"5. The Ministry of Reconciliation - Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, underscores our role as ambassadors for Christ. We've been entrusted with the message of reconciliation, tasked to bring others closer to God. Engaging culture facilitates dialogue, enabling us to share the Gospel effectively. While the medium may change, the message remains constant." - James Lasher
Argghh! We are not tasked with bringing people closer to God because we can't! Paul never engaged culture to facilitate dialogue. This is not a dialogue. We are not charged with convincing anyone! When the Sons of Thunder asked Jesus if He wanted them to reign down fire from heaven upon the Samaritan village that refused to "engage" with Jesus they were soundly rebuked! This mindset is partially because of the seeker friendly, purpose driven heresies that have warped people in the apostate church to believe they have something to do with the work of God. It is the same old sin of Lucifer. We preach the gospel and if they refuse to hear, we move onto the Hall of Tyrannus so that all might have the same chance to hear the gospel. Rick Warren once advised pastors to not preach the gospel in their Easter service to increase the likelihood of the guests returning the next week! Wrap your head around that level of stupidity for a moment. What if there is no next week? What if we spend our time and resources trying to change culture that will never change and all the while never providing the only thing that matters, the gospel.
"6. Prioritizing Eternal Perspectives - Colossians 3:2 instructs us to "set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." Engaging culture is vital, but our ultimate allegiance lies beyond this temporal realm. Like Abraham, who lived as a stranger in a foreign land, we remember that our true citizenship is in heaven. Our actions reflect our longing for an eternal home." - James Lasher
It truly is a shame when our pre-formed bias blinds us from our inherent contradictions and hypocrisies. Consider these statements made back-to-back:
"Colossians 3:2 instructs us to "set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."
"Engaging culture is vital"
So, which is it? The biblical quote obviously is the one we follow. If we are to not set our minds on the things of this earth, then engaging culture is not vital. It is not even recommended. The culture does not need to be saved. The people need to be saved OUT of the culture and the only way that will ever happen is through the preached gospel. If we know our true citizenship is in heaven, then our actions should have nothing to do with this fallen world. Lasher and the dominionist crowd are solely laser focused on this world and changing this culture so to pretend that it is done longing for an eternal home is again, laughable.
"7. Remaining Steadfast in Truth - Trends come and go, but God's truth endures. Ephesians 4:14-15 encourages us to "speak the truth in love." Amidst shifting cultural norms, we must anchor ourselves in His unwavering truths. Our engagement should reflect God's unchanging character, leading others to the solid ground of His Word. As Christians, we're called to be active participants in the world while being distinct from it. Our engagement should mirror Christ's transformative impact and uncompromising stand. The Bible's guidance equips us to influence culture without becoming entangled in its snares. By nurturing a heart aligned with God, focusing on eternal values and upholding biblical truths, we can effectively engage modern culture for God's glory." - James Lasher
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