In the middle of Paris, France, the epicenter of the secular and post-Christian world, the masses watched in disbelief. It was the evening of April 15, 2019, and the 900-year-old Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames. The magnificent cathedral had long stood as an enduring symbol of a sacred world that was remembered but had become easy to ignore.

Late into the night masses stood around praying and even singing "Amazing Grace" as they watched and wondered if the cathedral could be saved.

That night a powerful metaphor played out before our eyes. The Church, which Jesus Christ established with a handful of disciples, grew to maybe 25,000 by the end of the first century. By the fourth century, Christian churches had been established across the Roman Empire. Finally, Emperor Constantine ended the persecution of Christians and for the first time, Christianity became a government-sanctioned religion.

Christendom, established in the fourth century, has managed to survive in one form or another until the end of the last century. Today, we (in Western Civilization) live in a digital, post-Christian, and secular age. How have Christians responded? Some have continued to live their lives and "do church" as if nothing has changed. Others seem to be confused and in disbelief smelling the smoke but unsure what the fire might mean.

There are two passages that give some insights on how to respond. In 1 Chronicles 12:32 we read of the men of Issachar, "who had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do..." Additionally, Jude urged in Jude 3, "I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."

This Sunday, we will begin a new series, rethinking the Church, as we look to scripture and church history for insights on what kind of church CrossLife must be to faithfully contend for the faith and contextualize the Gospel in a post-Christian world.