2. Postmodern “Truth”   “Truth” is relative, not fixed or absolute.   One can never know something without question.   “Truth” is constructed, not discovered.   People construct “truths” that work for them.   What is “true” for one may not be “true” for another.   One “truth” is as valid as another.   “Truth” can be revised without contradiction.   “Spin” is everything.

3. The “New Evangelicalism” Modern-day “Christianity” is characterized by: 1. 1. exalting love and so-called “unity” above doctrine 2. 2. a judge-not philosophy; a repudiation of separation and replacement of it with dialogue 3. 3. a demand for positivism, by a repudiation of the more negative aspects of biblical Christianity (e.g., sin, hell) 4. 4. softness, desire for a less strict Christianity; rules are legalism 5. 5. a desire for intellectual respectability, by pride of scholarship 6. 6. an attitude of anti-fundamentalism 7. 7. dividing biblical truth into categories of important and not important 8. 8. a weariness with spiritual warfare for truth 9. 9. exalting social-political activity to the same level as the Great Commission 10. 10. a disdain for doctrinal controversy

4. “Cultural Christianity” vs. Truth Subject Biblical Christianity God’s truth Cultural Christianity philosophy of men A humanistic religion based on relative truth, feelings, experiences. Be flexible, avoid dogmatic views. 2 Tim. 4:2-4 1. What is Christianit y? An authoritative religion based on absolute truth as revealed through Jesus Christ and recorded in the Bible. Jn. 18:37; Mt. 28:18

5. Subject Biblical Christianity God’s truth Guidelines, allegories, myths, and stories useful for good living. One interpretation is as good as another. 2 Tim. 2:15 2. How should we view the Bible? The unchanging absolute Word of God, inspired and guarded by God, not to be added to or taken away from. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 Jude 1:3 Cultural Christianity philosophy of men “Cultural Christianity” vs. Truth

6. Subject Biblical Christianity God’s truth A normal part of life, don’t call it “sin” or you might risk offending someone; re-interpret offensive teachings. 1 Cor. 14:34-38 Rom. 1:26-27 3. How should we view sin? Sin is a violation of God’s will, is hated by a holy God, causes spiritual death, will cause us to lose our soul. Eph 2:1-3; Rom. 6:23 Rom. 6:1-2 Cultural Christianity philosophy of men “Cultural Christianity” vs. Truth

7. Subject Biblical Christianity God’s truth A loving God will save all who have good intentions. Don’t offend Jews/ Muslims; “Faith only.” Acts 4:12 Matt. 7:21-23 4. How can we come to God? Salvation is only through Jesus Christ; forgiveness only when we submit to and obey the gospel. John 14:6; 1 Pet. 4:17 Acts 2:38; Gal. 1:6- 9 Cultural Christianity philosophy of men “Cultural Christianity” vs. Truth

8. Subject Biblical Christianity God’s truth Draw people through “church programs” designed to meet desires. The “church” provides for community needs. 1 Tim. 3:15; Jn. 6:26 5. How should we view our outreach? Call people to repentance and obedience, a new life. Each individual is responsible to help bear burdens. Rom. 1:16; Eph. 2:10 Cultural Christianity philosophy of men “Cultural Christianity” vs. Truth

9. Subject Biblical Christianity God’s truth Approval of men. To please, not offend the world and its communities. Approval of men. To please, not offend the world and its communities. John 12:42-43 6. How should we view our goal? Approval of God. To know Him, do His will, follow His way, live in fellowship with Him! Approval of God. To know Him, do His will, follow His way, live in fellowship with Him! Gal. 1:10; Phil. 3:8 Cultural Christianity philosophy of men “Cultural Christianity” vs. Truth

10. Subject Biblical Christianity God’s truth Get along with and be at peace with the world. Luke 6:22-26 7. What should we expect in response ? Rejection and persecution. John 15:18-21 Cultural Christianity philosophy of men “Cultural Christianity” vs. Truth

11. Subject Biblical Christianity God’s truth Success, enjoyment, happiness in this life; acceptance of all. They have their reward. 8. What is our expectatio n and hope? Eternity in heaven with God our Father and Jesus our brother. 1 Peter 1:3-5 Cultural Christianity philosophy of men “Cultural Christianity” vs. Truth

12. Ambassadors for Christ Ephesians 6:19-20 ( NKJV ) 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. May we all have the courage to speak the bold truth of the gospel as we labor in the fields of “Cultural Christianity.”

13. Hear The Gospel (Rom. 10:17) Believe in Jesus as the Son of God (John 8:24) Repent of Your Sins (Acts 17:30) Confess Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:37) Be Baptized for Forgiveness of Sins (Acts 2:38) Live Faithfully Until You Die (Rev. 2:10) Will You Become A Christian?