Jesus & Culture

What Are You For?

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Acts 28:22

But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

The Jewish leaders had the apostle Paul arrested and on trial in Jerusalem. The Roman government found him innocent. But the Jewish leaders objected. So Paul, a Roman citizen, then petitioned to have his case presented before Caesar.

We pick up the story now with Paul arriving in Rome under house arrest. There he asks to meet with the Jewish leaders of Rome. They are intrigued to hear more about Paul’s sect. For everywhere in the then world Christianity is spoken against by the status quo.

On the scheduled day, they arrived along with their support staff. The entire day was given to listening and reviewing Scripture with Paul. Paul’s emphasis during the entire meeting was to testify about Jesus as the Messiah and the Kingdom of God. He spent the entire day emphasizing what he believed and stood for.

A few of his listeners were convinced. The majority disbelieved. But Paul fulfilled his mission. Wherever he went, he first started by explaining the gospel message to the Jewish community. Afterward, he followed by proclaiming God’s salvation to the Gentiles.

Yet whenever he spoke, he emphasized what he was for and not what he was against. You and I may want to consider the same when sharing the gospel message with others. In today’s culture, we hear a lot about what everyone is against. But wouldn’t it be more effective if we started with what both sides agree on?

Sounds good you say, but most difficult. And you are right. It is more challenging for you to first understand the other side thoroughly before sharing your beliefs. When you do, you will find it easier to get common ground to build from rather than fight over it.

When Paul spoke with the Jewish leaders they had the Scriptures as common ground. When Paul dealt with the Gentiles, he had a strong understanding of the Greek culture being educated in that world. His starting point was always from their perspective.

But it didn’t change his message. Instead, he continued to emphasize Jesus’ and His Kingdom and what HE stands for. His approach and words and examples may differ. But his message remained the same. Jesus Christ is Lord. God’s Kingdom rules. God has a purpose for humanity and you are included.

As we mature as Believers, we slowly die to self. Our position on any matter becomes less important. Our heart and mind begins to align more with God’s position. Instead of emphasizing what I am for, we illuminate what God is for. We become the messenger, rather than the influencer. Our allegiance is for God’s Kingdom and Lord Jesus. As HE trains us and morphs us into HIS image, we slowly reflect more and more of HIS thoughts and values. HE is what we are for. We become one with HIS Spirit. And what HE is for, so are we.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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Culture, Bible, Jesus

Dr. Mike 2022 , , , ,

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Do you truly want to know how strong your relationship with God is?

You will discover the answer in hindsight when you have gone through a serious trial which tests your belief.

Most recently, the world experienced the Covid pandemic. How well did you manage the crisis? Were you internally at peace or frantically worried through the process?

As I write this, I have a friend who is dealing with the death of a mate, another one with the loss of a job, and another who is currently battling through a major health issue. Each will discover through the process how real their faith is compared to where they think it is.

Over the years, I have come to better understand myself and others as we face the calamities and chaos that life throws our way. For example, during the pandemic those who allow the cultural noise to influence their beliefs had the most difficulty dealing with the crisis. Yet those who had a close relationship with our Lord calmly walked through the valley of death knowing whether they lived or died, they were in good hands.

Likewise, when mentoring others, I first try to understand their worldview before developing a directional process. My initial attempt is to determine the central core of one’s current beliefs. From there, we can point them to the target steps they need to pursue in their walk with the Triune God.

Though most Christians have a belief in God, their relationship with HIM begins from a cultural perspective. All they know about God is the result of the world around them. The more secular the culture, the more distorted is their view. As they mature in the faith, they begin to acquire Scriptural knowledge directly from the Bible. Not being properly educated in theological discourse, most of us begin to interpret the Book from a current cultural perspective instead of a historical, chronological basis. The result is again a distorted view of God and reality. However, as a serious disciple of HIS, the more time invested in studying Scripture, in prayer, and service toward others, the more our faith and trust in the living God becomes deeper and stronger. We become more aware of HIS work in us and around us.

In my opinion, the biggest challenge most Christian’s face today is being married to the culture or to the Bible rather than engaged to Jesus Christ. When Jesus becomes our central core and reference point in everything we do, then reality more quickly becomes solid footing. The Truth becomes more recognizable and livable. The outcome is a greater experience of God’s Spiritual fruit in our lives.

The love, joy, and peace described throughout the Bible becomes the divine nature living in you and being expressed out from you. You begin to truly live out your life as an image bearer of God Almighty. You become a living billboard for God’s Kingdom. God touches the lives of others through your walk with HIM.

Bottom-line: let Jesus be the central core of your belief system built upon Biblical Scripture and influentially tested against the culture. As a result, you will receive your crown of life and introduce others to our Lord and King. A win-win for all parties.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books 

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved