think we’ve come to accept a philosophy that says Sundays are church as long as there isn’t something else to do.
This letter isn’t going to make me popular, but I pray I’ve said the truth in love. We can’t change the world unless we change ourselves. May Peter’s words prick your heart.
In Christ,
Pastor Tom and Sherri
