Cultural Relativism, Cont., Part 3.

Real Dudes,

Aah, the 4th of July…so thankful for our freedoms. May we be thankful for our opportunity to freely and openly worship as God’s called us to. Why? It’s been threatened in the past and is a current threat in some countries. Some governments even control what Pastors can and can’t preach. This is real stuff happening right now all over the world. Don’t think it can happen in the US? Due to cultural relativism, our communities, including some Christ-followers, are already moving that way without any government involvement…making it way too easy for Satan to be a distraction to the spreading of the Good News. Genuine Christ-followers need to start making a difference and praying. Begin at home…start speaking into your loved one’s or else someone else will.

Concerning my last blog posting on Cultural Relativism, I received this response from one of our Ox Strong men and he gave me permission to share his concerns with the rest of you.
He stated that, “This is spot on my friend. This is what we need to hear. I don’t know if you have seen the latest but now Pella of all places has decided it’s OK at the community pool for a girl that thinks she’s a dude to walk around without a shirt on. If we don’t think that can happen here then we are crazy. Something we thought was impossible maybe even a year ago is happening right in front of our eyes! What is next! Will they come someday and knock on our door and ask if we are Christians and if we say yes they will take us away? Again, we think that is impossible but is it really?  That’s what the world is coming too. As Christians we need to stand up, open our eyes and fight back for what we believe in!  Get off the sidelines and get in the game men!”
My response, “men need to continue to keep their eyes open to this stuff if they want to be the true leaders God's called them to be. Not that we have to go around protesting on street corners, but at least speak out when God provides that opportunity. Speaking the truth in love, otherwise we'll never see the changes we're praying for.”
His follow-up response, “Thanks.  Exactly. We don’t need to go protest and break windows and be idiots but we have to see what’s going on around us. Unfortunately if you read the newspaper or watch the evening news you’re not getting the true story.  It makes me want to vomit!  God bless you Nate. Thanks for taking a stand.”

Verses to keep in mind…
Ephesians 4:14-15 (NLT) Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

• Who or what is influencing and growing you intellectually?
• Can you look back and see how you’ve been subtly tricked into believing and acting a certain way throughout the years? Remember, Satan is the master of ever so slightly twisting the truth, and slowly but surely getting you ever so far off the path that leads to truth.
• Is your life one that looks more like Christ’s, or more like your Community?

Romans 1:32 (NKJV) who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

• What are some ways that some subtly show approval?
  • Promoting and supporting. Using such phrases as, “It’s good for them, but not something I’ll participate in.” “I’m happy that they seem happy.” “If I speak out then I might be seen differently in the community…I’ll play it safe and not say anything at all…I’ll just go with the flow and not cause any ripples along the way.” “I’ll financially support their cause in secret.” "If the majority of the city and church leaders support it, then I'll stand behind their efforts as well...I'll just trust their making the right decision."
  • "Excuse me! Read the sign, "DO NOT DISTURB!"

Acts 17:11 (NLT) And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

• Just to point out…don’t you think they could’ve said that if the Apostle Paul said it, then it’s an automatic truth? No need to second guess them, just believe them, right? What does the Holy Spirit commend the Bereans for?
  Do you find yourself using the excuse that it’s too much work to search the scriptures for answers? Do you find it so much easier and preferable to just trust you’re being led to greener pastures by your authorities? After this study do you still think these are wise, noble, and commendable approaches?  
  
  

Song: Jesus Freak by DC Talk

Practicing His Presence,
Nate