Ad rem is a straightforward, biblically-based, analysis of our times.
Today’s analysis is of the recently released poll results of a survey conducted over the last seven years by the American Bible Society. Some of you may have read the January 22nd, 2014 article regarding the survey in Time Magazine, which faithfully represented the results without comment regarding their relevance.
Any engagement of culture is a corporate act. Sin came into the world through one man, and the salvation of the world comes through one man, but engaging culture is not the job of a single individual. In Luke 9.1-.6, Jesus sent the 12 disciples into various towns and villages to spread the gospel of hope. He could have sent each off on their own in 12 different directions, but He didn’t.
Today American Muslim’s celebrate the birth of their prophet, Muhammad. Some celebrate by fasting, others by feasting and many by special prayers and commemorations. Like Christians, Muslims do not know the exact date of their leader’s birth (circa 570 AD), but the occasion is intended to praise his life and message.
“Be keenly aware that just as a parent disciplines his child, the Lord your God disciplines you. 8:6 So you must keep his commandments, live according to his standards, and revere him.” — Deuteronomy 8.5 & .6
Journalist, radio personality and commentator for Fox News, Bill O’Reilly, together with writing partner Martin Dugard, took upon themselves the task of writing a historical account of the life of Jesus. The book is available from most book retailers of the digital and brick-and-mortar variety for under $20 hardback and under $10 for the e-book.
Culture is described in a myriad of fashions, from “American Culture” and “Cross-Culture” to “Corporate Culture” and “Class Culture” Books have been written about the difference between East coast and West coast cultures. It seems culture can be found almost anywhere. Indeed, culture is found wherever there are people!
“Be keenly aware that just as a parent disciplines his child, the Lord your God disciplines you. 8:6 So you must keep his commandments, live according to his standards, and revere him.” — Deuteronomy 8.5 & .6
Heroes are an important part of a child’s life — and of adults’ too, truth be known. Heroes are those we look up to, those with some level of personal greatness – not only someone who rushes into a burning building to rescue a toddler trapped on the top floor.
When the Bible becomes the basis for our lives and every day dilemmas we become motivated to pray. This prayer is rarely selfish (“Lord please help ME…”), trite (“God’s neat, let’s eat!”) or compromising (“Lord, whatever you think is best…”). This is true intercessory prayer that is filled with meaning and lets God know what we are hoping for.
What does it mean to “engage culture?” Certainly it does not mean the church has any intention of wedding itself to the worldly culture around it. On the contrary, the word “engage” has many other meanings, two of which are practical in this discussion.
“Be keenly aware that just as a parent disciplines his child, the Lord your God disciplines you. 8:6 So you must keep his commandments, live according to his standards, and revere him.” — Deuteronomy 8.5 & .6
Former President Jimmy Carter makes a bold declaration about faith and politics, but is it biblical?