Category: Engaging Our Culture

conversation missions evangelism

When Our Society Declines: Being Missionaries Everywhere

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It’s not really fair to expect unbelievers to act like believers. We are in this world as lights, not as adversaries to the world. We are to love our enemies as well those who are not our enemies (which I think covers everyone). Most people do not follow Jesus, so we are to be missionaries everywhere. If we change our mindset then we won’t be so discouraged when our culture becomes destructive. Instead of thinking we have a right to live in the kind of place we want, it might help to think of ourselves as missionaries in our community and our world. We are in the minority and we cannot quickly change our culture. As missionaries we need to understand the culture around us. Since there is such a diversity of views wherever we go, our lives are a constant cross-cultural experience. Even talking to our neighbor is sometimes Continue Reading →

listening and understanding

Try To Understand Unbelievers

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It’s not reasonable to expect unbelievers to act like believers. Therefore, it is not appropriate to have an accusatory attitude toward them or express forms of accusation to them. We are in this world as lights, not as adversaries to the world. We love our enemies as well those who are not our enemies (which I think covers everyone.) If we should reach the point of discussing the way of salvation with them, then we need to say words to convict them of sin. Until then, we should try to understand unbelievers and convey God’s goodness and blessings for them. If we change our expectations, we won’t be so discouraged when our culture is destructive. In America, our dominant culture has become narcissistic and hedonistic. Self-rightousness abounds, reminding us of the Pharisees that Jesus faced; but American Pharisees are secular activists who condemn anyone who does not follow their preferred Continue Reading →

responsible for others' happiness

Are You Responsible For Others’ Happiness?

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I know it’s popular for Christian and secular counselors to say that others aren’t responsible for our happiness. But the fact is, they are. Not completely, but partly. That’s why Jesus and His apostles taught us to live in community. We are all partly responsible for others’ happiness. Much, if not most, of the teachings on relationships in the New Testament begin with the assumption that we affect others’ happiness. Scripture instructs us to “encourage each other” (Heb. 10:25). 2 Corinthians 1:4 teaches: “Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” We are responsible to bring comfort and encouragement to others, which are elements of happiness. Many other passages could be cited to support this. That is why the popular teaching about happiness is dangerously mistaken. Continue Reading →

martin luther king justice

Are You A Blessing To Your Society?

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Christians agree that Scripture teaches that they should help the needy and bless our society. Paul states this overarching principle: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10, NIV). Loving the people in our society includes loving them by trying to reform societal structures that inflict suffering or injustice. Believers need to exercise whatever influence they have to accomplish these goals. After Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire in the 4th century, Christian teachings led to the adoption of humanitarian measures such as banning the bloody gladiator battles and banning infanticide. Christian congregations helped the poor and redeemed citizens taken prisoner by Rome’s enemies. Faithful congregations have pursued social justice ever since. If we can set up a food bank to help the hungry then we do it. If we can change laws that Continue Reading →

Christianity and society

Christianity In Society And Christian Nationalism – Part 3

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This is the third in a three-part series. The first post is here and the second one is here. We are called to be leaven in our society, but pursuing social change can sidetrack congregations if they are not vigilant. Congregations easily veer away from pursuing Christformation in their members because inner transformation is more challenging than any other calling on the body of Christ. The pursuit of social transformation is one of the great temptations that draws congregations away from their mission of making disciples (Christformation). Making it their top priority to achieve certain social results puts them on a path to spiritual decay. Some congregations pursue social transformation by engaging in “culture wars”; others try to gain political influence to Christianize their society; others find their identity in helping the needy and others focus on transforming institutions causing systemic damage to society. Congregations may not even be conscious Continue Reading →