The United States in 2025 is at a critical juncture of deep tension and transformation. The extent of social division is difficult to overstate. In recent years, waves of undocumented immigrants have continued to pour in, turning the southern border into a flashpoint of national governance. The rampant spread of fentanyl and other drugs has not only claimed lives but also corroded families and communities. Tensions between Muslim communities and mainstream society are increasingly amplified by the media, making cultural identity and religious freedom pawns in political battles. Meanwhile, in the realm of high technology, artificial intelligence is advancing at an unprecedented pace, intruding into the domains of labor, education, and ethics. Ambitious ventures like the “race to Mars” reflect not only the rapid progress of science and technology but also humanity’s enduring desire to explore the universe.
All of this forms the backdrop that the Church cannot afford to ignore. In such a time, the Church can no longer be content with functioning as a “spiritual greenhouse,” nor should it focus solely on its own growth and well-being. Rather, it must enter into the world’s deepest wounds and disarray, responding to the cries of this broken age.
Our recent study of the book of Romans reminds us that humanity’s ultimate problem is not systems or institutions nor the external world, but sin and corruption of the heart. The gospel is the only power that can truly transform hearts and heal society. It does not polish human nature—it brings about total rebirth. Paul lays out a clear framework for the gospel: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The problem lies in the human heart; the solution is in the gospel.
Meanwhile, our ongoing study of 1 Corinthians reveals that the Church is not heaven on earth, free of flaws, but rather a community of redeemed sinners learning to overcome the power of sin and grow into sainthood. The Church is not a utopia, but a body that faces real problems and is governed by truth. The issues faced by the Corinthian church closely resemble those in today’s society and churches: factionalism, sexual immorality, flaunting of spiritual gifts, class tensions, confusion regarding marriage, and personal freedom.
Therefore, the Church today must rebuild its role in two key areas:
The Church’s mission is not merely to build a “better” society, but to proclaim a perfect Savior. In a turbulent and unstable American society, God’s Church is being called—not only to be salt and light, but also to be a pillar and foundation, manifesting a divine order. As Paul declared in the chaos of Corinth: “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).
Let us build upon the foundation of the gospel, serve through governance and love, and hold fast to our faith amid the challenges of technology and culture. Only in this way can the church stand firm in this ever-changing era and become the pillar and foundation of the truth.