23-0827a - 2-The Rise of Homo Deus & Meo Christianity, Scott Reynolds
Bible Readers: Kevin Woosley and Roger Raines

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(Sermon Notes by Scott Reynolds)

2-The Rise of Homo Deus & Meo Christianity

Summary of Transcript (0:03 - 32:06)

Scripture Readings:

1st Scripture Reading (0:03 - 0:52), Kevin Woosley
Isaiah 14:12-14,
  • The speaker announces they will read from Isaiah 14:12-14 using the New King James Version.

  • Reads about Lucifer’s fall from heaven, his ambition to ascend above the stars of God, and to sit on the mount of the congregation.

  • Continues reading about Lucifer’s desire to ascend above the clouds and be like the Most High.

2nd Scripture Reading (0:57 - 1:24), Roger Raines
Matthew 16:24,
  • Reads from Matthew 16:24 where Jesus instructs his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. The reading segment concludes.

Sermon

Preacher: Scott Reynolds

(1:25 - 1:58) Routine in Christianity

  • Discusses how Christians might fall into a routine of attending services and participating traditionally.

(1:58 - 2:20) Call for Engagement

  • Encourages active participation in church activities, mentions classes on Romans and Hebrews, and notes something is still missing in Christian practice.

(2:21 - 2:50) Introduction to Del Tackett

  • Introduces Del Tackett, a non-Church of Christ individual whose work was encountered during a visit to South Carolina.

(2:50 - 3:08) The Truth Project

  • Describes attending a session of "The Truth Project" by Del Tackett, which was insightful but only partially viewed.

(3:09 - 3:26) Impressions of The Truth Project

  • Expresses being impressed by the content, leading to purchasing the series for personal viewing.

(3:27 - 3:47) Purpose of The Truth Project

  • Explains that the project aims to help Christians develop a biblical worldview.

(3:47 - 3:51) Routine Church Attendance

  • Discusses the routine of attending church but questions the application of beliefs in daily life.

(3:52 - 4:09) Definition of Worldview

  • Defines worldview as how one believes and lives regarding the world outside of church.

(4:09 - 4:37) Biblical vs. Scientific Worldviews

  • Contrasts biblical worldview with scientific views on the age of the earth.

(4:37 - 5:21) Practical Examples of Worldview

  • Questions why societal issues like bathroom policies reach presidential levels, suggesting a need for a biblical worldview.

(5:23 - 5:32) Worldview as Internal Belief

  • Clarifies that worldview resides in one’s mind, shaping real beliefs.

(5:33 - 5:50) Del Tackett’s Continued Work

  • Mentions Del Tackett’s progression to newer projects after The Truth Project.

(5:51 - 6:09) Relevance of The Truth Project Today

  • Highlights the accuracy of The Truth Project in relation to current societal issues.

(6:10 - 6:34) Engagement Project and New Series

  • Introduces Tackett’s "Engagement Project" and mentions his website articles, including "The Seven Threats of Our Time".

(6:34 - 7:03) New Approaches in Christianity

  • Describes "Neighborly Apologetics" and how these new methods differ from traditional evangelism.

(7:04 - 7:34) Effectiveness of Traditional Methods

  • Critiques the effectiveness of traditional sermon-style teaching in conveying messages.

(7:35 - 7:57) Retention of Sermon Content

  • Notes the poor retention of sermon content, suggesting traditional methods might not be impactful.

(7:58 - 8:22) Need for New Approaches

  • Advocates for new, more effective methods of Christian engagement in the world.

(8:23 - 8:53) Upcoming Sessions

  • Announces morning and evening sessions on different topics, tailored for different audiences.

(8:53 - 9:05) Introduction to Evening Session

  • Provides an overview of the evening session as an introduction to a new series.

(9:06 - 9:36) Seven Threats to America

  • Introduces Del Tackett’s series on threats facing America, comparing them to storm fronts.

(9:36 - 9:47) Previous Threat Discussion

  • References the previous discussion on the first threat, the rise of the scoffer and depraved mind.

(9:48 - 9:56) Access to Previous Materials

  • Provides information on where to find recordings and notes of previous sessions.

(9:57 - 10:21) Overview of Threats

  • Lists the seven threats, with a focus on the next one to be discussed.

(10:21 - 10:39) List of Threats

  • Details the remaining threats from three to seven.

(10:40 - 10:58) Scriptural Regressions

  • Discusses the regression from simple-minded to scoffer in Proverbs.

(10:58 - 11:12) Further Scriptural Insights

  • Continues with the characteristics of the scoffer, fool, and simple-minded from Proverbs.

(11:12 - 11:33) Proverbs on Scoffers

  • Cites Proverbs on how scoffers behave and impact society.

(11:34 - 12:06) Regression in Romans

  • Describes the progression of moral decline in Romans, leading to darkened hearts and foolish thinking.

(12:07 - 12:30) Sexual Impurity in Romans

  • Discusses the first stage of sexual impurity from Romans.

(12:31 - 12:53) Further Sexual Impurity

  • Explains the progression to unnatural sexual desires post-1960s.

(12:53 - 13:20) Depraved Mind

  • Describes the final stage where rational thinking is lost, referencing the first threat discussion.

(13:20 - 13:41) Second Storm Front

  • Introduces the concept of "Homo Deus" and "Meo-Christianity" as the second storm front.

(13:42 - 13:56) Cultural Luxury

  • Describes the luxury and abundance of modern American life.

(13:56 - 14:13) Modern Conveniences

  • Lists various modern conveniences that contribute to a culture of excess.

(14:14 - 14:29) More on Modern Comforts

  • Continues listing modern comforts like fast food and entertainment options.

(14:29 - 14:50) Extreme Examples of Wealth

  • Highlights extravagant spending on items like bicycles and shoes, comparing it to historical wealth.

(14:51 - 15:12) Spoiled by Convenience

  • Illustrates the ease of getting desires fulfilled, likening it to royal treatment.

(15:15 - 15:46) Self-Centered Culture

  • Discusses how a focus on personal pleasure and technology can lead to a self-centered worldview.

(15:47 - 16:15) Spiritual Battle

  • Frames the self-centered culture as part of a spiritual battle, likening it to Satan’s deception of Eve.

(16:16 - 16:45) Consequences of Self-Worship

  • Warns of the devastating effects of adopting a "you will be like God" mentality, drawing parallels to biblical narratives.

(16:47 - 17:25) Satan’s Modus Operandi

  • Describes Satan’s strategy as described in Isaiah 14:12-14, emphasizing his ambition to be like God.

(17:26 - 17:59) Isaiah Passage Revisited

  • Reiterates the passage from Isaiah, highlighting Lucifer’s fall and aspirations.

(18:00 - 18:40) Satan’s Temptation of Eve

  • Connects Satan’s method with the temptation of Eve in Genesis 3:4-5, leading to the concept of Homo Deus.

(18:41 - 19:18) Rise of Homo Deus

  • Discusses how individuals claiming divine proclamations lead to societal repercussions like cancellation for disagreement.

(19:19 - 19:46) Cultural Seduction

  • Notes how society has been lured by the "follow your heart" philosophy, leading to self-divinity.

(19:47 - 20:30) Cultural Impact of Self-Actualization

  • Criticizes the modern narrative of self-actualization over glorifying God, referencing Abraham Maslow and cultural media.

(20:31 - 20:43) Blasphemy in Modern Culture

  • States that culture has become blasphemous by placing the self in the position of Jesus.

(20:44 - 21:02) Collapse of Culture

  • Warns that a culture focused on self-centeredness leads to societal collapse.

(21:03 - 21:38) Consequences of Selfishness

  • Explains how self-centeredness leads to lawlessness, corruption, and the nullification of laws, using Daniel Webster’s quote.

(21:39 - 21:54) Isolation from Self-Centeredness

  • Links selfishness to isolation, citing Proverbs 18:1.

(21:54 - 22:27) Manipulation and Isolation

  • Describes how self-centered desires lead to manipulation and further isolation, referencing Proverbs 18:2.

(22:28 - 23:00) Emotional Turmoil and Relationships

  • Discusses how self-centeredness destroys relationships and leads to loneliness.

(23:01 - 24:04) Emotional Consequences of Self-Worship

  • Explores the emotional turmoil resulting from the failure to control life according to personal desires, contrasting it with Christian love.

(24:05 - 24:25) Christian Love vs. Self-Centeredness

  • Highlights the selfless love Christians should exhibit, contrasting it with the current cultural trend.

(24:27 - 24:49) Meo-Christianity

  • Introduces the term "Meo-Christianity," where Christianity becomes about the self.

(24:50 - 25:04) Christian Consumerism

  • Critiques how Christian practices have become consumer-focused, centered around personal satisfaction.

(25:05 - 25:26) Self-Focus in Christian Growth

  • Points out how personal spiritual growth can become all about the individual, not communal or divine.

(25:27 - 26:09) Biblical Warning of Self-Love

  • Cites 2 Timothy 3:2-5, warning against the form of godliness without its power.

(26:10 - 26:29) The Difficulty of Loving Others

  • Stresses that self-centeredness hinders true love of neighbors.

(26:29 - 26:51) Sacrifice in True Love

  • Defines true love as requiring sacrifice, otherwise it’s just noise.

(26:52 - 27:12) Core of the Lie

  • Identifies the lie of self-centeredness as central to current cultural issues.

(27:13 - 27:37) Christianity Under Attack

  • Suggests Christianity is attacked because it opposes self-actualization.

(27:37 - 28:09) Denial of Self in Christianity

  • Contrasts the cultural emphasis on self-actualization with Jesus' call to deny oneself in Matthew 16:24.

(28:10 - 28:32) Significance of the Cross

  • Equates taking up one’s cross with facing execution, emphasizing its severity.

(28:33 - 28:58) Biblical Call to Humility

  • Cites Philippians 2:3-4 on humility and considering others better than oneself.

(28:59 - 29:19) Misuse of Prayer

  • References James 4:3 about asking for personal gain rather than for others.

(29:20 - 30:08) Christianity’s Opposition to Self-Actualization

  • Questions how Christianity fits with current cultural mantras, emphasizing the need to return to true Christian love.

(30:09 - 30:49) Thresholds to Faith

  • Summarizes research on conversion, noting the importance of trusted relationships and sincere questions.

(30:50 - 31:22) Response to Cultural Challenges

  • Suggests engaging with wisdom, forming trusted relationships, and maintaining hope through prayer.

(31:23 - 32:02) Call to Action

  • Encourages standing firm in faith, yielding fruit in old age, and extending an invitation to faith.

(32:02 - 32:06) Closing Invitation

  • Ends with an invitation for anyone needing to respond to come forward.