Engaging Our Culture

What is culture?

Explain some, ask some questions about their clothes, music, things they like, etc. to help them see what culture is.

Paul’s Example

We should follow Paul's example in engaging our culture as we fulfill the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Acts 1:8 ESV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Paul didn’t just preach the Gospel, he started where they were at, explained the Gospel and pointed out the flaws in their worldviews.

Begin to work through the story, teaching as you go. Really set the scene up.

verse 16

I imagine that if I were to go to Knoxville, TN on for the next UT home game, I would feel a few things looking at the tens of thousands of fans. I’d feel compassion looking at all the sad and confused faces. I’d feel some anger towards the administration for letting it get so bad and making the fans have to endure this period of their program...

Last Christmas we were taking the boys to see Avengers Live, but the show got cancelled. As we walked back to our car we saw families who didn’t know yet heading towards the arena, kids all excited. They didn’t know that their hope of an awesome show would betray them. We were sad for them. This is like what Paul is feeling for the people of Athens.

Our world is still wrapped up in idolatry today, it just looks different.

The simplest way to explain idolatry is worshipping or looking to a created thing for something only God can provide.

Money, power, popularity, a feeling, sex, pleasure, food, sports (personal success or your favorite team), education, comfort; endless possibilities

vs 18

What is a worldview?

…a set of beliefs about the most fundamental issues in life: origin, meaning, morality, and destiny. One’s worldview allows one to look for answers to questions about these subjects within a grand narrative.

-Daniel Akin

origin...

meaning...

morality...

destiny...

So let’s make up a crazy worldview and then see how it would affect all these areas!

All people have their answers to these questions, but the correct answers are found in Scripture. Anything that contradicts Scripture is incorrect.

There are so many different worldviews today it’s almost impossible to keep up with it. But as we talk with people who do not believe the Gospel and learn their worldview, there will always be an avenue to lead them to the truth of the Gospel.

v28

You will find little pieces of truth in a lot of art. You can start there and then work towards the Truth.

I think this is especially true in music. A couple years ago we looked at love songs on Valentine’s day and found what was true in them and what wasn’t.

Let’s try one now, but please don’t shout out any songs that would have the little red E next to them on iTunes!

What are the cultural issues/topics you want to engage with the Gospel?

Text me, DM on Insta (but don’t slide in), hand me a note. Please don’t just walk up and tell me because I promise I’ll forget.