Jots (6/29)
Is that salt Salinas Portuguese salt you’re eating? Just be sure to wear your rubber shoes!
Installing 1,300 charging stations, Portugal attempts to move to a “greener” driving environment. Question: How do they plan on creating the electricity to charge the charging stations? This topic will be readdressed in the future after we move over.
How did a 13 year old make me feel o...l...d...? I remember taking all of my birthday money to a local electronics shop in San Jose, California to buy a brand new Sony Walkman when I was around 11 or 12 years old. Despite the wobbly sound, bad battery life, and breaking cassette tapes, listening to Fine Young Cannibals with Super Bass was totally worth it and clipping that walkman onto the strap of my Body Glove fanny pack made me the coolest kid in the world.Ireland and Homosexual "Rights"
In addition to the spiritual refreshment that Europe needs from the preaching of Jesus they’re also desperate for some clear thinking. One reason why Christians fail to make their case against homosexuality persuasive is that they often quote biblical scripture as their argument in opposition. The Bible is correct, true, and the inerrant word of God, clear in its opposition of homosexuality but those who don’t accept God’s take on the matter won’t listen to our quotations of scripture. To open a dialogue we need to be thoughtful of our initial approach and demonstrate from logic why homosexuality is not in the state’s best interest. Greg Koukl writes:
“What is marriage? Marriage is defined according to the U.S. Supreme Court in Jones v. Hallahan like this: "Marriage was a custom long before the state commenced to issue licenses for that purpose. In all cases, marriage has always been considered as the union of a man and a woman, and we have been presented with no authority to the contrary." If you look in Black's Law Dictionary it says this: "Marriage is defined as the civil status, condition or relation of one man and one woman united in law for life for the discharge to each other and the community of duties legally incumbent upon those whose association is founded on the distinction of sex." Webster says this: "Marriage is a state of being married or being united to a person or persons of the opposite sex as husband and wife. Also the mutual relation of husband and wife abstractly, the institution whereby men and women are joined in a special kind of social, legal dependence for the purpose of founding and maintaining a family."
Here's the point that I'm making, my friends. As a category, by definition, culturally and linguistically and legally, marriage involves not a man and a pet, not a woman and a machine, but a man and a woman. Restricting it as such is not inappropriate discrimination. As a matter of fact, the word doesn't even apply because there is no such thing legally, culturally, socially or linguistically as a marriage that is not between a man and a woman.”
This unique approach (one Christians would be wise to employ) is tactically brilliant because it and others Koukl uses removes the conversation from the realm of opinion and into the realm of societal Truth (the way the world actually is). Society needs strong, healthy families that naturally produce healthy children for the good of and future of the state. In other words, it is in the state’s best interest (for future tax revenue, military protection, job creation, education, etc.) to protect the institution of marriage. Homosexual couples by natural process do not produce future generations, therefore they should not be privy to the special protections guaranteed to stable heterosexual marriages that do. These protections ought to be denied to them because in this important distinction, they are not equal. This is not intolerance, it is simply stating what is.
You can see this reasoning at work in other situations that do not produce healthy, stable, future generations. The state outlaws incestual unions between siblings, parents and children, 1st cousins, and relationships between humans and animals not only on moral grounds (although it is right to do so) but on its commission to protect the future stability of the state. It is not in Ireland’s, Portugal’s, or any other EU country’s best interest to legitimize any relationship that undermines the stability of future populations and yet without protecting, upholding, and celebrating healthy, stable heterosexual marriages the existence of the EU as we know it may disappear forever. As Christians we have the obligation to help people think clearly about truth and offering the coherence of the Christian worldview regarding homosexual “rights” in a clear, attractive manner is one way of getting the job done.
(See Greg answer the question “Did Jesus condemn homosexuality?” in this video.)
The Cost of Sexual Immorality
Personalized List of Anticipated Consequences of Immorality (Click to read his entire post)
- Grieving my Lord; displeasing the One whose opinion most matters.
- Dragging into the mud Christ's sacred reputation.
- Loss of reward and commendation from God.
- Having to one day look Jesus in the face at the judgment seat and give an account of why I did it. Forcing God to discipline me in various ways.
- Following in the footsteps of men I know of whose immorality forfeited their ministry and caused me to shudder. List of these names...
Sexual sin is devastating to any life, how much more to the Christian’s life because it mares the power and attractiveness of our Lord Jesus. This doesn’t mean that a life once taken by sexual immorality can’t be redeemed or forgiven and healed but the ripples never really go away. Understanding the ugly consequences of our sin contrasted against the awesome perfection of Jesus is a great exercise to do, one that I recommend whole-heartedly.
For further reading on this issue in relation to South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford’s recent confession check Debtor to Grace’s thoughts. John Piper’s reasoning for not having a television fits nicely with this, something I covered a few days ago.
You can also download Randy Alcorn’s booklet entitled Sexual Temptation: How Christian Workers Can Win the Battle here.
Jots (6/26)
Texting while driving appears to be worse than drinking while driving, a lot worse. (via Boundlessline.org)Mint.com is a great resource for keeping your finances in order. I’ve used them since they opened publicly and have really enjoyed their features. They recently posted a guide to credit card hell. Click the pic to check it out.
How to live finacially wise
“The New American Standard Bible translates Romans 13:8, "Owe nothing to anyone." This would appear to prohibit debt. The New International Version reads, "Let no debt remain outstanding." This translation would allow debt, but insists it be paid off as soon as possible. Hudson Taylor and Charles Spurgeon believed that Romans 13:8 prohibits debt altogether. However, if going into debt is always sin, it's difficult to understand why Scripture gives guidelines about lending and even encourages lending under certain circumstances. If debt is always sin, then lending is aiding and abetting sin, and God would never encourage it.”
Taken as a whole the bible is clear, debt is something that God discourages for his children because it is harmful for our long-term spiritual health. It is also harmful for the heath of the Lord’s church because congregations laden with debt cannot be used as extensively for ministry and missions as those operating debt-free. Struggling under a mountain of consumer debt is a warning sign that the love of money and possessions has taken root. Thankfully God offers hope through people like Dave Ramsey for all our struggles including wallet sized ones.
Jots (6/24)
Tim Challies posts about ministering and evangelizing among Toronto’s homosexual community.Ronaldo is €93 Million richer after signing with Real Madrid but is he spiritually content? I’d love to ask..."And when you have done all you can, you know it is time for a new challenge. I stayed one more season and it was nice to make it three titles in a row but it was my dream to play for Madrid."
Ronaldo is reportedly set to earn 13 million euros a year with Real to become the world's highest-paid footballer once the finishing touches are put to his move but he insisted: "Of course, I have not gone for the money.”
Too much TV?
4. Avoidance of narcissism, bad ethics, and poor reasoning — Whether it is sitcoms, reality TV shows, or even news programs, the me-first mentality is ubiquitous in television land. And from what I’ve seen of such shows as Friends and Survivor, the moral-decision making and logical thinking skills are rather suspect. Let’s just say that, as a Philosophy professor, I always know where to find vivid illustrations of moral vices and logical fallacies. So thank you for that much, Mr. Television.
His article got me thinking about our own television behavior. After moving back to the U.S. from Ireland our viewing habits changed dramatically. We didn’t have one. We became accustomed to surfing the internet (not always the best substitute), reading, talking, going out and changing our viewing habits. We watched things online, subscribed to Hulu and Netflix or watched nothing at all. My parents bought us a small television that acts as our live news broadcaster but we watch very little of that too. We also noticed that while we living in Europe, televisions in America got bigger. We left when CRT’s were still the norm and returned to find 42” flat screens in every living room. Even now, walking through our apartment complex we see huge televisions crammed into people’s living rooms; sitting that close to something that big can’t be good for your eyes. Right mom?
Interestingly, I’ve noticed some of the same things as Jim Spiegel. By watching less television we’ve become more sensitive to obscenity, our opinion of good television has changed dramatically, and we’re less tolerant of commercials. We watch the shows we want to watch, not just what’s on, and we watch those things that we’ve screened, read reviews on, or have been recommended. By removing the television as the center of our home we’ve made room for better things which for the most part have been positive. Now if we can scale back our internet surfing... all things in moderation right?
Recession-Proof Evangelism (Part 3)
“But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.” Romans 15:23-25
What would have happened if Paul after writing his letter received Rome’s response saying something like:
“We’re really sorry Paul but we’re not going to be able to help you on your way to Spain. You see, the bill collectors are calling and the Roman Express bill is late and we took out an interest only, sub-prime loan on the villa. We used “same as cash” credit for the chariot wheels and the misses just had to buy a party toga for the gala. We’re sorry but we just can’t afford to help your missionary work to Gaul.”
Signed, The Church at Rome
I’m not suggesting that there was no debt in Paul’s day; historians know that debt was a part of ancient Roman society. It’s one reason why people became slaves; failing to make good on a loan! However, had Paul made it to Gaul the church in Rome would not have had any problem assisting him in his ministry funding. Listen to his confidence in requesting their support. They simply did not carry the amount and scope of debt that we westerners do today.
But what a difference a few thousand years make! I believe that many missionaries and ministries fail to find support today because Christians, allowing themselves to become buried under a mountain of debt, don’t have any money to give. When the paycheck is already allocated to paying off debt before the month begins people simply can’t give to ministry and the work that God perhaps wanted to do through them isn’t theirs to do. Knowing that many Christians are in debt because of risky behavior makes raising support difficult; we’re struggling to share in Paul’s confidence. It was not supposed to be this way. We’re instructed to owe no one anything but a debt of love and reminded that the borrower is a slave to the lender. Even KontaktMission, our mission agency requires that we be debt-free. So how can evangelism take place in the midst of a down economy and indebted people?
God’s people need to get out of debt! Think of the good work that could be done, the ministries supported, the lives and communities changed if all of us were debt-free. The thought is staggering. God wants to work through his people, he wants the senders to send the goers, but to do that his people and his church need to have the money to give. Below are a few ideas on how to accomplish this:
1. Stop using credit. Somehow we bought the lie that said we had to have “it” now. So we opened credit accounts, applied for credit cards, used “same as cash” and borrowed money for houses we couldn’t afford. We must stop spending money we don’t have on things we can’t afford!
2. Seek counsel from someone who can teach you how to become debt-free. Like many people, my wife and I looked to Dave Ramsey to help us become debt-free. Our congregation runs Financial Peace University a few times a year and we’re now graduates of FPU and living completely debt-free! This is not a boast but a testament to the power of living out God’s financial plan. In my opinion Dave’s is the best approach to money management for Christians that I have ever heard of.
3. Re-examine your priorities. One of Dave Ramsey’s slogans is “Live like no-one else so later you can live like no-one else.” Christians have historically been known as givers and living debt-free allows us to continue our mandate from Jesus to give. Likewise, being shackled to a credit-card company keeps us from being able to freely choose who to give to. Do you want to give to Jesus or American Express Excess?
4. Elders, teach your people to live debt-free. One of the qualifications for an elder is living a self-controled life and I believe that this encompasses financial control. Elders must model and teach financial control for their people so that they can freely do the work that God has called them to. Asking them to support ministers, ministries, elders, missionaries, benevolence, and a building plan while struggling under a mountain of debt is dangerous. It’s better to lead them through financial freedom so that they can give to all of the great things that honor God.
5. Elders, keep your churches debt-free. Sadly, I have heard of a few churches that began building projects during the (fake) financial boom that are now sinking under a mountain of debt because they borrowed more than they should have and now can’t afford to pay their lenders. Guess what? Those churches are having to pass up great ministry opportunities. If your congregation is in debt, do what Dave Ramsey recommends, start your emergency fund, pile on the money to pay off the debt, and become and stay debt-free.
6. Remember, God’s grace extends to your wallet. It’s tempting to think that our financial lives are outside of God’s scope of redemption. The temptation to lose hope when in debt is great, especially when realizing that it was your fault for the financial mess you’re in. Fear not, God’s grace extends to your wallet and the way you handle money is being sanctified. Realizing your sin in handling money and repenting of it is the first step in changing your behavior. God is slow to anger and abounding in love and promises to work all things together for your good for those who love him, including your financial life. Look to Jesus, repent of your sin, and seek Godly counsel for getting your life back. It’s worth it.
Evangelism in a recession can and is happening. Individuals and churches can continue to give but it will take a commitment to living like Jesus and following God’s commands about our finances. And you know what? Being debt-free is great and controlling your finances is important but giving to others because of your love for God and your commitment to changing the world is priceless.
Jots (6/21)
Tim Challies (one of my favorite bloggers) posted some Brian Regan on his site today and tied it in for bloggers. “Just go out and live life, you’ll find plenty of ideas.” I agree. Here’s one of my favorite Brian Regan skits:
Enough is Enough posts up-to-date statistics about internet pornography usage on their website. The consumption of pornography has sky-rocketed over the last few years making the importance of protecting ourselves and our families imperative. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:13-20
I have posted our preferred internet filter NetNanny under the technology links to the right. I am not a paid spokesman but have used their filter for years and believe it is one of the best. Check it out! (For Mac and Windows PC’s)
Jots (6/18)
After living in Ireland for three years it was interesting to see the influence that Islam was having in the country. The influence was felt primarily in seeing more and more women wearing headscarves on Grafton Street and in the media. We were constantly reading articles in the newspapers about the growing Muslim voice and how their cultural views were being considered in more and more public debates. No matter what your stance is on the issue, Islam is growing in number and influence all across Europe which is why this video ought to be a wake up call to anyone concerned with these things. *Caveat, I don’t believe the video is advocating procreation as a means of evangelism but procreation is a part of the answer to population loss. For further reading on Portugal’s population loss click here.The changing face of European politics:Opposition Social Democrats win European Parliament polls
Portugal leaders in pulling ‘sickies’
The European elections: Swing low, swing right
Conservatives Post Gains In European Elections
Jots (6/17)
What do mega-church attendees really think? Tim Challies links to the Christian Post article that seeks to answer that question. I was not raised in a mega-church and have not had a lot of exposure to them but I have always found the mega-church dynamic intriguing. While in Atlanta earlier this Spring, the misses and I had a chance to visit a satellite campus of a major mega-church in the Atlanta area. The people seemed nice and the production was absolutely flawless but that was the issue for us, it was a production. “Church” is not an event or something to “go to.” It is a composite of the people saved by Jesus and redeemed from sin bonded together as a family. When a church is turned into a production something vital is lost. Either way, interesting survey and possible post fodder for later.Pleasing People by Lou Priolo is on my reading list. Click here for a review or below to check it out on Amazon. Looks like it’s going to be good.Recession-Proof Evangelism (Part 2)
Intentionally Plan to be Missional
Have you ever been a part of a congregation where missional ministry (either foreign or domestic) was done haphazardly with budget left-overs on a case by case basis? I have seen congregations pass over tremendous opportunities for their people and for missionaries simply because missions was something of an afterthought. In these places, it always seemed (at least to me) that there was more month at the end of the money, missionaries doing cool things didn’t receive the support they needed and the members of these congregations couldn’t participate in the amazing opportunities God was working around the world. In other words, congregations like this lacked passion. In our own experience, it has always been easier to give more when we were passionate about something and having evangelism, church planting, and missions front and center in the life of a congregation produces passion as people get to participate with God in the world.
I believe that the most important thing a congregation can do is intentionally plan to be missional. Evangelism is something mandated by Jesus but is sometimes over looked in the life of the church. Usually this falls on the shoulders of the preacher who is tasked as the evangelism “professional.” Isn’t that what he was hired for? *sigh* In reality, evangelism ought to be in the DNA of every Christian and corporate body as an extension of who we are. There are several ways that a congregation can be intentionally missional:
- Speak of missions and Jesus’ great commission often
- Provide a monthly budget allotment for local, national, international missions
- Set aside 10% of the budget for church planting/mission efforts
- Designate one month as a “missions month”
- Schedule a mega missions-giving Sunday, once a year
- Consider other ways of being missional — church planting, social work, community events, etc.
- Encourage young people to be missional in their daily lives
- Encourage older people to be missional in their daily lives
- Invite missionaries to give reports from their ministries
- Form partnerships with world-wide missional organizations (such as KontaktMission, Acts 29, Continent of Great Cities, etc.)
The bottom line is, missions should be intentional in the life of the congregation; people need a passion and excitement for the spreading of the gospel as a part of the life of the body. If missional living is a part of the congregation’s DNA, people will give sacrificially and excitedly as they see their money being used to change people’s lives. However, how can people give if they don’t have any money? Next, how debt sabotages God’s plan for missions...
Jots (6/9)
Being an avid reader of websites like Consumerist, I’ve picked up some sleuth-like tools for ferreting out deals to save money. Last week I purchased a previous generation Macbook Pro from the Apple refurbished store for a great price. Yesterday’s announcement of new Macbook Pro’s pushed the price of the Mac that I wanted but couldn’t afford down into my price range but left me in the awkward position of figuring out what to do with my newly acquired older purchase. I promptly rang up Apple this morning, explained my situation and they told me to return my purchase, no hassle, no fees. They then sent me to their sales department where I placed a purchase for the unibody mac that I wanted and informed me that there was an unadvertised special of an extra $100 off the purchase price bringing my total price for an aluminum unibody Macbook Pro to *drumroll please* $1249.00! That is $750 cheaper than that same model was selling for just yesterday. Saving money isn’t magical nor is there an insider’s trick, it is simply following God’s lead and submitting our will to that of our Savior Jesus. Having the characteristics such as patience, self-control, and not falling for an idolatrous temptation when dealing with technology (or food, sex, cars, clothes, etc) go a long way in staving off envy and materialism. And you know what? Most of the time, it will help you get a great deal too.
Christianity Today has a fascinating article on Tim Keller, founder of Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City. Tim Keller is one of my favorite speakers (most closely aligned with my speaking style) and the author of a great book, The Reason for God. Great things are happening in New York. Check it out here.As I reported yesterday, big news on the Apple front. Today, Tim Challies published his review of a new book by Greg Dutcher entitled, “You are the Treasure That I Seek: But there is a lot of cool stuff out there Lord.” An apt review especially considering every techie is either thinking about the new iPhone 3GS or the new Palm Pre. There is plenty of tinder to fuel the idolatry fire and this book appears to be point us back to the only real satisfaction, Jesus. Check out his review and find the book from my Amazon link below.Jots (6/8)
Big news on the Apple front. New iPhones, new Macbook Pro’s, new iPhone OS 3.0, new Snow Leopard OS (for $29!) and more. If you’re a Mac user grab your news on Gizmodo or engadget or my favorite RSS Apple reader, AppleUrls. (Updated links)Justin Taylor is featuring a new bank Reilly on his blog today, check the video out below. They sound good.Recession-Proof Evangelism
For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. Psalm 50:10-11
Understandably, many churches are struggling financially, trying to meet ambitious budgets and simply don’t think they have enough money to support mission efforts at home or abroad. Churches were caught off-guard (as were many others) by the recession especially those in the middle of expansion plans and building projects. Others didn’t have much money before-hand and really don’t now. But, despite the economic meltdown everywhere else, in the Lord’s church we don’t have to be in panic mode. Following God’s plan for money and finances while often focused on individual Christians, applies also to churches and their finances and “just works” in good times and bad. It can help us weather turbulent economic seas so that we can continue with our evangelistic mandate. Jesus’ words in Matthew 28 and Acts 1 are still applicable when the economy is booming and when it is fizzling. He didn’t set any pre-conditions to the task of making disciples like resting during recessions, conflict, unreceptive hearts, persecution, or difficult circumstances and because there are no limitations on his instructions, we are left with the task of figuring out creatively how to keep the job going. So how do churches navigate uncertain waters when doing what God has asked of us missionally? Over the next few posts I’ll offer a few ideas as to how I believe this can happen and how churches can finance their missionaries who are on the front lines, spreading the good-news of Jesus Christ.
Jots (6/5)
Justin at Between Two Worlds posted a reminder of Proverbs 16:18 Interesting discussion on how to carry your bible. Never thought about it, apparently this guy has, a lot. (via Challies.com) The makeup of the social web. (via Challies.com)Portugal's population problem
The Guardian wrote this in August 2008:
Europe from space ... a satellite image shows the population hotspots. The EU is currently home to 495 million people.
Photograph: Nasa/Corbis
“From 2015 onwards deaths would outnumber births, and population growth due to natural increase, would cease," says the survey, assuming a net migration inflow to the EU of almost 60 million over the next 50 years. "Positive net migration would be the only population growth factor. However, from 2035 this positive net migration would no longer counterbalance the negative natural change."
Portugal needs people almost as bad as it needs Jesus. If the population ever returns to a sustainable level the question must be asked, what kind of population should return? This is why we’re planting churches because our hope for the people of Portugal is the same hope that we have for ourselves, to know Jesus and be conformed to his image. Plus, we’re hopeful that there’s at least a few people around by the time we get there...
Jots (6/3)
Are we addicted to entertainment? Is there a difference between entertainment and amusement? Tim Challies attempts to answer these questions in response to John Piper’s blog on the same subject. Always helpful to examine ourselves in light of the Cross.This past weekend our congregation, Life Journey Church, had a great time serving Covenant Community Services as a part of Gone For Good. It continues to be an amazing experience and one that we hope to replicate in Portugal.Living in Europe I can personally attest to the usefulness of having coins for larger denominations of currency. The 1 and 2 Euro coins come in very handy when paying for small items, using vending machines, or paying tolls. However my wife prefers the paper notes because they’re lighter to carry, especially when you’re saddled with a pocket full of 1¢ coins. Consumer Reports is asking the question “is it Time to do away with coins?” It’s an interesting question.Jots (6/2)
Carl Trueman blogs on the danger of bandit country and his web critics. Awesome article. (Via Between Two Worlds)Between Two Worlds also brought my attention to the new book by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck called “Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion.” Their last book “Why We’re Not Emergent” was a great read. This one looks like a goody.The relationship between discipline and holiness
After reading Tim Challies blog entry this morning comparing the campaign to rid the Japanese from the islands of the South Pacific to how our enemy works to take the small “islands” in our lives before attacking the mainland, it reminded me of Hebrews 12:7-11 which says
“It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
There should be a new saying in the church “Discipline is wickedness leaving the soul.”
God’s campaign to rid his creation of wickedness was instituted with Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension but the campaign to completely exterminate sin from the small enclaves in our lives takes a lifetime. God blesses us with the gift of his Spirit which works to sanctify us and make us more like Jesus through repentance, confession of sin, striving after holiness, fellowship with the saints, worship and communion, and conforming our minds to the mind of Christ. Sometimes the process is easy, sometimes it’s painful, but it’s always for our good. God’s discipline in our lives is a reminder not of his anger but of his love for us in making us more like Jesus. If you’re feeling disciplined rest assured, discipline is wickedness leaving the soul.
Why is church planting important? (Part 3)
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
One of the great promises of God to his people foreshadowing the work of Jesus was the promise that a part of his salvific work would be a new heart, one that no longer desires sin and self, but one that longs to please God and seeks his fame as well as the well-being and salvation of our fellow man. Paul writes to Titus in Titus 2:11-14:
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Jesus, through the Holy Spirit helps us throw off the yoke of worldliness and cleanses us from our worldly infection. Not only are we saved from something but saved to something. God works in his people and his church to cease producing evil culture and start producing a redeemed culture; “a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
So how exactly can this look in the realm of today’s church planting? In the past, the image that comes to my mind is of missionaries going to exotic locations and trading shirts and ties for the loincloths of the “savages.” This reveals a belief that all of culture is bad and must be completely swapped out, it will not work in the West. As a participant in and member of Western culture there is much that can be celebrated while planting churches and transforming culture. Good food, fine wine, stunning architecture, productive workers, happy families, fun vacations, God honoring art and cinema, and cool gadgets can all be celebrated and embraced, as long as they conform to the word of God. “...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 As Christians we should be the first to champion these things without falling into excess; God has not called us to monastacism. However, those things opposed to God (as I mentioned earlier) must be redeemed or eradicated, meaning if something cannot be redeemed (made holy) it must go. Pornography for instance cannot be redeemed, it is an aberration of God’s design, a perversion of holy sex within the confines of marriage and cannot remain in the heart or mind of a child of God. A love for food however can be redeemed once someone becomes a Christian and learns self-control so that food is no longer their master. Healthy churches that plant healthy churches and understand these distinctions are our best hope to transform culture and reach the increasingly hostile West. Healthy churches as God designed them filled with redeemed people living redeemed lives is the primary means by which God is transforming us and putting an end to the soul diseases of our Modern/Post-Modern culture. This is our vision and the reason we have joined KontaktMission; God loves the West and wants it renewed and because of Jesus, so do we.
