The scriptural justification for developing culture and building civilization starts with Genesis.
Before creation, the Earth was without form and void; it was dark and undeveloped.
- Then, in a series of steps, God created light, atmosphere, the sea, land, living creatures.
- God did the work of creation directly and by Himself.
But then God changed His strategy.
Gen. 1: 26-28
On the Sixth Day, He created Man in His own image and likeness and instructed them to carry on where He left off.
- From that moment, Man’s responsibility to develop the earth would be primarily social and
cultural.
- So, we are given the task of exploring and developing the potential that God has put in the
earth.
Salvation does not consist simply of being free from sin; …
- Salvation also means being restored to the task we were given in the beginning—the task of
developing culture and building civilization.
Therefore, redemption is not just for individuals; it is for all of God's creation.
· God cares not only about redeeming souls but also about restoring His creation.
· He calls us to be agents not only of His saving grace but also of His common grace.
· Our job is not only to build up the church but also to build a society to the glory of God.
UNDERSTANDING CULTURE
DEFINITION: Culture is the shared beliefs, values, ideas, attitudes, assumptions, customs,
practices, and social behavior of a particular group, nation or people.
1. Culture is an integral part of the human soul.
Gen. 2:7 (KJV)
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
And if the needs of our human soul are not met, we feel a sense of emptiness—we feel hollow on the inside.
Every human soul must be satisfied by seven things:
1. Spirituality
2. Love
3. Self-esteem
4. Knowledge
5. Security
6. Aesthetics (arts, culture)
7. Freedom
NOTICE: It is not just using aesthetics (arts, culture) to express our spirituality (worship,
evangelism, proclamation of our faith).
- It is using the arts to communicate love, self-esteem, knowledge, security, beauty and
freedom.
And when an art form can do that, it nourishes the human soul—it enriches our lives.
2. God speaks through culture.
Col 1:16
“Common grace” is the theology describing God speaking through “common” secular people or things to awake our conscience toward the goodness of God
Popular art represents a powerful means of cultural communication => they communicate to us what the real world is like and how to live in this world.
Because culture is the shared beliefs, values, social behavior of a particular group of people, what you see in pop culture is the EXPRESSION of that belief and outlook of life.
So, to change culture, we need to change the core—its belief system.
And by pop culture, we mean eight things (in order of impact):
1. Advertising.
2. Celebrity.
3. Music.
4. Movies.
5. Television.
6. Fashion.
7. Sports.
8. Art (literature, painting, sculpture, architecture, and so on.)
Like the Old Testament writings (Esther, Songs of Solomon, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes), pop culture is the collected experience of our generation.
- Just as God has spoken through these writings, God is still speaking today through pop
culture.
- Popular art communicates issues like social injustice, sorrow, love, loyalty, grace, etc all the
time.
Although songs, movies, TV drama, literature, painting in pop culture may not immediately lead to a person’s salvation ...- It still offers us with essential perspective, comfort and wisdom for living.
And like the Bible writings, their truths endure the test of time.
God’s ultimate purpose is that through Christ, He wants “to reconcile all things to Himself” (Col. 1:19).
Ps 115:16
- Part of our job as Christians is to bring all things under the lordship of Jesus.
What are the main complaints that Christians have of Christian music and movies?
1. Inferior imitations ... compared to mainstream culture.
2. Sanitized versions … compared to the real world—unrealistic!
Christian entertainment has come to mean only movies and music that is appropriate for the family.
3. Limited in purpose and content.
If you listen to most Christian Contemporary Music (CCM), you would think that all Christians do is worship and evangelize 24/7.
CONCLUSION
What can we say in conclusion?
If we find common grace at work, let us celebrate it ... enjoy the movie, the song, the fashion without feeling guilty or condemned.
And in a world that is crying out for truth and relevance, our Christian response should not be just God (3x) ... worship (3x) ... or soul-winning (3x).
Just as the Jews demanded for signs and the Greeks looked for wisdom, the next generation wants relevance.
As God’s agent of His common grace, let us explore and use the full spectrum of the human soul: emotionally and intellectually.
- We should be relatable to a real world with real problems—a world struggling with pain, grief, frustration, broken hearts, shattered dreams, wariness of life, the snares of temptation, unfulfilled sexual desires.
- Show that it is okay to be a human being living in a fallen world, with human needs ... without having to preach to them or convert them instantly.
And as you live life like a normal human being, you will become the salt of the earth and the light of the world ... and you will ultimately bring many into the kingdom of God.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Thursday, January 4, 2007
The Type of Person God uses! by Rev. Tan Ye Ping
Why would God choose Mary to be the Mother of Jesus? What was it that cost Mary to be use by God?
It was really because Mary was a simple women that actied out in faith to what God has called her to do. The main thing that really captured the heart of God is a viture, noble women who dared to believe God's promises.
It is never because of Mary is sinless. Therefore, God had chosen her. Mary can never be sinless as Roman 3:23 sats that
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Reading Luke 1:26-28
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
When Mary saw the angel of Gabrial, it is not like Mary had expected him all along.
Many times when God speak to us, it will always come to us in the time where it is least expecting and inconvenience. The reponse will most lightly be shocked. That is how Mary responded.
Look at Luke 1:29
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.
Although, Mary had faith to trust God. But faith does not mean the absence of fear.
Even when we had faith to trust God, our mind will always have doubts and uncertainty.
God has tremendous ways and purpose in our life. He has tremendous things instore for us. It is not how great you are but it is the willingness to step out.
3 things you need to have in order to allow God to use you: -
1) Desire to do His will
When you commit your life to God, God can help you far beyond what you can think or imagine.
We have to seek His kingdom and righteousness, so we will not miss the purpose of God in our life.
There are four kinds of fear:
a) Fear of Criticism
b) Fear of Supernatural
c) Fear of Inadequacy
d) Fear of Change
Luke 1:28
And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
When you are willing to do God's will, God will bring you to another level.
You need to have the ATTITUDE of what Virgin Mary had to bring you further.
Attitude #1: Enthusiaism (Gk. Entheos = In God)
Attitude #2: Humility
Luke 1:46-50
And Mary said: “ My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.
The attitude is to be discipline, willing to learn without complaining.
Remember, it is God who gives us the abilities to get wealth.
2) Decide to pay the price.
God began to mold our character as we make a decision to commit to God.
Luke 1:38
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Mary pay the price to do the will of God. The price are:
a) Her Reputation
b) Her Comfort
3) Dare to trust His promises.
Courage = hold steadfast to your faith in the midst of trouble.
Be determine to hold onto God's will in completing it.
We must be willing to step out in faith. Stepping out in faith will bring us to greater destiny with God.
How is the miracle going to happen in your life?
Luke 1:34-35
Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
Holy Spirit does everything to bring miracle to your life but we need to trust in Him and His promises.
Ephesian 1:13-14
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Holy Spirit is very important. Without the Holy Spirit, you cannot be born again. Holy Spirit will give you the assurance of your salvation.
Evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. Holy Spirit is a person who you can relate to. Prayer is commuting with God. You are the son/daughter of God through the Holy Spirit. God and the Holy Spirit will always do greater things in every generation. Every new generation will do greater works than the previous generation with the Holy Spirit.
God can use you in a great way. You must keep on believing and seek God.
There is a powerful weapon that the devil uses against Christian: -
"PROCRASTINATION" = "Keep on saying not yet."
Haggai 1:2
“Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the LORD’s house should be built.”’”
You need to make a decision to decide to be serious for God.
God can use you right now.
It was really because Mary was a simple women that actied out in faith to what God has called her to do. The main thing that really captured the heart of God is a viture, noble women who dared to believe God's promises.
It is never because of Mary is sinless. Therefore, God had chosen her. Mary can never be sinless as Roman 3:23 sats that
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Reading Luke 1:26-28
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
When Mary saw the angel of Gabrial, it is not like Mary had expected him all along.
Many times when God speak to us, it will always come to us in the time where it is least expecting and inconvenience. The reponse will most lightly be shocked. That is how Mary responded.
Look at Luke 1:29
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.
Although, Mary had faith to trust God. But faith does not mean the absence of fear.
Even when we had faith to trust God, our mind will always have doubts and uncertainty.
God has tremendous ways and purpose in our life. He has tremendous things instore for us. It is not how great you are but it is the willingness to step out.
3 things you need to have in order to allow God to use you: -
1) Desire to do His will
When you commit your life to God, God can help you far beyond what you can think or imagine.
We have to seek His kingdom and righteousness, so we will not miss the purpose of God in our life.
There are four kinds of fear:
a) Fear of Criticism
b) Fear of Supernatural
c) Fear of Inadequacy
d) Fear of Change
Luke 1:28
And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
When you are willing to do God's will, God will bring you to another level.
You need to have the ATTITUDE of what Virgin Mary had to bring you further.
Attitude #1: Enthusiaism (Gk. Entheos = In God)
Attitude #2: Humility
Luke 1:46-50
And Mary said: “ My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.
The attitude is to be discipline, willing to learn without complaining.
Remember, it is God who gives us the abilities to get wealth.
2) Decide to pay the price.
God began to mold our character as we make a decision to commit to God.
Luke 1:38
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Mary pay the price to do the will of God. The price are:
a) Her Reputation
b) Her Comfort
3) Dare to trust His promises.
Courage = hold steadfast to your faith in the midst of trouble.
Be determine to hold onto God's will in completing it.
We must be willing to step out in faith. Stepping out in faith will bring us to greater destiny with God.
How is the miracle going to happen in your life?
Luke 1:34-35
Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
Holy Spirit does everything to bring miracle to your life but we need to trust in Him and His promises.
Ephesian 1:13-14
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Holy Spirit is very important. Without the Holy Spirit, you cannot be born again. Holy Spirit will give you the assurance of your salvation.
Evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. Holy Spirit is a person who you can relate to. Prayer is commuting with God. You are the son/daughter of God through the Holy Spirit. God and the Holy Spirit will always do greater things in every generation. Every new generation will do greater works than the previous generation with the Holy Spirit.
God can use you in a great way. You must keep on believing and seek God.
There is a powerful weapon that the devil uses against Christian: -
"PROCRASTINATION" = "Keep on saying not yet."
Haggai 1:2
“Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the LORD’s house should be built.”’”
You need to make a decision to decide to be serious for God.
God can use you right now.
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