The Bible and Our Culture

Why does God call His people the New Jerusalem?

God flatters us by calling us the New Jerusalem. 
If He calls His Church the New Jerusalem then He must love and have plans for the natural Jerusalem as well. 

Joseph: The greatest family man nobody notices

Manhood is revealed in how you lead your family.
Men of honor are what true masculinity is all about!
People miss truth from the Bible when they feel they know it all already. 

Heaven is for those on the naughty list

Why the Incarnation is worth celebrating!
Jesus left heaven "for your sake" 2 Corinthians 8:9

The lies "Christianity" tells about following Jesus.

"Lose your soul," "take up your cross" "surrender all" versus typical American sales and marketing.
Why are we ashamed of our biblical morals?
 

Jesus' "marketing" campaign is not like anything else in the culture.

Come to Jesus on His terms, not yours.
Come to Jesus on His terms, not other Christians'.
Jesus expects everything from us.
 

Obey Christ's command and ask

Motives are important, but don't wait to ask.
Learn to ask for treasure, not trash.
Sitting on Santa's lap a helpful analogy for how we should ask God?

Take a Strong Stand, but Wisely

When should we take a stand or shut up?
There is a time to avoid giving correction, but there is a time to be willing to do so.  
Solomon warned not to correct the wicked, but Jesus said we are blessed when persecuted.  How do we live?

An amazing "variance" in Matthew's and Luke's account of the Christmas story

Jesus’ Birth tells the story of racial unity.
What stands out when you compare and contrast the two accounts of the nativity, the "Christmas" story?
Matthew and Luke agree on the important issues of Jesus' birth and young life.
Ephesians 2:14-16

God's command to party regularly.

David talked about a spiritual house of the Lord!
How to ascend into the mountain of the LORD.
Worshipping together brings a different anointing.
There was no house when David wrote songs about the house of the Lord.  

The world's lack of hope must be addressed

Focus on the unseen--focus on the eternal!
What hope do we have that the world wants to hear.
Address the elephant in the room.
Jesus gives us hope in so many different facets. 
Focusing on eternity is hope the world can't boast about