Archive for: culture
In our efforts to live as Christ followers, at some point all of us have to admit that we have moments of doubt, weakness, fear, anger, anxiety, and just downright sinful thoughts—which we act on. Unfortunately we are not immediately free from sin upon conversion.
I trusted in Christ as my Savior nearly 25 years ago, and though I have grown tremendously, I look upon myself as very imperfect. So imperfect in fact—I would have never imagined attending seminary, much less actually doing ministry full-time. I was under the hilariously misguided impression that only ‘perfect’ believers could get a seminary degree. If one had a sinful past, current struggles, and uncertain futures—they better forget the elusive ivory tower academy that is (insert ominous booming voice) seminary. There was only one minor (well, major) flaw in my thinking—there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ Christian: never has been, never will be.
Even Paul said basically the same thing when he wrote Timothy these words:
“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”
(1 Tim 1:15, 16; NASB)
Thank God for the “perfect patience” of Christ Jesus; who has been very patient with me.
OK— This is Evangelism.net; not sinners’ anonymous, right?—ah, but consider this: how many people are afraid to share their faith because they think they are unworthy? Is that you? As we talk about evangelism, it is vitally important to lay a foundation of reliance upon the Holy Spirit—it’s ALL Him people—not you. Sorry; no one (say that slowly like in slow-motion: noooo…wuooonn) is a glistening, chrome-plated, freshly washed and waxed picture of righteous awesomeness. NO-ONE.
So whatever topic we bring to the table; books, movies, controversies, apologetics, politics we have to come at our lives knowing that although we aren’t perfect now—that shouldn’t stop us from being able to respond to the culture around us with the gospel—clear and simple. Jesus didn’t say “when you have your stuff (edited and re-dubbed for family viewing) together, go and make disciples of all nations.” Really—it’s in the Bible, he just said go—unconditionally. So; borrowing the motto of the 325th Falcon Regiment (my old unit!): “LET’S GO!”
We conclude our three-part podcast series featuring conversations with two of the passionate, creative leaders from ReachLife Ministries:
BJ Thompson is the Outreach Coordinator for ReachLife Ministries where he spends his time evangelizing, discipling men, and training leaders. BJ grew up in inner-city Dallas and trusted Christ as a freshman in college. Not long after, along with the Hip-Hop artist Lacrae and Executive Director Ben Washer, BJ helped create Reach Records. BJ has been married six years and he and his wife are raising two wonderful children to be God-honoring leaders.
Miguel Davilla is the Curriculum Director for ReachLife Ministries. Miguel grew up in New York City in the Bronx; immersed in the Hip-Hop culture with virtually no contact to authentic Christianity or any connection to church. It was while serving in the Navy that he trusted Christ through a Bible Study led by a friend. Having discovered a passion for Christ and desire to minister full time, Miguel attended seminary after completing his service in the Navy. Shortly thereafter, through God’s providence, Miguel connected with the team at ReachLife. Miguel grew up in New York City and served in the U.S. Navy. He came to know Christ while he was serving in Norfolk, VA. After his naval service, he attended seminary and is currently working as curriculum director for ReachLife Ministries.
We continue our three-part podcast series features conversation with two of the passionate, creative leaders from ReachLife Ministries:
BJ Thompson is the Outreach Coordinator for ReachLife Ministries where he spends his time evangelizing, discipling men, and training leaders. BJ grew up in inner-city Dallas and trusted Christ as a freshman in college. Not long after, along with the Hip-Hop artist Lacrae and Executive Director Ben Washer, BJ helped create Reach Records. BJ has been married six years and he and his wife are raising two wonderful children to be God-honoring leaders.
Miguel Davilla is the Curriculum Director for ReachLife Ministries. Miguel grew up in New York City in the Bronx; immersed in the Hip-Hop culture with virtually no contact to authentic Christianity or any connection to church. It was while serving in the Navy that he trusted Christ through a Bible Study led by a friend. Having discovered a passion for Christ and desire to minister full time, Miguel attended seminary after completing his service in the Navy. Shortly thereafter, through God’s providence, Miguel connected with the team at ReachLife. Miguel grew up in New York City and served in the U.S. Navy. He came to know Christ while he was serving in Norfolk, VA. After his naval service, he attended seminary and is currently working as curriculum director for ReachLife Ministries.
Reach Records and now ReachLife, has a tremendous impact contextualizing the Christian message into the Hip-Hop culture through music and curriculum. Featuring Hip-Hop artists such as Lacrae, Trip Lee, and the 116 Clique, Reach Records continues to impact a generation heavily influenced by not just the music, but the culture of Hip-Hop. Seeing a greater need for discipleship, the leaders at Reach records branched out and formed the ministry of ReachLife.
This three-part podcast series features conversation with two of the passionate, creative leaders from ReachLife Ministries:
BJ Thompson is the Outreach Coordinator for ReachLife Ministries where he spends his time evangelizing, discipling men, and training leaders. BJ grew up in inner-city Dallas and trusted Christ as a freshman in college. Not long after, along with the Hip-Hop artist Lacrae and Executive Director Ben Washer, BJ helped create Reach Records. BJ has been married six years and he and his wife are raising two wonderful children to be God-honoring leaders.
Miguel Davilla is the Curriculum Director for ReachLife Ministries. Miguel grew up in New York City in the Bronx; immersed in the Hip-Hop culture with virtually no contact to authentic Christianity or any connection to church. It was while serving in the Navy that he trusted Christ through a Bible Study led by a friend. Having discovered a passion for Christ and desire to minister full time, Miguel attended seminary after completing his service in the Navy. Shortly thereafter, through God’s providence, Miguel connected with the team at ReachLife.
AJ Rinaldi
Global warming, neo-Darwinism, casual sex, homosexuality, drug-addiction, moral relativism, abortion, pornography, instant gratification…the list goes on and on. These examples of “hot-button” topics illustrate a few of the issues that Christians deal with intellectually and emotionally every day at work, school, church and other social interactions. News stories center on these topics and how they impact American culture.
This word culture signifies something of importance to everyone, yet has many definitions. Of all the definitions for the term “culture” the following three best summarize the idea for discussing what all these issues mean today:
1. A particular form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain nation or period. (Greek Culture)
2. The behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group. (youth culture, drug culture, pop culture)
3. The sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another. (Anthropology)
Differentiating between Western, Eastern, and developing cultures is no longer practical in certain applications. The world is fast becoming a global society. Although major differences still exist and need to be understood, when it comes to issues of morality and lifestyle – isolationism is a thing of the past. Therefore we must be aware of what impacts a culture and how to respond.
How do we do that while operating through a biblical worldview? The answer is deceptively simple. We follow the example of Jesus and his disciples.
Throughout the New Testament, the gospel is the consistent solution to what ails the world. Jesus did not organize a protest. Paul did not advocate dissent and rebellion to the governmental authorities. The writers of the New Testament clearly state that the power to change the world was in changing individual lives with the gospel—Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead.
Christians can be reasonably involved in society with grace and truth. However, believers can be most effective by exercising leadership within their sphere of influence; sharing the gospel to change hearts and minds one at a time…
R. Larry Moyer
How did Paul adapt to his culture? Did he give each person he met a “piece of his mind”? Did he talk about the wickedness of the society and engage in a pious people pity party? Did he talk about the evils of idol worship? No! Acts 17:16-21 tells you what he did. Two things are striking.
The first is that he took the offense, not the defense. To Paul, false worship and foolish philosophy were opportunities, not obstacles. Verse 17 says, “Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.” Paul knew that when people are talking, we can talk. So he met the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogues and the philosophers in the heart of the city. But he led the discussion.
We need to be willing to tell people where we stand on current issues, such as abortion, homosexuality, immigration, etc. – right after we tell them, “Christ died for your sins and rose from the dead.” We need to take the offense, not the defense.
The second noticeable thing is that he kept the message clear. His methods varied, his message never did. Paul preached about Jesus and the resurrection, because that was the message he had received from God (Galatians 1:12).
Our message transcends all generations and cultures and can be reduced to ten words: Christ died for our sins and rose from dead. People may misunderstand some things we say. But there is one thing we should say so loudly and clearly no one misunderstands. Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead.
Do you want to be relevant to your culture and adapt to changing times? Do what Paul did. Take the offense, not the defense and keep your message clear.
2008 – What a year of opportunity. Go for it!
