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Duty to Shape Culture

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Van, Sep 26, 2024.

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  1. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    In my youth, the concept of a social gospel was explained to me this way, the true gospel says God changes people from the inside out, giving them a new heart. The social gospel says humans can change people from the outside in, using persuasion and compulsion to achieve utopia on earth. Probably does not give the concept a fair shake.

    Rather than rehashing to various historical beliefs, as discussed here:
    Social Gospel - Wikipedia
    my focus is on the obligation, if any, for Christians to act in unity to shape our culture to the advantage of Christ. What does the bible say about supporting leaders who reflect biblical principles?
     
    #1 Van, Sep 26, 2024
  2. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    "As a result of His [Christ's] loyalty to the truth, He was not afraid to dissent publicly from official doctrines (if He knew them to be wrong), to expose error, and to warn His disciples of false teachers. He was also extremely outspoken in His language, calling them ‘blind guides’, ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’, ‘whitewashed tombs’ and even a ‘brood of vipers’…we seem in our generation to have moved a long way from this vehement zeal for the truth which Christ and His apostles displayed.” [From the internet}
     
    #2 Van, Sep 26, 2024
  3. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    The Romans saw the Christians as strange and subversive as they only believed in one God and refused to worship Roman gods. Several persecutions of Christians occurred under various Roman emperors, including Nero and Diocletian, with followers often tortured and executed in brutal ways. Despite the dangers, Christianity continued to attract new converts leading up to the 4th century CE. [From the internet]
     
    #3 Van, Sep 26, 2024
  4. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    One purpose of the Christian Church is to present bibli9cal doctrine, even when it influences political doctrine.
     
    #4 Van, Sep 26, 2024
  5. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    I agree. This is why it is do important for the church "to be the church".

    We are not charged with transforming the World. God tells us that the World is and will be enemies of Christ during this life and we are "called out" from the World as sojourners - a people separated and holy to God.

    But we are charged with reaching people with the transforming power of Jesus Chparticular.


    The OP also lists the flaw of a social gospel. God tells us that the world will not be changed to be a utopia on earth.
     
    #5 JonC, Sep 26, 2024
    Last edited: Sep 26, 2024
  6. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    When God transfers a lost individual into Christ, He transforms the World, one sinner at a time.

    The church has a purpose, to reach the world for Christ. Actions to facilitate that purpose, such as speaking truth to power are part of our assignment.
     
    #6 Van, Sep 27, 2024
  7. ChristB4Us

    ChristB4Us Member

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    Where by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and that God has raised Him from the dead is how we are saved will be offensive to religious people trying to get in Heaven by their works and yet by believing that Jesus Christ will also deliver new believers from their bondage to sin to no longer live in sin and help them to resist sin daily in thought, word & deed will be offensive to sinners that prefer to live in sin.

    If mankind can actually accomplish that, then Jesus Christ would not had to come to earth.

    John 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

    24 But Jesus did not commit ( entrust ) himself unto them, because he knew all men,

    25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

    So like the CW Smallville where "Clark" believes there is good in everyone, Jesus Christ does not believe that at all nor are they "basically" good. We are all sinners in need of Christ as our Saviour & Good Shepherd for help in resisting sin daily.

    The Bible says to pray for all men as in all leaders too, whether they are evil or not.

    1 Timothy 2: 1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

    2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

    3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

    4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

    I have not come across any politician that does not love money and so regardless of the "political" espousing of Biblical values, scripture says they cannot serve God and mammon ( money ).

    Matthew 6: 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

    When our leaders are giving heed to the global elite, for the love of money, it is obvious we should pray for the global elite also.

    I would think if Christians disprove the evolution theory in the judicial court system, to have it remove from being taught in public schools and universities, and the media entertainment circles, as if it has been proven true or is a fact, God may use that to lead those who would have sought after Him to finally seek Him but since there are so many vices in America and corruption, it looks like a wake up call at the pre great tribulation rapture event is what is going to take to wake the world up.
     
    #7 ChristB4Us, Sep 28, 2024
  8. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    Van said:
    In my youth, the concept of a social gospel was explained to me this way, the true gospel says God changes people from the inside out, giving them a new heart. The social gospel says humans can change people from the outside in, using persuasion and compulsion to achieve utopia on earth. Probably does not give the concept a fair shake.

    Did I say by believing we are saved? Nope!!!!!!!!

    If you are not going to address the position, why post?

    Does salvation depend on the person who wills or does things, or on God alone? God alone!!!!!!

    If you are not going to address the position, why post?

    Did I say some people are good and deserve to be saved? Nope

    If you are not going to address the position, why post.

    Does the Bible say the church is only to pray for our governing leaders and not to do what we can to enhance the ministry of Christ? Nope

    If you are not going to address the position, why post?

    The intent of our First amendment to our constitution was to provide those governed with the opportunity to practice their religion, whether true or false. The government was not to teach our children that there is not God, that life came from happenstance, because that interferes with our practice of our religion. Seeking reform to restore our opportunity to spread the gospel effectively is a purpose of the church.
     
    #8 Van, Sep 29, 2024
  9. ChristB4Us

    ChristB4Us Member

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    You had asked this

    ".....my focus is on the obligation, if any, for Christians to act in unity to shape our culture to the advantage of Christ. What does the bible say about supporting leaders who reflect biblical principles?"

    I would say again that praying for them is key as far as our influence goes.

    1 Timothy 2: 1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

    2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

    3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

    4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

    That can go beyond praying for their salvation since He can direct their paths in doing the right thing for the people.
     
    #9 ChristB4Us, Sep 29, 2024
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