Ephesians 5:15-16 "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Though I was disappointed to my city ranking, it wasn't completely a new revelation. Seeing the world through God's Word in the past ten years has been an awaking to say the least, especially in Cedar Rapids, IA. I grew up hearing the coined phrase that "change works from the outside in". Meaning, change in our culture and tradition starts on the outer most coasts like California and Florida. Therefore, the last and hardest to change was those old Midwest farmers from Iowa, so the cliche says.
1Tim. 4:1-2 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;"
However, something has changed. Iowa has made a lot of national headlines for change in recent years, and not necessarily in a positive or godly manner. The most astounding news showing Iowa to be far from the last to change is that on same-sex marriage. Effective April 9th, 2009, Iowa became the fourth state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage. Among other disappointing accolades, the University of Iowa was noted as being the number one party college in America. And women pastors amongst various denominations has been prevalent for the last decade.
1Tim. 3:2 "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;"
1Tim. 3:12 "Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well."
Visit Barna.org to see where your city ranked in the Bible-Minded Cities article.
Top Ten Least Bible-Minded Cities:
1. Providence, RI / New Bedford, MA
2. Albany / Schenectady / Troy, NY
3. Burlington, VT / Plattsburgh, NY
4. Portland / Auburn, ME
5. Hartford / New Haven, CT
6. Boston, MA / Manchester, NH
7. San Francisco / Oakland / San Jose, CA
8. Phoenix / Prescott, AZ
9. Cedar Rapids / Waterloo, IA
10. Buffalo, NY
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