Standing Firm in a Shifting Cultural Landscape

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound challenges and opportunities presented by the current cultural climate, particularly focusing on issues of ethics, sexuality, and gender. The rapid changes in societal norms, especially concerning the LGBTQAI+ movement, have been described as a seismic shift, a cultural tsunami that is reshaping our world. This movement is driven by the major culture shapers of our time: big business, government, media, journalism, and academia. These forces are not merely seeking accommodation but are pushing for capitulation, demanding that society celebrate what was once condemned and condemn what was once celebrated.

In response to these cultural shifts, we are faced with three choices: ignore, accommodate, or stand firm in our biblical convictions. Ignoring the issue is not an option, as the Bible calls us to engage with the world. Accommodation, which involves altering our beliefs to fit cultural norms, is also not viable, as it leads to a dilution of the gospel message. Instead, we are called to stand firm, rooted in the truth of God's Word, particularly as revealed in the book of Genesis. This foundational text provides the framework for understanding the sanctity of life, gender, marriage, and work.

Genesis teaches us that God is the Creator, the originator of all things, and thus the definer and director of life. Heterosexuality, as defined by God, is the only natural and holy form of sexuality, sanctified within the covenant of marriage. Marriage, as ordained by God, is a conjugal, heterosexual, monogamous, and covenantal relationship. This divine design is not just for Christians but for all of creation.

The cultural revolution we face is not just a social issue but a theological one. It challenges the very nature of God's creation and His decrees. Yet, the gospel offers a double cure: it frees us from the power and shame of sin. Through Christ, we are given a new heart, a new life, and a new identity. As believers, we are called to be salt and light in the world, living out the truth of the gospel and pointing others to the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The current cultural climate, driven by major societal forces, demands not just tolerance but capitulation, challenging us to stand firm in our biblical convictions rather than accommodate cultural shifts. [07:40]

- Genesis provides the foundational framework for understanding the sanctity of life, gender, and marriage, emphasizing that God is the Creator and definer of all things, and His design is for all of creation. [10:16]

- Heterosexuality, as defined by God, is the only natural and holy form of sexuality, sanctified within the covenant of marriage, which is a conjugal, heterosexual, monogamous, and covenantal relationship. [24:53]

- The cultural revolution is a theological issue, challenging the very nature of God's creation and His decrees, but the gospel offers a double cure, freeing us from the power and shame of sin. [33:13]

- As believers, we are called to be salt and light in the world, living out the truth of the gospel and pointing others to the transformative power of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the Great Commission. [44:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - The Story of the Ingenious Church
- [02:14] - Invitation to Briarwood
- [02:58] - Cultural Tsunami: LGBTQAI+ Movement
- [03:44] - Culture Shapers and Challenges
- [05:01] - Legal Dynamics and Ethical Challenges
- [06:15] - Progressive Christianity and Cultural Accommodation
- [07:40] - Revolution and Capitulation
- [08:54] - Resources for Engagement
- [10:16] - Genesis: The Foundation of Ethics
- [12:29] - Culture of Insanity and Absurdity
- [15:07] - The Call to Engage, Not Ignore
- [19:42] - Mission of the Church
- [24:53] - Heterosexuality: Divine Decree
- [33:13] - Theological Issue and God's Sovereignty
- [41:57] - The Gospel: The Double Cure

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:1-2, 26-28
2. Genesis 2:18-25

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Genesis 1:1-2, what does the passage say about the origin of the universe and the role of God in creation?
2. In Genesis 1:26-28, what responsibilities are given to humanity, and how does this relate to the concept of being made in God's image?
3. How does Genesis 2:18-25 describe the creation of woman and the institution of marriage? What significance does this have in the context of the sermon? [19:01]
4. What are the three choices mentioned in the sermon that believers face in response to cultural shifts, and why is ignoring the issue not considered a viable option? [05:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret the cultural shifts regarding sexuality and gender as a theological issue rather than just a social one? [33:13]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of Genesis in providing a framework for understanding ethics, particularly in relation to gender and marriage? [10:16]
3. How does the sermon describe the concept of "capitulation" in the context of cultural revolutions, and what are the implications for believers? [07:40]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the gospel offers a "double cure" for the issues raised by the cultural revolution? [41:57]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the current cultural climate and its impact on your personal beliefs. How can you stand firm in your biblical convictions while engaging with the world around you? [05:35]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of Genesis as a foundational text. How can you incorporate its teachings into your daily life to better understand the sanctity of life, gender, and marriage? [10:16]
3. Consider the idea of being "salt and light" in the world. What specific actions can you take this week to live out the truth of the gospel in your community? [44:06]
4. The sermon discusses the concept of "ordered liberty" as defined by God. How can you apply this understanding of freedom in your personal decisions and relationships? [26:47]
5. How can you support others in your community who may be struggling with issues related to gender and sexuality, while remaining true to your biblical convictions? [30:12]
6. The sermon mentions the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you need transformation, and what steps will you take to seek that change? [41:57]
7. How can you engage in meaningful conversations about these cultural issues with those who may have differing views, while maintaining respect and compassion? [29:31]

Devotional

Day 1: Standing Firm in Biblical Convictions
In today's cultural climate, societal forces such as big business, government, media, journalism, and academia are not just advocating for tolerance but are demanding full acceptance and celebration of new norms, particularly regarding ethics, sexuality, and gender. This shift challenges traditional biblical convictions, urging believers to either ignore, accommodate, or stand firm. Ignoring is not an option, as engagement with the world is a biblical mandate. Accommodation, which involves altering beliefs to fit cultural norms, dilutes the gospel message. Therefore, believers are called to stand firm, rooted in the truth of God's Word, as revealed in Genesis, which provides the framework for understanding the sanctity of life, gender, marriage, and work. [07:40]

"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 areas of your life do you feel pressured to conform to societal norms that conflict with your biblical convictions? How can you stand firm in these areas today?


Day 2: Genesis as the Foundation of Ethics
Genesis is not just a historical account but a foundational text that provides the framework for understanding the sanctity of life, gender, and marriage. It emphasizes that God is the Creator and definer of all things, and His design is for all of creation. This understanding is crucial in a world where cultural shifts challenge the very nature of God's creation and His decrees. By returning to the truths found in Genesis, believers can navigate the complexities of modern ethical dilemmas with confidence and clarity, knowing that God's design is perfect and unchanging. [10:16]

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'" (Genesis 1:26, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding God as the Creator and definer of all things influence your perspective on current ethical issues? What steps can you take to align your views more closely with the teachings of Genesis?


Day 3: The Divine Design of Marriage and Sexuality
Heterosexuality, as defined by God, is the only natural and holy form of sexuality, sanctified within the covenant of marriage. Marriage, as ordained by God, is a conjugal, heterosexual, monogamous, and covenantal relationship. This divine design is not just for Christians but for all of creation. In a world where the definition of marriage and sexuality is constantly evolving, believers are called to uphold the biblical understanding of these sacred institutions, recognizing them as reflections of God's perfect design and purpose for humanity. [24:53]

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24, ESV)

Reflection: How does the biblical definition of marriage and sexuality challenge or affirm your current beliefs? What practical steps can you take to honor God's design in your relationships?


Day 4: The Gospel's Double Cure
The cultural revolution we face is not just a social issue but a theological one, challenging the very nature of God's creation and His decrees. Yet, the gospel offers a double cure: it frees us from the power and shame of sin. Through Christ, believers are given a new heart, a new life, and a new identity. This transformative power of the gospel enables believers to live out their faith boldly and confidently, even in the face of cultural opposition, knowing that they are redeemed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. [33:13]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience the gospel's double cure? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform your heart and mind today?


Day 5: Being Salt and Light in the World
As believers, we are called to be salt and light in the world, living out the truth of the gospel and pointing others to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. This calling involves fulfilling the Great Commission, sharing the good news of salvation with others, and demonstrating the love and grace of Christ in our daily interactions. In a world that often opposes biblical values, believers must remain steadfast in their mission, trusting that God will use their witness to draw others to Himself and bring about lasting change. [44:06]

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be salt and light in your community today? What specific actions can you take to share the love and truth of Christ with those around you?

Quotes

"Well, you know the situation around us. You see the LGBTQAI+. Do not forget the '+' that tells you it is not finished, LGBTQAI+ movement that is sweeping the culture. I mean it is a tectonic movement. The changes are seismic. It is really interesting. My friend, Al Mohler, characterized it as simply a tsunami wave and its rapidity is overwhelming of what is happening and how it is changing." [00:03:08]

"There are really three choices that we have got. One is to ignore it. It is out there and it is not here. We will be okay, just kind of circle up the wagons. A second way is, well, you know things kind of change. That is what progressive Christianity is constantly saying to the evangelical church." [00:05:31]

"So, will you engage in accommodation? I mean the times have changed. Shouldn't we kind of, 'Let's sit back and retake a look at marriage and sexuality and all of those issues.' In other words, let me put it the way my friend, R.C. Sproul says in his book Worldviews, 'Ethics is ought-ness. This is what you ought to be. Morals is is-ness. This is what is happening.'" [00:06:34]

"Revolutions are not looking for toleration. They are not looking for accommodation. In a revolution, those who are making the movement, the whole purpose is capitulation. You celebrate what you previously condemn and you condemn what you previously celebrate. So how are you going to respond?" [00:07:47]

"Let me just say a word. There is not another book in your Bible that is hated out of the kingdom of darkness more than the book of Genesis. And there is no section hated more than Genesis 1 through 11. And there is no passage more important than that text. Here, all of the issues in this culture you begin to deal with." [00:12:20]

"Now why are they there and how do we respond to this? And that is kind of the challenge that is given to me in this matter of ethics and sexuality and gender. But there again, you have got to ask yourself a question. How are you going to respond to this? Are you going to respond to this?" [00:05:14]

"Here is the mission of every church. I want to say this here. I have explained to you what is happening in the culture, at least, briefly. The tendency for the church is to think, 'Oh, oh, we've got to transform the culture.' That is not the mission of the church." [00:19:49]

"Paul's mission was to turn sinners' right-side up, fulfil the Great Commission with the evangelism and discipleship. We have got this narrow mission and we have got a comprehensive message; teaching them to observe 'All that I have commanded you.' That includes Genesis. That includes the ethical sanctities." [00:20:32]

"Therefore, whether it is sexuality or marriage or whatever it is, these things do not originate from the Supreme Court or the Senate or from big academies or wherever. You know God made it, and God owns it, and God defines it. God formed it in three days. God filled it in the next three days. That is what you know." [00:24:42]

"Fifthly and finally, the answer to this problem in our culture is the gospel. It is the double cure. It cures us from sin's power and sin's shame. I read and minister sexual rebellion against God and how you can't even look at each other, the person you used, how sometimes you will find sitting in a shower just trying to wash away the shame and the guilt." [00:41:18]

"Jesus became for you what He had never been, the Son of Man, without ceasing to be the Son of God to make you what you could never be. Now, let's follow His paths in His Word to the praise of His glorious grace." [00:43:24]

"We are going to bring as ambassadors the kingdom of God to those trapped in sin with the glorious message that Jesus cancels the power of sin. He not only cancels the penalty, He cancels the power. He breaks the power of that cancelled sin. Help us preach it, help people embrace it, and then change them in life for Your glory and then unleash Your church once again from the church where we are discipled and grow and worship and evangelize into the world, salt and light." [00:44:13]

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Transcript
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