I'm Walking Away From Jesus and the Church

Today let’s take a look at an issue that sociologists are calling the “de-conversion” of USA youth.

We have a new generation of young American church members (around the ages of 18 to 34) leaving the local church in record numbers. Many of these young people who grew up in the local church are no longer attending after they graduate from high school, or by their 2nd year of college--- you may be one of them..If so, welcome...I’m glad you’re here...

There are approx. 430K churches in the US- most pastors in these churches across the country do not have to read current polls to see that there is a mass exodus of young people from all denominations....all church leaders have to do is look out into their sanctuary on any given Sunday-- They know how difficult it is to find 20 and 30 something’s in church on any consistent basis.

Now about this term branding these young adults, “De-converts:” I would challenge this particular term. It may sound good on paper and serves the narrative of the secular humanist crowd, but its bad theology.
“De-conversion” assumes you can be“un-saved.” Nothing is further from scriptural truth. 

2 main questions we will look at in this session:
1. What kind of life does Jesus Christ give to those who follow Him?
2. Can I lose my salvation?

Scripture focus: Matthew 13: 1-23      The Parable of the Sower
The main thrust of Jesus’ teaching in the Parable of the Sower is that there are 4 kinds of people who hear the Gospel…theGood News! (The Gospel being the proclamation of the death (blood atonement), burial and (bodily) resurrection of Jesus Christ who has conquered death and sin, and as the Son of God and Savior brings eternal life to all who believe in Him.)

 if you don’t get this Scripture passage you will not understand what is happening with this so called de-convert issue in our generation.

The first hearer will hear the Gospel but because of satanic opposition and hardness of the human heart will not receive the Truth and stay in their sin, denying Christ. 

The second hearer will receive the truth (but not receive Jesus by faith), be super excited about Kingdom things for a while and then when tough times come they fall away and go back into their worldly desires, ambitions, goals, fears, still lost in their sin even though for a time they “walked and talked” like a believer, but eventually deny Christ. 

The third hearer will actually receive Christ as Savior but because they are overwhelmed with the things of life they will not produce much fruit for the Kingdom of God. They are saved, they do not deny Christ, but they are marginalized. 

The fourth hearer is one who is saved, walks with Christ daily, and even under pressure they will have seasons of fruitfulness and grow into a mature, faithful Christian.

Now back to those who are “leaving” the faith today and joining the ranks of the “De-converted.” It is absurd for these people to call themselves former Christians. They are simply the second hearers of the Word. The issue is denial vs. doubt.
 
*All music  content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden and Caiti Riden (c) 2022

Christ Powered Ministries, missions association  www.cpmlife.org

All music content written and performed by Darryl Riden, Taylor Riden, Caiti Riden (c) 2024

Contact info: cpmlife.org Christ Powered Ministries