Standing Firm: The Church's Call in Cultural Decline

 

Summary

In today's discussion, we explored the profound cultural shifts and challenges facing the church today. The rapid moral decline, accelerated by technology, has led to a society increasingly hostile to Christian values. This hostility is manifesting in various forms, from the acceptance of behaviors once considered immoral to the potential for increased persecution of Christians. As believers, we are called to stand firm in our faith, understanding that persecution is not only a possibility but a reality for many around the world. This era demands a church that is not superficial but deeply rooted in the truth of God's Word.

The conversation highlighted the importance of preparing both pastors and laypeople to face these challenges with conviction. At institutions like the Master's Seminary and Reformation Bible College, the focus is on equipping individuals with a robust understanding of Scripture and the courage to uphold biblical truths in a world that often opposes them. This preparation is crucial as we anticipate a time when the church may face persecution similar to that of the early church.

Moreover, the discussion touched on the church's role in addressing societal issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. The recent release of Planned Parenthood videos has reignited the conversation around abortion, presenting the church with an opportunity to raise its prophetic voice. However, the church must also extend grace and forgiveness to those who have participated in these sins, emphasizing that no sin is beyond the reach of God's forgiveness.

In conclusion, the church is at a pivotal moment. We must be prepared to stand firm in our convictions, proclaim the truth with boldness, and extend grace to those in need. This is a time for the church to be purified and strengthened, ready to face the challenges ahead with faith and courage.

Key Takeaways:

- Cultural Decline and Technological Acceleration: The rapid moral decline in society, fueled by technological advancements, has led to an unprecedented level of hostility towards Christian values. This decline challenges the church to remain steadfast in its commitment to biblical truth. [03:32]

- Persecution and the Early Church: As society becomes increasingly hostile, the church may face persecution similar to that of the early church. This reality calls for a deep-rooted faith and a willingness to suffer for the gospel. [07:06]

- The Role of the Church in Societal Issues: The church must raise its prophetic voice against societal sins such as abortion and same-sex marriage while extending grace and forgiveness to those who repent. This dual approach reflects the heart of the gospel. [26:27]

- Training for Conviction: Institutions like the Master's Seminary and Reformation Bible College are focused on equipping individuals with a strong understanding of Scripture and the courage to uphold biblical truths in a hostile world. [13:20]

- Purification Through Persecution: Persecution serves to purify the church, strengthening the faith of true believers and ensuring that the church remains a powerful witness to the world. This purification process is essential for the church's future. [48:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Event
- [00:40] - Guest Introductions
- [02:22] - Cultural Decline Discussion
- [03:32] - Technological Acceleration
- [05:10] - Fear and the Church
- [06:09] - Persecution and the Early Church
- [08:24] - Training for Conviction
- [10:00] - Purification Through Persecution
- [13:20] - Role of Education in Conviction
- [19:09] - The Church's Role in Society
- [26:27] - Addressing Societal Issues
- [29:44] - Grace and Forgiveness
- [33:28] - Denying Reality
- [48:01] - Purification and Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 15:18-20 - "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also."
2. 2 Timothy 3:12 - "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
3. Matthew 5:10-12 - "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the cultural shifts mentioned in the sermon that have led to increased hostility towards Christian values? [02:38]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of technology in accelerating moral decline? [03:14]
3. What examples from the early church are used to illustrate the potential for modern-day persecution? [07:21]
4. How does the sermon suggest the church should respond to societal issues like abortion and same-sex marriage? [26:27]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the relationship between persecution and the purification of the church? [10:00]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that institutions like the Master's Seminary are preparing individuals for the challenges of a hostile world? [08:24]
3. How does the sermon balance the church's prophetic voice with its call to extend grace and forgiveness? [27:41]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of being deeply rooted in Scripture during times of cultural hostility? [08:37]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your Christian values were challenged by societal norms. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [02:38]
2. The sermon mentions the role of technology in moral decline. How can you use technology in a way that supports your faith rather than undermines it? [03:14]
3. How can you prepare yourself and your family to face potential persecution for your faith? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith? [06:09]
4. In what ways can you raise your voice against societal issues while still extending grace and forgiveness to those involved? [27:41]
5. Consider the role of education in your spiritual life. How can you deepen your understanding of Scripture to better face the challenges of a hostile world? [13:20]
6. How can you support your church community in standing firm in its convictions during this pivotal moment? What role can you play in this effort? [27:09]
7. Reflect on the idea of purification through persecution. How can you view challenges to your faith as opportunities for growth and strengthening? [10:00]

Devotional

Day 1: Standing Firm Amidst Cultural Decline
In today's world, the rapid moral decline, accelerated by technological advancements, presents a significant challenge to the church. Society's increasing hostility towards Christian values is evident in the acceptance of behaviors once considered immoral. This environment demands that believers remain steadfast in their commitment to biblical truth. As Christians, it is crucial to recognize the cultural shifts and prepare to stand firm in faith, even when faced with opposition. The church must be deeply rooted in the truth of God's Word to navigate these challenges effectively. [03:32]

Ephesians 6:13-14 (ESV): "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively equip yourself with the truth of God's Word to stand firm against the cultural pressures you face today?


Day 2: Embracing Persecution with Faith
As society grows increasingly hostile, the possibility of persecution for the church becomes more real. This reality calls for a deep-rooted faith and a willingness to suffer for the gospel, much like the early church. Persecution is not just a distant possibility but a present reality for many believers worldwide. It is essential to prepare both spiritually and mentally for the challenges that may come, understanding that suffering for Christ is a part of the Christian journey. [07:06]

1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a mindset that embraces potential persecution as an opportunity to grow in faith and witness for Christ?


Day 3: The Church's Prophetic Voice in Society
The church has a critical role in addressing societal issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. The recent release of Planned Parenthood videos has reignited the conversation around abortion, presenting the church with an opportunity to raise its prophetic voice. However, it is equally important to extend grace and forgiveness to those who have participated in these sins, emphasizing that no sin is beyond the reach of God's forgiveness. This dual approach reflects the heart of the gospel, calling believers to speak truth while embodying grace. [26:27]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: How can you personally balance speaking truth on societal issues with extending grace and forgiveness to those who may disagree with you?


Day 4: Equipping for Conviction
Institutions like the Master's Seminary and Reformation Bible College focus on equipping individuals with a robust understanding of Scripture and the courage to uphold biblical truths in a hostile world. This preparation is crucial as the church anticipates a time when it may face persecution similar to that of the early church. By investing in education and spiritual formation, believers can be better prepared to face challenges with conviction and courage, standing as a testament to the power of God's Word. [13:20]

2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV): "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Scripture and strengthen your ability to uphold biblical truths in your daily life?


Day 5: Purification Through Persecution
Persecution serves to purify the church, strengthening the faith of true believers and ensuring that the church remains a powerful witness to the world. This purification process is essential for the church's future, as it refines and strengthens the body of Christ. As believers endure trials and persecution, their faith is tested and purified, resulting in a more vibrant and authentic witness to the world. Embracing this process with faith and courage can lead to a stronger, more unified church. [48:01]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: How can you view the challenges and trials you face as opportunities for spiritual growth and purification in your walk with Christ?

Quotes


I think in reality, Nathan and Steve, the cultural decline has been coming all along, but everything has been massively accelerated because of Technology, because of the internet. We used to talk about eras of history that lasted a thousand years and then a hundred years, in a few years, and 50 years, and 20 years, and now trends just come at warp speed. [00:02:59]

I mean, it's been coming, I think, a long time since post-reformation enlightenment humanism and all of that. You know, we've been imbibing the anti-God, anti-bible philosophy, and it's finally gone to seed and overthrown what vestiges of Christian thinking, Christian morality, and Christian culture remained in the West. [00:03:25]

I have never seen it like this. I've never seen it at this level, at this range. You know, when you see some surveys about how many people accept homosexuality, you see massive differences in 10 years or five years. So yeah, it is the slide is greased, and it's a severe downhill slide. [00:03:49]

There are many brothers and sisters around the world that are already marginalized and persecuted for their faith, but it does seem that the church in America is getting closer and closer to a day where perhaps what we read in the daily newspaper is similar to what we read in the pages of the New Testament. [00:05:40]

I just think we have to tell them the time in which they live. Nothing changes about the scripture. You know, the interpretation of Scripture is what it is; it will always be what it is. But I think what we tell them and what I told them today when I spoke to the student body today is you're gonna face hostility beyond the hostility that I have faced. [00:08:31]

I think the idea of a superficial sort of junior high juvenile is a ssin of the church, trivial kind of entertainment Christian rock and roll is not going to be enough for people to stand against what's going to come in the future. People who are sort of glorified quiz show hosts that are leading those kinds of churches aren't going to be able to give to their people the strength from the Word of God that they're going to need in the future. [00:09:28]

In one sense, I think this kind of escalating persecution will purify the church. It always has; it always will, and I applaud that. Years ago, I went to Russia many times after perestroika and glasnost, and I found a pure Church, purified by basically being sent to prison if you were a Christian in many, many cases. [00:10:00]

I think there's a purifying coming to the church that will make the true church strong and kind of filter out those. I mean, the seed that goes into the ground in Matthew 13 and persecution comes, it chokes it out before it bears fruit. I think we may see some of that in the future. [00:10:25]

The church should have been fighting this all along, and now that there is that sense of emotion, this is the time for the church to rise. Steven mentioned a message I preached a few weeks ago in which I said the greatest terrorist act in America was not 9/11; it wasn't bringing down the twin towers. The greatest terrorist act in America was in 1960, Roe v. Wade. [00:26:26]

Abortion is not the unpardonable sin. The unpardonable sin is to make the wrong verdict about Christ, the wrong verdict about who he is, what he came to do, and the failure to embrace him as Lord and Savior. That's the damning sin. Any other sin can be forgiven and will be forgiven. Certainly, murder can be forgiven. [00:27:44]

We need to look at this from a number of levels. We need to look at this from us as a people of biblical conviction that we not be influenced by our culture. It's so easy to be subtly influenced by our culture and think, well, maybe we need to think differently about same-sex issues. Maybe we do need to think differently about gender issues. No, we don't. [00:33:29]

I think what Dr. MacArthur said has put a nice fine point on it in terms of the fear that is out there for a number of reasons on a number of levels. I think the thing that we come back to in Scripture that we constantly see is that where our confidence needs to be, that our confidence needs to be in God. [00:46:01]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Aug 25, 2015. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?