Faithful Living in a Post-Christian Culture
Summary
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I greet you all. It's a privilege to gather at the Ligonier Ministries National Conference, reflecting on the theme "Overcoming the World: Being a Christian in a Post-Christian Culture." We live in a time of significant cultural and ideological shifts, where the foundational influences of our society are no longer explicitly Christian. This isn't merely a loss of Christian influence but a replacement with ideologies increasingly hostile to Christian truths. Our challenge is to remain faithful Christians in this post-Christian age.
The title of my address, "Out of This World," might suggest escapism, but it is rooted in John 17, where Jesus speaks of His church as those called out of the world. This calling is not about physical withdrawal but about living distinctively within the world. The Christian worldview, as opposed to the reigning scientific materialism, asserts that the cosmos is the theater of God's glory, created for the drama of redemption. This worldview is not just an addition of God to the secular narrative but a fundamentally different story.
We face a moral revolution, a reversal where what was once condemned is now celebrated, and refusal to celebrate is condemned. This shift is not just a change in moral codes but a complete reversal, as described in Romans 1. The intellectual foundations of our society have shifted, leading to this rapid moral change. As Christians, we must navigate these changes without accommodating or withdrawing. Accommodation dilutes the faith, while withdrawal is impractical and ineffective.
Instead, we are called to engage the world, as Jesus prayed in John 17. We are in the world but not of it, sent by Christ to bear witness to the gospel. This engagement requires maintaining the distinction between the church and the world, demonstrating unity in truth, exhibiting sanctification, and preaching the gospel. We must live out the gospel in a world that increasingly opposes it, knowing that Christ has overcome the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Cultural Shifts and Christian Identity: In a post-Christian culture, the foundational influences are no longer Christian, and the vacuum left is filled with ideologies hostile to Christian truths. Our challenge is to remain faithful, understanding that our identity is rooted in being called out of the world, not in withdrawing from it. [02:54]
2. The Christian Worldview vs. Materialism: The Christian worldview asserts that the cosmos is created for God's glory and the drama of redemption, contrasting sharply with the materialistic view that life is a cosmic accident. This worldview is not an addition to secular narratives but a fundamentally different story that shapes our understanding of existence and purpose. [07:13]
3. Moral Reversal and Intellectual Foundations: We are witnessing a moral reversal where what was condemned is now celebrated. This shift is rooted in a change of intellectual foundations, highlighting the need for Christians to understand and articulate the biblical worldview amidst these changes. [13:06]
4. Engagement Over Withdrawal: While accommodation dilutes the faith and withdrawal is impractical, Christians are called to engage the world. This engagement involves maintaining the distinction between the church and the world, demonstrating unity in truth, and actively preaching the gospel. [22:23]
5. Living Out the Gospel in Opposition: As the world increasingly opposes Christian truths, we must live out the gospel, knowing that Christ has overcome the world. This involves facing challenges to religious liberty and societal pressures, but with the assurance that the gospel is sufficient for our calling. [56:41]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:23] - Introduction and Gratitude
- [01:10] - Theme: Overcoming the World
- [01:37] - Understanding Post-Christian Culture
- [02:26] - Hostility to Christian Truths
- [02:54] - Being a Faithful Christian Today
- [03:33] - "Out of This World" Explained
- [04:07] - The Cosmos and Worldviews
- [05:03] - Materialism vs. Christian Worldview
- [06:00] - Collision of Worldviews
- [07:13] - The Audacity of the Christian Claim
- [09:10] - In the World, Not of the World
- [11:15] - Moral Changes and Reversals
- [13:06] - Understanding Moral Reversal
- [19:23] - Options for Christian Response
- [22:23] - Engagement Over Withdrawal
- [28:20] - John 17: The High Priestly Prayer
- [34:26] - Christ's Prayer for the Church
- [42:55] - Living Out the Gospel
- [47:00] - Unity in Truth
- [52:37] - Public Responsibility of the Church
- [56:41] - Facing Challenges with the Gospel
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 17:1-26
2. Romans 1:18-32
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 17, how does Jesus describe the relationship between His followers and the world? What does it mean to be "in the world but not of the world"? [30:29]
2. According to the sermon, what are the key differences between the Christian worldview and the materialistic worldview as presented by figures like Carl Sagan? [06:00]
3. What does the sermon identify as the main challenge for Christians living in a post-Christian culture? [02:54]
4. How does the sermon describe the current moral revolution and its impact on Christian beliefs? [13:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for Christians to be "called out of the world" while still being sent into it, according to John 17 and the sermon? How does this shape the Christian mission? [28:20]
2. The sermon discusses a moral reversal where what was once condemned is now celebrated. How does this concept relate to the passage in Romans 1? [13:06]
3. How does the sermon suggest Christians should engage with a culture that is increasingly hostile to Christian truths? What are the potential pitfalls of accommodation and withdrawal? [22:23]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Christian worldview offers a fundamentally different story than the secular narrative? How does this affect a believer's understanding of existence and purpose? [07:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel pressured to accommodate to cultural norms that conflict with your faith? How can you address these pressures while remaining faithful? [19:47]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining the distinction between the church and the world. How can you personally contribute to this distinction in your community or church? [53:20]
3. Consider the concept of being "in the world but not of the world." What practical steps can you take to live out this calling in your daily life? [10:16]
4. The sermon highlights the need for Christians to engage with the world rather than withdraw. What are some specific ways you can engage with your community to share the gospel? [22:23]
5. How can you demonstrate unity in truth within your church or small group, especially when faced with differing opinions or cultural pressures? [47:00]
6. The sermon discusses the challenges to religious liberty and societal pressures. How can you prepare yourself to face these challenges while holding onto the assurance that the gospel is sufficient? [56:41]
7. Identify one person in your life who may be influenced by the prevailing cultural ideologies. How can you engage them in a conversation about the Christian worldview and its implications for life and purpose? [49:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Faithful Identity in a Shifting Culture
In a world where cultural and ideological shifts have replaced Christian influences with ideologies hostile to Christian truths, Christians are called to remain faithful. This faithfulness is not about withdrawing from the world but understanding that our identity is rooted in being called out of the world. The challenge is to navigate this post-Christian culture while maintaining a distinct Christian identity. This involves recognizing the cultural shifts and understanding that our identity is not defined by the world but by our calling in Christ. [02:54]
"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively live out your Christian identity in your daily interactions, especially in environments that may be hostile to your faith?
Day 2: The Cosmos as God's Theater
The Christian worldview presents the cosmos as the theater of God's glory, created for the drama of redemption. This stands in stark contrast to the materialistic view that life is a cosmic accident. The Christian narrative is not merely an addition to secular stories but a fundamentally different story that shapes our understanding of existence and purpose. Embracing this worldview means recognizing the divine purpose in creation and living in a way that reflects God's glory. [07:13]
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." (Psalm 19:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How does viewing the world as God's creation change the way you approach your daily activities and interactions with others?
Day 3: Navigating Moral Reversals
We are witnessing a moral reversal where what was once condemned is now celebrated, and refusal to celebrate is condemned. This shift is rooted in a change of intellectual foundations, highlighting the need for Christians to understand and articulate the biblical worldview amidst these changes. Christians are called to navigate these moral reversals with wisdom and discernment, holding fast to biblical truths while engaging with the world around them. [13:06]
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20, ESV)
Reflection: What specific moral challenges do you face in your community, and how can you respond to them in a way that upholds biblical truth?
Day 4: Engaging the World with Distinction
Christians are called to engage the world, maintaining the distinction between the church and the world. This engagement involves demonstrating unity in truth and actively preaching the gospel. While accommodation dilutes the faith and withdrawal is impractical, Christians must find ways to engage the world without compromising their beliefs. This requires courage, wisdom, and a commitment to living out the gospel in every aspect of life. [22:23]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you engage with your community to share the gospel while maintaining a clear distinction in your Christian values?
Day 5: Living Out the Gospel Amidst Opposition
As the world increasingly opposes Christian truths, Christians are called to live out the gospel with the assurance that Christ has overcome the world. This involves facing challenges to religious liberty and societal pressures, but with the confidence that the gospel is sufficient for our calling. Living out the gospel means embodying Christ's love and truth in a world that may not always welcome it, trusting in God's ultimate victory. [56:41]
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to live out the gospel in a way that reflects Christ's victory over the world, even in the face of opposition?
Quotes
We live in a time of significant cultural and ideological shifts, where the foundational influences of our society are no longer explicitly Christian. This isn't merely a loss of Christian influence but a replacement with ideologies increasingly hostile to Christian truths. Our challenge is to remain faithful Christians in this post-Christian age. [00:02:54]
The Christian worldview asserts that the cosmos is created for God's glory and the drama of redemption, contrasting sharply with the materialistic view that life is a cosmic accident. This worldview is not an addition to secular narratives but a fundamentally different story that shapes our understanding of existence and purpose. [00:07:13]
We are witnessing a moral reversal where what was condemned is now celebrated. This shift is rooted in a change of intellectual foundations, highlighting the need for Christians to understand and articulate the biblical worldview amidst these changes. [00:13:06]
While accommodation dilutes the faith and withdrawal is impractical, Christians are called to engage the world. This engagement involves maintaining the distinction between the church and the world, demonstrating unity in truth, and actively preaching the gospel. [00:22:23]
As the world increasingly opposes Christian truths, we must live out the gospel, knowing that Christ has overcome the world. This involves facing challenges to religious liberty and societal pressures, but with the assurance that the gospel is sufficient for our calling. [00:56:41]
The distinction in John chapter 17 between the church and the world is clear and fundamental and essential. To confuse that is deadly. But the other thing we need to recognize is that the church is made up of those who came out of the world. There is movement here, there is movement out of the world into the church. [00:36:26]
The church is sanctified in truth. You'll notice the church is not only sanctified, it's sent. The church is sent. Jesus Himself sends the church into the world. This is what He says in verse 18, "As You sent Me into the world so I have sent them into the world." [00:48:55]
We are a sent people, and we are still a sent people, and that means that we are a going people. These are difficult times. We now have to live out for generations what we've preached, refusing to bow the knee to Baal will get you into trouble, just ask Hobby Lobby. [00:55:11]
In the world we are told we will have trouble, challenges to religious liberty, and we're going to have to face these. We'll win some, we'll lose some. We're not in control of that. In the world we will have trouble, but what is Jesus saying? He's not just saying in the world you will have trouble, that would be bad news. [00:56:41]
The Christian truth claim, the Biblical truth claim is far more audacious than most people, even Christians understand. We don't believe in the same story with God added, we believe in a fundamentally different story that leads to fundamentally different conclusions. [00:08:36]
The church is the gift of the Father to the Son, who returns the gift to the Father. The church, these who have been given out of the world are still in the world, and that explains the prayer in the verses that especially compromise this chapter verses 6 through verses 15, but continue on actually in one sense through the remainder of the chapter. [00:39:40]
The unity of the church is to be a unity unto the Lordship of Christ, it is to be a unity in the gospel, and it is explicitly a unity in the truth. Where there is no unity in that truth, there is the scandal of a false gospel. There is the reality of a deadly heresy, or perhaps the heresy of a theological anemia. [00:47:00]
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