We are discussing how we as marketplace ministers can have meaningful dialogue with others. We know that in most cases, we will have to initiate the dialogue; we will have to ask the important questions in order to start impacting others, bringing them to a Christian worldview.
In doing so, we must first build a relationship with others in order to “earn the right” to ask them the important questions.
Here is a review of the questions:

* How did we get here?
* Why is the world such a mess?
* Is there a solution?
* What do we do about it?

Why is the World Such a Mess?
Last time, we looked at the first question, “How did we get here?” This time, we look at the second question, “Why is the world such a mess?”
The reason for asking this question is to lead others to the the truth that we live in a fallen world and that every person is a sinner. We also ask this question because we want to lead others to the solution, which I will address in the the next podcast.
When you ask someone, “Why is the world such a mess?” it is easy to show that the world indeed is a mess! We have problems in the world. All you have to do is cite historical and current events. History shows us that hate, greed, racism, rape, murder, terrorism, etc. (just to name a few) has been rampant throughout history, and it certainly looks like it will continue to be that way.
The Christian Worldview in regard to this important question: The reason the world is such a mess — the problem we have in the world — is Sin.
As students of God’s Word, we know that this came about because of the Fall of Man — something that occurred in the garden a long time ago. Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned. . .”
Do you remember the famous (Rodney King) question: “Can’t we all just get along?” That’s a good question. I think the best answer to that question is no! We can’t all “just get along” because sin exists in the world, and sin will always exist! There will always be the hate, greed, racism, rape, murder, no matter what we do to try to stop it. No political process will change this. Nothing will change this.
A Diagnostic Problem
We have a diagnostic problem in the world today. Too often, we look at the symptoms and regard the symptoms as the actual problem. Hate, greed, racism, rape, murder, etc. are all symptoms of the problem of sin. These are all symptoms of a lost, fallen world.
Show others that the solution is not dealing with the symptoms; the solution is in dealing with the root/heart of
the matter.
The world needs a better diagnosis! The problem is sin.
We ask the question, “Why is the world such a mess?” Here are some related questions to ask:
Are we heading in a positive or negative direction?
Is it going to get any better?
If so, what will have to happen in order for it to get better?
These are simply more good questions to ask in order to engage in meaningful dialogue with others.
Today’s Takeaway: In this world, the problem is sin. All the horrible things that happen in the world today are symptoms of this problem. We need to show others the love of Christ. Build relationships in your life and in the marketplace. Ask the important questions.