Living out your faith nowadays can feel like you’re on stormy waters. With Christian values diminishing in our culture, many people of faith are left feeling overwhelmed, angry, or tempted to leave their faith behind. So in these divided times, how should Christians respond to the culture around them? In this video, we answer this question by giving a Biblically-grounded perspective on what it looks like to stand firm in your faith and also live as a person of compassion and love towards those who do not share your beliefs.
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MESSAGE NOTES
Question For This Week
- Where on a scale between passive and aggressive should a Christian fall?
- Are we like Jesus when we fight against immorality in our culture?
- Do we stay meek and quiet against our culture running from Biblical values?
- How to fight for Biblical truth in a culture of wavering ethics?
- Our culture wants to cancel Christians and cancel God, should we be more outspoken about this?
“All evil needs to succeed is for good people to do nothing.” Anonymous
These questions all share a common underlying assumption – that Christians should be fighting against or resisting the surrounding culture. Is it possible that these questions distract us from Jesus’s kingdom, which transcends culture?
[Ephesians 6:12]
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
“Jesus emphasized focusing on spiritual transformation rather than political power. He resisted efforts to make him an earthly king or political revolutionary, stating that his kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36). His disciples expected him to overthrow Roman rule, but he instead focused on changing hearts and minds.” John Piper
[Luke 10:25]
“One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
[Luke 10:26]
“Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”
[Luke 10:27-28]
“The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”
[Luke 10: 29]
“The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
[1 Peter 3:15-16]
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way…”
Christianity is not losing because our culture continues to degrade or move away from God.
Our goal is not to moralize society. We’re more concerned with people’s behavior than the heart. Why are we so upset that people who aren’t Christians don’t act more Christian? Because I think THEY wonder why CHRISTIANS don’t act more Christian!
- Pray before you post! (Good, helpful, encouraging to the person hearing)
[Ephesians 4:29-32]
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
- Be humble, not hateful! (What’s your motivation? Win an argument or point people to Jesus?)
[James 2:21 & 26]
“So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. 26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”
- Be helpful, not hurtful! (Be quick to listen, not quick to speak)
[James 2:19-20]
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”
- Be Loving to everyone regardless of their beliefs or behavior.
[James 3:17-18]
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”