Reflections
Today's sermon was on Acts 17 and I have to say I was disappointed with the message.
The Good
The theme of the sermon was "Turning the world upside-down." Which I would say yes and amen, that's what the gospel does. There was also a pointed comment about verses 30-31 on God commanding repentance. Again, I say yes and amen.
The Bad
On Government
The bad, was that Pastor Nick turned this sermon into some kind of rebuke of using politics and activism to further the kingdom. "We want to change hearts not behaviors" kind of thinking. Ultimately, I agree. The end-goal should be to change hearts and to bring about believers, not just rule-followers.
However, to turn around and say that it the only valid method of reaching the lost is wrong. The first half of Romans 13 speaks of the God ordained role of government, and Paul repeatedly and specifically calls out the authorities as 'ministers' in the ESV and 'God's servants' in the NET:
Romans 13:4, 6 (NET 2nd ed.)
4 because it is God’s servant for your well-being. But be afraid if you do wrong because government does not bear the sword for nothing. It is God’s servant to administer punishment on the person who does wrong.
6 For this reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants devoted to governing.
The idea that this is an either or situation is absurd. It's both and. We have both the church and the government to further God's kingdom. The church to promote the Gospel and spread the word and to make disciples, and the government/governing bodies to restrain evil and promote what is good. "To punish the wrongdoer" is what the government is called to do.
On Repentance
On a similar point, this idea that we aren't supposed to or aren't allowed to call out the sins of non-believers is also absurd. That's exactly what John the Baptist did and Jesus called him "the greatest of those born among women." (Matthew 11:11) John was executed for speaking out against Herod's adultery.
I don't understand this sentiment, especially when within this same sermon we are given the command to repent. What are people to repent of? How are they to know what it is they are guilty of if we do not tell them? I understand that legalism is a bad thing and I would tend to agree, but if you believe that following the rules too much is the greatest threat to the church today then let me know where it is you are attending, I would love to visit. Following all of God's commands and not just the ones we feel comfortable with would be a fresh air.
The Ugly
Speaking of God's commands, Pastor Nick made an effort to point out both verses 4 and verse 12.
Acts 17:4 (NET 2nd ed.)
4 Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large group of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.
Acts 17:12 (NET 2nd ed.)
12 Therefore many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men.
Pastor Nick called these 'girlbosses' and based on previous conversation, I don't think this was meant derogatorily. This goes along excellently with my point on repentance and legalism: We don't follow God's commands for women. And God forbid you point that out you damn dirty legalist you. You're a sexist to boot. And God won't have sexists in the Kingdom now will he?
Except, let's take a look at just one example of what Scripture says instead of the culture:
1 Corinthians 14:33–38 (NET 2nd ed.)
33 for God is not characterized by disorder but by peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak. Rather, let them be in submission, as in fact the law says. 35 If they want to find out about something, they should ask their husbands at home, because it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church. 36 Did the word of God begin with you, or did it come to you alone? 37 If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, he should acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord’s command. 38 If someone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
Ask yourself, when was the last time you heard a sermon on this? When was the last time you heard a sermon on 1st Corinthians 11 and head coverings? Or 1st Timothy 2 reiterating that women are to be silent in the churches and motherhood is the calling of women, not teaching men? Or 1st Timothy 5 reiterating what is laid out in chapter 2 and applying it to widows? Or what about what women are to teach other women in Titus 2? Or how about the fact that wives are called to submit to their husbands in Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, 1st Peter 3, and Titus 2?
Again I will point to Jesus speaking on what we should do about His commands:
John 14:15 (NET 2nd ed.)
15 “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.
Maybe I am misunderstanding the point being made and what was actually being said was that even the girlbosses can repent and enter the kingdom of heaven. If that's the case, you will have a yes and amen from me. I wholeheartedly believe that they can repent of their sins and turn from feminism to the God ordained roles they have been given: Wives and mothers.
Closing
On the bright side, the song selection for worship was excellent this morning. I was very appreciative of that, especially after last week.