Standing Firm: Biblical Truths in a Changing Culture

 

Summary

In our recent discussion, we explored the pressing issues facing today's youth, particularly the challenges posed by cultural shifts around gender and sexuality. These topics are not just societal issues but are deeply rooted in biblical and gospel truths. The rapid cultural changes have significantly impacted teenagers, who are often pressured to conform to prevailing worldviews that contradict biblical teachings. It's crucial for Christians, especially the youth, to be grounded in the Bible's teachings on these matters, understanding that gender and marriage are not social constructs but divine creations woven into the fabric of the natural order.

We also delved into the importance of understanding and teaching the doctrine of the Trinity, emphasizing the need to avoid misleading illustrations and instead focus on scriptural truths. The conversation highlighted the significance of the doctrine of predestination, which, despite being a point of contention, offers profound comfort in knowing that God is sovereign and in control, even amidst the world's chaos.

Furthermore, we discussed the role of church history and the church fathers in shaping our understanding of doctrine. While they provide valuable insights, it's essential to approach their teachings with discernment, recognizing that not all early church views align perfectly with biblical truths. The conversation also touched on the importance of personal discipline in spiritual growth, encouraging believers to manage their time wisely and prioritize their relationship with God.

Lastly, we addressed the challenges of evangelism in a Reformed context, emphasizing the power of Scripture, particularly the Gospel of John, in confronting individuals with the person of Jesus Christ and prompting them to respond to His call.

Key Takeaways:

- Cultural Challenges and Biblical Convictions: In a rapidly changing cultural landscape, it's vital for Christians, especially the youth, to stand firm on biblical convictions regarding gender and sexuality. These are not mere social issues but are deeply rooted in the created order and the gospel. Understanding and upholding these truths is essential for living a life that honors God. [02:49]

- The Doctrine of the Trinity: Teaching the Trinity requires careful attention to Scripture, avoiding illustrations that may lead to heretical views like modalism. The Bible clearly presents God as three persons in one essence, and understanding this is crucial for a robust faith. [10:53]

- Comfort in Predestination: The doctrine of predestination, often misunderstood, is a source of great comfort. It assures us of God's sovereignty and His active role in bringing people to Himself, reminding us that our salvation is secure in His hands. [09:47]

- The Role of Church History: While the church fathers offer valuable insights, it's important to approach their teachings with discernment. Not all early church views align with Scripture, and our ultimate authority must always be the Bible. [06:17]

- Evangelism and Scripture: The Gospel of John is a powerful tool for evangelism, presenting Jesus in a way that demands a response. By encouraging others to read and reflect on this Gospel, we can effectively share the message of Christ and invite them to consider who He is and what He means for their lives. [17:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Cultural Shifts and Youth Challenges
- [01:29] - Pressures on Teenagers
- [02:49] - Importance of Biblical Clarity
- [04:11] - New Resource on Gender and Sexuality
- [05:46] - Understanding Church Fathers
- [08:32] - Predestination in the Old Testament
- [10:53] - Explaining the Trinity
- [12:54] - Discipline in Christian Life
- [15:53] - Evangelism from a Reformed Perspective
- [18:32] - Pastoral Epistles' Audience
- [21:30] - Encouragement for Unequally Yoked Marriages
- [25:59] - Advice for College Students
- [28:19] - Impact of Ministry in a Corrupt Society
- [31:03] - Sabbath and Christian Worship
- [32:44] - Introspection in Sanctification
- [39:51] - Cooperation in Sanctification
- [42:58] - God's Love and Old Testament Commands
- [46:51] - Preferred Bible Translation
- [48:04] - God's Benefit from Creation
- [50:19] - Preparing for Parenthood
- [52:55] - Personal Discipleship Approach
- [54:53] - Doctrinal Development in Protestantism
- [57:42] - Helping Mainline Denominations
- [59:39] - Final Thoughts and Reflections

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:27 - "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
2. John 1:1-14 - The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, highlighting the divinity of Christ.
3. Ephesians 1:4-5 - "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."

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Observation Questions:

1. What cultural challenges are today's youth facing, particularly regarding gender and sexuality, as discussed in the sermon? [00:49]

2. How does the sermon describe the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Trinity without relying on misleading illustrations? [10:53]

3. According to the sermon, what role does the doctrine of predestination play in providing comfort to believers? [09:47]

4. How does the sermon suggest we should approach the teachings of the church fathers in relation to biblical truths? [06:17]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that cultural shifts are impacting the biblical understanding of gender and marriage? How should Christians respond to these shifts? [02:49]

2. How does the sermon explain the significance of the Trinity in maintaining a robust faith, and why is it important to avoid heretical views like modalism? [10:53]

3. What comfort does the doctrine of predestination offer to believers, and how does it assure them of God's sovereignty? [09:47]

4. How does the sermon propose that church history and the teachings of the church fathers should be used to shape our understanding of doctrine? [06:17]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the cultural pressures you face regarding gender and sexuality. How can you stand firm in your biblical convictions in these areas? [02:49]

2. Consider your understanding of the Trinity. Are there any illustrations or explanations you have used that might lead to misunderstandings? How can you improve your understanding and teaching of this doctrine? [10:53]

3. How does the doctrine of predestination influence your view of God's control in your life? Can you identify a situation where this doctrine has provided you comfort? [09:47]

4. When studying church history, how do you discern which teachings align with biblical truths? Can you think of a specific teaching from the church fathers that has impacted your faith? [06:17]

5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of personal discipline in spiritual growth. What specific steps can you take to better manage your time and prioritize your relationship with God? [12:54]

6. How can you use the Gospel of John as a tool for evangelism in your community? Identify one person you can share it with and plan how you will encourage them to read and reflect on it. [17:55]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt pressured to conform to cultural norms that contradict biblical teachings. How did you handle it, and what would you do differently now? [02:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Standing Firm in Biblical Convictions
In today's rapidly changing cultural landscape, Christians, especially the youth, face immense pressure to conform to societal views on gender and sexuality that often contradict biblical teachings. These issues are not merely social constructs but are deeply rooted in the divine order as established by God. Understanding and upholding these truths is essential for living a life that honors God. It is crucial for believers to be grounded in the Bible's teachings, recognizing that gender and marriage are divine creations woven into the fabric of the natural order. By standing firm in these convictions, Christians can navigate cultural challenges with confidence and integrity. [02:49]

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively stand firm in your biblical convictions about gender and sexuality in your daily interactions and conversations?


Day 2: Understanding the Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity is a cornerstone of Christian faith, presenting God as three persons in one essence. Teaching this doctrine requires careful attention to Scripture, avoiding illustrations that may lead to heretical views like modalism. A robust understanding of the Trinity is crucial for a deep and meaningful faith. By focusing on scriptural truths, believers can appreciate the complexity and beauty of God's nature, which is foundational to understanding His work in the world and in our lives. [10:53]

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of the Trinity, and how might this understanding impact your relationship with God and others?


Day 3: Finding Comfort in Predestination
The doctrine of predestination, often misunderstood, offers profound comfort to believers. It assures us of God's sovereignty and His active role in bringing people to Himself, reminding us that our salvation is secure in His hands. This understanding can provide peace amidst the chaos of the world, knowing that God is in control and that His plans are perfect. Embracing this doctrine can strengthen faith and trust in God's ultimate purpose for our lives. [09:47]

"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." (Ephesians 1:11, ESV)

Reflection: How does the understanding of predestination bring you comfort in your current life circumstances, and how can you share this comfort with others?


Day 4: Discernment in Church History
Church history and the teachings of the church fathers provide valuable insights into Christian doctrine. However, it is essential to approach these teachings with discernment, recognizing that not all early church views align perfectly with biblical truths. The Bible must always be the ultimate authority in shaping our understanding of doctrine. By studying church history with a discerning mind, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for the development of Christian thought while remaining rooted in Scripture. [06:17]

"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." (Acts 17:11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate discernment into your study of church history and other theological resources, ensuring that your beliefs are firmly grounded in Scripture?


Day 5: Evangelism Through Scripture
The Gospel of John is a powerful tool for evangelism, presenting Jesus in a way that demands a response. By encouraging others to read and reflect on this Gospel, believers can effectively share the message of Christ and invite them to consider who He is and what He means for their lives. In a Reformed context, evangelism is about confronting individuals with the person of Jesus Christ and prompting them to respond to His call. [17:55]

"But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:31, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you invite to read the Gospel of John, and how can you support them in their journey to understand and respond to Jesus' call?

Quotes

"What do I say to my friends in the LGBTQ community who are pressuring me to join them?" Right? She wasn't asking, you know, they weren't asking to be tolerant; they were pressuring her to join. And, you know, I just so appreciate that we can get in front of these teenagers and show them what the Bible says on these topics, encourage them to stand firm on the Bible's convictions on these issues, because they're experiencing it from every direction, and with their devices, they're almost getting this 24/7 coming at them, this very sinful, very false worldview. [00:17:59]

These are very central issues. They're biblical issues. They're gospel issues. But when you stop and think about it, they're actually woven into the created order. In the opening chapters of Genesis, we have gender. The Bible says that God created male and female. We need to stand in front of teenagers, well, all ages, and say, "Gender is not a social construct. Gender is created by God. It is woven into the fabric of the natural order of things." [00:02:55]

The other thing about the early church is there were a lot of controversies, especially when we get into Nicaea, which is in the 300's, and the Council of Nicaea, the Nicene Creed, and then Chalcedon in the 400's. A lot of the theological work in the church fathers were around the controversies of the day. And so, the church fathers are very helpful for the issues of Christology, you know, the person of Christ, the true humanity and the true deity, and that Jesus is two natures in one person. [00:06:12]

I believe in the doctrine of election and predestination because it's biblical. But I also believe in it because we are dead in our trespasses and sins. And whether we are New Testament people, we are dead; Old Testament people, we are dead; or twenty-first century people, we are dead in our trespasses and sins. And so, I am so thankful for the doctrine of predestination and election, because without it, none of us would be saved. [00:09:05]

So, we've got to be careful here, because sometimes we like to use illustrations, but the illustrations can sometimes, and again, well-intentioned, can sometimes actually be teaching heretical views. And one of the easiest heretical views to sort of slip into is modalism, and it's sort of the idea that there is one God, but that God appears in different modes, in different manifestations. [00:10:36]

This is so crucial to be disciplined in our time. You think of "redeeming the time" is a biblical command. We think of how Proverbs speaks of our stewardship of our time and resources. So, first of all, I want to encourage you. I want to say, "It's encouraging to hear you say you want to have discipline about your time. Good for you to recognize that that's important." [00:13:08]

I love the Gospel of John, and I think the Gospel of John was written ultimately to drive home who is Jesus and what am I going to do about it? And we find in John, it is so well crafted that John brings these fascinating characters to our attention. So, we come in at John 3, and we meet, well, first we meet the disciples. They are the first group we meet. Fascinating. And all of them are confronted with Jesus, and all of them have to do something about it. [00:15:59]

So, salvation is not; salvation is the work of God alone. But what happens at salvation is we become a new creature. We do a 180, right? As unregenerate, we are walking away from God. We want everything, our desires are what is not God, and we are dead in our trespasses and sins. When we are converted, it's a 180, and we are new creatures. We have the Holy Spirit within us. We are raised in the newness of life. [00:39:51]

So, when we look at the attributes of God, it's going to be easy for us to want to pit them against each other. And I think one of the doctrines of God that we don't think about enough is what we call the simplicity of God. Now, that sounds insulting to God to say that God is simple, but it's sort of a technical term when we use it in this case. And what it means is that God is not made up of parts, that as a simple God, or as a simple being, He is a unified being. [00:42:58]

God doesn't need us, didn't need to create us. There was perfect, unbroken, beautiful, glorious, pure fellowship among the triune God, eternity past, eternity future. That's the reality. What do you add to that? God needs nothing. So, then you ask, "Well, why? Why create? Why have creation? Why have creatures?" Because God wants us, that's why. And I actually learned that from Edwards, it is this view that, you know, the desire for fellowship and love, intra-Trinitarian being of God was so strong that it spills out, as it were, in the creation of the world, so that we can now participate in that triune fellowship and relationship. [00:48:04]

I think it's harder, I think, than it used to be. You have, they won't come out and say it, but you have a disdain for the Bible in mainline Christianity. You know, it used to be, we would argue that "we," they would argue that, you know, "David loved Jonathan. There's a biblical precedent for homosexuality." I don't hear that anymore. I don't hear mainline liberalism, mainline denominations trying to make a biblical case. They've so capitulated to culture that they really, they won't come out and say it, but they don't care what the Bible says. [00:57:42]

I tend to be a pretty high output kind of individual. And I think, you know, as you get older, you think, "Okay. It's okay if I don't have X number of books. If I have this number of books, that's probably okay." Whereas when I was younger, I just felt like I really had to just do this, and I had to do that. I'm not sure I had to do all those things. So, I'd probably tell myself, "Relax. You don't have to get it all done." [00:59:39]

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Transcript
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