Faithfulness in a Changing World: A Christian Response

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we explored the challenges and opportunities facing Christians in a rapidly changing world, particularly in Canada and the United States. We began by acknowledging the significant cultural shifts that have occurred, leading to a society that often seems to be moving away from Christian values. This has resulted in increased criminality, homelessness, and a general abandonment of God's law, as observed in Romans 1. The challenge for Christians is to respond not with surprise or finger-pointing but with repentance and a return to being salt and light in the world.

We also discussed the importance of understanding that the opposition we face is not personal but rather a reflection of a deeper animosity towards God. As Christians, we are called to prepare for suffering and to live faithfully, trusting that God is in control and capable of changing the tides of evil. This perspective is shared by believers worldwide, who are also navigating similar tensions and uncertainties.

Furthermore, we emphasized the role of the local church as a countercultural witness to the truth. In a world filled with gender confusion and moral relativism, the church has the opportunity to stand as a beacon of truth by adhering to biblical principles in family and community life. This includes fostering environments where God's Word is cherished and applied, making it more precious in these challenging times.

We also touched on the importance of engaging with the world without isolating ourselves or our children. Christian parents are encouraged to prepare their children to live in the world by having open conversations and modeling a life of faith. Additionally, the role of Christian education and the communal responsibility to support Christian schools were highlighted as vital in equipping the next generation.

Finally, we addressed the significance of faithfulness over influence. The true measure of success in ministry is not in numbers or societal impact but in being faithful to God's Word. This faithfulness, whether in large or small congregations, is what ultimately matters and what God will use according to His providence.

Key Takeaways:

- The rapid cultural changes in society reflect a Romans 1 world, where God's law is abandoned, leading to moral decay. Christians are called to respond with repentance and a return to being salt and light, rather than being surprised or accusatory. [04:56]

- Opposition to Christianity is ultimately an opposition to God. As His representatives, we should expect to suffer but remain faithful, trusting that God is in control and capable of reversing the tides of evil. [08:58]

- The local church has a unique opportunity to be a countercultural witness by adhering to biblical principles in family and community life. This stands as a testament to the truth in a world filled with confusion and moral relativism. [18:38]

- Christian parents should prepare their children to live in the world by having open conversations and modeling a life of faith. Engaging with the world without isolating ourselves is crucial for effective discipleship. [27:22]

- Faithfulness to God's Word is more important than influence or numbers. The true measure of success in ministry is being faithful, regardless of the size of the congregation or societal impact. [39:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:28] - Introduction of Guests
- [01:35] - Challenges Facing Christians
- [03:38] - Cultural Shifts in Canada
- [04:56] - Responding with Repentance
- [07:07] - Global Christian Perspective
- [08:58] - Opposition to Christianity
- [10:40] - God's Work Worldwide
- [13:07] - Cultural Changes in the West
- [14:41] - New Opportunities for Witness
- [18:38] - The Role of the Local Church
- [20:30] - Objections to Christianity
- [25:24] - Parenting in a Changing World
- [29:42] - Engaging with Social Media
- [39:52] - Faithfulness Over Influence
- [42:42] - Introducing New Believers to Scripture

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 1:18-32
2. 1 Peter 4:12-19
3. Matthew 5:13-16

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Observation Questions:

1. What are some of the cultural changes mentioned in the sermon that reflect a Romans 1 world? How do these changes manifest in society today? [03:38]

2. According to the sermon, how should Christians respond to the opposition they face, and what biblical perspective supports this response? [08:58]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of the local church in a world filled with confusion and moral relativism? [18:38]

4. What are some of the challenges Christian parents face in preparing their children to live in the world, as discussed in the sermon? [27:22]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does Romans 1:18-32 illustrate the consequences of abandoning God's law, and how does this passage relate to the cultural shifts discussed in the sermon? [03:38]

2. How does 1 Peter 4:12-19 encourage Christians to view suffering and opposition, and how does this perspective align with the sermon's message on faithfulness? [08:58]

3. What does Matthew 5:13-16 suggest about the role of Christians as "salt and light," and how does this metaphor apply to the sermon's call for the church to be a countercultural witness? [18:38]

4. How can the principles of Christian education and communal responsibility, as highlighted in the sermon, be seen as a response to the challenges of raising children in today's world? [27:22]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt the cultural shifts away from Christian values. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of the sermon's call for repentance and being salt and light? [04:56]

2. Consider a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How did you handle it, and how can 1 Peter 4:12-19 guide you in future encounters? [08:58]

3. In what ways can your local church become a stronger countercultural witness in your community? Identify one specific action you can take to support this effort. [18:38]

4. As a parent or mentor, how can you better prepare the next generation to engage with the world without isolating them? What specific conversations or actions can you implement this week? [27:22]

5. Reflect on your personal measure of success in ministry or faith. How does the sermon's emphasis on faithfulness over influence challenge or affirm your current perspective? [39:52]

6. Identify one area in your life where you can be more faithful to God's Word, regardless of societal impact or recognition. What steps will you take to pursue this faithfulness? [39:52]

7. Think of a person in your life who is not a believer. How can you engage them in a meaningful conversation about faith this week, considering the sermon's encouragement to be a witness? [24:42]

Devotional

Day 1: Responding to Cultural Shifts with Repentance
In a world that increasingly moves away from Christian values, believers are called to respond not with surprise or blame but with repentance and a renewed commitment to being salt and light. The cultural shifts observed in society, as described in Romans 1, reflect a departure from God's law, leading to moral decay. Christians are encouraged to examine their own lives and communities, seeking areas where they can return to God's principles and shine His light in a darkening world. This call to repentance is not just a personal journey but a collective movement towards embodying Christ's teachings in everyday life. [04:56]

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific ways can you repent and realign your life with God's values today, especially in areas where cultural shifts have influenced your thinking?


Day 2: Understanding Opposition as a Reflection of Animosity Towards God
Opposition to Christianity is not a personal attack but a reflection of a deeper animosity towards God. As His representatives, Christians should expect to face suffering and challenges. However, they are called to remain faithful, trusting that God is in control and capable of reversing the tides of evil. This perspective encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that their struggles are part of a larger spiritual battle. By maintaining faithfulness, Christians can be assured that God will use their efforts according to His providence. [08:58]

"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." (2 Timothy 3:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally to face opposition, knowing it is ultimately directed at God and not you personally?


Day 3: The Local Church as a Countercultural Witness
In a world filled with gender confusion and moral relativism, the local church has a unique opportunity to stand as a beacon of truth by adhering to biblical principles in family and community life. This countercultural witness is essential in demonstrating the transformative power of God's Word. By fostering environments where Scripture is cherished and applied, churches can offer a compelling alternative to the prevailing cultural narratives. This commitment to truth not only strengthens the church community but also serves as a testament to the world of God's enduring truth. [18:38]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can your local church more effectively serve as a countercultural witness in your community, and how can you personally contribute to this mission?


Day 4: Preparing the Next Generation for Engagement with the World
Christian parents are encouraged to prepare their children to live in the world by having open conversations and modeling a life of faith. Engaging with the world without isolating themselves is crucial for effective discipleship. This involves equipping children with a strong foundation in biblical truth while also teaching them how to navigate the complexities of modern society. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and active faith, parents can help their children develop the tools they need to engage with the world confidently and compassionately. [27:22]

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to engage your children in meaningful conversations about faith and the world they live in?


Day 5: Valuing Faithfulness Over Influence
The true measure of success in ministry is not in numbers or societal impact but in being faithful to God's Word. This faithfulness, whether in large or small congregations, is what ultimately matters and what God will use according to His providence. Christians are encouraged to focus on their commitment to God's teachings rather than seeking worldly influence or recognition. By prioritizing faithfulness, believers can trust that their efforts will bear fruit in ways that align with God's greater plan. [39:52]

"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from seeking influence to cultivating faithfulness in your personal ministry and daily walk with God?

Quotes


I think the greatest challenge right now for Canadians is how much change we've seen in the world around us and then processing how to respond to that as Christians. So, I think we see a world, a Romans chapter 1 world, a world that as Christians—we have eyes to see—they're being given over to a debased mind. [00:03:38]

We shouldn't have been surprised. We should have been more repentant, and we need to continue to be repentant. But judgment begins at the household of God, 1 Peter. When a civilization goes downhill, we Christians feel it first. With DEI and some of the business represented here, you're probably struggling with that, your churches, all these different things that are coming down. [00:06:00]

We must not be surprised that that's happening, and I think we need to understand that people's beef isn't really with us. They hate God. They're going after God. And the way to get to that, they can't get at God Himself, so they'll go after whoever is made in His image and they'll go after especially people who have been grafted into Him through the gospel. [00:08:58]

We need to say the future is in God's hands. We'll be living well right now to the best of our ability, honoring God with the situation as it is and praying, pleading that God would change things, that God would hold back the tides of evil, and maybe even reverse some of the tide. And we have to believe God is capable of doing that. [00:09:57]

The local church especially has an opportunity here. As gender confusion reigns, we know what is true. We know who created us. We know how He created us. We know how He created to function in relation to one another. We just need to look to the Bible and do what the Bible says, and we will be that extremely countercultural witness to the truth. [00:18:38]

I think the beauty of these times is that it can make God's Word more precious to us, Christ more precious to us, and it can have this benefit of living in a world where it's easier to make distinctions. Now, be careful we don't tip into the finger-pointing again, but God's Word is true. It will last forever. And, yes, these empires will fall. [00:19:43]

The task of trying to be a faithful Christian parent is not to try to completely isolate, but to prepare to live in the world. We as parents have somehow managed to live in the world. As a historian, I'm always inclined to say this is not the worst period in human history, especially in America. [00:25:24]

I do think you have to be realistic that you cannot protect and shelter your children from everything. At the same time when they're really young do the best you can to shape and mould and protect them, and then as they grow and as they are able, do your best to have a lot of conversations. Speak and speak and speak with your children. [00:26:12]

I think we have to really think about the communal responsibility of God's people to build Christian schools and to encourage parents and children to be educated there. I know that's not possible for everyone, and there are all sorts of issues to talk through, but I think part of the way we fulfill our responsibility as parents is to look at the way in which our children will be educated. [00:29:42]

If you are faithful in your Christian walk and your church is faithful in sowing seeds, I don't think you should worry about it at all. If you are unfaithful and you're not salt and light in the world, then it should be a concern. If your church is so small because it has given in and run for the hills and hiding, there will be a judgment upon that. [00:36:38]

I don't think Luther ever spent a minute asking, "How can I be an influence?" He spent his time thinking, "How can I be faithful to the Word of God. I don't think Calvin ever spent any time asking, "How can I be an influence?" He asked, "How can I be faithful to the Word of God?" And I think it's those who will be faithful to the Word of God who will have an influence depending on God's providential opening of opportunities or closing of opportunities, but it's faithfulness that God calls us to. [00:39:52]

Let's not aspire to something beyond what the Lord gives us. Let us aspire to faithfulness. [00:42:09]

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Transcript
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