The Bible and Our Culture

The words "Salvation" and "Gospel" are not religious terms in the original Greek.

Romans 1:16-19 "The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith."

"Faith is the breath of the righteous." -Martin Luther

Translation problems hinders us from understanding terms that come from a different time, place, culture and language.  Many words we use only in a religious, spiritual context today, were not originally religious terms at all.

The gospel delivers us from hell and death, but also any bondage we need saving from.  

The gospel starts with the righteousness of God compared to sinful humanity's unrighteousness. 

Young people have been coming to Jesus more than at any point over the last 50 years!

Romans 1:16  What is the gospel and why does Paul warn not to be ashamed of it.

Luke 9:26 Jesus warns us not to be ashamed of Him. 

Exciting ways people are coming to Jesus!

Even before the assassination of Charlie Kirk, people have been coming to Jesus in record numbers--more than at any point over the last 50 years!  Many of these are college age students especially football players. 

At the Memorial for Charlie Kirk in Glendale AZ many of his staff, friends and benefactors shared the gospel.  Renown musicians led the nation in worship and even politicians shared the gospel.  These are signs and wonders!

A wise person who trust the Bible will seek close godly relationships.

The world cannot compete with the unity and love we as the Body of Christ.  

Build wealth in people!

Where are you investing your time and resources?  In trash or in treasure?

The world's counterfeit is impressive, but it pales compared to the genuine bond of the Spirit God's people have.  

Paul's priorities included relationship intentionality.

There is risk in investing in godly relationships, because you can be hurt; but it is worth i.t

Romans 1:11-13

• Paul was an achiever, as spiritual entrepreneur looking to bear much fruit in as many places as possible.
• Farming fruit trees was something the culture in Paul’s day could relate to.
• One might think if the Bible were written today, it might use financial investment analogies more than farming analogies, because the idea with fruit is you want high-yield investments multiplied over time.
• There is risk in investing in godly relationships, because you can be hurt, betrayed, misunderstood, used and manipulated; but it is worth the risk to have true biblical fellowship.
• Fellowship is a benefit for saints that unbelievers can merely counterfeit.
• People are valuable; build wealth in people.
• Make time for spiritual relationships according to the pattern of Romans 1.
• Impart, Establish, Encourage, and Bear fruit in your relationships.
• Seek High Yield Investments in the Spirit

Too many want to put Jesus in a costume to "reach people with the gospel".

As Jesus was rejected, so we will be rejected.

Too many want to change the message to "reach people with the gospel".

Too many want to genetically alter the seed to "reach people with the gospel".

Understand Jesus as the Rock of Offense!

Don't let your lack of passion for the issues of today, cause you to frame those with passion as haters or fanaticism.  

How should we live knowing Jesus is offensive?

Why is the gospel so offensive?

Too many "Christians" are afraid of controversary.

If somebody is offended by God's Word, they are a step closer to the Rock of Offense the seed is planted.  

If you don't feel the need to be comforted by God, maybe you aren't really saying anything that matters.

Let liberals come to church even if they get offended. Getting offended is likely God's plan for them.

1 Peter 2:7-8

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; 1Peter 5:5)

Jesus is a Stone of Stumbling and a Rock of Offense.

The word of God is a seed, which must be planted.  Some people are not ripe for the harvest because they haven't heard the message clear enough to be offended.

"Rather than worry about who will be offended if you tell the truth,  consider who will be misled, deceived and destroyed if you don't."

Join a political group by becoming a member of a church!

The devil has made the word "Church" come to thought of as a non political term.  That is the opposite of what it meant in the New Testament.

There is a cost of following Jesus: we will hated by those who hate Him if we act like Him and do His will.

Who is the Church really according to the New Testament?