RAISING THE STANDARD
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Pastor Wayne Edwards of Heritage Baptist Church, Perry, USA, steers his flock faithfully on! Todays Sermon is entitled Raising The Standard. The Service begins at approximately 22 minutes by clicking the link above.. Do not miss the Watchmen’s Report that follows this preamble. it is becoming more and more pertinent as the world hurtles further into the end times.
Gibber! Gibber!
Chugley
PASTOR WAYNE WRITES:
October 3, 2025
Dear Heritage Family and Friends,
In the late 1960s, church attendance in America was about 73% of the population, a level that had held steady for more than 50 years. However, by 1999, the number had dropped to around 63%, and by 2020, it was down to 47%, and now it is around 30%. According to those who conduct in-depth research, the contemporary church growth ministry model deserves much of the blame. What? Yes, a strategy designed to grow the church has done the opposite.
The contemporary church growth strategy was built on very different goals than traditional things like the expository preaching of the Word of God, with a significant focus on the biblical doctrines of the Christian Faith, equipping the saints for the work of ministry, and building a community of believers where everyone is someone and Jesus Christ is Lord. While it is weakening, today’s church growth strategy is built on the types of ministries and events that attract the outside community, and a “Sunday Experience” that would equal a theme-park concert, complete with professional musicians and a charismatic speaker.
However, as the church growth movement increased, church attendance decreased. Yes, smaller traditional churches closed their doors, but only because their members and visitors were drawn to seeker-sensitive, doctrinally-light, entertainment-based churches.
The church growth movement has led to weaker community, weaker theological acuity, weaker biblical knowledge, and little understanding or appreciation of the church’s historic liturgies. With so few connections between the church and its members, it should be no wonder that many are fading away from the church altogether.
This Sunday’s sermon is based upon the book I published in 2005 entitled “Raising the Standard,” – One Pastor’s plea for a return to righteousness.
- The sermon may be viewed at theheritagechurch.org
- The sermon will be available on our website and YouTube.
- The YouTube URL: ttps://www.youtube.com@heritagebaptistchurchperry
We are deeply grateful for your continued support and for sharing these sermon study guides with those you think might be interested. Your efforts in spreading the message of faith and holiness are genuinely appreciated and have helped us reach viewers worldwide.
Pastor Wayne
Some of this source data was from:
How the Church Growth Movement has De-Churched Christians – Reformed Journal
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Wayne J. and Linda J. Edwards
PO Box 766
Perry, GA 31069
706-599-3966
wnledwards@gmail.com
My Fellow Watchmen,
Beloved, I would love to see peace in the Middle East. We’ve cancelled two trips to Israel in the last two years, and I suffer from a lack of “walking in the prophetic presence!” Having traveled to Israel many times in the previous 20 years, we also have made many personal friends – Arabs as well as Jews, and not only do we miss them, but we also know they are tired of war. I do not doubt that many of their children will silently suffer PTSD for many years. Linda and I pray each day for the peace of Jerusalem!
However, I must warn my readers about the “illusion” of peace being promoted in the Middle East. I fear that the apostle Paul’s prophetic words are about to come true. In 1 Thessalonians 5:3, Paul said, “When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”
Regardless of the name of the plan, if it demands that Israel compromise its security for the promise of peace, it will not work. Years ago, one of our guides said, “They demand that we give up our homeland for peace. So, we give up the land, but all we get in return is a ‘piece’ of paper and an empty promise.” I believe this is why Prime Minister Netanyahu has been so determined to finish the war with Hamas BEFORE any peace agreements are signed.
The most dangerous part of this 21-point plan is the redevelopment of Gaza and the reformation of the Palestinian Authority. To expect the Arabs to work toward peace when they reject Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state is ludicrous, and with all due respect to my UK friends, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair describes himself as “an unrepentant globalist,” and the head of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
Once again, I say, “Pray for peace, but prepare for war!! While President Trump and Tony Blair work on a plan to ensure “eternal peace in the Middle East,” the military leaders of the United States and NATO ARE preparing for war, possibly beginning in early 2026.
Pastor Wayne
PS – strong suggestion – turn off all social media accounts!!