The Bible and Our Culture

What does God say about one's qualification to minister? Gideon’s Calling - A Setting for Revival Judges 6:1-12 The book of Judges is a blueprint for both revival and apostasy.

Interview with Chris Knowlton about foster care in our culture. What is happening with foster kids in America? Interview with Chris Knowlton who is the founder and director of The Source Washington, The Source Idaho, The Source Montana, and The Source Malawi.  

Secular Pharisees have the same heart issues as religious Pharisees. There is a little bit of Pharisaicalism in all of us.  Leftists are Pharisees too!

What a current day Pharisee is not, and how that impacts us today? What are the common denominators of Pharisaicalism in the Bible? Everybody wants to insist they are not a Pharisee and their opponents are. 

Remembering Charlie Kirk; what now? Your life today would not be the same if it weren’t for Charlie Kirk. So the weight of this tremendous loss hit me hard.  Where the enemy digs a pit, he himself will fall into it himself.  If he rolls a stone, it will roll back onto his own self. Charlie Kirk’s work can only be replaced by a move of God in the hearts of people like you and me.

John 15:18-20; 16:33; 17:14-16 Charlie Kirk biblical worldview was in contrast to his generation, and he was also extremely effective at reaching the world with God’s heart and mind. Charlie seemed to be in the world and not of the world as well as most of us could imagine. Consider being Adam or Eve: no wounds, no shame, no dissatisfaction of any kind, and no sense of rejection. But sin severed that inherent connection and brought hopelessness, fear, emptiness and shame as the natural state of humanity. The only way to actively be in the world and not be of the world is to get our “need to be liked” from God.

Healthy boasting is important to mental health. 2 Corinthians 4: 7-18 What separates a joyful believer versus a sour one? We can have a positive mental attitude and so much more because we are in Christ. Boast in the Hope we have through Jesus.

Acts 1:8 is key to fulfilling the Great Commission. Don't doubt the power of your testimony! Wining back the Culture 1 testimony at a time! A witness doesn't have the burden to win the case, but simply to share the truth. Don't concern yourself with witnessing "wrong" but concern yourself with witnessing as best you can leaning as you go.

Different personality types might engage the culture war differently. Joshua and Caleb were God's remnant in this situation. The American Church no longer needs to scout out the land.  We already know their is wickedness and corruption everywhere.   America cannot afford to miss this window of opportunity.

We ask for mercy: "God please allow the people we love to repent." Praying for God's enemies to repent. Moses changed God's mind, by the will of God? How to pray for our enemies?  First and foremost, that they repent. Implore the wicked to repent as we pray for them to repent.   Praying for people to repent is merciful.  

Diminishing God's judgment, diminishes His grace also.  Minimizing God's wrath, minimizes what Jesus did in His great mercy and love for us.   Christ's sacrifice on the cross didn't change the Father's view of sin; it changed His view of sinners.   God values our faith and trust on a personal level; in other words, God doesn't see a lack of faith as merely a short-coming to try to work on, but a personal account of how we see Him and His goodness towards us.  Intercession in the face of God's judgment, the Church's sacred role.  God wants us to play the role of "good cop" as we stand in the gap for others.   We are God's hose to get the Living Water to our dry and dying culture.   God's wrath and God's mercy come together at the cross!

"Give us this day our daily giants." We all have giants especially if you are taking ground for the purposes of God.  When they threaten you, realize, like Caleb, they are your bread!  Defeating giants are our Daily Bread! What we believe affects us even if it's not true: "If we see ourselves as insignificant, even though that is a lie, others will see as insignificant".

Should the Lord's Supper be spooky? Factions in the church versus the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper gives us an opportunity to "proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" to the lost, to each other, to demonic forces, and to our own souls. What does it mean to partake of the Lord's Supper "in an unworthy manner"? Take the Lord's Supper seriously, but be thankful as you do it. How often do you take Communion and who is allowed to take it?  Forgiving others is a key part of the Lord's Supper and a key part of your mental health.

Jonah didn't want to forgive even though he had been forgiven much. Most people misunderstand forgiveness thinking God is asking them to do something He would never ask them to do. Forgiveness is turning vengeance over to Him.  People naturally don't want to forgive; consequently, we make excuses which cause us to misunderstood what God is asking us. 

The word Eucharist literally means "to give thanks."   1Corinthians 11:17f There are pitfalls within the Lord's Supper. Why we celebrate the Lord's Supper (also called Communion or the Eucharist). Why do most churches have such small portions for the Lord's Supper?

Part 2: The book of Nahum is the sequel to the book of Jonah. God watches what nations do and holds them accountable for blessing or judgment.   It's time for America to self-correct before judgment comes.   Don't read your Bible like a menu.   There is a mythical Jesus many American Christians want to talk about in today's society.   Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirt before a fall. " - Prov. 16:19  

Nineveh was a wicked city, but God had mercy on her in Jonah; he would not leave the guilty unpunished in Nahum.   "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Mercy on the oppressed is often judgment on their oppressors.   Who was Nahum and who did he write to and why?  Nineveh is the common denominator between Jonah and Nahum, but there is a lot of difference in how the books are written.  

Jonah 2 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 Jonah repented with great faith. Jonah praised God for answered prayer before it happened within the actual space/time continuum.  David in Psalm 51 had godly sorrow leading to repentance, while Jonah's prayer in the belly of the great fish showed he was on the other side of godly sorrow.  

The word "denial" is not mentioned in most Bible translations; but living in the darkness is. When we see our propensity to be deceitful, we will be less likely to trust in man. Human nature suppresses the truth and it brings terrible damage. Put your confidence in the LORD.   The Founding Fathers understood the deceitful human heart talked about in Jeremiah 17, John 3, Romans 1 and 1 John 1.

Romans 1:18-32 Honesty is a Far Surer Sign of Wisdom than Intellect Living in darkness includes more than denial, but it certainly includes denial.  Denial will destroy your life and society which is why God's wrath is toward "suppressing the truth".  

How God empowers us to grow to a new level of faith, glory and strength. Glory to Glory; Faith to Faith; Strength to Strength. Most believers don't understand the glory that we will display after we see Jesus.  There may be even a greater glory after we have been in heaven with Jesus for billions of years. Without diminishing our growth in faith thus far, God expects us to continue to grow to a new level of faith, glory and strength.   "Patience" in the KJV might better be translated as "toughness" or "endurance".   God doesn't test us so He knows if we pass; God knows everything from the end to the beginning.  He test us so we can pass gloriously.   

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

2 Cor 5:16  "Don't regard anyone according to the flesh" is a command ignored by those who claim "Israel First" theology.  Contrary to what many Christians believe, there is an "Israel" by faith in Jesus. The Church was the church Moses pastored (Acts 7:38) so the Church has been around ever since God had a covenant people.   One people of God, but two "Israels". Too many Bible versus tell us who God's people are and they are not a natural race of people.  

All who are a new creation in Christ Jesus are part of a spiritual race. There is a huge advantage for new converts with a background in Judaism (as opposed to Secularism or Roman mythology).   "For the Jew first, and also for the Gentile" (Romans 1:16b) is often misunderstood.   Supporting Israel politically and standing against antisemitism does not mean you have to be a "Hebrew Supremist". There is a huge advantage for new converts with a background in Judaism (as opposed to Secularism or Roman mythology).  

One reason Paul wrote Romans was to deal with the antisemitism Acquila and Priscilla told him about in Acts 17. There are no 2nd class citizens in Christ! Why did Paul write the book of Romans? Way too many Christians see Romans 1:16b with a racial lens. With a few passages taken out of context, it might sound like God is a racist, but the entirety of Scripture disproves such.  Context matters.  

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

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

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? Paul's priorities included relationship intentionality. A wise person who trusts the Bible will seek close godly relationships.

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

As Jesus was rejected, so we will be rejected. Too many want to change the message to "reach people with the gospel". Understand Jesus as the Rock of Offense! 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.  

Romans 1:16  Why is the gospel so offensive? 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. How should we live knowing Jesus is offensive?

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

Who is the Church really according to the New Testament? The devil has made the word "Church" come to be 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 and what he stands for.

Saints in the Church? God has many pet names for His people.  Each designate its own purpose He has for us.   Neither Saints nor Church were religious words in the original Greek. We don't understand either term, especially Church, because we don't see a Senate or City Council as a Church.  Acts 19:23-41 reveals what the term "Ecclesia" or "Church" means.  They were a non-Christian "church" who worshipped the goddess Diana, but had the responsibility to decide the morals and policy of a public situation in their culture.

The “sign of Jonah” is all the validation one needs. The empty tomb validates all Jesus said and did. David was a type of Christ in many astonishing ways.  Romans 1:3-4

The central focus of the gospel is the Person of Jesus Christ God’s Son our Lord.  What about other philosophies and ideologies?  The Messiah had to be human and His humanity had to be of the “seed of David” or He didn’t qualify. David is underrated as a historical figure. Our Salvation is through the Seed of David. We miss a bit of the gospel when we don’t see the longing of the Old Testament believers for the Son of David to regain His rightful place as King of Israel.

If you work on understanding salvation (the gospel), then God will cause you to both will and do what He wants. Separated to understanding the gospel. He changes your nature to be like His! Unknown quote: “The gospel is so simple, a young child can understand it; but it is also so profound and inexhaustible even the most brilliant scholars will never fully understand all that pertains to it.” The gospel is like an eternal piece of perfect chicken, that always has good meat on it.

Paul introduces himself to the Roman Church as "Separated to the Gospel". Do not let the world influence you.  How Separate Are You? It is so important to be separated.  We want to be separated as "better" than others, but we don't want to be separated as "inferior" to others.   Too many want to be separated by their victimhood.  They solicit sympathy and seek "separation" that way. 

Living "separated to the gospel" is to live according to the Word of God rejecting the values of the world. Jesus shows off by fulfilling so many Old Testament prophecies; we should boast in Him. Separated to Gospel involves being in the world not of the world. There are churches who seek to be conformed to the world. There seems to be three types of churches in America: 1) Courageous Church. 2) Indifferent Church. 3) Indifferent Church. Paul's title is different than what Christians today might expect.  

There is nothing that was stolen from the first century Church that God isn't restoring to better in quality and quantity.   How Jesus lived His life is our floor not our ceiling.  John 14:11-12   The Dark Ages were dark because the enemy stole doctrines.  God is restoring these doctrines.   God is restoring truths that were lost to something better than what was stolen.

Beware of proof-texting; it's dangerous. Ceasationalism should cease when the Bible is valued over individual preferences. Context shows "that which is perfect" has not yet come as we have not seen Him "face to face:".  1 Corinthians 13:12  Still waiting for perfect.

Romans 1:1 Paul, Barnabas, Titus and an unnamed brother were apostles.  What is an apostle and how to Christ's gifts work together? Ephesians 4:3-13 Intro into the fallacies of Ceasationalism

The Bargain of all time: become Christ's slave. Though Jesus has made our identity amazingly positive as His child, co-worker, bride, ambassador, etc.; but we come to Jesus first as a slave to a Master. How else can you come to the Almighty but first as a slave because He is the Transcendent, Sovereign, King of the Universe? Be a slave who loves His Master for all His amazing goodness, generosity and kindness! He does expect us to give up our entire life to follow Him. 

Reasons why the book of Romans is unique in comparison to his other letters. Everyone is a slave to someone or Someone or something.   Like Paul we are slaves of Jesus Christ and we have no rights to assert in opposition to what God asks us. God has given us the ability to reject Him but not the permission to do so. We have no rights to assert in opposition to God. What about the government?

What is the vision of Liberty Remnant Church? Most of a local church's vision is the same as every other true church: make disciples, love, teach, etc.  But each local church will have a slightly different vision, mission and reason to exist.  Unity of vision is important in whatever church you call home.

Unity requires a handful of key ingredients. Why does God refer to unity as running down old Aaron's body?

Many believers are not longing to see the lost get saved because they are simply focused on themselves. The 99 must look to reach the 1 lost soul. What are you willing to risk for one lost soul to come to Jesus? God doesn't mind inconveniencing those who have been found for a while to reach the lost.

Rooting out the insecurity you still have since you came to Jesus. Deep and heavy material everybody needs to hear. Michael W. Smith "You're Alright" from The Big Picture. Jesus is still seeking you.   There is such a joy when something or someone lost is found.

Seeking and saving the lost doesn't mean to agree with their lies. Restore to me the joy of Your Salvation.  (Ps 51:12a) We are "co-laborers with Christ" "to seek and to save that which is lost." Though we seek to save the lost, we have to disagree with their worldview.

All humanity was lost and Jesus searches for each soul. Luke 19:10  for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Jesus came to accomplish the first item on His to-do list: Save the lost. Christ’s First Item on His “To-do” List.