23-0723p - Detailed Summary

The speaker reflects on the current cultural environment, noting the chaos and challenges traditional values face globally.

The speaker introduces "The Chosen," describing it as a television series produced independently from Hollywood by Christian-minded individuals. This project is highlighted as a success story, showcasing how it maintains creative control by avoiding Hollywood’s influence.

"The Chosen" is noted as the largest crowdfunded production in history, funded entirely through donations, setting it apart from traditional movie and TV funding models.

The speaker discusses how "The Chosen" successfully transitioned episodes into theatrical releases, surprising Hollywood by achieving significant box office success with limited resources compared to typical Hollywood productions. This success is used as an example of what Christian communities can achieve.

The speaker uses the metaphor of crabs in a bucket to illustrate the need for unity among Christians rather than infighting, especially in the face of cultural wars, emphasizing the potential influence Christians could wield if united.

A statistic is cited showing that less than 50% of evangelical Christians voted in the last election, suggesting that increased voter turnout could significantly impact political landscapes aligned with traditional values.

The speaker advocates for mobilizing like-minded individuals to vote rather than trying to convert opponents, proposing this as a strategy to influence elections.

The speaker introduces the Truth Project by Del Tackett, a study aimed at helping Christians develop a biblically-based worldview to navigate contemporary cultural challenges.

The study is described as transformative, intended for small group settings to foster a deeper understanding of scripture and its application to life, aiming to move Christians from basic teachings to a mature, comprehensive faith perspective.

The speaker outlines the basic steps of becoming a Christian (hear, believe, confess, repent, baptize) and mentions a sixth step of teaching others, often focused on personal evangelism.

Using the metaphor of a family, the speaker criticizes the church’s focus on merely creating new Christians without adequately nurturing them to maturity, likening it to the continuous task of making babies rather than raising them.

The speaker delves into the scriptural call for transformation, citing Romans 12:2 and 1 Peter 1:13-16, emphasizing that Christians should be transformed to reflect Christ’s image, moving beyond conformity to the world.

The discussion continues on the purpose of Christian life, suggesting that transformation involves more than just evangelism; it’s about living out a Christian worldview.

The speaker uses the metaphor of building a house to discuss Christian growth. After laying the foundation (basic faith), the next step is to build upon it, suggesting that this construction involves developing a Christian worldview that aligns with Christ’s teachings, not just repeating foundational teachings.

The speaker emphasizes that the foundation of faith has already been laid by Jesus and the apostles, and Christians are tasked with building upon this foundation with care. Each person must ensure what they build is in accordance with God’s blueprint.

It’s clarified that the foundation, with Jesus as the cornerstone and the teachings of the apostles, is not to be laid anew but is already established. Christians are to focus on constructing upon this given foundation.

The speaker discusses how the quality of what is built on the foundation will be tested by fire, indicating that only works conforming to Christ’s image will endure. This metaphor suggests that one’s effort in faith will either be rewarded or lost based on its alignment with divine principles.

The idea of Christians collectively building a temple on this foundation is introduced, where they are seen as the temple of God. The speaker underscores the holiness of this temple, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive biblical worldview.

Del Tackett’s series, "The Seven Threats to America in Our Times," is introduced. The speaker plans to discuss these threats in upcoming sessions, beginning with the first threat the following Sunday.

The speaker uses the term "perfect storm" to describe current cultural and social crises, likening them to the meteorological phenomenon that led to the loss of the Andrea Gale, but on a societal level with even greater implications.

Referencing the biblical sons of Issachar, the speaker calls for deep wisdom and discernment in understanding the current times' complexities and knowing the appropriate actions to take, highlighting the need for proactive Christian engagement.

A prayer is expressed for the church to gain the kind of understanding that leads to wise and gracious actions, urging the Christian community to move beyond mere lamentation or ignorance of the cultural shifts around them.

The speaker lists the seven threats discussed by Del Tackett, starting with the rise of the scoffer and the depraved mind, which he describes as a regression to depravity.

The first threat is unpacked, describing the progression from denying God to active militancy against Him. The second threat introduces the concept of "Homo Deus" (man as god) and "Neo-Christianity," where faith becomes self-centered.

The speaker continues with threats three through six, including the loss of noble male identity, the consolidation of power, the rise of demonic worldviews, and America’s state of addiction and softness.

The seventh threat, considered the most critical, is the attack on the biblical family structure. The speaker emphasizes maintaining perspective amidst these threats, not to despair but to remember God’s overarching narrative.

Psalm 92 is read to provide context and comfort, focusing on God’s enduring works, the transient nature of the wicked, and the flourishing of the righteous under God’s care.

A quote from Alistair Begg is shared, discussing the historical and current marginalization of Christianity, aligning with the expected Christian experience of opposition and endurance.

The speaker concludes by linking the societal "insanity" to a rejection of truth, and extends an invitation for spiritual reflection, ending with a call to stand for the closing prayer or hymn.