Connecting the Gospel to our Culture

How did we get here?

We are facing it.

It is the reality - It is everywhere in our contemporary culture

It is in the church - it is not just an issue for the world

We need to be equipped.

We need to know how to think about this biblically, listen compassionately, and minister courageously - we are not dealing with an issue here, we are dealing with people!

“… at its heart, this debate isn’t about a debate. It’s about people: precious people made in the image of God who are hurting, who are confused, who are angry, who are scared, who may have been told by their family that they are unwelcome” (Andrew T. Walker, God and the Transgender Debate, Pg. 14)

Are we ready to love people who are struggling with their sexual identity?

We have the answer.

“…people who have had transition surgery are nineteen times more likely than average to die to suicide.” (Ryan T. Anderson, When Harry Became Sally, Pg. 2)

Even after having treatment to transition ones gender studies find there is little psychological improvement (Ryan T. Anderson, When Harry Became Sally, Pg. 17)

The answer of a homosexual is not to become straight

The answer for a transgender person is not to stick with their biological gender

These are no more the answers than to say the answer of a addict is to stop their addiction or for an abuser to stop their abuse

I am not saying that these things are not good or that they shouldn’t be done, but that if these changes are made without ones heart being transformed we have done little if anything to make an eternal difference

I realize that statement may make you feel a little uncomfortable, it did me. If we fail to see the Gospel as the greatest good for all man I think it is because we have failed to understand man’s greatest need.

The answer is not in one’s sexuality or gender whatever it may be biologically or whatever one chooses it to be

I want to engage this issue not simply to educate us but to help us see that we need to reach out with the only true hope any person can have - Jesus Christ!

“The reasons why Christians must confront the transgender revolution and why we must faithfully preach the gospel to transgender persons are because we love God and we love our neighbor.” R. Albert Mohler Jr. (taken from the forward of God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew T. Walker)

Even after having treatment to transition ones gender studies find there is little psychological improvement (Ryan T. Anderson, When Harry Became Sally, Pg. 17)

“The reasons why Christians must confront the transgender revolution and why we must faithfully preach the gospel to transgender persons are because we love God and we love our neighbor.” R. Albert Mohler Jr. (taken from the forward of God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew T. Walker)

How did we get here?

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) Transgender

having personal characteristics (as transsexuality or transvestism) that transcend traditional gender boundaries and corresponding sexual norms

The term transgender is used to refer to people who do not feel the gender they were born with is the gender they actually are.

How do we define transgenderism?

A man or boy feels he is really a woman or girl trapped in a boys body or a woman or girl feels she is really a man or boy trapped in a girls body

There may be be different reason they feel that way and there are different ways in which they deal or respond to this

The idea is that may not be the gender you were born with, there are more than 2 genders. The list has rapidly grown, at one time Facebook offered 50 choices, not it just lets you write in whatever you want.

We will look at transgenderism more specifically next week. This week I want to step back and ask… how did we get here?

How did we come to accept this as a society and how do we now call it good - it is applauded

If we are going to reach our world for Christ we must understand our world. There is a growing distance between the church and the world. Partly this is due just to the speed at which our culture is changing. - It is not necessarily bad - it does mean we need to work harder at understanding our world

How did we get here?

Relativism

If something is relative it is “not absolute or independent”

Based on perspective or view point - Relatively cold or quiet or long - the standard to which one is measuring is not fixed

Relatively cold or quiet or long - the standard to which one is measuring is not fixed

“Relativism says that meaning and truth are relative, so that what is right for one person may be wrong for another person.” (Andrew T. Walker, God and the Transgender Debate, Pg. 21)

Truth becomes fluid, changing based on the perspective it is viewed from

“Relativism denies that there’s any one ‘right’ way to understand the world. There are only stories, not a grand Story. So there’e Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and lots and lots of other religions, and none are true at all times and all places for all people. A religion is but one example of how someone could choose to live his or her life, but it isn't authoritative for everyone. Any attempt to claim that it is is just a ruse to gain power over someone else.” (Andrew T. Walker, God and the Transgender Debate, Pg. 22)

This leads to an abandoning of absolute truth and absolute morality - there is no right and wrong for everyone

This also leads to individualism

Individualism

“Individualism says everyone gets to write their own script” (Andrew T. Walker, God and the Transgender Debate, Pg. 23)

Not only are we not part of a larger story but we get to write our own story. You do’t have to be the secondary character in someone else’s story you can be the main character in your on story!!

This is really inviting - “I can throw of the constraints of society and be free, totally liberated to be and do whatever I want”

This is incredibly appealing because it appeals directly to our sinful desires. Ever since sin entered the world man has been trying to live for himself apart from God, now you are invited to do what your flesh longs to do.

This has led to a change in people’s moral intuition - how people determine what is right or wrong

Christians have a standard - Bible - truth matters to us

Moral or traditional view - moral standard, often based on the Bible - increasingly questions, tradition matters

How do People make moral decisions?

1. Is it harmful or not?

Does it seem to bring harm or damage to the person?

What harm is it if someone wants to identify as a different gender than the one they were born with or marry someone of the same sex?

In fact it seems to bring harm if you tell them they can’t

2. Does it seem liberating or unnecessarily constraining?

Does it seem to free people?

To allow a homosexual to marry another homosexual is freeing isn't it? It would be very constraining to tell the same homosexual person that he cannot express or act on those feelings or desires. Same for a person who wants to identify as another gender

Why would you limit someone else in the writing of their own story?

3. Is it fair or in some senses discriminating or unjust?

Does it seem just or honest?

How is it fair to say to a homosexual you can’t marry another homosexual or act on those desires and yet heterosexuals can? How is it just to allow men to be men and women to be women but not let transgender people be who they want to be?

These are the questions people are asking today when trying to determine what is right and wrong. When this is your standard for morality then we can see how same sex marriage and people changing gender seems right.

Sexual Revolution

“Our teachings will not be relevant if we are not appealing to moral intuition’s that aren’t shared by our audience.” (Sam Allberry)

How then do we share the Gospel of truth and the God of truth and the word of truth with a culture that cares nothing for truth?

We don’t...

Abandon the truth

Distort the truth

Hide the truth

How do we respond?

The truth does not change, so how do I share this truth with a culture that doesn’t care for truth?

Maybe this point is obvious but I think it needs to be stated

In this day and age many young people have left the church because the truths they were being taught were not believed by the people who taught them or claimed to believe them

This is really about how we see ourselves and how we see God

Romans 3:23 ESV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

There is no double standard with God, all need Jesus. But… who needs Jesus the most

Of all the people in the world, who needs Jesus the most? Homosexuals? Transgender people? Murders? What one person is most in need of the Gospel? - Who is the most sinful person you know?

Who is the most sinful person you know?

1 Timothy 1:15 ESV

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

The person who most needs the Gospel is sitting in your seat

We have this false view that certain people need Jesus more than other people, too often we minister from a position of pride because we think the person we’re ministering to is a worse sinner than we are.

Was Paul the worst sinner there ever was? Probably not, but Paul knew his own heart well and He knew the sinful desires and tendencies and thoughts that no one else ever saw. Paul knew he was fully deserving God’s eternal wrath and judgement and a part from God intervening on the road to Damascus that what he would have got. We are no different!

Ephesians 2:1 ESV

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins

- we were dead! - no hope

Ephesians 2:4–5 ESV

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

Eph 2:

If I truly understand that I was completely and utterly dead in my sin and but for the abundant free grace and mercy of God I would still be dead I will minister from the position of greatest humility.

If I believe what the Bible says about me and my sin and the grace given to me by my Saviour than I will be ready to respond to others who need that same grace and truth

2. We need to be changed by the Gospel

Who needs the Gospel more believers or unbelievers?

Is the Gospel only for those who have never received Jesus?

1 Corinthians 15:1–2 ESV

1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

:

Those who are saved need the Gospel just as much as those who are not saved.

The Gospel is the message of God’s boundless love given to man. God graciously and mercifully sent His Son to pay for our sin so that He might transform us from our sinful state into the image of His Son. The process of salvation and sanctification equally rely on God’s mercy and grace extended to man.

If I am not growing as a Christian, being changed by God into the image of His Son I will not be aware of the grace that is needed in my life and thus I will be far more open to judge others who clearly need God’s grace.

However, as I submit to God’s Spirit in my life and allow Him to transform me, I realize just how much of a sinner I am and how unworthy I am to receive God’s grace. In such a needy state I will be far more open to extend grace to others. I will also be far more open and willing to share a message that is actively changing my life.

Romans 12:2–3 ESV

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

Romans 12:2 ESV

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3. We need to proclaim the Gospel in relevant and authentic ways

The truth does not change, so how do I share this truth with a culture that doesn’t care for truth?

They need to see that the Gospel is not only true but that it also answers the questions they are asking. The assumptions they believe will never provide what they are looking for, but Jesus does!

Jesus needed to see this woman (v. 4). The woman had no idea she needed Jesus, she did not go to the well that day to find Jesus - and yet… she was searching

1. The Gospel is the true story through which life makes sense

Although individualism has some appeal (I get to do what I want) it fails to make sense of the big picture because all we have is ourselves - people are left with is “is this it” - you are the story, but yet we know, we hope there is more

The Gospel provides the context within which our stories make sense

In reality Jesus doesn’t need something from the woman she needs something from him, notice how what Jesus offers her is far better than what she offered Him? - living water

God is the author of life therefore we will only understand our role as we understand the authors intentions for us

Trying to make sense out of life without God is like trying to understand a story from only one person’s perspective

Who are you? Why are you here? What is the purpose of your life? What are you living for? - only God provides satisfying answers to these questions

The Gospel provides the purpose men are longing to live for

Any other alternative narrative will leave one empty and longing - they may not be willing to admit it, but we know it is true

The Gospel gives hope that transcends our stories

How we live our stories will reflect which story we claim to belong to.

Are we secure with who we are in Christ?

Are we living our lives for the purpose of bringing glory to God?

Are we living for Jesus?

2. The Gospel is true goodness

Sometimes things that “feel” good are not actually good, we must do more than simply tell people their way is wrong, we must tell them that God’s way is more good than they could imagine

We will not see goodness any purer or more beautiful than in the Gospel

Sometimes things that “feel” good are not actually good, we must do more than simply tell people their way is wrong, we must tell them that God’s way is more good than they could imagine

“We need to show people the positives of the Gospel. Whenever God says ‘no’ to something, what is he saying ‘yes’ to?” - Sam Allberry

Is Christianity about living by a bunch of rules? NO!! Christianity is about living for the delight of the one who has satisfied our souls with unspeakable goodness.

Christianity is about living for the delight of the one who has satisfied our souls with unspeakable goodness.

Isaiah 55:1–2 ESV

1 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.

Matthew 11:28 ESV

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Psalm 107:9 ESV

9 For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Goodness is found in God not in me, I am not the solution - God is!

Psalm 119:39 ESV

39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.

Psalm 1:1–2 ESV

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Sin will only bring harm - , it deceives, but God is good.

3. The Gospel is true freedom

Sin often provides an initial freeing sensation because one is providing gratification to ones flesh, but that will never last.

Sin always enslaves - living for personal pleasure and gain is living in my own prison cell - Jesus is the only answer!

Romans 8:7 ESV

7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.

Romans 6:7 ESV

7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.

John 8:36 ESV

36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

True freedom is not found in becoming gay or transitioning to another gender, freedom is found in Jesus

Satan promise Eve she would be free, but she was ensnared.

4. The Gospel is true equality

Galatians 3:28 ESV

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

1 Cor 6:

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 ESV

9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

There is only one truly innocent man and he died so that we might be made just

Colossians 3:11 ESV

11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

“Jesus treats us all the same. You find an equality in Jesus that you don’t find in a culture that prides itself in equality.” Sam Allberry

Romans 3:22–24 ESV

22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

We are all broken sinful people, we all need Jesus and Jesus died for all!

There is no pride in the Gospel, I did no more to deserve Jesus than anyone else

I am just as much in need of grace as any homosexual or transgender person - we all need Jesus

- Jesus and the Woman at the Well

Jesus needed to see this woman (v. 4). The woman had no idea she needed Jesus, she did not go to the well that day to find Jesus - and yet… she was searching

Jesus needed to see this woman (v. 4). The woman had no idea she needed Jesus, she did not go to the well that day to find Jesus - and yet… she was searching

People don’t know they need Jesus, but are we watching to see who is searching?

Jesus appeals to the longings of her heart (v. 10)

In reality Jesus doesn’t need something from the woman she needs something from him, notice how what Jesus offers her is far better than what she offered Him? - living water

People are searching for a cup of water when we possess an eternal spring

Jesus shows her how good his water is (v. 13-14)

Jesus water is infinitely better than her water - it not only satisfies but becomes a source of goodness within

Any satisfaction sin brings is at best temporary and fleeting, it only magnifies the gaping hole within

Jesus points out how enslaving her current life is (v. 16-18)

She has been searching or meaning in relationships and been rejected 5 times (only the man could divorce)

Notice Jesus is not judging her, He is not condemning her

He is merely pointing out how futile her search for happiness has been

Jesus is more concerned about her heart than her religious affiliation (v. 21-24)

It is not her way vs. his way - It is there way vs. God’s way

It is not us vs. them, we are calling people to the same thing we are ourselves desperately need.