Restoring Humanity Through the Gospel: A Path to Transformation

In a world increasingly marred by division and inhumanity, Pastor Bill Brannan emphasizes the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the transformative power capable of restoring human dignity. This blog explores the biblical principles outlined in his sermon, providing insights into how Christians can effectively apply these teachings in today’s cultural context.

The Gospel Restores Humanity

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is fundamentally about restoration. In a world rife with division and strife, the message of the Gospel serves as a balm for our wounds, offering hope and healing. It invites individuals to transcend their circumstances and embrace a new identity as beloved children of God.

Throughout history, wherever the Gospel has been preached, lives have been transformed. The Gospel restores not just individuals but communities, leading to a more humane society. This transformation is rooted in the understanding that every person is created in the image of God, deserving of dignity and respect.

The Power of Redemption

Redemption through Christ is a powerful theme in the Scriptures. It signifies the act of being saved from sin and its consequences, allowing individuals to reclaim their humanity. When people accept the Gospel, they are not only forgiven but also empowered to live righteously.

This power of redemption is not limited to personal salvation; it extends to societal transformation. As individuals embrace their new identity in Christ, they become agents of change in their communities, fostering environments of love, acceptance, and compassion.

Jesus Came to Save, Not Destroy

In Luke 9:51-56, we see a pivotal moment where Jesus rebukes His disciples for their desire to call down fire on a Samaritan village. This passage underscores a crucial aspect of Jesus’ mission: He came to save lives, not to destroy them.

Jesus’ response to His disciples teaches us that vengeance and anger are contrary to the spirit of the Gospel. As followers of Christ, we must embody His heart, choosing mercy over judgment. The call to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us is foundational to our faith.

Embracing a Spirit of Compassion

When we reflect on Jesus’ mission, we are reminded that His approach was always one of compassion. He engaged with sinners, healed the sick, and offered hope to the hopeless. This approach invites us to consider our own attitudes towards those we might deem undeserving of grace.

Compassion is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a demonstration of strength rooted in our understanding of God’s love for humanity. As we navigate the complexities of our world, we should strive to mirror Christ’s love, recognizing that every person is worthy of redemption.

Spiritual Warfare: Principalities and Powers

The reality of spiritual warfare is vividly depicted in Ephesians 6:12, which reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. This understanding is crucial in our quest to restore humanity through the Gospel.

In today’s culture, the battle often feels overwhelming. However, recognizing that the true enemy is not people helps us maintain our focus on the Gospel. Our fight is against ideologies and values that oppose God’s kingdom.

Understanding Our Role

As believers, we are called to engage in this spiritual battle with the weapons of prayer, truth, and love. Our actions should reflect the Gospel, serving as a counter to the darkness that seeks to engulf our society. We must be vigilant, discerning the tactics of the enemy while remaining firm in our mission to proclaim Christ.

This spiritual warfare requires a commitment to deepening our understanding of Scripture. As we grow in our knowledge of God’s Word, we become equipped to confront the lies that permeate our culture.

The Solution is Jesus

In every discussion about societal issues, the ultimate solution remains the same: Jesus. He is the answer to every problem we face, providing a pathway to healing and restoration. By turning to Him, we acknowledge that true change begins within the human heart.

Jesus’ teachings challenge us to look beyond the surface and deal with the root causes of our issues. The Gospel calls us to repentance, not just for individual sins, but for collective brokenness as a society.

Applying the Gospel

To apply the Gospel effectively, we must be intentional about sharing it in our communities. This involves not only preaching but also living out the principles of love, justice, and mercy. The Church plays a vital role in demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.

As we engage with the world, we must remember that the solution is not merely to point out problems but to offer the hope found in Jesus. Our mission is to be ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His light in dark places.

Becoming Skilled in the Word of God

Hebrews 5:12-14 emphasizes the importance of being skilled in the Word of God. Spiritual maturity is not just about knowledge but application. We must strive to understand and apply Scripture in our daily lives to effectively discern good from evil.

Developing this skill requires intentional effort. Engaging with Scripture regularly, participating in Bible studies, and seeking guidance from mature believers can help us grow in our understanding. As we become more skilled, we can better navigate the complexities of our culture.

Practicing Discernment

Discernment is critical in today’s world. It allows us to filter out false ideologies and align ourselves with God’s truth. By becoming skilled in the Word, we can identify the subtle ways in which the enemy seeks to undermine our faith and values.

Moreover, discernment equips us to engage with challenging societal issues. We must ask ourselves how Scripture applies to contemporary problems, ensuring that our responses are rooted in biblical principles rather than cultural trends.

Judge Not: Understanding Judgment

Matthew 7:1-6 addresses the concept of judgment within the Christian community. While we are called to discern right from wrong, we must be cautious not to adopt a judgmental spirit. Jesus warns against hypocrisy, urging us to examine our own hearts before addressing others.

This passage serves as a reminder that judgment should not come from a place of superiority but from a desire for restoration. Our goal should always be to extend grace and help others grow rather than condemn them.

Creating a Culture of Grace

In our interactions with others, we should foster a culture of grace. This means approaching difficult conversations with humility and compassion, recognizing our shared humanity. By doing so, we create an environment where people feel safe to grow and heal.

Ultimately, our responsibility as Christians is to reflect the heart of Christ in all our dealings. When we embody grace, we can effectively minister to those around us, drawing them closer to the hope found in the Gospel.

Matt Walsh’s Post: A Critical Analysis

Matt Walsh’s recent post highlights critical societal issues, but it also demonstrates the dangers of a judgmental attitude. While addressing the consequences of crime, Walsh’s language can inadvertently sow division and resentment.

His approach raises important questions about how we discuss societal problems. Are we promoting healing and understanding, or are we contributing to a culture of blame and anger? It is vital to analyze our rhetoric and ensure that it aligns with the principles of the Gospel.

The Impact of Language

The language we use matters. Terms that dehumanize others undermine our calling to love and serve. Instead of labeling individuals as “criminal scumbags,” we should seek to understand the underlying issues that contribute to their actions.

This shift in perspective enables us to respond with compassion rather than judgment. By addressing root causes and advocating for restorative justice, we align ourselves with God’s heart for humanity.

Devaluing People: Impact of Matt Walsh’s Post

Walsh’s post illustrates the risk of devaluing individuals based on their actions. When we reduce people to their worst choices, we fail to recognize their inherent worth as creations of God. This perspective can lead to a cycle of anger and resentment, further perpetuating societal issues.

As Christians, we are called to uphold the value of every human life. Instead of engaging in blame, we should focus on solutions that promote healing and restoration for both victims and perpetrators.

Jesus’ Gospel: Liberation and Freedom

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of liberation and freedom. It offers a way out of the bondage of sin and the chains of despair. In John 8:36, Jesus proclaims, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” This freedom is not merely a physical release but a profound spiritual awakening.

When individuals accept the Gospel, they experience a radical transformation. This transformation allows them to break free from the past, release burdens, and embrace a future filled with hope. The message of Jesus invites all to step into a new identity, one that is unencumbered by guilt and shame.

Embracing True Freedom

True freedom in Christ means living without fear or condemnation. Romans 8:1 reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This assurance empowers believers to live boldly and authentically, reflecting the love of God in their lives.

As we embrace this freedom, we are called to extend it to others. The Gospel compels us to advocate for the marginalized and oppressed, echoing God’s heart for justice and mercy. In doing so, we become agents of liberation in our communities.

Reaganization of Society: Cultural Shifts

In recent years, we have witnessed a significant cultural shift often referred to as the “Reaganization” of society. This term encapsulates a movement toward values that prioritize individualism, self-interest, and a departure from communal responsibility. Such shifts can lead to a devaluation of human life and dignity.

Understanding this transformation is crucial for the Church. We must recognize that the Gospel stands in stark contrast to these cultural trends. Where society promotes division and alienation, the Gospel calls for unity and reconciliation.

The Church’s Response

The Church has a vital role in counteracting the effects of this cultural shift. By embodying the principles of the Gospel, we can provide a compelling alternative. This involves fostering communities grounded in love, acceptance, and service.

We must challenge the narratives that dehumanize others and instead promote a culture that values every individual. As we stand firm in our faith, we can influence society positively and transform the hearts of those around us.

Our Enemy is Not Flesh and Blood: Spiritual Battles

As we navigate the complexities of our world, it is essential to remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we wrestle against principalities, powers, and spiritual forces of evil. Recognizing this truth helps us maintain a proper perspective in our spiritual battles.

When we see people as the enemy, we miss the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and transformation. Instead, we must focus on the ideologies and systems that perpetuate injustice and inhumanity.

Equipping Ourselves for Battle

To effectively engage in this spiritual warfare, we must equip ourselves with the tools of prayer, Scripture, and community. This preparation allows us to discern the tactics of the enemy and respond with love and truth.

As we grow in our understanding of God’s Word, we become equipped to confront the darkness with the light of Christ. This is not a passive endeavor but an active engagement in the battle for souls and society.

Sons of Thunder: Bold Discipleship

The term “Sons of Thunder,” used to describe James and John, captures the essence of bold discipleship. These disciples were passionate, sometimes impulsive, yet deeply devoted to Jesus. Their zeal exemplifies the kind of commitment we are called to embody as followers of Christ.

Bold discipleship involves standing firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition. It means speaking truth to power and advocating for justice in a world that often promotes silence and complacency.

Living Out Our Faith Boldly

To be sons of thunder, we must actively engage with the issues facing our society. This means addressing injustices, advocating for the oppressed, and bringing the light of the Gospel into dark places. Our actions should reflect our convictions, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ in our lives.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us remember that our boldness should always be tempered with love and grace. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, representing His heart to the world.

The Church as the Solution: Community Impact

The Church is uniquely positioned to be a solution to societal issues. By embodying the principles of the Gospel, we can create communities that reflect God’s love and justice. This impact begins within our congregations and extends outward into the world.

When the Church acts as a beacon of hope, it draws others to Christ. Our collective efforts to serve, love, and advocate for justice can profoundly influence our communities. This is the essence of being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Mobilizing for Change

To maximize our impact, we must mobilize as a unified body. This involves coming together to address pressing social issues, such as poverty, human trafficking, and systemic injustice. Through collaboration, we can amplify our voices and effect meaningful change.

Additionally, we must encourage and equip church members to engage in their communities. Every believer has a role to play in restoring humanity through the Gospel. By empowering individuals, we can create a ripple effect of transformation.

Restoring Humanity to Humanity: The Gospel’s Role

The Gospel serves as a powerful tool for restoring humanity to itself. It invites individuals to recognize their inherent worth as creations of God and to extend that recognition to others. This restoration is not merely a personal journey but a collective endeavor.

As we share the Gospel, we invite others into a transformative relationship with Christ. This relationship fosters healing, reconciliation, and a renewed sense of purpose. In doing so, we contribute to the broader restoration of humanity.

Building Bridges of Understanding

To restore humanity effectively, we must build bridges of understanding and compassion. This involves listening to the stories of others, acknowledging their pain, and offering support. When we approach others with empathy, we create opportunities for healing and transformation.

Furthermore, the Gospel calls us to engage in acts of service and love. By meeting the needs of those around us, we demonstrate the heart of Christ and model what it means to restore humanity through the Gospel.

Believing in the Power of the Gospel

Believing in the power of the Gospel is essential for meaningful change. It requires faith that God can transform lives and communities. When we genuinely believe this truth, it compels us to act.

As we witness the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives, we become living testimonies of its efficacy. Our stories can inspire others and encourage them to seek the same transformation through Christ.

Taking Action Through Faith

Belief must be accompanied by action. This means actively seeking opportunities to share the Gospel and engage with our communities. Whether through service projects, evangelism, or advocacy, our faith should drive us to make a difference.

Moreover, we must cultivate a culture of faith within our churches. Encouraging one another to step out in faith allows us to collectively experience the power of the Gospel in action.

Praying for Opportunities to Share the Gospel

Prayer is a vital component of our mission to share the Gospel. It opens our hearts and minds to opportunities that God places before us. When we pray, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide our actions and interactions.

Asking God for opportunities to share the Gospel not only aligns our hearts with His will but also prepares us to respond when those opportunities arise. This intentionality can lead to profound moments of connection and transformation.

Creating a Culture of Prayer

To foster a culture of prayer, we must encourage one another to seek God regularly. This can be achieved through prayer groups, church services, and personal devotion. As we unite in prayer, we strengthen our collective resolve to share the Gospel.

Additionally, we must be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. This openness allows us to recognize and seize opportunities to share the hope we have in Christ.

Restoring Humanity to Humanity Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ

(Preaching Outline)

1)      I decided to postpone a message on the Exodus as well as Christmas because I believe LSCC is part of a move of God to restore humanity to humanity though the gospel of Jesus Christ.

a)      Ever since the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, an honest study of history shows that the church of Jesus Christ has restored humanity to humanity through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

b)      Today we want to explore some of the truths of scripture that will help position us to have the impact that the church has had in previous generations.

c)      How we need to apply scripture to culture is a genuine challenge, so I would like to begin by laying a foundation in scripture.

d)      With regard to Christmas, the advent of Jesus Christ, this is what he came to bring on earth, so we are engaging in the spirit of Christmas by seeking to birth Christ in culture.

2)      Luke 9:51–56 (NKJV) — 51 Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, 52 and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. 54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.

a)      Feel the weight of how bad James and John duffed it – they were of the wrong spirit.

b)      The were falsely representing the heart of God and would bring the opposite of Christ’s kingdom if their desires were fulfilled.

c)      The challenge of discovering we are sons of thunder.

d)      Yet, they were still those who forsook all and followed Jesus.

e)      The church of Jesus is going to need to go through an awakening that we have often been sons of thunder and repent if we are going to transform culture once again.

3)      Where does the battle for culture lie?  That is a fundamental question.

a)      Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) — 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

b)      2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (NKJV) — 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

4)      Transforming sons of thunder.

a)      Hebrews 5:12–14 (NKJV) — 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

b)      Matthew 7:1–6 (NKJV) — 1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

i)        The present imperative (κρίνετε, krinete) preceded by μή (mē) suggests a general rule of conduct best understood as “Don’t get into the habit of being judgmental” or “Don’t make judgmentalism a part of your lifestyle.” The reason (γάρ, gar, v. 2) that a judgmental spirit is to be avoided is that such an attitude directly impacts how others, including God, respond to our deficiencies.^[1] (College Press)

ii)      All the talk of perfection, righteousness, serving God, doing the will of God, seeking the kingdom of God is given a demonic twist if it sets disciples to galloping on crusades against imperfection or unrighteousness in others. 2—Disciples may indeed be tempted to establish a critical environment and turn the community of the forgiven (6:12, 14–15; 18:21–35) into a house of judgment.^[2] (Augsburg)

5)      Matt Walsh X Post

a)      He addresses some issues that we should all genuinely care about, but does so in a way that contributes to the problem.

i)        Anger and resentment.

ii)      The valuation of a human being that falls short of maintaining the image of God in man.

iii)    Fear

6)      There are many issues that need to be addressed in restoring humanity to humanity through the gospel of Jesus Christ – This is about developing mature discernment and practically teaching us to take the log out of our eye.

i)        Fear, anger and resentment are extremely dangerous.  We do not want to sow that in culture.

ii)      Many people are rightly concerned about the problems we are facing, Julian’s death was a terrible tragedy.

iii)    What we are seeing is a repaganization of society, and only the true gospel and the true church has ever significantly transformed pagan culture.

iv)    When I say “pagan,” I mean a culture that is inhumane, maybe barbaric is a better term.  Even using “pagan,” without a proper foundation could lead to division.

v)      HERE IS THE TRUTH WE NEED TO SEE – OUR ENEMY IS NOT FLESH AND BLOOD – MANY NON-CHRISTIANS RECOGNIZE AND FIGHT AGAINST INHUMANITY IN MANY WAYS – THEY ARE OUR PARTNERS IN THIS SPIRITUAL WAR FOR HUMANITY

vi)    When I say only the gospel and the true church has ever significantly transformed barbaric cultures (see the shift), we are not putting non-Christians on the outside, but have to prove by history and reason that understands the impact of truth on human culture. 

(1)   Persuasion not coercion

(2)   Partnership not division

(3)   THE NATURAL LAW TRADITION

7)      We can restore humanity to humanity through the gospel of Jesus Christ

a)      The beginning of our engagement in the war for humanity

i)        Transform the sons of thunder.

ii)      Believe in the power of the gospel.

iii)    Ephesians 6:18–20 (NKJV) — 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—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.

 

Matt Walsh X Post

You should know about this case if you haven’t heard about it yet. Jillian Ludwig was an 18 year old musician here in Nashville attending Belmont University. She died a few days ago after getting hit in the head by a bullet fired by Shaquille Taylor who was out on the street corner shooting randomly at passing cars.

Taylor is of course a career criminal with an extensive rap sheet. This past spring he was charged with aggravated assault when he shot into a vehicle with children inside. The charges were dismissed and Taylor was set free after the court deemed him mentally unfit for trial. They didn’t send him to a mental institution. They just let him go.  Now Jillian Ludwig is dead.

This is what “compassion” for these violent parasites gets you. It’s a trade off. Compassion for them means abject cruelty to innocent people like Jillian Ludwig. It means that Jillian Ludwig has to die so that we can be nice to a criminal scumbag who contributes absolutely nothing to society.

Society would be a better place if Shaquille Taylor was not in it. It would be better place if Jillian Ludwig was still in it. But instead Ludwig is dead and Taylor is alive. This is what we do now. Time and time and time again. We trade the worst for the best. We sacrifice the lives of the people you want in your community for the sake of people that nobody wants anywhere near them.

Commentaries on Matthew 7:1

That the Messiah is not forbidding any kind of judgment is clear from other passages. We are to discern and judge between right and wrong or light and darkness. Even in this particular passage, we are exhorted to make a certain judgment when we are called to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye. However, this passage deals with the human propensity to render unfair judgment upon others. The present, imperfect tense of the verb suggests that this is a continual habit or attitude of judging others. The first-century Rabbi Hillel noted that we should not judge a man until we have been in his situation.^[3]

All the talk of perfection, righteousness, serving God, doing the will of God, seeking the kingdom of God is given a demonic twist if it sets disciples to galloping on crusades against imperfection or unrighteousness in others. 2—Disciples may indeed be tempted to establish a critical environment and turn the community of the forgiven (6:12, 14–15; 18:21–35) into a house of judgment.^[4]

When Jesus says, “Judge not,” He is forbidding what is harsh (Isa 29:20), hurtful (Rom 12:19–21), uninformed (1 Cor 4:3–5), hasty (Prov 18:13), and hypocritical (Rom 2:1). He does not forbid all judging, for elsewhere in Scripture believers are instructed to judge (cf. 1 Cor 6:1–6). The Lord approves of both discriminatory and disciplinary judgment. Examples of discriminatory judging would be ascertaining whether a person’s teaching is true or false (Matt 7:15; 1 John 4:1), whether a person is worthy or unworthy (Matt 7:6; 10:11), whether a person is right or wrong (Acts 15:1–29; Gal 2:11–21), whether a statement is truth or error (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim 3:16–17), whether an action is right or wrong (2 Tim 3:16, 17), and whether a Christian’s liberty should or should not be exercised (1 Cor 6:12; 10:23). An example of disciplinary judgment is recorded in 1 Cor 5:12–13. Such judgment is reserved for believers, not unbelievers. Clarification on the matter of judgment is needed today because Matt 7:1 is often used against Christians to intimidate them from engaging in scriptural judging. The verse is used to promote tolerance of erroneous and destructive beliefs and practices by associating their critics with mean-spiritedness and arrogance. Those who say “Judge not” are often among the first to judge the Bible for what they say are its “politically incorrect” affirmations, examples, prescriptions, and prohibitions.^[5]

The present imperative (κρίνετε, krinete) preceded by μή (mē) suggests a general rule of conduct best understood as “Don’t get into the habit of being judgmental” or “Don’t make judgmentalism a part of your lifestyle.” The reason (γάρ, gar, v. 2) that a judgmental spirit is to be avoided is that such an attitude directly impacts how others, including God, respond to our deficiencies. It should be observed that the principle suggested in verses 1–2 anticipates the wider premise of verse 12. 7:3–5. It becomes apparent in verses 3–5 that Jesus was not issuing an ultimatum against all critical thought or assessment of others. In fact, Jesus expects his followers to be sensitive and responsive to the failures of others (18:15–18), and to be critically discerning toward those who lack receptivity (7:6). What Jesus condemns is a censorious judgmentalism which is preoccupied with faultfinding in others while refusing to honestly assess the enormity of one’s own failures.^[6]

The word “judgmentalism” does not appear in all dictionaries, but it names a phenomenon we know all too well. Judgmentalism is a social sin; it is the habit of constantly finding fault with what others say and do. It is a disease of the spirit. The critic arrogantly assumes a superiority that entitles him or her to assess the failings of others. In this passage Jesus declares that the higher righteousness of the kingdom of God (5:20) involves the resolute renunciation of our proclivity to judge others more harshly than we judge ourselves^[7]

 

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