Building a Better Twenty-First Century Christian– Thoughts on Real Independence
As it becomes increasingly clear that even in America the culture is moving increasingly away from Christian ethical and theological standards of all sorts, instead of ringing our hands and ushering cries of dismay, it would be better to think about how we can best do the same thing as first century Christians did— namely become counter culture Christians who only affirm those values of the larger culture that comport with Christianity. If there is something true, good, honorable, excellent etc. in the culture, then this can be endorsed, otherwise not. Interestingly, our world is moving closer and closer to being like the world that Paul and others had to respond to as a new minority religious movement. So, what does this actually look like?
3 Ways to Reach Unbelieving Millennials
- Honest Humility
- True Friendship
- Unconditional Love
Talking to Your Kids About Gender in a Gender-Confused World
I will also talk about the purposed and specific ways God created each one of us—including our gender. I could read them Genesis 1:27—God created man in His own image; He created them in the image of God; He created them male and female. God created boys and girls on purpose . . . and that’s a blessing and a gift to us! I will remind them that while we’re each unique and won’t all look or act the same, there are some basic traits and specific commands in Scripture for different genders. Being a boy is awesome. Being a girl is awesome. They are different, but the differences are a part of God’s plan for life and His glory.
Now, I choose to not act on my gay desires because I think scripture makes it pretty clear that that’s not God’s ideal plan for people. I’m not angry or jaded about that fact, nor do I look at sacrificing my own sexuality to God as a tragedy. To me, it’s simple obedience — and it is not shame-based. I know that I was fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Heck, I was created in His very image! (And so were you!) But, like every other Christian that’s ever lived, I’m simply in the ongoing process of learning how to not give in to every natural desire that I feel — whether that has to do with sex or not.
When In The Company Of Gossips
An indiscreet person who blithely engages in the character assassination of others behind their backs has demonstrated that he or she cannot be trusted. When you find yourself in the company of gossips, Solomon says the best thing to do is get away!
4 Marks of Biblical Discipleship
- Discipleship is Modeled
- Discipleship is Balanced
- Discipleship Includes a Worldview
- Discipleship is Eschatological
Professor of Philosophy Eric Schwitzgebel has an actual academic theory about jerkiness. After much study, here is Schwitzgebel’s working definition:
The jerk culpably fails to appreciate the perspectives of others around him, treating them as tools to be manipulated or idiots to be dealt with rather than as moral and epistemic peers.
In other words… try this on for size: Are you surrounded by fools? Are you the only reasonable person around? Then maybe you’re the one with the jerkitude?
Your Lifestyle Has Already Been Designed (The Real Reason For The Forty-Hour Workweek)
Here in the West, a lifestyle of unnecessary spending has been deliberately cultivated and nurtured in the public by big business. Companies in all kinds of industries have a huge stake in the public’s penchant to be careless with their money. They will seek to encourage the public’s habit of casual or non-essential spending whenever they can.
Surrounded By Digital Distractions, We Can’t Even Stop To Think
Stripped of their books, cellphones and other distractions, many, including a majority of men, preferred to instead pass the time by reaching for the sole form of electronic entertainment in the room: a 9-volt battery administering a “severe static shock” when touched.