Consumer Culture and the

Christian

We live in a consumer culture:

$U.S. BillionsCosmetics in the United States 8Ice cream in Europe 11Perfumes in Europe and the United States 12Pet foods in Europe and the United States 17Business entertainment in Japan 35Cigarettes in Europe 50Alcoholic drinks in Europe 105

Americans spent an average of 2,572 dollars per person on entertainment alone in 2011.

Consumer culture has infiltrated church culture

This is not a recent development……

Setting the Scene: • John 6:11- Jesus feeds the 5000

• John 6:22 – On the Next Day….

• Jesus says something unpopular, risky….

• And the consumer Christians leave in droves.

Consumer Christians:• Are quick to find flaws and criticize, but slow to lend a hand

• Enjoy being served, but resent serving

• Love church as long as it caters to their desires, schedule, taste, etc.

• Get uncomfortable when asked to give money, time, skill, etc

• Often switch churches seeking the “ultimate religious experience” but are left unsatisfied.

Decision time for the Disciples:

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him...

So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go?

You have the words of eternal life

we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.

Consumed Christians: • Don’t conform to the world, but are transformed

• Find joy in serving others

• Are eager to lend time, money and skill to the work of God

• Are slow to criticize and quick to lend a hand

• Love the church even when it doesn’t always meet their particular tastes and preferences.

• Join a church family and get involved.

Which are you?

• A consumer Christian

• Or

• A consumed Christian?