Cultural Christianity and the Social Gospel

Cultural Christianity.... STOP THERE! Those two words coupled together should make a true believer question those catchwords.

Cultural: Relating to the ideas, customs and social behaviors of a society.

Christianity: Worldview based on the teachings of Jesus.

On their own, these words are just fine. When they are brought together, they sound good too, just like a catch phrase does, but what I want to hone in on is the deeper meaning surrounding the definitions.

The definition is in need of balance, especially where the church is concerned. This term is great under the biblical precepts and ways of God (Psalms 139:3).  God calls us out of the world's system (1 Peter 2:9) and He teaches and directs a believer in His way (Isaiah 55:8). The old becomes new (2 Corinthians 5:17).  This dynamic encompasses true cultural Christianity.

The term is tainted when a christian thinks we can influence the world's culture by allowing tolerance instead of truth in love and acceptance without repentance.  Western civilization certainly shows this through communitarian mentality, 'why can't we all just get along, in the name of peace.' I'm not talking about sports team rivalry or inconsequential preferences of diverse folks. I'm talking about how easily we take two opposing thought systems and merge them to create a new system so all parties are happy. This is dangerous ground spiritually. The, 'I'm OK, your OK, we are all under grace, so we are all covered,' mentality is a pitfall in the American church. It leaves room for doctrinal error, which leads to watered down teaching of the word (2 Timothy 2:15) and is couched in the ideas of modern cultural Christianity. The social gospel is the extreme outcome of this error and is a false gospel.

Read Luke 12:49-51 before reading any further. This truth has been lost in many churches today.  Jesus is discussing the fact that He was going to suffer pain and death and because of His willingness to follow God's plan which encompassed a zealous revealing of truth, would cause upset within house holds, with a final end which leads to God's glory. He states a common cultural fact when he says we are hypocrites when we predict the weather but can not even understand the times we live in.  People will be looking towards fallible ways and miss the truth right before their noses.  The culture was the same in Jesus' time as it is today.

'Hands'

Biblical View of Culture

God calls his people OUT of their culture. He doesn't necessarily change the culture, he changes the man. A redeemed man will have encounters within his culture and there may be times a culture is changed but there is a catch. The only time you see a culture change is because repentance was involved.

Our modern idea of loving people to change a culture misses the mark in that to truly love means to speak truth.

Our only 'job' within our culture is to live rightly (I Peter 3: 8-12) and preach the good news (Mark 16:15-16) with obedience to the will of God (2 Thessalonians 2; 14-15, 3:6, 2 Peter 3:9). The last 8 words of Mark 16 verse 16 state an obvious fact cultural and social gospel Christianity tend to ignore, "but whoever does not believe will be condemned." This fact usually causes tension because if you preach the full measure of the good news you have to talk about the law (commandments) and sin. The only way a culturally deprived people can see the truth is know their true condition, which should lead them to the full understanding of the work of Jesus and why they need Him.

Yes, Jesus did come for the sick, it is the spiritually dead (sinner) who need a doctor (Mark 2:17). The doctor must diagnose the problem first in order for revival to take place. When we rely on methods of tolerance and acceptance without repentance and bypass the talk of sin, you've just consulted a charlatan. A sick person can not understand the bounty of grace without first knowing their grave condition without it.

The more typical outcome of speaking truth into a culture causes tension, hatred and spurning from a rebellious heart.  This doesn't mean we shouldn't do it anyway. (Matthew 10:13-14) The travels of the Apostle Paul in Acts certainly showcases his demise within the Jewish and Gentile culture. He was reviled and hated the majority of the time but also had those converts that were called out and following the Lord.

The New Testament is a record of what being called out means. Paul is constantly correcting and admonishing the called out ones (church) to remember the old way are gone, put on the new man and keep the false gospel out. (Ephesians 2: 3, 12 - Colossians 1:21. Galatians 1. )

In a nutshell, ( I know I say that a lot), We are to be called out of the culture we came from and be an example, not try to change it through politics or our own works, both of which do not espouse what the gospel is.

Old Testament Examples

When I was studying my Bible a few question came to mind. Did Lot change Sodom and Gomorrah? Did God give Jericho the chance to change their culture before being destroyed? What about Ninevah?

The common string between Sodom and Gomorrah, Jericho and Ninevah is they were all pagan cultures. They defied God, were idolatrous and wicked.  Lot was considered righteous and distressed over the 'culture' he lived in. He wasn't able to change them, nor was God willing to bear with their lawlessness any longer. (2 Peter 2:7, Genesis 13:13)

Abram dealt strictly with the King of Sodom after saving Lot's family in Genesis 14 (22-24).  He also prayed for the wicked city asking God for mercy if there were righteous living there. (Genesis 18). We all know the rest of the story, God's justice was meted out. (Genesis 19).  I don't think Lot or Abraham worried about cultural change.

Jericho was a walled city full of Canaanites who were obviously not righteous folk. The Lord told Joshua the land belonged to the Israelites and to drive the squatters out. Jericho was a formidable city and God brought the walls down through a supernatural act. The only one saved was Rahab, who repented and turned from her ways. (Rahab is in the family line of Jesus- Matthew 1:5).  The Israelites definitely were not thinking about changing that culture. In fact, some of the Canaanite captives taken into Israeli camps caused contention later on in history. The Israelites allowed Canaanite citadels to remain and the disobedience to God's original command (to drive them out of the land) caused them to experience detrimental consequences in their culture. Bad apple ruins the bunch! (Judges 1: 27-34).

Ninevah may be the only evil culture that was changed by a righteous man speaking a message directed by God. Jonah was reluctant to speak the message of REPENTANCE to the city of Ninevah, with a human understanding, I can see why, they brutalized their enemies and Israel was on that list.  God showed his Mercy to Ninevah, they listened and repented. (Jonah 3:6) Remember, repentance is on an individual heart basis, many individuals repenting can cause cultural change. (Although they did experience destruction through conquering later on in their history.) Ninevah is modern day Assyria and there is still a Christian community there. (Matthew 12:4).

The Way

The more I put the term 'cultural christianity' and especially the 'social gospel' against biblical accounts, the more I think that term strays from what is the true basis for any changes or influence within a society. That basis is falling on your knees before a Holy, Just God and repenting of anything that does not meet His requirements within individual hearts. This lifestyle is a separateness within the bounds of society. We are in the world, but not of the world.  John 17:16,17). May we work out our sanctification with honor, beauty and gratefulness before our friends, families and neighbors and at every opportunity, preach the good news in full measure, being examples in word and deed for the Glory of God.

Remember the term Christian was first used as a derogatory term. It came with an air of disgust and pity, 'Those people who follow Christ, how pathetic!' This was how we were seen culturally, a reviled people. Just as Jesus was (I Peter 2:23).

I can think of many areas of society a true follower of the way is reviled. What do you see?

I think deeply on Psalms 1 in context to this subject!


Please let me know your thoughts on this subject. These are mine and may need refining or maybe there are other examples I'm not seeing and I would love to discuss.


Excellent video...

Song of Solomon 5:6

I like writing about the Bible every now and then, as it is my favorite book of all time. There are treasures in that wonderful book written by Holy Spirit inspired men who followed and knew God. The truths are timeless, the themes are countless, earth history is established, plans and plots are revealed. I could go on in the endless details this book has in it but I want to focus on a lesser known, or talked about feature. The fact the Bible is a romance.

God romances your soul through true intimacy. It is a pure, luring of your heart wherein He makes you what you were meant to be. It's true love in action. Having relationship with God is sometimes painful, other times emotionally charged; it isn't a stretch to say passion can be defined in allowing God to change you.

God romances our souls and shows us a better way, the Bible also talks about human romance too. God did give us the institution of marriage, love and yes, sex as something to enjoy. The world has taken these God-given gifts and twisted them but that's for another post. For now, I want to focus on the gift of romance.

Sexual love, desire and passion are dominant themes in the book called The Song of Solomon. Yes, there are double meanings to many passages in this book. Many scholarly commentaries discuss the allegory of Christ's love for His people. I'd like to point out the Song of Songs is also what it seems, a poetic literary romance.

Maybe you're blushing at this point in the post, but stop for a minute and think about this book of the Bible that so many read in secret or don't even bother to try and understand because of it's content and the author. Oh my, Solomon certainly had major issues where all this is concerned but that is for another post. I want to focus on the purity of the message found in this guide to romance.

If your committed in marriage to your spouse, there is no reason not to enjoy romancing them and share your passion in an intimate nature. If couples would inwardly focus their desires on each other, there would be a lot less infidelity in this world. Couples should create a secret love world all their own, a safe haven where the outside world can't shake its foundation. This is one lesson I glean from reading Solomon's love poetry.

I have taken chapter five, verse six of the Song of Songs and in my own way described the scene (It's her dream). Abishag was uncertain of partaking of her spouses desires and rejects his advances. She is restless and regrets her cold indifference, after realizing her mistake she searches for him in the dark streets, where shadows and fear lurk, only when she finds her love is she safe again.

Watercolor on Tile by: Nathan Brown

Song of Solomon 5:6

In her bed lay a maiden bare

with flowing spun adumbral hair

Her beloved did come at twilight hour

Allured be her loves' strong power

He knocked and beckoned so he could see her.

She neglected to let him enter.

Toppling here and there, her heart did rise

thus running to the door she did realize

her absence of action created a demise,

She thrust the door open and looked around

to find her lover was not there and

could not be found.

Her ear was strained for the calm of his voice,

the fall of his footsteps to make her heart rejoice.

Deep within her soul did hoist

a cry to the empty darkness, her eyes went moist.

Her brow did strain the shadows while standing upon the threshold,

her fleshly arms crawled from shivers cold

but in her depths roaring passions glowed,

Wrapping her shoulders with finest linen

she set afoot to find her given.

Treading along cobble and lane

she came upon the watchmen

who treated her in vain.

She pleaded and asked if they had seen her Lover,

then they struck and took her linen cover.

She escaped their taunts and stole away

Just as dawn beckoned the day.

Her eyes she lifted from road to yonder

and discovered her beloved,

she need no more wander.

Her hands did ache to be filled with his cloak

And her legs rushed swiftly.

They barely spoke.

She held him and would not let him go

walking arm and waist,

until safely they had sheltered at her families' abode.

Her bosom heaved from raging currents

as she unraveled separations torrents.

His strong arms enveloped her storm

and calmly her heart settled,

Safe,

No more forlorn.

Chandra Debee 1998

Now go read Song of Solomon and apply the lessons to the one God gave you to love. Ahh, romance!
Happy Valentines Day!

WOW, just read an article where mysticism has infiltrated the church and people are equating their intimacy with God as a 'sexual' experience... I do not intend this at all in my writing. God does show you how to love and does change you in a very intimate way, but to connotate a relationship with 'sexual' intimacy is wrong! It is NEW AGE deception!

Here is some awesome teaching on this passage... Come Lord Jesus... In full context... Are you ready for Jesus?

Mary's Trust in God

I just can't seem to shake this habit of writing about Mary the mother of Jesus during the Christmas season. It is our tradition to read Luke Chapter 1 and 2 on Christmas Eve to remember the facts of the miraculous fulfillment of prophecy about our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

This year I found some old thoughts about Mary in my journal from 1994. It is regarding her thoughts about Jesus. I find it very interesting she was able to witness the life of Jesus lived out from day one.  Her life must have been very rich having the Son of God in the flesh grace her household.

Think about the miraculous events surrounding the house of Joseph and Mary. They knew the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus were fulfilled through them. God using their life for His purpose; they were blessed. (Remember, the word blessed means God's involvement in your life and you recognizing it.)

Nativity Scene: Georgetown, TX
Photo By: Chandra Brown

Here is a short list of prophecies fulfilled in the household of Joseph:

1. The messiah would be born of a virgin: Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18
2. The messiah would be born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2, Luke 2:4 (Prophecy written approximately 6 centuries before Christ was born)
3. The Messiah would possess a dual nature (hypostatic union); Isaiah 9:6, John 1:49,11:27
4. The Messiah's birthplace would suffer a blood purge: Jeremiah 31:15, Matthew 2:17,18
5. The Messiah would be carried to Egypt as an infant: Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15

It says in Luke 2:19, Mary quietly treasured those things in her heart and often thought about them. This was at the time of Jesus' birth. In Luke 2:51, again it says Mary stored away the things she witnessed concerning Jesus in her heart. This time He was a bit older and she was amazed at His obedience and the things He was saying in the Temple after he was found in Nazareth after three days of searching for their 'missing' son. 

As a mother it must have been difficult to grapple with the future fulfillment of prophecy as it became known to her. Simeon, an elderly follower of God who knew he would not die until he saw the Savior, held Jesus as a baby in his arms and prophesied to Mary and Joseph the turmoil that lay ahead. Luke 2:34- "A sword shall pierce your soul, for this child shall be rejected by many in Israel, and to this their undoing." 

Thoughts As We Read Luke

To think of the ultimate joy and the deepest sorrow felt by Mary as she let God use her life towards His purpose; from the tumultuous scandal of a virgin birth with the accusations that come with it, the torment of heart and shaky trust in the relationship with her betrothed. 

THEN GOD slips in a little comfort when she visits her pregnant family member, Elizabeth and they rejoice in the knowledge of the truth they are living in.

God understands the dilemma of such a situation in the fallen, human world and sends angelic beings ministering to Joseph to strengthen Him in making the correct decision towards Mary.

Oh the struggle in traveling away from close family and birthing your first baby in an unfamiliar setting.

THEN GOD slips in a little comfort in the form of recognition and celebration by sending shepherds, wise men bringing gifts, and angels praising the wonderful occurrence; the invitation was the Bright Star. 

Mary and Joseph were figuring out this new baby/toddler thing when King Herod becomes jealous and stirs up an evil plot to secure his power by killing all children under the age of two as a legal decree throughout the land. God understands the dilemma and sends Joseph a warning dream and Mary and Joseph are now, parents with a toddler traveling to a distant, far-off land with barely anything in their packs and with no job secured when they get to their new home. Oh the stresses of marriage and parenthood! 

Fast forward a few years and Mary and Joseph are living in Nazareth, with more children. They decide to go to Jerusalem and they lose Jesus for three days, oh the anxiety and worry. They must have felt like awful parents. BUT GOD slips in and had Jesus at the Temple safe and doing what he wanted Him to do.

The story goes on, I urge you to read the full account of Jesus' life, I hope what He is and what He has done for you jumps off the page and grabs your soul and you'll ponder the things He has done and promises to do in your heart as Mary did.

For Speculation Sake:

I wonder if Mary ever thought something like this…..

I gave birth to God the one who created me and gave me life.

I feed the one who provides for me.

I give the one who cleanses me a bath.

VIDEO:
I Love your heart Mr. McGee!!!

Hook, Line and Sinker

Photo by: Chandra Brown
 

I took this picture over the Summer while fishing on Town Lake with my daughter. It struck me as funny but also a little sad. I imagined the scene vividly; happy angler on the shore balancing his rod gently tilting it backwards getting ready to cast, then suddenly the pole tugs on his arm as the line gets stuck in the branch just out of eyesight above his head. Realizing his dilemma the smile on his face turns to concern. His arm starts to tire wrestling with the tangled mess. Finally, he succumbs to defeat, flips his hat on the ground in disgust and pulls his knife from his pocket to cut the line. He didn't even get his bait in the water. Not exactly a relaxing day fishing.

I sat on this picture and post for months. I took the photo knowing there was a post behind it but I wasn't ready to write it until last night when I was pillow talking with my daughter. We were discussing Luke 5:1-11. We read the account from her new Pre-teen Bible she specifically asked for so she could know Jesus better.

Jesus uses Simon's boat to teach a lesson from the shore, after He was done speaking he tells Simon to go out into the deep and cast his net. Simon is skeptical because they fished all night and caught nothing but is obedient. The boat overflows and he calls James and John over to help with the bountiful catch because the nets were splitting and the boat was sinking. Simon repents of his unbelief and Jesus uses this event to invite Simon to become His disciple. Simon, James and John were smart, it says, "they left everything and followed."

After we read the account, I asked Alex what did Jesus mean when He said, "..from now on you will fish for people."

Her answer was spot on, she said, "I can explain it in kid terms, Jesus is going to teach them the truth so they can go out and tell others."

I asked her, "What 'truth' would Jesus teach them?"

And this is where I get excited about her answer...she said, "Jesus is going to teach them about Himself."

A parent has never been so proud. I couldn't stop kissing her forehead. That is IT! Jesus wants us all to know the truth about who HE is, why HE came and then tell others. Sadly, this simple truth is lost in this day and age because people don't know who He is. They go fishing in their own way and end up a tangled mess, they are so encumbered with the world they can't even get the bait in the water. They are caught up in the world just like the branch catches the line in the picture.

I like to contemplate what kind of fisher woman I am? Am I caught hook, line and sinker into the world's philosophies or swallowed up in the truth of Jesus and able to share the bounty with others?

Easter Delight

Photo By: waferboard

Have you ever had a thought or phrase that gives you pure delight every time it traipses across your mental plane? I have been relishing one particular satiating thought since Friday. I was doing the normal routine at home and the delightful thought flashed across my mind and I just had to stop and smile. I was at work and at the most tedious times the thought jumped in the way and made me stop and smile.

OK, I'll let you in on my personal delight. The fact that Jesus cooked breakfast for His disciples during one of His many appearances after his resurrection just makes me giddy.

I'll give a little background as to why this thought entertains me so.
This year, Easter sprung early on me. I've been busy, distracted and to be honest I was half ready to grab a pre-roasted chicken and boil some potatoes flop it on a plate for our Easter Celebration and call it good. My attitude lately about cooking has been dismal. I just can't seem to muster up any of Julia Child's good vibes about food. Going to the grocery store has been the "do I have to do this yet again" chore. People may think I like cooking but I confess I would live off fresh juiced produce and an occasional turkey sandwich if I could; it's simple.

But, John 21:1-14 saved the Holiday food selection for my family this year. It may seem eccentric but it's true.

After reading this wonderful account of Jesus' third appearance to his disciples my attitude changed. "This Holiday is about celebrating Jesus' death, burial and resurrection,"I thought to myself; "and you are going to do what Jesus did."

Jesus' first appearance was to Mary Magdalene (John 20). His first appearance to the group of disciples was not long after Mary's account when they were fearful of the Jews, who were most likely hostile concerning the dilemma of what happened to the physical body of Jesus that was no longer in the tomb. Jesus' presence was not only reassuring but also one of great importance as he gave them the Holy Spirit and encouraged them in the plan the Father had for them (John 20:19-23). The second appearance was to prove to one skeptical doubting Thomas that He was in fact risen and alive. (John 20:24-30) Verse 30 states, "Jesus performed many other miraculous signs but they are not recorded in this book but these are written that you believe." I thought these accounts must have impressed the disciples greatly in order for John to highlight in his writing.

If these two accounts were important to the disciples (as ALL the non-written ones were as well) then the third appearance of Jesus also made an impression on the group. No doubt the conversation between (and about) Peter and the Lord was memorable (John 21:15-25) but why didn't John just talk about this? Why did he mention Jesus making them breakfast?  Then I thought, "Jesus just fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies concerning who He is, He died a horrendous death, stormed the gates of hell and conquered death and on the third day he came back triumphant and with a glorious new body. He was encouraging the believers, proving he was ALIVE, Ascending and Descending to Heaven. John 21 is a refreshing account of Jesus' fellowship with His beloved "friends". How do we usually like to have a good time with friends and family? WITH FOOD!!!

Did you just read that the way I hope I explained it? Jesus wanted to spend time with the ones that were close to Him the ones He loved and called friends; a time to relax from the work of catching fish, a time to teach and prepare them for their calling and what better way to do that but by cooking a meal; a great catalyst for enjoying kindred spirits. Peter's reaction to seeing Jesus on the shore just makes me love the guy, he jumped out of the boat with his clothes on (making sure to greet the Lord in the proper etiquette) in order to get there as fast as he could.

The coals were hot and some fish and bread were already cooking when they arrived on shore with their fishing net filled to the brim. They contributed the catch the Lord provided in potluck style and proceeded to fellowship.

Preparing a meal has more to it then technique,planning, preparation or presentation. The act of cooking a Holiday meal says, "Please stay awhile, let's talk, let's reminisces, let's talk about what matters."

Reading John 21 reminded me of the simple truth that eating together creates the bonds for a healthy relationship.

SO

Move over pre-roasted grocery store chicken; you're not worthy, you'll have to wait for another day,  make room for Rosemary/Port infused Rack of Lamb with Home made Au gratin Potatoes, Strawberry Vinaigrette Salad and Warm Rolls that melt the butter.  I'm going to celebrate Jesus' Resurrection with an out of this world, hearty meal made by me and shared with others.

Simple But Profound : Kindness

Sometimes when I work I use my phone and ear buds for listening to music. Eventually the station I like plays too many re-runs or has background static, so I scroll through my other options and today I heard a message on the CNN radio network. I don't keep up with christian radio but every once in a while I'll tune in and when I do a man named Alistair Begg tends to be the one that I really listen to. Not only because I like his British/Scottish accent but because he tends to teach the Gospel without diluting or changing it. In fact, his message was about that topic today; keeping the Word of God pure. He talked about Paul's relationship with Timothy and keeping the legacy of the Gospel alive for future generations. He spoke of apostleship and how we need to take special measures to guard the truth. (2 Timothy)

I immediately thought of our roles as a parents, we are the first torch bearer that either passes the torch on or let it go out. As a parent you are the "priest" of the family and what a huge responsibility that is. I find myself constantly assessing if I am living, teaching the truth of the Gospel. Do I handle the scripture correctly? Am I a living example of Jesus changing me? Do I live what I preach, do I walk the talk?

Alistair talked about the role encouragement takes in the life of the believer. Paul was in prison awaiting execution when he wrote to Timothy. Paul's letter was one of encouragement despite his circumstances. (Paul thought of Timothy as his "son" in Christ)

Then Alistair made a great point, "Mental cleverness may live on in the printed page, eloquence will quickly be forgotten, but genuine kindness will live on in the hearts of men for many a generation."

Then I asked myself, Do I express that simple lesson so easily missed, yet pours out on the pages as you read the Word, do I express kindness? The act of kindness certainly is encouragement. Paul wrote to Titus about doing what is good. Chapter 3, verse 3-8. "And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good."

Knowing truth also requires acting on it; in the correct manner. Titus 1:12, "Say no to ungodliness and worldly passions and live self controlled, upright and godly lives...

I can honestly say I have failed in that simple act (sometimes knowingly and sometimes from neglect). I can write about my favorite words, I can post a flowery lesson on what  God is teaching me but the lasting lesson that binds and lives on is born from the conviction and heart behind it.

My lesson for today was a simple yet deeply profound one. How you handle truth and pass that to others makes a memory; which one are you going to make? A good-kind one that shows the fruit of the Spirit, or one from the flesh that bares nothing.

Please let me know what opportunities God lays in your path to show kindness.

* Click on Alistairs name to hear his message on the Legacy of the Gospel...

Update: Watch out for the social gospel... it is not kindness. It is putting the cart before the horse. The gospel is speaking truth in love even at the cost of offense. True kindness is founded in this not feeling or emotion.

Sadly, Alistair is hanging with the Ecumenical crowd... he won't be sound much longer... 6/14/2019.
:(