Young Christian Leaders' Alliance

Defeating Post-Modernism

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:10:00 +0000

R. Josiah Magnuson

“That’s your truth. I have mine.” This is the fundamental assertion of a post-modernist. Postmodernism claims there is no absolute truth – no reality basic to all people. Rather, it holds that every person creates their own reality from their own experiences and perceptions.

A post-modernist may accept that Christ is the Savior for some people, but will reject the need for Christ as the only Savior for all humanity. Is there a way to defeat this philosophy?

First, God’s Word is the starting point to defeat post-modernism. Christ told us, “If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32) God’s worldview is the basis for knowledge. Unless we start with His perspective, we cannot understand existence, or even know existence is real. The Bible states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). The Bible also indicates in numerous places that God cannot lie or contradict Himself. Thus, reality (as God’s creation) is valid and concretely definable. However, if we start with any other premise, we become irrational since we cannot trust our own minds. The big question for post-modernism is, “How do you know?”

Second, logic defeats post-modernism. A postmodernist asserts, “There is no absolute truth.” This statement is actually an absolute truth in itself. Thus, if that statement is true, then it is false. Something cannot be both true and false. In response, a post-modernist may assert that he does not agree; he does not believe in the law of noncontradiction. Your reply would be, “Thus you do believe in the law of non-contradiction?” to which he would reply, “No, I just told you I didn’t.” By making such a statement, he is demonstrating that he in fact does believe in the law of noncontradiction, because he believes in the existence of falsehood.

Third, love must be the foundation of our effort. It is the Holy Spirit who must make alive the hearts of those we speak to. The Spirit works through love in the actions and attitudes of believers. Our materialistic culture has bred pride, bitterness, and covetousness, which hinders people from accepting absolutes. It follows that it must be our purpose to reach out humbly, forgivingly, and sacrificially for others. We must “take up our cross daily” to serve Christ in serving those around us.

It is important to recognize that the post-modernist will not be won by logic, although logic is a help along the way. It may also be that the Bible solely as a book of principles will not win the post-modernist. The post-modernist will be drawn to Christ through the love of God’s people, and the work of the Spirit, as he experiences the adventure of God’s living words!

Post-modernism ends in irrationality since under this way of thinking, the world might simply be our imagination. Presenting the wonderful stories of Scripture is the basis to breaking irrationality (John 20:31), because the hearing of Scripture brings faith (Romans 10:17). Further, as faithful brothers and sisters, our lives corroborate the truth of God’s family (John 13:55).

What would your life tell a post-modernist? Does your life conform to the truth of Scripture? Are you a disciple of the Person of Truth, Jesus Christ, or are you wandering on paths of peril?

Strategy Circle Minutes

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:15:00 +0000

Danielle A.

"Defeating Post-Modernism" Assignments!

Just firing off an update from the Strategy Group meeting this morning. We discussed preparations for the exciting upcoming event on November 5th, "Defeating Post-Modernism" which will be at Roper Mountain Baptist Church.

The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and although scheduled to run through until 10 p.m., likely won't be that long. There will be fellowship, valuable information, and delicious pizza afterwards.

I would like to note that certain assignments have been given to various YCLA members, and are such as follows:

- David Killinger shall bring beverages
- Justin Summerlin is in charge of plateware and ice
- Matt Wally will be picking up the pizza and leading music - I think the songs we chose were "The Bible Stands", "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" and "A New Life in Christ"
- The Goulds will be in charge of some cookies for dessert
- Josiah Magnuson will create the program for the evening.

More info can be found at the public Facebook Event page!

Ten Commandments Series

It should be noted that the Ten Commandments study series will begin in two weeks. Remember when you picked which commandment you'd like to study and talk about? This is that assignment! You'll be teaching a mini-lecture for about 5-10 minutes, so study up - you never know if someone may have a question about your topic afterward!

Krispy Kreme Fundraiser Dues

On a final note - YCLA members, this is important!

The Creation Museum was a blast. Please remember that if you owe anything or have not sold your certificates for Krispy Kreme doughnuts, you need to do so ASAP so we can pay David back for his generous investment. He spent $500.00 to buy all the doughnuts and certificates and not all of it has been returned to him via profit, leaving him in the red. Don't settle for debt - if you can't sell the certs to others, consider buying them yourself (hey, they're fantastic Christmas gifts for local loved ones!) or donating a set amount of money to the YCLA to help pay off the costs. We appreciate your cooperation! :D

I think that's all for now. Keep tuned for more meeting and event updates from yours truly and the other awesome bloggers.

God bless~

The Will of God, Part 2

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:55:00 +0000

Justin Summerlin

“But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2b)

As we saw in The Will of God Part 1, many people think the will of God is to know who to marry and what job they will have when they are young. God generally does not reveal specific answers to us, but he does give us clear directions and steps about following His good, acceptable, and perfect will. The first part of following God’s will is to not conform to the world. The second part is to be transformed by renewing your mind.

“Transforming” is in direct contrast to “conforming.” Conforming is to become like, whereas transforming is total change from the inside out. Another word for this transformation is metamorphosis. Think of the process an ugly caterpillar goes through to become a beautiful butterfly. It must go into a cocoon stage where the worm is transformed. Every part of its anatomy is changed from its physical inside to its beautiful outside.

So how are we transformed? We need to renew our mind! Renewing has the idea of renovating. When a house is renovated, it often needs to be totally “gutted” out. All the walls, carpet, counters, cabinets, toilets, and showers are taken out and thrown away. Our mind sometimes is just like that renovated house that needs to have the corrupt or unprofitable thrown out. Throw out the garbage that the world has so cunningly flooded your mind with, turn off the worldly influence of your TV and iPod, and get your Bible out.

The word "mind" is mentioned 92 times in the KJV. While scanning through the verses I found a majority of them talking about being of “one mind,” “of the same mind,” or “be likeminded.” I would encourage you to look up these 92 times the word “mind” is mentioned. Much could be said about the mind, but I want to focus in on what Philippians 2 says about the mind of Christ. (Notice in verse 2 the mention to be “of one mind.”)

Though we are heirs of the King of Kings, let’s have the mind of a servant and be humble. I challenge you to be transformed by renewing your mind to have the mind of Christ.

Celebrity Christianity?

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:45:00 +0000

R. Josiah Magnuson

Who are we trying to please? The Bible gives numerous clear directives that the motivation for the believer in living a life of distinction be different from the motivation of the world. Our service is not for ourselves but to glorify God.

True Christianity is not a “celebrity” activity. Because we are different, the world hates us and seeks to persecute us. We will never change the world’s opinion of us if we continue to live godly lives. As II Timothy 3:12 declares, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Rather, our motivation should come from a desire to please Christ, experience His resurrection power, and bring Him glory by sharing His truth with others.

One example of Scripture on this issue is I Thessa-lonians 2:4-6. “As we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth the hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness, God is witness. Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others…”

Galatians 1:10 continues the theme of seeking to please God rather than men. “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

Interestingly, the Bible also contains direction that we try to please those around us as much as possible. For example, I Corinthians 10:32-33 tells us, “Give none offense, neither to the Jews nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”

Scripture encourages us to maintain a good reputation. Proverbs 22:1 states, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver or gold.” One of the requirements of a bishop (church overseer) given by Paul is to “have a good report of them which are without” (I Timothy 3:7).

Is the Bible being contradictory? Is God telling us to both please others and not please them? In the passage from I Corinthians 10, the answer is found in the immediately preceding verse (v. 31): “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

There is no problem with seeking to show respect and kindness to everyone. There is not even a problem with just wanting people to be happy with our actions. The problem enters when our motivation becomes service to self. We are to seek to serve others and lead them to salvation in Christ, making our ambition that of bringing glory to God.

For example, Luke 10:27 shows our primary duty: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” We are to love and serve God alone. But, this love for God is not to the exclusion of a love for others. We are to show love to others as an expression of our love for God. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Romans 15:1-2 tells us, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, ‘The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.’”

Just as Christ bore our infirmities, we should bear the infirmities of others and seek to edify (build up and encourage) them. It is in this way that we are to “please” others. But we are not to seek others to shine spotlights on us as we bask in the dim glitter of condoning sin or smoothing over untruth. Nor are we to promote our own goodness or importance. The glory must go to Christ.

Christ wants us to make peace, show love, and build good character. However, we must follow His example in doing so. This path often leads through times of suffering and persecution. The world will not generally appreciate the efforts of the Christian to be a light in its darkness. We will need to make hard choices. But the life of finding rewards that last is truly the life of fixing our eyes on our God, the eternal Rewarder.

Pleasing ourselves, or attempting to please other people so we can please ourselves, is pointless. We can please the One who gives us all we have, Who can make us everything we need to be.

How to Make True Peace

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:35:00 +0000

R. Josiah Magnuson

Christ’s peace is different from the world’s peace. The peace Christ offers requires intense decision-making, obedience, and often, suffering. Christ’s peace is only made by the power of the cross.

This afternoon brought a brief yet heavy Carolina rain shower to the landscape around my office. A large pool of water filled up in a low place in the parking lot, creating a shallow yet sparkling pond. Several fronds of tall summer grass, evidently having escaped through cracks in the asphalt, stood majestically erect above the water, as if imagining themselves to be great lake reeds. The only movement on the surface of this tranquil ocean was the reflection of the happily singing birds fluttering in the light of the slowly setting sun. As a breath of evening breeze touched my face, I thanked the Lord for this beauty. The thought crossed my mind that this was a glimpse of what true peace looks like.

True peace does not require a perfect environment. It does not rely on the standards of the world, or the approval of a consensus. Rather, it is found by satisfaction and contentment – a tranquility of heart – in accepting the person and work of Jesus Christ. True peace also requires obedience to His commands. In making peace within ourselves and with others, we must believe Christ enough that we put into practice His method for doing so.

The world has its own ideas about peace. The world projects a false song that tells us we can achieve peace, joy and love through our own goodness. A simple Internet search reveals such diverse projects as “Coffee for Peace,” “Writing for Peace,” “Boycott for Peace,” and even “Knitting for Peace.” While each of these efforts is probably well intentioned, and it is possible some have even contributed to the end of various conflicts, no human effort can ultimately create the peace we all long for.

Human nature remains unchanged since Woodrow Wilson declared World War I “the war to end all wars.” Worldwide conflict has only escalated even through every effort to quell it. We can probably all agree that today, the cause of peace as promoted by the world is not moving along very smoothly.

Christ told us, “Peace I leave with you – My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” (John 14:27) He has already made true peace for us. The Apostle Paul states Christ’s work was such that, “…In all things He should have the preeminence… having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” (Col. 1:18b, 20) When we have peace with Christ, and our identity is in Him, we can have peace with everything else, because He is at peace with all things!

The reason Christ’s peace is different is that it is made by means of the cross. Christ’s way is one of suffering. Sacrifice is the essence of true love. In order to build peace, we must be willing to sacrifice and suffer for others. In fact, we must actively take initiative to “take up the cross daily”! (Luke 9:23) We must follow Christ no matter what.

One area in which Christ has given us a path to follow is that of personal offenses. If someone wrongs us, we are not to spread gossip or evil remarks, nor are we to disassociate immediately from the person. Rather, we can find reconciliation using the method of Matthew 18:15-17.

First, Christ says to go and talk to the individual who has offended you. Chances are the person did not even intend to hurt you, so give them the benefit of the doubt. If in any way possible, this conversation should take place face-to-face. Don’t settle for Facebook or phone calls if you can physically sit down and talk to the person. And, if someone wants to tell you a bad report, don’t listen. Ask them if they have talked to the person first.

Second, Christ tells us to take another person or two along, to talk with the offender again. If they do not understand or listen to one individual, perhaps someone else can communicate the problem better. However, if the offender still refuses to hear, these extra persons will act as witnesses to verify the situation.

Third, Christ commands that we bring the issue before the church. The offending person will then be addressed by the church body and appropriate leaders.

Finally, if the offender still will not listen, he is to be treated as an unbeliever, and not remain in church fellowship. This extreme option is only to be used after each of the previous points is exhausted.

Another command that encourages peace is that of the Sabbath. God has given us this day to rest from our earthly labors, just as He did from His. (Exod. 20:8-11) It provides a time of release in which we can put our focus back on our Creator. God promises great reward to those who honor the Lord’s Day. (Isa. 58:13-14, Mark 2:27-28 )

God ordains that His children have rest and peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matt. 5:9) While the world expects peace to involve compromise on all sides, Christ teaches that peace is principled and one-sided. The making of peace is our obligation. (Rom. 12:18-21) We are to follow Christ’s example and trust Him, even though it may bring us suffering. Then, others will be brought to true peace through the forgiving, reconciling work of the cross.

Like the pool of rainwater in the parking lot, we are called to provide tranquility even though our environment is rough and unfriendly. But, our Savior understands everything He calls us to do (Heb. 4:15). He has made the way for us to have peace in His identity. “Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (v. 16)

It is on the power of God that true peace rests. As David stated, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

Video: The Opportunistic Germ

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:09:00 +0000

Here is a sweet video from our friends over at Ultimate Quest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC1z7kd5Ar0&feature=player_embedded

The Christ-Minded Leader

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:11:00 +0000

R. Josiah Magnuson

One of the most important points to proper leadership is being able to develop and communicate a vision. For believers, a vision has been set for us by our great Leader, Jesus Christ. We are called to bring others into His kingdom and serve and teach them in His Way. As we seek to set a godly example for those around us, the Bible tells us we need to have the mind of Christ.

We need to have a correct capability to make decisions, a correct standard for taking action, and a correct motivation for our work. When we cultivate purity in these three areas, we are cultivating the vision that will unite our fellow-believers in “likemindedness.” (Phil. 2:1-2)

Philippians 1:9-11 reads: “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”

The mind of Christ requires a spirit of love. But love cannot exist alone; love must be defined in “knowledge and all judgment.” Judgment means making decisions. Not only must we know the truth, we must make choices based on that truth. Scripture provides at least three specific guidelines for proper judgment. We are never to measure others in a way in which we are unwilling to measure ourselves. (Matt. 7:1-5) We are never to judge situations only according to how they immediately appear. (John 7:24) And, we are never to judge anything “before the time.” (I Cor. 4:5) Christ told us in Matthew 7:16, regarding false prophets, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Often fruits take time to ripen. Thus, we can see that God expects us to have a consistent standard, to look at both sides of an issue carefully, and to take time and show patience to others.

The mind of Christ also requires “approving things that are excellent.” We need to seek out education, outreach, and even entertainment according to the highest quality of purity. We are children of the King, and we are called to represent Him. Especially as we grow as leaders, others will be looking to us to “set the bar” in Godly living. We have a responsibility to be the best we can be. We should examine ourselves constantly to maintain adherence to Scripture. Philippians 4:8-9 provides us with a much-needed compass to direct the focus of our thoughts. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."

Finally, the mind of Christ requires that we “be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” We need to be people of integrity. How can we have a continued right motivation in the face of the constant dishonesty and fleshly desires of the world? The verse itself provides the answer: “the day of Christ.” We are enabled to have Godly motivation when we maintain watchfulness for Christ’s coming. Because this world is quickly passing away, any attempt to invest our lives in it will bring sorry returns. However, we can place our treasures in heaven “where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” (Matt. 6:20) Christ told us, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matt. 5:8 ) God wants us to seek to see Him. When our focus is placed beyond this life, our motivation will be from beyond this life as well.

A united purpose creates a united cause. While “a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8 ), like-mindedness in Christ creates stability and efficacy. When we learn and integrate the principles of God’s Word, and in doing so purify our hearts, we serve our fellow-believers by providing a standard of excellence around which we can all unite. This fact is possible because the focus is then placed not on us as individuals, but on our great Leader, Jesus Christ. We can all be of one mind when we each set our eyes on Him.

Action: Mentorships

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:09:00 +0000

One of the newest elements of the YCLA involves the idea of mentorships. Think about someone you know who shows maturity in the Lord, who you would enjoy learning from, and ask them if they would be willing to meet with you every so often for the next few months. In addition, if you find God allows you to do so, find someone who would benefit from your leadership and ask them to do the same. The goal is to further edify and encourage each other in the Lord in a more personal context. It will also enable an increase in outreach as each partnership develops a shared focus in action for Christ.

Foolish Philosophies

Tue, 31 May 2011 23:18:00 +0000

By Joel Biester

I find it very interesting how some philosophy, which completely typifies the thoughts of the flesh, is so pervasive in our culture. Then again, though sad, it's not a surprise. Even some Christians “buy into” foolish philosophies. It's by God's grace that others don't.

One foolish philosophy is, "I am who I am, don’t change me!" Well, what if Hitler had said that? Do you think God will let him use that excuse when he is judged? Is it any more right because you use it? In reality, we are all inherently wrong and sinful. Humanity is fallen and our natures have been corrupted. God calls us to be more than we are!

Oh, and "Live life!" Most people who use this don’t have a life worth living. Why live life as though it were the only thing? Have you considered that life is a short phase that directs your future? (James 4:14) Will living "life" now truly give you the fulfillment you desire? The answer is it can’t. Only Christ can give true purpose, and living for Him will be just that fulfillment.

What about the phrase, "It’s my life!"? I’m sorry – at least if you’re a believer – because Christ is supposed to own your life! (Col. 3:3-4) Christ, as God, came down to Earth as a human, to die, and not just die but to die the death of a criminal. A criminal is one who has transgressed the Law – as we all have – which Christ never once did.

He died there, enduring humongous torture, ridicule, slander, scoffing, spite, and pain. His suffering was fully physical, but He also suffered under the weight of our sin – indeed, all of humanity’s sins – and there had part of Himself, God the Father, turn away. He did all this so that you could live apart from service to sin! Rom. 6:1-6

“I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet NOT I, but Christ lives in me. And the LIFE which I now live in the flesh I LIVE by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20

Why think in terms of foolish philosophies? Give your mind to Christ and be free from the falsehood of this world.

The Will of God, Part 1

Tue, 31 May 2011 23:13:00 +0000

By Justin Summerlin

“And be not conformed to this world” - Romans 12:2a

The will of God is a topic that comes up frequently for teenagers, but also is often questioned by all ages on into adulthood. When many people think of the will of God, they think, “What job occupation will I choose?” or “Will I go to college?” or “Will I marry and who will I marry?” While God does not reveal answers to these specific questions, His good, acceptable, and perfect will should guide us in all our decision-making.

One important point about God’s will is that it involves something to keep from doing. The apostle Paul tells us to “be NOT conformed.” Let’s look at the word “conformed.” What does it mean? Another way of putting it is, “to fashion like.” I’m sure most of you can remember when you were little putting on your mom or dad’s clothes because you wanted to be just like them. You might have dressed up like your favorite superhero. You were fashioning yourself like those you admired. You wanted to be like them and sometimes you wanted to be them. By doing so, you were associating yourself with them.

So how can we be actively participating in His good, acceptable, and perfect will in regards to life’s decisions? Do not be fashioned like the world, and do not desire to be like them.

Did you know that being conformed or not conformed is an external action? It is something that can be actively observed by others. Do unbelievers see you conforming to the world?