In the New York City Bay, the Hudson River’s waters are an ever-changing mix. With each tide, Saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean meets the fresh water flowing down from the Adirondacks, creating a muddy brackish blend. This complex, shifting salinity mirrors a spiritual reality in our churches today. As life-giving biblical teachings mix with popular muddy and polluted philosophies, the faith in many congregations begins to resemble these waters. This brackish spirituality may seem harmless at first, perhaps even appealing. After all, blending the gospel with cultural trends makes it feel more relevant, more accessible. Yet, instead of providing living water, a faith that’s part gospel and part world offers only a murky compromise, leaving both believers and seekers spiritually adrift. In this shifting blend, we see a profound temptation. Under pressure to stay relevant, churches often absorb pieces of the culture around them, rebranding old truths to fit new trends. Biblical principles are softened, reinterpreted, or reimagined to suit modern sensibilities. And while the church may seem more relatable, the cost is high: it loses the distinctiveness and power of a faith grounded in the unchanging truth of Christ.
As we look around America today, it is easy to find ourselves divided. We see churches that seem to have drifted so far—churches with flags that signal a change in values, or perhaps a prosperity gospel that redefines faith as a means to wealth. For others, the drift feels more subtle, rooted in trust misplaced in political figures or parties, where faith is mixed with loyalty to human leaders and ideology. Some are more familiar with one form of compromise, while others see it in different corners. But we all feel it: a certain unease, a conviction that the “other side” has gone astray. We may be tempted to think, “It’s not us; it’s them.” We find comfort in believing that it’s the church across town, or the one with a different kind of congregation or message, that has lost its way. But perhaps this is exactly where we need to pause, breathe, and humbly ask, “Is it possible that I, too, have allowed my faith to mix with the culture?” Don’t always think on that large of a scale. there’s a strong pull in both directions. For some, the drift can take the form of reading more Fox than the Bible or having more strength to argue over politics then spreading the gospel. We are at a unique point in history where the call to check our own hearts has never been more crucial. Before we point fingers or settle into echo chambers, let’s consider where we may have let the culture—any culture—overshadow our relationship with God.
Imagine yourself as a Roman nationalist, living at the height of the Roman Empire. To you, Rome represents the pinnacle of human achievement. Your ancestors fought valiantly to build this empire, and you dedicate your time, your energy, your resources to its cause. Politics is your life—its power, its glory, its dominance are everything. You see yourself as part of something far greater, something that has endured for centuries, and you believe it will continue to stand for centuries more. To you, the glory of Rome is untouchable. The belief in the empire’s greatness fills every corner of your heart, and it is where your trust resides. Now, fast forward two thousand years. The Roman Empire is gone. Its power, its glory, all just a page in a dusty book. The man who devoted his life to the politics of Rome, the empire he so deeply believed in, is now seen by us—by history—as a fool. He trusted in something that, in the end, could not last. subject to the passage of time, the whims of rulers, and the changes in power. What once seemed like an eternal empire to one man is now a relic of the past. But around that same time, there was another man—Jesus of Nazareth. He lived in the shadow of the Roman Empire, but he didn’t fight for political power or earthly glory. He didn’t put his trust in an empire built by human hands. Instead, He called people to a kingdom not of this world, a kingdom that endures beyond the rise and fall of any earthly power. His words, His life, His sacrifice still hold the same power today. The question is, in our own time, are we making the same mistake as the Roman nationalists? Are we placing our trust in transient earthly powers, political ideologies, or social movements that, like Rome, will inevitably crumble? Or are we placing our trust in Jesus—the one whose kingdom is eternal and whose truths continue to shape lives and hearts, even today?
Over the past fifty years, the pace of change in American society has reached unprecedented levels. From the 1970s to the 1990s, a shift in values began to take root, but it was, in many ways, a gradual process. For churches the biblical foundations of faith remained steadfast. While cultural changes were happening, there was still a deep reverence for tradition, and the teachings of Scripture were upheld as the guiding force for life. One of the most significant events in this area’s history during this time was the Woodstock Festival of 1969. The music, the counterculture, and the spirit of rebellion captured the hearts of millions, drawing attention to the region and leaving an indelible mark on the local culture. Woodstock was more than just a festival—it was a declaration of change. Yet even still, at the time the church faced a slow erosion of influence. Many younger individuals were drawn into the allure of the counterculture, and the church struggled to relate to them in a way that felt relevant, many became distant from the church and went on with life until retirement. The pace of change was gradual, and the generational divide widened. Those who had experienced Woodstock were too caught up in the currents of the world to focus on the spiritual ramifications. Fast forward to today, and the impact of that era is undeniable. The generational shift that began with Woodstock’s counterculture laid the groundwork for a more radical break from biblical values. Now, in the 2020s, we’re experiencing the consequences of that shift, compounded by the accelerating pace of change. The cultural revolution that started in the 1960s has matured, spreading even further with the rise of social media, consumerism, and an increasingly secular worldview. It’s no longer just a slow drift—it’s a cultural tsunami, sweeping away any semblance of shared moral or spiritual foundations. This is where the church is now facing a “double whammy.” On one hand, the gradual shift of values that began in the ‘60s and ‘70s has now fully taken root in the younger generations, whose worldview has been shaped by decades of cultural change. On the other hand, the rate of change has dramatically accelerated. long-standing institutions now face an existential crisis. The weight of these two forces—historical cultural shifts and the rapid acceleration of change in the modern era—creates a tension that threatens to undermine the biblical foundation that has long been the church’s anchor. This is not the time to despair. In fact, it’s the perfect time to rise. For those of us who call this place home, it is our opportunity to act. Now that the right amount of time has passed, we must face the truth that the church can no longer afford to ignore the impact of this double whammy. We cannot wait any longer for the cultural tide to turn on its own. We must engage, restore, and rebuild.
Amidst the cultural drift that has swept through the church, there are those who refuse to simply stand by and watch as biblical truth is eroded. One such movement gaining traction is Operation Reconquista, an online initiative that seeks to restore mainline churches by creating Bible-believing sub-communities within them. This movement is a powerful example of how we, as the body of Christ, can reclaim the church from secular influence—not by retreating from the world, but by engaging with it in a way that stays rooted in the truth of God’s Word. Operation Reconquista calls for the establishment of small, vibrant groups within larger church congregations that remain firmly committed to biblical authority, prayer, and discipleship. These sub-communities function as beacons of light in the darkness, offering an alternative to the drift toward secularism that threatens to redefine what the church is all about. They serve as a reminder that, despite the overwhelming cultural forces at play, there are still communities dedicated to preserving the teachings of Christ in their purest form. You too can join this movement by going to redeemedzoomer.com. The time has come for all of us to take up the mantle and actively work to reverse the erosion of biblical foundations in our churches. The cultural tide will not simply turn on its own—we must be the ones to stand firm, to rebuild, and to strengthen what has been weakened. First, we start with the Word of God. The foundation of any church, no matter its size or location, must be the Bible. One of the most effective ways to combat the secularization of the church is to engage deeply with Scripture. Start Bible studies in your home, in your church, or instead of arguing for hours in the comment section learn how to start and promote an online Bible study. As we saturate ourselves in the Scriptures, we ground ourselves in the truth that will never change, regardless of the shifting tides around us. Second, we must be active in our communities, and that means organizing service projects that not only meet the needs of the people but also create opportunities for believers to live out their faith in tangible ways. These service projects—whether feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, or even doing free yard work for the neighbor with the yard sign that makes you cringe—are powerful in a culture that is becoming increasingly self-centered, these acts of service are a powerful demonstration of the countercultural love that Jesus called us to exhibit. These efforts are a way for us to build and strengthen the spiritual communities around us. But more importantly, they empower the next generation to anchor themselves in faith. Instead of being tossed to and fro by the waves of culture, they can find their identity in Christ, the only rock that remains steady no matter the storm. We have been given a mission: to proclaim the truth of the gospel to all the nations, to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs it. We must do so with courage and conviction, always remembering that we are not alone in this battle. Together, with God, we can build a movement that will impact the hearts of our communities, the hearts of our nation, and ultimately the hearts in our world. The next generation is watching. Let us be the example they need. Let us be the ones who choose to stand firm in faith, who choose to build a church that is anchored in the eternal truth of the gospel, and who choose to lead our communities back to biblical foundations. We can create a countercurrent that will turn the tide of culture and clear the waters.
Why is it so critical to bring the community back to biblical truth? How exactly is this clearing any water? Simply put, the way we’ve been going isn’t working. The very fabric of our society is unraveling in real-time, and we’re seeing the consequences in nearly every area of life. Consider the staggering increase in mental health struggles: Anxiety disorders have surged by nearly 50% in the last 30 years. Depression rates in the United States have risen by more than 30% since 2013, with a disturbing spike in youth. Around 20% of teenagers today suffer from depression—that’s up by 30% in just a decade. That’s an epidemic. Take a hard look at the family structure as well. The marriage rate in America has plummeted by 60% since 1970. Single-parent households are becoming more common, and studies show this shift is linked to negative mental health outcomes for children and poor economic prospects for families. The very foundation of society—the family—is eroding, and the damage is spreading, affecting our communities on a deep level. Then, there’s the epidemic of loneliness. Sixty percent of Americans report feeling lonely on a regular basis. The physical and emotional toll of loneliness is immense, leading to health issues that are comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Imagine the strain on our healthcare system, on our personal well-being, and on our social structures. People are isolated and struggling to find real connections, and in the absence of genuine community, they turn to temporary solutions that never truly heal. Substance abuse has skyrocketed in recent years, with opioid overdose deaths increasing by nearly 500% since 1999. What does this tell us about the state of our culture? It’s clear that something has gone terribly wrong. People are looking for comfort in all the wrong places. The good news is that the solution is right in front of us. The solution is the church. The solution is the truth of the gospel and the power of Scripture. Studies have shown that those who regularly engage with their faith experience drastically better outcomes in every area of life. One Harvard study found that weekly religious service attendance is associated with a 33% lower risk of death, a 29% reduction in depression, and overall higher life satisfaction. And when we take a closer look at the younger generation, the benefits are even more striking. The National Institute for Healthcare Research shows that youth who regularly engage in religious practice—whether through church attendance, Bible study, or personal devotion—show lower rates of drug use, robbery, and other delinquent behavior. In fact, a major study conducted by the Center for Bible Engagement, which surveyed over 40,000 people ranging in age from 8 to 80, revealed some truly powerful results. The study found that reading the Bible just four times a week—only four times—had a profound impact on people’s lives. The key findings from the study were nothing short of transformative:
- A 30% reduction in loneliness
- A 32% decrease in anger issues
- A 40% drop in relational bitterness
- A 57% reduction in alcoholism
- A 60% decrease in feelings of spiritual stagnation
- A 68% reduction in extramarital sexual activity
- A 61% decrease in pornography viewing
- A 200% increase in sharing faith
- A 230% rise in discipling others
When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, it changes us. It changes our relationships, our attitudes, and our behaviors. It changes the way we see the world and the way we live in it. Scripture gives us the strength to stand firm, the wisdom to navigate life’s challenges, and the love to reach out and care for others in ways that bring true healing. The culture around us is fragmented, broken, and searching for something to hold onto. But we have the answer. The answer is in Christ, and it’s found in His Word. As the church, we have a responsibility to bring this truth to a hurting world. If we want to reverse the erosion of our families, our communities, and our nation, we must bring people back to the foundation that never changes—the Word of God. It is the only thing that can heal the deep wounds that are tearing us apart.
When we look at the brokenness of our world—the divisions, the pain, the confusion—there’s only one answer that stands firm and true: Jesus Christ. In every generation, in every culture, His message remains the same, unwavering and unchanging. He is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no other path to lasting peace, no other source of true joy, no other foundation that will hold when the storms of life rage against us. We live in a time of confusion and rapid change, where the lines between truth and deception are blurred, where the foundations of society are shifting beneath our feet. But the good news is that Christ offers us something that is immovable. The Word of God is eternal, and the love of Christ knows no bounds. His gospel is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. And it will be relevant for every generation to come. Christ doesn’t promise us a life free from hardship. He doesn’t offer us a world where everything goes as we plan. What He offers is something far greater: His presence, His peace, and His eternal purpose for our lives. Whether we are experiencing joy or suffering, whether we are in times of prosperity or in the depths of trial, Christ is with us, guiding us, loving us, and strengthening us to endure. This is not happiness based on happening but a joy that surpasses understanding. His truth is the bedrock upon which we must build our lives, our families, and our communities. And it is this truth that will set the next generation free—free from the lies of culture, free from the emptiness of self-reliance, and free from the chains of sin and despair… Will we continue to drift with the current of culture, or will we stand firm on the truth of Christ, no matter the cost? The tide is turning. The world is searching. And now is the time for the church to rise up, to be the beacon of hope that the world so desperately needs.
Christ is the only way. He is the best way. For everywhere and for everyone. And it is our calling—not just as individuals, but as the body of Christ—to share this truth with the world. Let’s be the generation that turns the tide back to Him. Let’s be the ones who stand firm in the faith, who boldly proclaim the gospel, and who live out the love of Christ in every corner of our lives. For He is the way, and in Him, we find life—true, abundant, eternal life.
THANK YOU,
𝔅𝔢𝔫 𝔖𝔦𝔪𝔬𝔫
Pilgrims Ponder 