Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro - The Need

“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed.

And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” (, NASB95)

“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

(, NASB95)

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,” (, NASB95)

Turning Skeptics into Seekers

1.

Every one should learn to answer skeptics about the Gospel for these two crucial reasons

a.

The Challenges to the Gospel

MTD, NONES, Atheists, Religions, and Cults.

b.

The Benefits of learning the evidence for the certainty of the Gospel

I. Challenges to the Gospel (Slide)

88% Leave during college

Religions and Cults

Buddhism and Islam

2006 Barna Group Study

JW’s and Mormons

2013 Fixed Point Foundation Study

61% Leave during college

2007 Assembly of God Study

66% Leave during college

2007 Lifeway Research Study

70% Leave during college

2009 “The Present Future”

90% Leave by the Junior Year

2009 “Already Gone”

They already left in Middle School

2011 “You Lost Me”

60% Leave after 15years old

2013 Fixed Point Foundation Study

Atheists began to have doubts at age 13-17

2015 Ligonier Ministries Study

Young Christians hold more heretical beliefs

51% of professors say the Bible is “an ancient book of fables, legends, history & moral precepts

All of these statistics can be used in a number of ways.

However, what do they mean on a personal level?

How do you interact with those around you?

How well equipped are you to meet the challenges?

A. MTD - What is it?

(Moralistic Therapeutic Theism) (Slide)

MTD is one of America’s foremost religions.

Held by adherents across the spectrum of religious groups

Moral Therapeutic Deism is a concept framed by Christian Smith, et.al. in three books on young people’s religious ideas and experiences over a period of 10 years.

Titles: Soul Searching; Souls in Transition; and Lost in Transition

Moral Therapeutic Theism

What is Moralistic Therapeutic Deism?

Description of MTD

a.

A God exists who created and orders the world and watches over human life on earth.

2. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.

b.

God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.

c.