# 2024 Ruth Harbor Banquet - Mark Vance  ## Introduction and Context - The Ruth Harbor Banquet aims to communicate the changes witnessed at Ruth Harbor and how the organization has adapted to serve the current generation, with a focus on addressing the generational shift [(00:00:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=16s). - Mark Vance, the lead pastor at [[Cornerstone Church (Ames) | Cornerstone Church]] in [[Ames, Iowa | Ames]], has a good understanding of the next generation, having worked with college students through the Salt Company ministry, which started at [[Iowa State University]] in the 1980s and now has a network of churches in 16 states [(00:01:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=60s). - The Salt Company ministry reaches over 12,000 university students every week, giving Mark Vance a unique perspective on the next generation of men and women [(00:01:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=78s). - Mark Vance is hopeful and optimistic about the current generation, which he believes will be an encouragement to others [(00:01:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=97s). - Cornerstone Church, where Mark Vance is the lead pastor, is a ministry that focuses on works of mercy, compassion, and justice, and has a front-row seat to the generational changes happening in the church in [[North America]] [(00:03:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=189s). - Mark Vance praises ministries like Ruth Harbor, which take the words of scripture seriously and care for orphans, widows, and people in need [(00:03:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=215s). - The banquet is an opportunity to support Ruth Harbor Ministries, which is making an impact in the lives of people in need, and Mark Vance encourages generosity and support [(00:03:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=234s). - Mark Vance's message is centered on the idea that [[God]] is at work in the next generation, and he wants to remind everyone of the power of the **Gospel of** **Jesus** **Christ**, as stated in Romans 1:16 [(00:04:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=247s). - The power of God is still the salvation of every person who believes, and people are more open to the gospel than ever seen in the history of [[Cornerstone Church (Ames) | Cornerstone Church]] through Salt Company [(00:04:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=285s). ## Generational Concerns and Hope - There are three generational concerns that give reason for fear and trepidation about the next generation, but there are also three points of gospel hope and opportunity [(00:05:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=300s). - Ruth Harbor is uniquely positioned with a holistic perspective on the sort of ministry needed to see God at work in people, and it is devoted to the gospel that is transforming people in places where no one should be changed [(00:05:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=337s). ## The Broken Social Fabric and Mental Health - The first generational concern is that this generation is inheriting a broken social fabric that is breaking them personally, resulting in a wave of mental health anxiety and negative feelings [(00:06:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=371s). - To address this concern, [[Cornerstone Church (Ames) | Cornerstone Church]] started a clinically informed, local church-connected, Christ-centered counseling center three years ago, which has served 3,000 unique individuals and now has 16 full-time therapists [(00:06:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=417s). - The anxiety and unhealth of this generation may be partly due to growing up with smartphones, which can induce anxiety and increase rates of suicidal ideation, especially in young girls [(00:07:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=464s). - However, the deepest problem may be the cultural and sexual revolution that happened in [[North America | America]] in the 1960s, which is now having an impact on the current generation [(00:08:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=483s). - Children of the sexual revolution and the divorce revolution are experiencing higher rates of anxiety due to growing up in broken homes with higher divorce rates and more births out of wedlock than any other time in American history [(00:08:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=486s). - The most effective solution to anxiety in children is having a mom and a dad who love and are present in their life, which is the single best [[Antidepressant | anti-depressant]] in the universe [(00:08:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=505s). - The current generation is stepping into a world where the social fabric of family is disintegrating, resulting in generationally deep brokenness and patterns of sin [(00:08:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=517s). ## The Absence of a Christian Worldview - There is an absolute absence of a [[Christianity | Christian]] worldview, making it challenging to do evangelism on college campuses compared to the [[Billy Graham]] generation [(00:09:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=556s). - In the past, people had a Judeo-Christian shaped way of seeing the world, assuming there was a [[God]] with a moral perspective on their life, making it easier to share [[The gospel | the gospel]] [(00:09:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=575s). - On college campuses today, people lack a mental roadmap of Christianity, making it difficult to connect the dots to [[Jesus]] [(00:10:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=615s). - Many people are unfamiliar with the teachings of Christianity and have not read [[Bible | the Bible]], with some being closer to paganism, especially on the coast [(00:10:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=641s). - The fastest-growing religious segment in [[North America | America]] is people who identify as having no religious affiliation, often marked as "nuns" on documents [(00:11:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=672s). - As a result, a 4-minute gospel presentation is often not enough, and longer discipleship and gospel presentations are needed to help people understand the message [(00:11:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=699s). - The next generation requires longer and more in-depth work to understand the gospel due to their lack of knowledge about [[Christianity]] [(00:11:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=715s). ## Cultural Opposition and Gospel Opportunity - The cultural opposition to the Christian message in the West has never been higher, with protests and church building rejections becoming more common due to a traditional biblical view of marriage and sexuality being perceived as hate speech in many places [(00:12:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=733s). - In the last 20-30 years, there has been a significant moral shift in the acceptance of a baseline view of the human being, with a traditional view of marriage and male and female roles being widely accepted 25 years ago, but now being rejected by many [(00:13:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=812s). - Despite the bleak cultural situation, it is suggested that there has never been a better time to be alive as a Christian, with opportunities for deeper gospel work and the potential for a great revival, with the living water of the church flowing into the streets and bringing people to [[God]] [(00:14:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=859s). - There are three reasons for gospel hope, with the first being that while the culture is opposed to [[The gospel | the gospel]], individuals have never been more open to it, as social institutions may be opposed, but people are seeking truth in a society that is becoming increasingly like a desert [(00:15:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=939s). ## The Third Great Awakening and Gospel Hope - It is believed that a third great awakening is happening, with God bringing people to Himself through the faithful and bold proclamation of the gospel, and that this is not just a result of hopeful prayers, but of real changes seen in people's lives [(00:14:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=893s). - The ministries of Salt Network and Salt Company are working to plant churches and share the gospel, despite facing opposition and protests, and it is encouraged that gospel-centered ministries like Ruth Harbor and faithful gospel-preaching churches should continue to boldly share the truth of scripture [(00:12:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=742s). - The Living Water of Truth is the best thing in the world, and it can help individuals who are broken and have been destroyed by generations of family issues [(00:16:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=964s). ## The Progressive Agenda and the Better Way - Many people, including college students, are being taught a progressive agenda that emphasizes personal freedom and self-fulfillment, but this is leading to anxiety and shattered lives [(00:16:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=985s). - There is a better way to live, and that is by living for [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] and dying to one's own desires [(00:17:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1021s). - A conference called Salt Company is held annually in [[Des Moines, Iowa]], where around 6,000 university students gather to learn about a Biblical view of sexuality and marriage [(00:17:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1034s). - At these conferences, the clear Biblical truth is presented, and many students have repented of their sins and trusted in Christ, resulting in transformation [(00:17:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1077s). - It's essential to kindly tell people what's true, even if it's difficult, as it can lead to transformation and repentance [(00:18:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1091s). - A personal story is shared about a young man who was living an active homosexual lifestyle but gave his life to Jesus and repented of his sins after attending a Salt Company conference [(00:18:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1101s). ## Satan's Overplay and the Openness to Truth - [[Satan]] is described as insane and a gambler who always goes double or nothing, and he has overplayed his hand in broader American culture [(00:19:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1141s). - As a result, people who don't even know [[Jesus]] are starting to realize that something is not right with the current state of society [(00:19:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1171s). - Unbelieving people are even bringing their kids to youth groups at church because they see the positive impact it has on their children [(00:19:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1181s). - There is a growing need for people to be told that they are designed to be men, and this is not just about sharing morality, but about repenting and following Jesus [(00:19:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1188s). - [[The gospel]] opportunity exists in individuals who are open to the message, and these people can be compared to the [[Sadducees]] of Jesus' day, who denied the resurrection and basic truth of scripture but wanted to have some form of outward morality [(00:20:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1230s). - Another category of people is similar to the "god-fearers" mentioned in the book of Acts, who have not yet fully embraced the claims of Jesus but are a step away from the kingdom [(00:20:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1252s). - [[Satan]] has overplayed his hand in American culture, and people are starting to see the inherent insanity of unbelief, recognizing that God's design is apparent and that certain things, such as marriage and children, are good [(00:21:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1264s). ## The Power of the Gospel and Baptisms - Many people are open to the teaching of Christ, even if they are not yet in the kingdom, and this is evident in the number of baptisms that have taken place, with 239 people baptized at [[Cornerstone Church (Ames) | Cornerstone]] in the past year, with an average age of 22 [(00:21:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1309s). - The church is seeing thousands of people baptized, with the last two years seeing more than double the number of baptisms than in the previous 30 years, and this is attributed to preaching Christ [(00:22:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1349s). - Despite the culture being opposed to [[The gospel | the gospel]] at a macro level, people are never more open to the gospel individually, and all that is needed is to offer them Christ and the good news [(00:22:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1360s). ## The Gospel of Mercy, Compassion, and Justice - [[Bible | The Bible]], specifically [[Epistle to the Ephesians | Ephesians]] chapter 2, verses 1-10, explains that people were once dead in their trespasses and sins but can be made alive through faith in Christ [(00:23:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1388s). - [[Christianity | Christians]] show mercy, compassion, and justice towards people because they are made in the image of [[God]], not because they are better people, but because they recognize their own struggles and need for redemption [(00:23:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1420s). - Humans are made in the image of God, but they are also sinners, and it's essential to approach others with mercy and compassion, recognizing that everyone is in the same situation [(00:23:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1432s). - The theme of the night is "but God," who is rich in mercy and has made people alive with Christ, even though they were dead in trespasses, and this is the most incredible news in the world [(00:24:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1454s). ## The Transforming Power of Jesus Christ - People don't need a new educational theory or moral reformation, but rather a transforming new life in [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]], as dead people need to come alive, and God is still doing that [(00:24:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1474s). - God's mercy and love have made people alive with Christ, and they are saved by grace, not by works, so that no one can boast, and they are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works [(00:24:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1493s). - The same [[God]] who called dead people to life in the first century is still at work in people, and [[The gospel | the gospel]] is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes [(00:25:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1532s). - It's essential not to be ashamed of the gospel and to share it with others, especially those who are close but far from God, as the gospel still works, and its power is not diminished [(00:25:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1557s). - The tragic failure of the church in [[North America]] is not a failure of the gospel but rather a failure of the church to keep proclaiming it, and every place the gospel is lifted up, people become [[Christianity | Christians]] in massive numbers [(00:26:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1591s). - When a church abandons the gospel, they will cease to see the power of God in their midst, but if they keep teaching the gospel, God will keep saving people [(00:27:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1627s). ## The Importance of Sharing the Gospel - A notable statistic is that 100% of the people who have not been shared [[The gospel | the gospel]] with have not been saved, emphasizing the importance of sharing Christ with others [(00:27:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1653s). - The gospel is effective in transforming people's lives, and it is essential to lift up Christ to see its impact [(00:27:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1667s). ## Gospel + Safety + Time - The mantra for gospel-centered ministries that see profound growth is "gospel plus safety plus time," which is based on the idea of progressive sanctification [(00:28:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1700s). - Progressive sanctification means that people become more like [[Jesus]] every day as they die to self and say yes to [[God]] [(00:28:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1714s). - The mission of Ruth Harbor is to take [[The gospel | the gospel]] to people, providing them with safety and time to transform their lives [(00:28:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1732s). - The gospel is good news for bad people, and it is the endless power of God to save people [(00:29:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1745s). - The goal is to immerse people in the gospel so deeply that it becomes a part of who they are, and they can share it with others [(00:29:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1758s). - Safety in a church environment means that people are respected, known, and loved, and they can exhale and unburden their souls [(00:29:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1788s). - Creating an environment of mercy, compassion, and justice is essential in churches and mercy ministries, where people can seek the Lord without fear [(00:30:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1816s). - Time is also crucial in the transformation process, with no pressure or self-imposed deadlines, allowing people to grow and heal at their own pace [(00:30:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1843s). - Ruth Harbor has been a gospel-centered ministry for years, and it continues to live out its mission in the next generation, walking with people steadily through their transformation [(00:30:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1855s). - The combination of gospel, safety, and time is essential in seeing people transformed by [[Jesus]] [(00:31:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1872s). ## The Need for Ruth Harbor and Similar Ministries - The ministry is committed to proclaiming Christ and not moving an inch from its mission, encouraging others to do the same [(00:31:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1897s). - Ministries like Ruth Harbor are needed now more than ever, with a fresh approach to deep relationships, investment, and counseling, to address the profound and deep generational brokenness in society [(00:31:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1917s). ## The Salt Company and the Light of the World - The Salt Company, a college ministry, is based on Matthew Chapter 5, where [[Jesus]] says his church is the salt of the earth and the light of the world, emphasizing the importance of being a positive influence [(00:32:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1938s). - As a [[Christianity | Christian]], one should not be afraid to enter dark spaces and proclaim Christ, especially in places like university campuses where people may think they will walk away from their faith [(00:32:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1958s). ## Optimism, Prayer, and Revival - Christians should be wildly optimistic about the power of [[The gospel | the gospel]] for salvation and pray for a Great Awakening in [[North America | America]], the third in the country's history [(00:33:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1985s). - Setting an alarm at 10:02 to pray, based on [[Luke 10]]:2, is encouraged, praying for the harvest to be plentiful and for laborers to be few, and for the gospel to move and bring revival [(00:33:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=1992s). - Getting involved in churches, ministries, and places that understand the impact of the Gospel of [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] is crucial, and supporting ministries like Ruth Harbor is essential [(00:33:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=2015s). - A prayer is offered for the ministry of Ruth Harbor, asking [[God]] to raise it up, continue to move in the present, and transform the women and children who come to the ministry with deep generational brokenness [(00:33:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcJokRvieM&t=2037s).