Consider:

• Will the concept of the bailout play a significant role in the shaping of future generations of Americans?
• How will the American concept of accountability and justice change in an age of bailouts?
• What affect will the bailout have on Americans’ willingness to accept their need for a savior in the presence of a most holy and just God?
• Will it be more difficult to convince Americans of their sinfulness and depravity?  Further, will it be more difficult for Americans to understand that their sin comes with wages earned: death?

Challenges and Opportunities

Ultimately, this discussion boils down to one question: Will this age of bailouts have an impact on the spreading of the Gospel in America? As I think about the above questions, I am convinced that there are challenges ahead. Opportunities await as well, however. Consider this passage from Colossians 2:

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (Colossians 2:13-14, ESV)

What a great concept with which we might engage those around us! Use current events and news headlines to lead into discussions about the Gospel and the cancelling of our debt by Jesus upon the cross. Compare and contrast the worldly concept of a bailout with Jesus’ perfect act of atonement upon the cross.

Challenges or opportunities? All things considered, it is important to remember that God’s perfect and sovereign will is at work.

What do you think? Does an age of bailouts present challenges to the Gospel in America? Opportunities?

Today the word means whatever you want it to. Most Americans think a “Christian” is a good person who believes in God. If you’re not Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, or Jewish, you must be a “Christian.” The first “Christians” would be surprised at the notion. Luke tells us that “the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26). The word is found only two other times in the Bible (Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). In all three instances, it was used by outsiders to describe followers of Jesus. (The first Christians apparently preferred terms like “believers, disciples, brothers, followers of the Way.”)

So, what does the word “Christian” mean? This topic brings so many questions to mind:

• Are we looking for an insider definition or an outsider?
• Is there a difference between an insider and an outsider definition?  Should there be?
• Should an insider care if the outsider’s definition is different?
• Are we discussing the word “Christian” as a noun or adjective?

Hodges briefly discusses the literal definition of the word: “one who belongs to Christ.” It is likely that, both insiders and outsiders, subscribed to this definition in the days of the early church. Today, the word means many different things to many different people. Some would argue that it means the same as it did that day in Antioch. Others would argue that it is a term with strong political implications. Catholics and Protestants would certainly define the term differently. Is one born a Christian or does one become a Christian? Again, many would disagree, based on upon their definition.

Let’s make the issue even more confusing: What about the word “Christian,” as an adjective? Christian thoughts, Christian books, Christian actions, Christian music, Christian stores, Christian schools, Christian morals… What makes something Christian? Again, more questions. Let’s think in terms of music:

• What makes one a Christian artist or singer? What makes a song Christian?
• If a Christian song is sung by a non-Christian artist, is it still a Christian song? Does the song become Christian once again, if a Christian artist sings it?
• Can it be a Christian band, if they sing a song that isn’t Christian? What if they don’t sing any Christian songs?

What does the word “Christian” mean?

One thing is certainly clear here: there is no clear answer. Because of this, it is important that we define our terms for others. I assign blame for this mess to us Christians (whoever we are). We have allowed the waters to become murky.

Is it time that Christians reclaim the original definition of this word? I think so. What about all the other stuff, the baggage? Perhaps we should make up new words…

 

You might be THAT Christian if…

…you think that posting anonymously in online discussion forums counts as evangelism.

…you think that engaging in apologetic discussions and debates is the same as sharing the Gospel.

…you reach out to the gay community by quoting verses from Leviticus.

…you are a republican because Jesus was, too.

…you wish other Christians were as humble as you are.

…you are relieved that your pet sin is only pride.

…you can read Matthew 23 without being convicted of your own sin.

Please…don’t be THAT Christian.

The Article
Meacham: The End of Christian America | Newsweek.com

Unanimous ruling: Iowa marriage no longer limited to one man, one woman | DesMoinesRegister.com

“The Iowa Supreme Court this morning upheld a Polk County judge’s 2007 ruling that marriage should not be limited to one man and one woman.

The ruling, viewed nationally and at home as a victory for the gay rights movement and a setback for social conservatives, means Iowa’s 5,800 gay couples can legally marry in Iowa beginning April 24.

There are no residency rules for marriage in Iowa, so the rule would apply to any couple who wanted to travel to Iowa.”

I have been asked multiple times about my thoughts and reaction to yesterday morning’s events in Iowa. To be completely honest, I haven’t yet had an opportunity to give the issue a great deal of thought. Nevertheless, I feel compelled to offer some initial reaction.

The Conservative Reaction
Yesterday’s news is certainly a hit to political and social conservatives. It brings the gay marriage debate to the Heartland, previously thought to have been protected by hundreds of miles from fringe liberal states such as California and Massachusetts. I can hear outrage already: The very fabric of our nation is being threatened! Our families are being attacked! This is an assault on the institution of marriage! The future of this great country is at stake! The sky is falling!

I’m Not Worried
What do I think? I can’t say that I am rattled by Iowa:

• We are merely talking about the legal definition of marriage here. The Lord towers above the authority of the United States government. He is not bound by our law. The Biblical, God-breathed, definition of marriage (one man, one woman) is still safe and sound.
• God is mighty and sovereign. The world is not spinning out of control nor will any human institution rob the Lord of His glory. Not even the Iowa Supreme Court. 
• I maintain that the ‘solution’ to ungodliness does not rest in political action, legislation, or court decisions. Rather, the answer is the Gospel. It is only through the blood of Christ that sinners and enemies of God are justified and reconciled to their Maker.

Gay Marriage and the Good News
The most significant questions and concerns that have arisen in my mind revolve around the future of the Gospel in the gay community. That is, how receptive will the community be to Jesus if marriage becomes a legal and commonly-accepted option for gay couples. Is a gay man less likely to respond to the Gospel if he is married to another man versus simply living with his partner? I fear that hearts will be hardened as same-sex couples marry. If so, then we have uncovered the true tragedy of Friday’s events.  

Of course, none of this matters if Christians refuse to be broken for the gay community and develop an authentic desire that they be saved. Until then, it seems, our message will continue to be, “Stop being gay.”

Disagree? I’m sure you aren’t alone. What are your thoughts on Iowa? Comment below.

A friend and colleague shared this Saturday Night Live skit with me yesterday. It is an absolutely hilarious piece of commentary on American culture. Sadly, I think many in our country would react to this advice in the same way as the couple in the video.

Consider Proverbs 22:7

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. (ESV)

As one who is currently battling a great deal of debt from my past, I must say that I am experiencing the truth of this verse even as I type this post. Debt enslaves. If we have been given freedom in Christ, then why would we submit, yet again, to the yolk of slavery (see Galatians 5:1)?

If you are in debt (I empathize with you), then create a plan and get out! If you don’t know how to create an effective plan, then seek counsel at your church or from a professional. Yes, it is a slow process. Let us remember, however, that sin does not come without consequences. Press forward faithfully. One day, by the grace of God, the chains will be broken.

If you are not in debt, then keep it that way by following this simple piece of advice, “Don’t buy stuff you cannot afford.”

What a concept!

McChurch served fresh, hot, fast – just the way you like it.

“The national survey of 1,200 adults with children under 18 at home found the most common definitions of successful parenting include children having good values (25 percent), being happy adults (25 percent), finding success in life (22 percent), being a good person (19 percent), graduating from college (17 percent) and living independently (15 percent). Being godly or having faith in God is mentioned by 9 percent of respondents.

Parents who attend religious services weekly are particularly likely to emphasize faith in God, but only 24 percent of them identify that as a mark of parenting success, the research found.”

I was not terribly surprised to see the results of this LifeWay Research survey regarding the role of faith in parenting. Our culture does not define “success” in terms of faith.  Rather, success is defined in terms of happiness, success, works, achievement, wealth, etc. I was disappointed, however, to see that faith has very little to do with many Christian parents’ definitions of successful parenting.

Is it not the desire of every Christ-following parent that their children are reconciled to Almighty God, serve Him, and, ultimately, spend eternity worshiping him? My wife and I, married less that two years, do not yet have children. Yet, this is my prayer for them: that, by God’s grace, my wife and I are able to lead them to a saving faith in their Savior. I can think of no better way to define success.

In another installment of the “Nightline Face-Off” series, the existence of Satan will be debated on Friday, March 20 at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. The “Face-Off” series began two years ago when the question of “Does God Exist?” was the topic of discussion. The debate will be moderated by Dan Harris.

Arguing against the existence of Satan:

Dr. Deepak Chopra: philosopher, President, Alliance for a New Humanity
Bishop Carlton Pearson: author, “The Gospel of Inclusion”

Arguing for the existence of Satan:

Pastor Mark Driscoll; founding pastor, Mars Hill Church
Annie Lobert; executive director, “Hookers for Jesus”

You can watch the “Nightline Face-Off: Does Satan Exist?” on March 26 on ABCNews.com and on “Nightline” at 11:35 p.m. ET.

This should be quite the event. Perhaps it is an opportunity to reach out and begin conversations with non-Christians around you? Simply mentioning this Nighline debate may open a door for spiritual conversation. Try it out today…

I’ve marked my calendar – will you be watching the debate?

For more information, check out the Mars Hill blog or the Nightline website.

Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA was invited to speak at the Desiring God 2008 National Conference in September. If you have not yet watched or listened to his session, How Sharp the Edge? Christ, Controversy, and Cutting Words, I strongly recommend that you do so now. I found his message, considered by some to be rather controversial, to be deeply encouraging, impactful, and convicting.

Driscoll’s basic outline contains five main points:

1. Christians are to feed the sheep.
2. Rebuke the swine.
3. Shoot the wolves.
4. Bark at the dogs.
5. Pray for the shepherds.

I encourage you to listen to the message in its entirety.  Full audio and video are available for streaming or download here.

What is your reaction to Driscoll’s message? Are there aspects with which you disagree? How might the truth of this message impact our churches, our ministries, our nation? How have you been changed, challenged, impacted, or convicted by Driscoll’s message?

React below.