What responsibility do we as believers have to those we live among? How are we to impact the surrounding Culture?

[Iconoclast]

As believers we have been given the great Commission in MT.28:18-20 .Do we just let the Pastor do it? or in what ways are we to impact the heathen culture we live in? Should we just remain in our little Christian bubble and retreat from the sinners around us? Or in what ways are we to influence the surrounding Culture?

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Impact the surrounding culture by living like Jesus, ie, do the things he commanded us to do. The Great Commisssion doesn't conform us to his image

 

[Gideon300]

As believers we have been given the great Commission in MT.28:18-20 .Do we just let the Pastor do it? or in what ways are we to impact the heathen culture we live in? Should we just remain in our little Christian bubble and retreat from the sinners around us? Or in what ways are we to influence the surrounding Culture?

Agree absolutely that every believer should be living the gospel. The only way to do that is to allow Jesus to live out His life in us and through us.

There is a wrong attitude in many fellowships. Pastors are often controlling. I understand why, but we are a body, not a one man band. Jesus is Head, not the pastor. "Pastor" hardly rates a mention in the NT.

The congregation is often no better. Many have an attitude something like we pay him, so he should meet our every need, 24/7. Many more or less subcontract their Christian lives to the pastor. Neither attitude is correct.

We influence the people around us whether we realise it or not. We should not be demanding or pushy, cornering people at work, for example. We should seek opportunities to witness. God can cause that to happen without us being obnoxious.

The best witness is a changed life. In a moment, I went from suicidal depression to great joy and peace. One man I knew said that I was the happiest man he'd ever met. He'd swindled me in a poker game a few years before. He thought it most amusing. I did not. Yet God enabled me to forgive him.

We do need to have a firm grasp of the gospel ourselves. What would we say if someone asked us how to be saved? It's more than "invite Jesus into your heart."

 

[timf]

in what ways are we to influence the surrounding Culture?

Christianity spread throughout the Roman empire for its first 300 years under some very hostile circumstances. This was not done with an advertising campaign or even an appreciation for doctrine. The truth of the gospel of grace was confirmed by real changes in people's lives. If a shew was changed into a loving wife or a drunkard was changed into a loving father, the change was seen as real and desirable by others.

In today's society no one knows anyone well enough to observe any changes. Even within some families it can be difficult to observe changes. There are some environments (like prisons and hospitals) where some are more open to hearing about the gospel, but by and large our prosperous society is less inclined to truth and more interested in feeling good.

 

[Adstar]

As believers we have been given the great Commission in MT.28:18-20 .Do we just let the Pastor do it? or in what ways are we to impact the heathen culture we live in? Should we just remain in our little Christian bubble and retreat from the sinners around us? Or in what ways are we to influence the surrounding Culture?

Well the story of the Good Samaritan is a guide for us...

And yeah we should share the Gospel to whomsoever will hear it..

 

[GWH]

Well the story of the Good Samaritan is a guide for us...

And yeah we should share the Gospel to whomsoever will hear it..

Yes, and we in the USA should vote against atheist/Marxists/Islamists in the upcoming midterm elections.

 

[Iconoclast]

Some good feed back so far. Thank each of you for your input.Now I would like to expand on some of our answers and feed back.
When we speak of living and proclaiming the gospel, what exactly is that? Is the gospel we present only about an individuals salvation? As important as that is, we read in the NT. Teaching concerning the gospel of THE KINGDOM!
What is that?

How do we present that as part of our overall presentation?

What do you think it entails?

How have you attempted to do so?

if you have attempted to do this, how did you define it?

How exactly does it change how we view the world?

 

[Seeker47]

I fear repeating myself ad-nauseum.

"The Great Commission" was given to The Disciples, not to the church. The commission for the church was given on a Galilean beach and involved sheep and lambs. When the church rejects it's own commission and instead focuses on growth, it is contrary to God's word. This is perhaps one of the biggest errors of Christendom and a major cause for the decline of the western church.

...my opinion and I'm sticking to it!

 

[GWH]

I fear repeating myself ad-nauseum.

"The Great Commission" was given to The Disciples, not to the church. The commission for the church was given on a Galilean beach and involved sheep and lambs. When the church rejects it's own commission and instead focuses on growth, it is contrary to God's word. This is perhaps one of the biggest errors of Christendom and a major cause for the decline of the western church.

...my opinion and I'm sticking to it!

Yes, and an example of a church obeying its commission was the FBC in the city where I grew up,
which planted a handful of mission churches in the growing city, one of which outgrew it and became
rather mega, but planted no other local church missions.

 

[timf]

One might question if Christianity is supposed to be run as an organizational system. Programs, events, classes, and lectures may move "product" efficiently through a conveyor line, but it seems inconsistent with the relationships that were supposed to define Christianity (us with God and each other).

One on one still seems the best way to share the gospel. If someone can see you are sincere about your concern for him, it rings more true than any campaign, program, or rally.

 

[vassal]

As believers we have been given the great Commission in MT.28:18-20 .Do we just let the Pastor do it? or in what ways are we to impact the heathen culture we live in? Should we just remain in our little Christian bubble and retreat from the sinners around us? Or in what ways are we to influence the surrounding Culture?

Jesus said we are meant to shine so people can see the goodness of God. In Matthew 5 He said we are the light of the world. In the next verse He explained that nobody lights a lamp and then hides it. Instead the lamp is placed where it gives light to everyone around. In the same way, He told us to let our light shine before others so they can see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven. Jesus also said we are the salt of the earth. Salt gives flavor and keeps food from going bad. When we follow His words with a clean heart, we help keep the world from losing its goodness, and we help people taste the beauty of God.

Mat 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus also gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18 to 20. He told all His disciples to go and make more disciples, to teach them everything He commanded. This was not only for pastors. It was for everyone who follows Him. We share His teachings by the way we live, by kindness, by truth, by love, by patience, and by speaking about Him when the door opens.
Jesus showed this when He ate with sinners. He did not copy their ways but showed them God’s mercy. He said in Luke 19:10 that the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. He came close to people so they could feel God’s heart. We are called to follow Him in this same spirit.
We do not run away from the world, and we do not become like the world. We walk in His light among the people. We do this because Jesus saved us, and He wants to save others too. When we live by His words, people around us see the difference. Some will mock, but others will be drawn to the truth. Our good works do not save us, but they show that we belong to Him. This is why we must do it. Jesus said in John 15:8 that the Father is glorified when we bear much fruit. When our lives show His love, we bring honor to Him and we help others find the way to life.

Blessings.

 

[Seeker47]

Yes, and an example of a church obeying its commission was the FBC in the city where I grew up,
which planted a handful of mission churches in the growing city, one of which outgrew it and became
rather mega, but planted no other local church missions.

The idea of a "Mega Church" is itself anathema to Yeshua's teaching.

 

[ChrBrotherist]

As believers we have been given the great Commission in MT.28:18-20 .Do we just let the Pastor do it? or in what ways are we to impact the heathen culture we live in? Should we just remain in our little Christian bubble and retreat from the sinners around us? Or in what ways are we to influence the surrounding Culture?

I think this is an important question, and that the answer may look a bit different from one brother or sisters perspective to another.

Each and every day we are blessed with, are filled with opportunities on different scales depending on our own unique gifts and circumstances.


Wether we are talking to our brothers and sisters or elders, or those who do not yet know our Father in heaven or submit to His righteousness we are to be examples of His love and righteousness.

It is important to seek our Lord and examine ourselves according to the Holy Spirit as often as we are able.


Some are more able to show wisdom in their walk, some are gifted with words or knowledge but however we are called to reach those around us in the present it is important to remain a witness of Christ more than a representative of "self".


We can do this at work, online, with family or even while shopping. If you seek to be useful, our Lord will provide the opportunities and wether or not they are hard you will be prepared when He is directing your steps.

 

[Iconoclast]

I fear repeating myself ad-nauseum.

"The Great Commission" was given to The Disciples, not to the church. The commission for the church was given on a Galilean beach and involved sheep and lambs. When the church rejects it's own commission and instead focuses on growth, it is contrary to God's word. This is perhaps one of the biggest errors of Christendom and a major cause for the decline of the western church.

...my opinion and I'm sticking to it!

Hello Seeker 47. Could you clarify your response for me?
What do you mean by sheep and lambs, what verses are you thinking of?
Are you saying focusing on growth is not a good thing? why would that be?
Are you saying to make disciples of all nations, is contrary to God's word?
In what way is the great commission causing the church to decline?
I am puzzled by your post, maybe I am just not following your ideas?

 

[Seeker47]

Hello Seeker 47. Could you clarify your response for me?
What do you mean by sheep and lambs, what verses are you thinking of?
Are you saying focusing on growth is not a good thing? why would that be?
Are you saying to make disciples of all nations, is contrary to God's word?
In what way is the great commission causing the church to decline?
I am puzzled by your post, maybe I am just not following your ideas?

Thank you for the questions, I'll do my best to give adequate answers.

Before His crucifixion, Jesus told Peter in Matthew 16:18 he would be the rock upon which Christ would build his assembly. Sheep and lambs refer to Jesus' instructions to Peter on a beach in Galilei after His resurrection. In John 21:15-17, Peter is instructed to feed His sheep and lambs. To me, sheep refer to Christ's flock, those who believe in him and accept Him as savior. Lambs refers to the weak, helpless, poor and downtrodden, those who are unable to care for themselves.

Now contrast Christ's statements in Matthew 28:16-20. These commands are specifically given to the disciples; to those knew and accepted his word. Of course Peter was one of the eleven, we are all as believers commanded to spread His truth, but this was not a command given for the church.

Focusing on growth to the point you neglect Christ's lambs and sheep is absolutely a bad thing. When growth is the goal of the assembly, Christs commands are being violated. There are literally thousand of churches who's mission statement reference "The Great Commission".

Making disciples is a commandment given to His believers. As believers we should be doing that every day, by actions and maybe occasionally with words. If we say "Let the church do it" we are violating His commands in both John and Matthew.

Everyone who walks through the door of a church is looking to get fed. Occasionally physical food, but more often spiritual. That is the function of the church, plain and simple. If their needs are not met they will leave. If all they hear from the pulpit is to bring in new members they recognize the hypocrisy. If the service is designed to attract the worldly with flashy presentations of a watered down faith they may be entertained, but they will not be fed. I believe I know what non-believers think when they drive past a mega-church with its obvious power and wealth. They rightly ask if this is where Christ dwells?

I won't even bring up the issue of the government usurping charitable duties of the church and the end results of that process.

This is the shortest response I can make.....maybe I'll start a book.

 

[rewriter]

The task for a Pastor is to enable the members of their congregation to go out and live the gospel in the world so that the members can deliver the message of the gospel to those outside the church, using words as the absolute last resort. The task is to DO Christianity in our daily lives, not use our mouths while our lives contradict what we say.

 

[lrs68]

We are to keep our Brothers and Sisters prepared.

For example, AI + the Binary Language has brought every Civilization, Country, Nation, Providence, State, County, City, local Community to the place humanity was at in Genesis 12 with the Tower of Babel...we are now able to speak the same Language (Binary) from all peoples and tribes.

Of course the last time humanity was able to speak the same Language God had to stop them from achieving their wicked plan. Kinda seems like humanity needs to be stopped again.

 

[Karlon]

with offices, gifts, ministries & witnessing the Lord Jesus to all.

 

[homwardbound]

As believers we have been given the great Commission in MT.28:18-20 .Do we just let the Pastor do it? or in what ways are we to impact the heathen culture we live in? Should we just remain in our little Christian bubble and retreat from the sinners around us? Or in what ways are we to influence the surrounding Culture?

God's Love 1 Cor 13:4-7 that God imputes in those willing to get that love imputed in them, then God does that for each willing one. And many go through tribulations, that are there by evil, trying to stop anyone from continuing forward in the love of Father given them in risen So for them. Read Job!
These born new types, see to just love all. these do not accuse, abuse, manipulate or excuse anyone, anymore. As many it can take a while to see through it all, past the anguishes we all go through. To rejoice, rejoicfully anyways. Take a look at Jesus, gong to that cross willingly without any flesh fight back at all. Wow, woke is me Isaiah 6:1-7
Jesus never needed to go to that cross for himself or did he? He did not ever sin against God, ever. Was accused of it by the Pharisees, That I see are not Fair you see.
However, Jesus is risen after going through those troubles first. So rejoice in troubles too, God is working it all out through you. So will you go through troubles willingly too? Thank you. The last Chapter of Job, I rejoice over
Deepewr the risen Son for us to be new in love and mercy to all also