The Bible and Our Culture

Matthew 7:13-14; 2 paths

The "Golden Rule" is part of the narrow path, but at times it means swimming upstream.

Following the Crowd is a sign you're on the wrong path

The Golden Rule (Mt. 7:12) affects every area including economics.

Every group is bettered by practicing the Golden Rule. 

The economic advantage God gave believers is His law is written in our hearts.

Jesus' warnings about wolves in sheep's clothing is serious and relevant for today. 

Mt. 7:12-20

Motives are important, but don't wait to ask.

Obey Christ's command and ask.

Sitting on Santa's lap a helpful analogy for how we should ask God?

Getting into arguments on social media?  Do's and Don'ts.  

Bible verses have different applications when you look at passages from different perspectives.  That is, it all lines up beautifully; but we can see different truths when we look at passages from a bird's eye view, versus viewing from a microscope.

Do you correct mockers?  The Bible has different applications for different reasons.

Wise people welcome correction.

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?

Take a Strong Stand, but Wisely

1Corinthians is consistent that we must let God judge, but echo His judgments as we "judge" righteously.

We must aspire to be good at Judging.

 

The gospel of John is consistent that Jesus didn't judge but simply re-stated the Father's judgments.

"Judge Not"....in context. 

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".

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

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