Lighting the Way

If  83% of people believe in God, then why do we have so much crime and  immorality? Shouldn’t their belief impact their behavior and  communities? – Clint Decker 

83%  of U.S. adults believe in God, according to a Pew Research article  published this year. Despite numbers declining over the decades, it is  still very high. During 30+ years of ministry in rural areas throughout  the Great Plains, I have met many people who are a part of the 83%.  Regulars at the local bar, businessmen, county jail inmates, greeters at  the church, friendly neighbors across the street and politicians - they  all believe in God. 

Millions  are convinced the good things they have done for the church, others, or  their efforts at trying to do right, should mean something to God. –  Clint Decker

Jesus  once told a story about two men who went to pray. One was a high  standing religious man, while the other was a despised tax collector  that had extorted money from many. The religious man prayed, “God, I  thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust,  adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give  tithes of all that I get.” (Luke 18:11-12:

Church  leaders, Charlie Kirk's death has affected your congregation and  community. Will you rise up to capture this moment for the furtherance  of the gospel? – Clint Decker

Experts  say on average, approximately 150,000 people die daily across the  world. On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was just one of those  thousands that were lost. However, the evidence is overwhelming that the  impact of his death rises to monumental levels like that of 9/11 or the  assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert F.  Kennedy or Martin Luther King, Jr. Before I began my message on Sunday I  asked the church, “How many of you have heard of Charlie Kirk?”  Nearly every hand went up. However, prior to September 10th, just a few  in the church knew who he was. Pastors, this current event has affected  your congregation and community. Are you capturing this moment for the  furtherance of the gospel? Are you providing a pastoral and biblical  response to the tragedy?