Page 28 - Christ and Culture Textbook

Study Section 5: The Gospel and Culture

5.1 Connect

We have already seen that we live in the world where people define right for themselves.
God’s definition of right is no longer welcomed in societies. We know it wrong for a woman
who has feelings for another woman to express love for her in marriage. We also know that
homosexuality is a grave sin. We sometimes wonder how we can respond to this issue in
right of the gospel. We don’t want to be offensive to those who insult God by their actions.
Is it common for biblical views on social issues to be labeled insulting? David Platt provides a
gospel perspective on issues such as poverty, abortion, sex trafficking, and racism, as well as the
legalization of same-sex marriage, the controversial transgender Issue and the overwhelming refugee
crisis. Does the gospel compel us to confront and correct culture? Today the gospel is no longer valued
in our communities. Many people exalt their cultural beliefs above the gospel. People want to be
accepted by their cultural standards, rather than God’s standard. How can we follow Christ in anti-
Christian age?

5.2 Objectives:

1. The student should be able to explain the message of the gospel in relation to Culture.

2. The student should be able to explain the power and purpose of the gospel.

3. The student should be able to confront and correct culture through the gospel.

4. The student should be able to preach the gospel with boldness to the to all cultures.

5.3 The battle lines have been drawn.

Universally, battle line is being drawn-tradition marriages vs. Gay marriage, pro-life vs. pro-
choice, personal freedom vs. governmental protection. Culture is rapidly shifting to the point
where right and wrong are no longer measured by universal truth but by popular opinion. How
we supposed to respond to all this? The world continues to reject God and his plans. Many
Christians seems to be unconcerned with what is going on around them. Christians are
retreating from following Christ boldly and publicly. Fear and lack of courage has taken over the
Church. The gospel is no longer worthy risking our lives for. We have forgotten that the Gospel calls us
to risk our comforts and our lives.
David platt, rightly argues that the gospel is the lifeblood of Christianity, and it provides the foundation
for countering Culture. For when we truly believe the gospel, we begin to realize that the gospel not
only compels Christians to confront social issues in the culture around us. The lines have been drawn.
Are you prepared to risk it for the sake of the gospel? Do you understand the repercussion?
What is the Gospel?

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