The Bible and Our Culture

Our hope as believers brings a stark contrast to the world's lack of hope. Focus on the unseen--focus on the eternal! What hope do we have that the world wants to hear. Jesus gives us hope in so many different facets.  Focusing on eternity is hope the world can't boast about. The world's lack of hope must be addressed.

2 Corinthians 4: 7-18.   We truly have hope in a way the world never could.  We must boast, but boast in God! Suffering often solidifies our convictions.

God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours so we must forsake our thoughts. Too many believers underestimate the Bible. Jesus is the Word made flesh. God's Thoughts vs. Your Thoughts.

Pastor Jay's address to Spokane City Council regarding "Climate Resiliency" funding.   Economic freedom is far more important to Third World Countries (and all countries) than environmental protections.

There are a lot of "environments" to be concerned about more than geological environment. The Data has to match what your funders want.  Honest people would find it difficult to look for data that would cause them to lose their job.   Climate Change Hysteria is anxiety we reap from not trusting God.

Many who call themselves "anti-racist" insists there is "good" racism. The CNN spirit wants to inflame society with more and more racism. Neo-racism is the Left trying to put out a fire with gasoline.

How have we gone so far that we think racial segregation is combating racism? Today's racists call themselves antiracists. There is more racism on the Left, but there are pockets of antiquated racism on the Right.   Segregated graduations tries to put lipstick on a pig, but contributes to more racism. Antiquated racism versus Neo-racism.

Biblical Worldview is what our society lacks, and what believers today should prioritize.  The Holy Spirit will unlock new levels in understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Theopneustos! Many Christians are not making the Bible a priority, which makes a "biblical church" more of a priority.

Biblical Christianity cannot be "Progressive" Christianity. What matters on everything important is what the Bible say. There is so much proof the Bible can be trusted. Biblical Christianity never adapts, updates, evolves or progresses.

The Bible calls us out of the world's systems. Many denominations that were founded on hardcore biblical principles generations ago, no longer value a biblical worldview and even attack it.   Many who call themselves Christians, live out a secular worldview unaware of the importance of a biblical worldview. A new believer can minister in many ways even before they learn a lot of biblical theology, but it is important for each of to grow in biblical understanding.

Relationships hurt sooner or later, but they are worth the risk, they are worth the pain.   Whether an extrovert or introvert, valuing and stewarding relationships or part of God's plan, part of a biblical worldview.

There are challenges of remaining simple like Jesus taught. We are called to keep the gospel and our lives with Jesus simple.  What does that mean? What does it look like?

There is power in your testimony! God is faithful to work His character in His saints regardless of the challenges they face.

The first key to victory over demons is: Don't Sin. Paul's ministry in Ephesus shows the devil's plans backfire. Demons and Satan often shoot themselves in the foot; that is, their plans will backfire if we stand against them in faith and truth. Time with the Lord alone and time with Lord collectively are important to your health. Time with God is an epic fight but keep fighting!

Paul's ministry in Ephesus was successful!  Because they were able to replicate themselves starting with Paul. Even if you find yourself within tyranny, keep sharing your testimony.  The kingdom of God cannot be oppressed.   A daily grind and routine of regular Bible Study is what led to success! The church of Ephesus shows kingdom methods for advancement.  Replication is God's method of growth. The Ephesus Church reached all of Asia.  How?

Apollos, humility, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  (Acts 18) Apollos was an amazing minister even though he didn't know about this second baptism of the Holy Spirit. If you haven’t experienced the subsequent baptism of the Holy Spirit, please leave your heart open to it. If you have experienced this subsequent baptism of the Holy Spirit, please receive from today’s Apollos-type believers. This subsequent baptism is biblical, but it is not the central thrust of the New Testament. Please be open to what the Holy Spirit may be doing.

There is such value to your soul in trash-talking demonic forces. Demonstrate the wisdom of God by your actions. Like a professional athlete, when you struggle, go back to the fundamentals. Perspective is everything!

Riots, race and provoking the lost to jealousy. Live an adventurous life for Jesus!  It will bring persecution.   Make unbelievers jealous of the life you have in Christ. Why did Paul go to the Jews first?  He didn't have a racial bias.  He had companions of all sorts of different ethnic backgrounds.  He wanted the advantage of the Jewish people's background and worldview to help disciple new converts. Our civil duties are important, but not as important as converting people to Jesus. Riots today are like riots in the book of Acts.

Too many "Christians" don't want to show lost people they are lost; sadly, they want to be popular with them. Because of intimidation; there is a tragic decline in the percentage of people who call themselves Christians today compared to a few years ago.   Sadly, "Christians" don't want to show lost people they are lost; they want to be popular with them. They become easily intimidated.

Pastors have a right to earn a Salary as the serve in the Church, but it doesn't mean those who don't earn a salary are not as "spiritual" or impactful.   Be a minister wherever your "secular" career might take you.  Have a marriage like Aquila and Priscilla! Have a career and ministry like Aquila and Priscilla! Aquila and Priscilla have an amazing story the Bible hints at, but never really fills us in on the details.

Political groups ought to be involved in politics.   A sense of community is great, but community-ism is often a trojan horse to surrender liberty. Rioting is a tactic of the Left not the Right.   Why did Jesus name His people after a political group, Ecclesia? Acts 19 shows the true meaning of the biblical word "church".

Keep your perspective, "keep looking down" because you are seated in the heavenlies. God seated us in the heavenly places with Jesus.  Ephesians 2 tells us who we are because of what Jesus has done. There is nothing but vanity under the sun.

Judges 8 highlights a distinction in how there's a place for tolerating even those who might have strong personalities, provided they are committed to standing firm for the values we believe in. Conversely, we should be wary of those who are unwilling to engage in the challenges we face.   Gideon's interactions with the Ephraimites offer a valuable lesson. Even though they leveled unfair criticisms against him, Gideon chose to accommodate them because they had demonstrated a willingness to fight alongside him. In contrast, his anger was rightly directed at those who refused to defend their nation.   Stand with those who are willing to fight for what is right and just, and to be cautious of those who shrink from that responsibility.   Don't tolerate "fellow believers" who would undermine the fight.

Though David v. Goliath is an amazing underdog story, it is still not as much of an underdog story as Gideon's army of 200.   Beware of intimidation. Gideon's army of 200. Be active in your local church.  God will help us build our faith.  We can stand in faith and cause the enemy's plans.

How the culture today causes us to embrace quick shallow answers. Safety is a false god of today's society causing us to live in fear and anxiety.  Gen Z is forced to grow up in ways previous generations never did; but they haven't grown up in other ways.  God loves Gen Z!  There is no limit to the revival they can spear-head! The Secularists' cure for depression and anxiety makes it worse; they are trying to put out a fire with gasoline.

Each generation is different from the previous--especially with the rapid change in values and technology.  Have great hope in God for what He has planned for Gen Z! Many in Gen Z is getting annoyed with Left-wing propaganda.

Each generation is different.  Acts 13:25,36 God has a purpose for each generation.  Today's Gen Z (Zoomers) are growing up in a significantly different culture than their parents. Have great hope in God for what He has planned for Gen Z!

What was the context of the phrase "Separation of Church and State" and how has it been perverted? Both clauses regarding the Freedom of Religion protects the individual from government overreach.  Where did the phrase "Separation of Church and State" come from and what was the context? Gideon got cocky and backslid, mostly by trying to be both Church authority and State authority and brought destruction.

What does the first amendment say regarding "Separation of Church and State"? Gideon was kind'a trans: He was acting like a king, but he "identified" as a descendant of Aaron to also act as High Priest. The ephod or the crown?  Different roles.   The concept has been perverted 180 degrees through loud repetition.   Gideon perverted the Separation of Church and state in Judges 8?

The temptation of popularity. Proverbs 18:12 "Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility." The forgotten story of how pride destroyed Gideon and the people around him. Gideon got lazy and pride crept in. Many unelected "gatekeepers" influence policy hiding in plain site. Beware of those who want power but don't take responsibilities.

Judges 7 God's power must be accompanied by God's wisdom. Prov 4:7  "Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Faith and zeal can defeat the enemy, but you need wisdom to deal with your fellow Christians.

Judges 7. Though David v. Goliath is an amazing underdog story, it is still not as much of an underdog story as Gideon's army of 200.   Battle the enemy within relationship with God's people.  Be active in your local church.  God will help us build our faith.  We can stand in faith and cause the enemy's plans to fail.

Ezekiel 16; The Sex-crazed culture costs freedom just as it did in Gideon's day. Gideon's victory at home in Judges 6. Sex saturated culture leads to degradation of our son's and daughters as well as all our society. Old Testament prostitution.

Gideon's battle began at home? How about you? Gideon had to confront the temptations we face including sexual indulgence.  We are an over-sexed society. How did the false gods, Baal and Asherah, tempt people into worshipping them.

Finding our adequacy in God. Judges 6:7-24 What are characteristics of the people God uses? Where did Gideon's true strength come from?

Finding our adequacy in God. Judges 6:7-24 God called Gideon when he felt inadequate.  It's about the willing vessel, not the impressive resume'. 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 Where did Gideon's true strength come from?

Who does God call? The nature of the book of Judges What does God say about one's qualification to minister? Gideon’s Calling - A Setting for Revival Judges 6:1-12

What can we do to get our elected representatives to listen to us? What does God expect of His people when the public square seems full of lies? Become a Defender, with Pastor Brian Noble of Family Policy Institute of Washington. fpiw.org

2 Corinthians 4: 7-18 What separates a joyful believer versus a sour one? We can have a positive mental attitude and so much more because we are in Christ. Boast in the Hope we have through Jesus.

Acts 1:8 is key to fulfilling the Great Commission. Don't doubt the power of your testimony! Wining back the Culture 1 testimony at a time! Shake off the dust from your feat against those who resist the message. A witness doesn't have the burden to win the case, but simply to share the truth.

What Jesus might say to today's hypocritical, external, people pleasing, self-deceived oppressors.   There is a little bit of Pharisaicalism in all of us.  Leftists are Pharisees too!

Pharisees today might not be what you think they are. What are the common denominators of Pharisaicalism in the Bible? Everybody wants to insist they are not a Pharisee and their opponents are.

What is happening with foster kids in America? Gender dysphoria and the state of Washington's woke agenda against at-risk kids. Interview with Chris Knowlton who is the founder and director of The Source Washington, The Source Idaho, The Source Montana, and The Source Malawi.

Joshua and Caleb were God's remnant in this situation. Fighting the Culture War as a "Joshua" or "Caleb". The American Church no longer needs to scout out the land.  We already know their is wickedness and corruption everywhere.   America cannot afford to miss this window of opportunity.

Praying for God's enemies to repent. Moses changed God's mind, by the will of God? How to pray for our enemies?  First and foremost, that they repent.

Diminishing God's judgment, diminishes His grace also.  Minimizing God's wrath, minimizes what Jesus did in His great mercy and love for us.   Christ's sacrifice on the cross didn't change the Father's view of sin; it changed His view of sinners.   God values our faith and trust on a personal level; in other words, God doesn't see a lack of faith as merely a short-coming to try to work on, but a personal account of how we see Him and His goodness towards us.  Intercession in the face of God's judgment, the Church's sacred role.  God wants us to play the role of "good cop" as we stand in the gap for others.   We are God's hose to get the Living Water to our dry and dying culture.   Does Moses dare try to advise God?

We all have giants especially if you are taking ground for the purposes of God.  When they threaten you, realize, like Caleb, they are your bread!  Defeating giants are our Daily Bread!

Factions in the church versus the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper gives us an opportunity to "proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" to the lost, to each other, to demonic forces, and to our own souls. What does it mean to partake of the Lord's Supper "in an unworthy manner"? 5 pitfalls if you partake of Communion "in an unworthy manner". Take the Lord's Supper seriously, but be thankful as you do it. How often do you take Communion and who is allowed to take it?  Forgiving others is a key part of the Lord's Supper and a key part of your mental health.

What problems was Paul was responding to in his first letter to the church at Corinth.   1Corinthians 11:17f There are pitfalls within the Lord's Supper. Why we celebrate the Lord's Supper (also called Communion or the Eucharist). Why do most churches have such small portions for the Lord's Supper?

When we see our propensity to be deceitful, we will be less likely to trust in man. Human nature suppresses the truth and it brings terrible damage. Put your confidence in the LORD.   The Founding Fathers understood the deceitful human heart talked about in Jeremiah 17, John 3, Romans 1 and 1 John 1.