David Platt, pastor of McLean Bible Church in Washington, D.C., spoke at Convocation in the Vines Center Sept. 30.
Staying with the theme of Global Focus Week, Platt gave a message on the American church and the unreached nations around the world. He reminded students of the importance of spreading the gospel to people groups who have not yet heard of Christ.
Platt compared the American church to the temple Jesus cleansed in Mark 11. He discussed how worship has become consumeristic and based on the opinions of others, rather than focused on God.
Platt mentioned that the nations are overlooked by the church. He talked about how only a tiny percentage of Christians’ income goes toward the unreached nations and that the materialistic mentality of the United States has harmed the way in which Americans spread the gospel.
“Don’t buy into a system of worship that ignores the nations,” Platt said.
Platt warned the audience to avoid idolatry. He said idolatry and immorality interfere with religious activity and keep Christians from serving others.
Platt ended his message by referencing Isaiah 56:6-7 which talks about God’s intentions for his temple to be a house of worship for all people. He emphasized the importance of opening the doors of American churches to people of all nations.
Convocation ended with an extended time of worship and reflection, where students were invited to pray for the nations.
Senior Brooke Mosher expressed her enjoyment of Global Focus Week and the message given by Platt.
“It’s just so cool to see all the different countries represented and just think about and sing about all God’s people praising together,” Mosher said. “We take for granted how fortunate we are to have these opportunities with the Lord and just to be so public and free with our faith.”
Senior Daniel Williams appreciated Platt’s take on the American church.
“I’ve heard many people say the American church is very consumeristic … but not in the global context of like where we’re looking and where the American church is looking to serve and to give,” Williams said. “We need to focus our efforts more on that and think about how I can contribute in the church to those things.”
Wachowiak is a news reporter for The Liberty Champion.