The War for the Culture
Portions of this topic have been discussed here before, however, it would be beneficial to dig deeper into the subject of the cultural war going on around us. The church has always been at the heart of the battle for the culture since its birth at the resurrection of Christ. We cannot hide behind the walls of our buildings and watch the culture pass by, but we also cannot take matters into our own hands and try to force-feed morality upon the culture. Cultural pressure may temporarily curb the behavior of the social norm, but it cannot change hearts. A culture quickly casts off restraint when the opportunity arises. Consider the words of Psalm 2:2-3
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us."
The battle is not about you or your church, but about man’s willingness to subject himself to God. This is why the cultural war cannot be won at the ballot box, and cannot be won at the legislation assembly. It is often said that you cannot legislate morality. This is a half-truth. All legislation is based on morality. We legislate crime at every level because stealing is a moral issue that must be restrained. Murder is a moral issue that must be restrained. Our culture recognizes the value of preserving life and property, but without a moral foundation, it is not possible to legislate personal moral choices.
When the boundaries are removed, the culture has no standard by which to measure the dictates of the heart. A cultural standard can only stand upon a solid moral foundation. The culture stays in check by peer pressure, but when there is a shift in thinking, restraint is quickly cast aside. This is also explained in Proverbs 29:18
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.
The word ‘revelation’ is often translated as ‘vision’. It is the Hebrew word ‘chazown’, which means divine communication or oracles of God. It is not man conjuring up a new vision from the dictates of his own heart, but it is man observing the divine communication God has given. It is the scriptures that restrain and create true happiness in a culture.
Man, in his natural foolishness, looks at the scripture as a fetter that binds him, preventing him from pursuing the desires he craves. As we have discussed many times, the word of God and the commands given are for our peace and protection. To know the Creator causes us to desire to be near him and put away the sins that hinder us from drawing closer. But to the natural man, still in his fallen state, the word of God is a burden that must be cast away at the first opportunity.
Observe the consequences of this action. Is there any nation that has cast away God and found utopia? What happened when Russia banned Christianity? Seventeen-million people were massacred, and the entire Soviet Union lived in fear, turmoil, and poverty. The same fate followed China, North Korea, Hitler’s Germany, and any other nation where evil was given the reigns and God was cast away as a hindrance. The Bible warns that the nation that forgets God will be turned into hell. It is man’s unrestrained behavior that creates that hell.
Let’s go back and look at the last half of Proverbs 29:18, “But happy is he who keeps the law.” Add to this the promise and warning of Proverbs 14:34
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
In Psalm 144:15, we are told, “happy are the people whose God is the Lord.” Also, look at Proverbs 28:28
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
The answer to our cultural problem is before our very eyes. So why is the church looking for answers another way? I’ve gotten criticism for what I’m about to say, but it is absolutely true, and even a cursory examination of the facts attests to this truth. The church cannot win the cultural war through political activism. Whenever I say this, I’m accused of being a separatists who skirts his responsibility to be engaged in our American rights. Notice I didn’t say, Christians shouldn’t vote, or voice their opposition, or be involved in their culture. In fact, there are people I believe God does call into politics and even calls some to be activists. But it is not the role of the church to abandon their God mandated calling in order to pursue political ambitions. Nor can the church conquer sin in our culture by forcing morality from the top down.
Consider the apostles. Every apostle was directly impacted by politics from a corrupted political system. The Apostle Paul was beaten three times, and persecuted by the Jewish government and the Roman government. The Apostle Peter was also persecuted by both governments. All twelve apostles were imprisoned, beaten, or murdered by a corrupt government. Yet which passage in scripture commands the church to shift the focus away from equipping the saints for ministry, and infiltrate the political system and take back the government for Christ? One thing is plainly stated is that we are commanded to submit ourselves to governing authorities, whether they are good or evil. Each of the apostles stood up for truth while submitting to the governing authorities.
When on trial, Paul harshly criticized the High Priest, but apologized when he realized the man held that position. Keep in mind, the High Priest was both the political and spiritual leader of the Jews. Paul also showed respect to the Roman leadership while declaring his unjust imprisonment.
I could go on, but the point to note is that even though wicked men ruled the political system, the apostles and disciples submitted to that leadership. They only resisted when it directly conflicted with their command to obey God, and even then they resisted with honor. As Peter said, “Whether you believe we should obey man rather than God, you judge. But we cannot keep from declaring what we have seen and heard.” In other words, look at the situation and determine if your authority is greater than Gods. We must obey God rather than man. They also willingly endured the consequences of their resistance. Even during persecution, the apostles warned the church not to rebel against the government.
What was the result? The Jewish government raged against the church and fought to stamp them out of existence. In the end, who stood triumphantly? This government was destroyed by the Romans and the survivors were scattered all over the face of the earth.
When the Roman emperors raged against the church, what was the result? Christians were evicted from the military, from the city of Rome, and many emperors, commanders, and governors dedicated their lives to stamping out Christianity. In the end, the entire Roman Empire collapsed and Christianity exploded across the region. And they did so without taking up arms, becoming part of a rebellion, or acquiring political power.
In which of these cases did the church invade the government or take up arms? The truth is, they submitted themselves to the Lord and in weakness they confounded the mighty. Consider 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
It was not the activist that overcame; it was the humble who submitted themselves to God in obedience and trusted in his hand to deliver. This was clearly given to the church as an instruction in 1 Peter 2:21-23
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
What is the example given to us by Christ? When we are reviled or made to suffer, we don’t return with angry words or threats, but we submit ourselves to God and allow him to judge. Whether that judgment is to destroy our enemies, or touch their lives with the gospel, our response is to submit and follow the command of Jesus, “Bless your enemies and do good to those who persecute you.” Those are not easy words to follow. It goes against human nature. But also consider the victory foretold at the end of our age in Revelation 12:9-11
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
How is Satan defeated? By the blood of Christ that gives us victory over sin, and the word of our testimony that overcomes the world. Whether we see victory on this earth, or after this life is over is not for us to decide.
Now compare the victory of God in the biblical church to the activists and the dominionist movements. In the 1980s, the Moral Majority movement swept across the political system. Churches rallied into the political arena, endorsed candidates, and campaigned to get them elected. The movement was instrumental in getting conservative politicians into office and even helped to elect the president. On two occasions, the Christian conservative movement gained a majority in Congress, the Senate, and the White House. Based on their political goals and the victories won, we should have seen the Moral Majority legislating a solid moral foundation in America. Restoring morality to America was the promise given by the candidates and the Christian political organizations.
Is America stronger after a decade in power in the 1980s and nearly a decade in power in the 2000s by those claiming to be moral icons? Let’s look at the facts. America is the largest exporter and consumer of pornography in the world. Divorce rates remain at just above 50% - even in the church. It is still illegal to pray in schools, at football games, or in any public arena. A couple of weeks ago, a federal judge ruled it was unconstitutional to have a graduation ceremony in a church facility. It’s illegal to have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse or any public property. Abortion rates continue to climb, drugs continue to climb, murder and violent crime has not been reduced. And these statistics are not the most disheartening of all.
Churches have abandoned the scriptures that were once the foundation of our moral system. Teens within the church have no concept of morality. Teen sex, shacking up, and immodesty are norms in today’s church. While the church was chasing politicians and shifting their message to social and political activism, the doctrines which hold our moral standards together were pushed aside. From the 1980s to present day, there is a clear shift away from teaching the scriptures, and this has given rise to a departure from our moral foundation.
Telling someone that sexual immorality is wrong has no affect if that person has no moral foundation from which to understand these issues. It becomes a meaningless rule that prudes and old fashioned puritans once held. It becomes a fetter that hinders our freedoms when there is no understanding of truth. The church is now building the house of morality upon a foundation of sand. And we wonder why all our efforts keep collapsing.
I recently had a conversation with a man who was determined to convince me that the Bible was just a collection of stories. He claimed to be a Christian, while also claiming that each person should interpret the Bible in his own way, and pick what was relevant for his life. So, instead of the Bible being the word of God that has authority over us, the modern idea is that we have authority over the Bible. We determine which of God’s words are relevant and which will be disallowed. The church’s view of scripture has become a shifting sand that nothing can be founded upon. And we wonder why morality is slipping away. Of course the Bible is irrelevant when I am my own light and I shine my truth over the scriptures to determine what is acceptable and what is not. Consider 2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Rather than I determining what portions of scripture are true, the reality is that God calls me to examine my life, thoughts, and intentions against the light of the scripture. The Bible provides the doctrine so I am reproved when I am in error, corrected when I go astray, and instructed in the way of righteousness, so I can be complete and equipped.
It is often claimed that the Bible can be interpreted many ways by each individual. Before going into detail as to how the Bible is interpreted, let’s make certain we understand that the Bible itself rebukes this notion. Look at 2 Peter 1:20-21
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
There is an urgency in Peter’s warning. Knowing this first. Why must we know this first? The reason should be clear. If we don’t first understand that there is only one interpretation, then we cannot have a sure foundation or be confident that we are following the heart of God. Scripture was given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of giving us specific instructions so that we know the truth of scripture.
So, if this passage is true, why are there so many misinterpretations of scripture? Let’s go back to one of our earlier passages for an example. Proverbs 29:18
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
There are many false interpretations of this passage, yet if read in context, it is absolutely clear. Scripture is misinterpreted when man becomes the judge rather than God. Scripture must always interpret scripture. Earlier I used the New King James version which translates the word ‘chazown’ into ‘revelation’. While revelation may be closer to the intended meaning, vision is also clear when we look at the passage in context. The focus of the passage is the law; therefore, vision must pertain to the law. Even if there are questions after examining this passage, the context of the remainder of scripture should make it clear.
False teachers with an agenda will take this passage and twist it for their own use. Instead of drawing their understanding from scripture, they seek out phrases which can be taken out of context, and use them to justify an unbiblical doctrine. Vision casting is a perfect example of this. Teachers who scoff at the King James Version, use this passage out of context to justify their beliefs. Why would someone who despises the KJV use it for this one passage? Because only the KJV translates ‘chazown’ into the word ‘vision’.
Vision casting is a New Age philosophy which has seeped into the church through leadership courses adopted into Christianity. In the business world, New Age ideas have long since been taught, but as the line between scriptural Christianity and worldly philosophy blurs, these ideas frequently cross over. The idea is that we create a vision from our own heart, visualize it in our mind, and speak it into existence. When customized for Christianity, it gets labels like ‘words of faith’. Never mind that the Bible warns us that the man who trusts in the visions of his own heart is a fool. And then we are warned against trying to create our own way with words in Psalm 12:3-4
3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
This is why we must compare scripture to scripture. When something is unclear, I learn what the Bible is teaching by comparing it to what is clear. If we would heed the command to diligently study the scriptures to show ourselves approved so we can rightly divide the word of truth, interpretation would not be confusing. When I don’t understand the scriptures, false interpretations can sound like truth. This is why so many interpretations exist. Unlearned men take a phrase of scripture, or a passage that can be twisted, and apply it to their own philosophies. Out of context, it may indeed sound good, but it falls short when compared to the rest of scripture. This is why so many religious groups and leaders set themselves up as the source of revelation and discourage people from studying on their own. This problem is not new to our generation. Look at 2 Peter 3:16b
which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
In this passage, Peter is pointing the church to Paul. He praises Paul’s teachings, refers to them as scripture, and warns that people twist his words and the rest of scripture to their own destructive ideas. Yet, if we know the word, we recognize the manipulation of false teaching.
Drifting from doctrine creates a self-replicating problem. As we drift away, something is going to fill the void left behind. Usually that will be human philosophy masquerading as truth. Almost all false teaching appeals to the flesh and draws us farther from the Lord. Eventually people are so seared in their conscience, they don’t recognize their back sliding state. Then we begin to justify our life in the flesh and claim sin is a gift from God. Once we begin to fall in love with sin, we will only look at the passages we can twist into justifying our lifestyle. This is why someone can wear a shirt saying ‘Jesus is my Best Friend Forever’ while living completely contrary to everything he has commanded. The natural man always tries to conform Jesus into man’s image rather than conforming to his.
It was Jesus who said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments…he who does not love me does not keep my commandments.” Our culture wants a Jesus that will be a BFF, but not a Jesus who says, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” In truth, rather than wanting to come after Christ, the cultural Christian wants Jesus to come after them.
We all want to see our culture restored. It is very much possible, but it doesn’t stand upon our efforts, but our submission. We can’t take back the culture for Christ, we must surrender our lives to Christ. The victory is not in the political arena; it is with you. Your life is the salt and light of the culture, and as the church fulfills her calling, the culture will be affected.
Even if we could take every politician out of office and hand pick each candidate, we would end up in the exact same place we are today. Why does a candidate campaign on a pro-family, pro-Christian platform, and then waffle once he or she gets into office? The reason is that without a strong foundation, the individual can’t make a strong stand. A man with a weak character will not stand in adversity. When he is driven by the whims of the culture, he will cave in. Personal benefit will take over any idea of personal sacrifice, for there is no rock for him to stand on. We cannot produce morally strong leaders from a morally weakened culture.
The platform for restoring the culture is clearly spelled out in the Bible. Start by looking at two promises.
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
How many times have we heard this passage quoted? There are campaigns where people put up signs in their yards calling for Americans to pray, but does this passage say, “Pray and I will heal your land?” No. It begins with humility. We humble ourselves by recognizing our own ways are flawed and only the Lord has the right way. We turn from our ways – which are wicked for they originate in our own flesh. And we seek the Lord’s face while doing these things. Then and only then, will God hear from heaven and heal our land. This is again affirmed in Isaiah 58:12
12 Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.
Earlier in this passage, God begins by rebuking man’s ideas of self-sacrifice. He spells out the sacrifice he has chosen. It is reaching out to those in need, helping them break the bonds of wickedness, restoring others into righteousness, and meet the needs around us by showing the grace of God in word and deed. This passage also calls us to personal righteousness. And then, we arrive at the promise of verse 12. God will raise up leaders from among us to restore, rebuild, and repair.
This is where politics flows from the Christian life. It is not political or social activism. It is God’s people, living out their faith, surrendering all to him, and walking in righteousness. Then God will raise up leaders who will restore. We are approaching the problem from the wrong direction. We are trying to restore morality through politics, and this has failed. It will continue to fail. We must restore morality by submitting our own lives to him in obedience, teaching truth to those God brings within our realm of influence, and then allow God to restore the moral foundation. Then he raises leaders who will have a positive affect for they will have a moral foundation to draw from. A godly man or woman will never say, “I believe something is morally wrong, but I must vote with my constituents.” No, a true leader founded upon a solid foundation will stand strong in the face of hostile constituents. Only then can change occur.
And this begins with you and me. If I am part of the moral decline, I cannot expect God to use me for good. Nor can I rightly complain about the sins of others. If I am too ignorant of the scriptures to know why I believe or why something is morally wrong, I have no right to complain.
The cultural war begins with you and I, diligently studying to show ourselves approved, and getting on our knees before God, and asking for change to begin in my own shoes. Sometimes that prayer must begin with a plea for God to show me what needs to change in my own life. Praying that God will give me a love for his word, and asking him to open my eyes to his truth. If the word is not the center of my life, I am out of God’s will and cannot expect revival in the church or culture around me. Let us live by the words of Proverbs 11:3
3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
May we be faithful in all things and make the words of Psalm 119:100-107 our prayer
100 I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts.
101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word.
102 I have not departed from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
106 I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word.
The Lord will revive according to his word when we live by his word. The battle for the culture begins with you. You must seek the Lord with all your heart, walk in his ways, and trust him to transform your life. Then God will use you to affect those around you, and raise up leaders to restore, rebuild, and influence the culture. The battle is not won by winning political battles and then force-feeding morality upon a resistant culture. It is won by building a solid moral foundation within the church that will restore a moral influence in the culture. Leaders arising from a moral foundation will have the moral courage to confront the wrongs in our culture. When change comes from the foundation, what is built will stand.
Eddie Snipes
Exchanged Life Discipleship
Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eddiesnipes
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