July 8, 2025 • 35 mins
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The image of the White House illuminated in rainbow colors following the Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage represents a pivotal moment for American Christians. This visual metaphor perfectly captures how cultural pressure constantly grinds against biblical values until we either compromise or find the courage to stand firm.
Drawing wisdom from Daniel's example in Babylon, we explore how his brave refusal of the king's food parallels our modern challenge to maintain biblical convictions while living in a society that increasingly rejects God's standards. When Daniel "resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine," he demonstrated the power of predetermined conviction—knowing what you believe before facing the pressure to compromise.
Research reveals a troubling reality: while 62% of Americans consider themselves "deeply spiritual," only 16% actually make moral decisions based on biblical principles. Most instead rely on feelings, self-interest, or conflict avoidance when making ethical choices. The result? A generation with a "whatever" worldview that values relativism over truth and personal comfort over godly conviction.
We explore six foundational convictions essential for maintaining an unshaken faith: worship (placing supreme worth on God), God's Word (accepting scripture as our final authority), holiness (pursuing personal purity), family (honoring God's design for marriage and parenting), life (recognizing the sanctity of human life), and humility (embodying Christ's servant leadership). These convictions serve as load-bearing beams that support our spiritual house when cultural storms rage against us.
The biblical definition of marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman remains our anchor point despite shifting cultural tides. Though the Bible honestly portrays human failures including polygamy, these accounts describe rather than prescribe behavior. Jesus himself reaffirmed God's original design by quoting Genesis: "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
By grounding ourselves in these eternal truths rather than temporary cultural trends, we can remain unshaken while still extending Christ's love to a world desperately searching for solid ground. What's your foundation built on?
Daniel Dilemma - CH
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Daniel Moore (00:05):
To uphold a Christ-centered worldview and
adhere to God's standards, it iscrucial to establish our
fundamental beliefs.
Just as a building requiresload-bearing beams for
structural support, ourworldview must be founded on
principles rooted in God's Word.
Otherwise, when confronted withsocietal shifts of change, our
worldview may crumble.
(00:25):
This week, on Connecting theGap, we're continuing our series
on unshaken holding fast in aculture of compromise.
We'll be back with this week'sepisode right after this.
Welcome to Connecting the Gap.
(00:47):
This is a podcast aboutmarriage, bible and book studies
(01:11):
, and we interview people thathave stories.
I'm Daniel Moore, your host.
Thank you for joining us thisweek.
If you're not familiar with ourshow, check out our website at
wwwconnectingthegapnet for ourplatforms.
Our YouTube and Rumble linksare there.
We're also on the Christianpodcasting app, edify.
You can also visit us on social, on Facebook, instagram and X
at CT Gap Online.
(01:31):
If you're a fan of our show,please subscribe and feel free
to leave a comment on ourplatforms and give us a thumbs
up or a five star review onApple podcast, and we'd be
grateful to you for doing that.
Well, welcome once again toanother episode on Connecting
the Gap and here.
Recently we've started a newseries entitled Unshaken Holding
(01:51):
Fast in a Culture of Compromise.
This week we're going tocontinue that series with
episode three, this one's titledthe Strategy to Tame Me Buffet
in Babylon.
(02:14):
Have you seen this?
A friend of mine asked.
He held out an image on hisphone screen.
No, what is it?
I replied.
Just take a look.
He replied solemnly.
When I saw the photograph on myfriend's phone, I felt like I'd
been punched in the gut For along few seconds.
(02:36):
I was literally speechless.
It was a devastating, iconicimage that proudly pointed to
our own choice to reject God.
A nighttime photograph of theWhite House, home to the
President of the United Statesof America, illuminated in
rainbow-colored floodlights.
The display had been assembledin celebration of the landmark
US Supreme Court ruling theprevious day allowing same-sex
(02:58):
couples the legal right to marry.
The picture had been taken thenight before and broadcast
around the world.
To me it looked like ourcountry was thrusting its middle
finger toward heaven, declaringthat we not God knew what was
best and had the right to decide.
My heart was literally brokenthat moment as I stared at that
(03:23):
photograph, feeling sick inside.
I knew that this study couldn'tbe more timely.
The rainbow-hued image of theWhite House was only the latest
in a string of incidents andevents that played out a theme I
had been observing for manyyears.
(03:44):
Popular culture will always tryto tame us into compromising
compliance with its fast-movingtrends.
Culture grinds against ourvalues until either they crumble
or we stand up and counter thecultural erosion.
In order to maintain arighteous life in the midst of
conflicts within society, it iscrucial to anchor our core
beliefs and the teachings of theBible and know how to stand
firm in them despite pressuresfrom society.
(04:05):
By grounding ourselves in God'struths, we are better equipped
to resist the influence ofshifting cultural norms.
Daniel and his friends theyknew this firsthand.
After their Babylonian captorschanged their names, their new
master, ashpenaz, did somethingelse significant.
He assigned them a portion ofthe king's table.
(04:27):
You might be tempted to thinkwell, that doesn't sound so bad.
What's the big deal?
Maybe old Ash was just beinghospitable?
But think again.
Not only did the king's richfood and drink violate the
dietary laws of Israel, but mostof it had been offered up to
idols prior to being served.
(04:49):
Instead of tucking in andenjoying what must have been a
sumptuous meal, daniel resolvednot to defile himself with the
royal food and wine, and heasked the chief official for
permission not to defile himselfin this way.
That scripture reads Daniel 1,verse 8.
To remain pure in body andspirit, daniel politely refused
(05:13):
the king's sacrificial filletand cabernet.
He asked instead if he and hisfriends could have veggies,
grains and water, with a clearunderstanding of the nourishment
his soul and body required.
Daniel was unwavering in hisconvictions when faced with the
temptation to compromise.
When you know what's in yourcore, you don't struggle to
(05:35):
decide.
Being given new names andoffered a place at the king's
table may have initiallyappeared as friendly gestures,
but they marked the beginning ofa deliberate attack on the
faith of the youthful Jewish men, resembling the broader tactics
that the devil employs to leadus into compromising our
principles.
By leveraging the ever-changingtrends of society, the enemy
(05:59):
seeks to weaken our steadfastbeliefs and alter our actions.
If he succeeds in enticing ustowards forbidden indulgences,
often by appealing to ourdesires, he effectively disrupts
our connection with God andsabotages our intended purpose.
Often the devil's snares areopen and obvious, but that
(06:20):
doesn't make them less tempting.
Do you ever notice that when youdecide to fast, all your
long-lost friends and familycome out of the woodwork and
want you to go eat to a nicemeal at a restaurant, or the
church has a big dinner andwants you to host a table.
There may be nothing to it, butit sure does seem that when you
want to do something, tosacrifice some time for God's
(06:42):
things, things come up to temptand taunt you to mess it up.
We always have to refuse togive up what God wants us to do.
It is necessary for thosespecial times with you and God
to not mess it up by temporarytemptations.
Satan will employ varioustemptations to steer you off
course from God's intended path,diminishing your effectiveness
(07:06):
and attempting to restrain you.
These temptations may appearenticing and effortless,
downplaying their significance.
Some may even masquerade asblessings from the Lord,
seemingly harmless and pleasantto embrace.
However, they ultimately divertyou from God's true plans for
your life.
(07:27):
It is essential to have a clearunderstanding of your values and
what you stand for beforefacing moments of temptation,
whether it be a drink, touch,purchase, taste or any other
allure.
Predetermine your course ofaction, for when these
temptations inevitably arise,especially during vulnerable
moments or when your guard islowered.
Establish steadfast beliefs asyour guiding principles, serving
(07:52):
as anchors amidst the pressuresthat seek to lead you astray.
Consider King David.
He wrote my heart is set onkeeping your decrees to the very
end and because I consider allyour precepts right, I hate
every wrong path.
That's Psalm 119, verses 112and 128.
He was far from perfect, butDavid always found his way back
(08:16):
to God.
He knew what he believed andnot even Goliath, saul,
bathsheba and Absalom couldshake David's faith.
Ultimately, it is up to eachindividual to determine what
they believe in their hearts,whether it aligns with God's
truth or the beliefs of society.
Culture may promote the ideathat there are no absolute
(08:37):
truths, presenting a narrativethat truth is subjective and
dependent on the circumstancesor personal perspective.
Our convictions are likely tobe challenged, from the
authenticity of the Bible andthe divinity of Jesus to the
importance of spiritual rebirthand our stances on significant
social issues such as marriage,finances and the sanctity of
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life.
Moral relativism prevails asthe prevailing ideology of the
present era, exemplified by thefact that only 35% of Americans
acknowledge the existence ofmoral absolutes.
This statistic, highlighted byGeorge Barna during a
contentious public presentationdiscussing the moral beliefs and
(09:20):
behaviors of Christians, shedslight on the significant number
of Christians who view actionslike abortion, same-sex
relationships, sexual fantasies,cohabitation, excessive
drinking and pornographyconsumption as morally
permissible.
It was stated without some firmand compelling basis for
(09:40):
suggesting that such acts areinappropriate.
People are left withphilosophies such as if it feels
good, do it, or everyone elseis doing it, or as long as it
doesn't hurt anyone else, it'spermissible.
In fact, the alarmingly fastdecline of moral foundations
among our young people hasculminated into a one-word
(10:01):
worldview.
Whatever the result is amentality that esteems pluralism
, relativism, tolerance anddiversity without critical
reflection of the implicationsof particular views and actions.
So gradually and persistently,we can be swayed from adhering
to the teachings of God's Wordregarding the contemporary
(10:22):
contentious issues.
To uphold our convictions,particularly in the challenging
and socially sensitivecircumstances, it is crucial to
have a solid understanding ofthe core principles of our faith
and rationale behind our lesspopular beliefs.
Like David, we should anchorourselves in an eternal
perspective as the unchangingstandard amidst the
(10:44):
ever-shifting cultural landscape.
But our goal in knowing ourcore convictions is not to draw
a line in the sand and create anus-versus-them mindset.
Our goal is to build bridgesand serve those in need so that
they might be drawn to the loveof God.
No one was ever won to Christbecause they lost an argument.
(11:07):
Jesus told us to share the goodnews of the gospel throughout
all of the world in Matthew 28,16 through 20, and he made it
clear that we were to be in theworld but not of the world, in
John 15, verses 18 through 20.
He said in John 13, 35, by this, everyone will know that you're
my disciples If you love oneanother.
We are blessed with theopportunity to show love and
(11:30):
share God's truth with others,that we are all centers in need
of a savior, a need that Jesusfulfilled by coming to earth as
a man and sacrificing himself onthe cross.
Due to his sacrifice, hope isoffered to us all, enabling a
relationship with the Holy God.
Amid the prevalent negativityand harmful influences in our
(11:51):
society, we spread the upliftingmessage of the gospel and are
privileged to bring illuminationand vitality to those in our
midst.
To navigate the overpoweringcultural influences without
losing ourselves.
We anchor our beliefs in aworldview rooted in God's Word.
Understanding our faith and thereasons for it, is essential
(12:12):
for us to positively impactothers.
By using God's truth as ourguiding principle, we not only
withstand the shifting tides ofculture, but also extend a
compassionate hand to thosearound us.
Every individual possesses aunique worldview a perspective
or framework through which theyinterpret and make sense of
(12:34):
daily experiences within theirenvironment.
Essentially, one's worldviewcomprises the foundational
beliefs that guide their lives,serving as the principles they
reference when making decisions.
It acts as a specific lensthrough which they perceive and
evaluate the world around them.
Various influences contribute toshaping an individual's
(12:56):
personal worldview.
Despite sharing common lifeevents, individuals often
perceive them differently.
Our perceptions are not solelybased on the actual events, but
are influenced by our ownsubjective filter, formed by
personal experiences,relationships, observations and
conclusions.
These variables, influenced byboth positive and negative
(13:19):
aspects of life, are frequentlyswayed by bias, inaccuracy and
emotional responses.
This is why conflicts arise anddisagreements occur among
individuals, due to the diverseperspectives each person uses to
interpret situations.
Each individual holds their ownviewpoint, unique to them.
(13:40):
If given five different people,each person would possess their
distinct perspective.
Even if these individuals werepresent at the same event, they
would likely have varyingexperiences and draw different
conclusions from it.
For instance, if you've everbeen involved in a car accident,
the involved parties may eachhave a different interpretation
(14:01):
of the event.
One driver may blame the other,while another may attribute it
to the absence of a stop sign.
An eyewitness might suggestthat the collision stemmed from
temporary sun glare, and thearriving officer, analyzing the
evidence, could form an entirelyseparate judgment.
These individuals are allobserving the same incident
(14:22):
through their individual lensesshaped by their personal
worldviews.
Our unique worldviews shape ourperception of God, our
self-image and our attitudestoward others.
They filter out our pastexperiences, current situations
and future expectations.
Personal worldviews impact howwe understand concepts such as
(14:44):
money, relationships, work andmorality, influencing every
decision that we make.
For example, if someone has ahistory of frequent dating and
multiple failed engagements,they may start to believe that
marriage is unlikely for them.
These past experiences can leadto misconceptions, such as
doubting their suitability formarriage, feeling others are
(15:06):
unreliable and doubting thelongevity of relationships.
If these false beliefs start toaffect their outlook and
behavior, they may inadvertentlypush others away with their
negativity and lack of trust.
In doing so, theyunintentionally reinforce the
lies perpetuated by negativeinfluences, and the destructive
(15:26):
cycle continues.
Our beliefs, whether aboutourselves, god, others or the
workings of life, significantlyinfluence the choices that we
make daily.
Our perspectives shape thefactual occurrences we face into
personal interpretations.
However, a significantchallenge arises our own
(15:47):
worldviews are heavilyinfluenced by the perspectives
of those around us.
In reality, our worldviewsoften contain numerous elements
that we have unconsciouslyabsorbed rather than
deliberately chosen.
These influences stem from oursurroundings, environment,
family and the people with whomwe interact most frequently.
(16:08):
Each time we engage withvarious forms of media, whether
through music, movies, tv shows,newspapers, magazines, novels,
textbooks, blogs or social media, we are exposed to different
worldviews.
Every conversation, interactionand personal encounter also
(16:28):
imparts a perspective.
Consequently, many aspects ofour worldviews may not align
with truth and therefore do notbelong.
In order for our worldviews tobe authentic, they must be
grounded in God's Word, theultimate source of truth, as
relying on the false andnegative influences of the world
can lead to misconceptions.
(16:49):
Consider this In the St Barnasstudy that I mentioned earlier,
62% of Americans polled saidthey considered themselves
deeply spiritual.
These same people were thenasked how this deep spirituality
affected their decision-making.
Almost a third, or 31%, said Imake my moral choices based on
(17:12):
what feels right and comfortable.
Another 18% of this group saidI make moral choices based on
whatever is best for me.
There's another 14% ofAmericans who said I make moral
choices based on whatever causesthe least conflict with others.
Only 16% reported.
(17:38):
This means that most Christianshave non-Christian worldviews.
You may be a believer and be onyour way to heaven, yet still
not have a Christian worldview,because you got it from the
world and not the Word.
If we don't base our decisionson the Bible, then there will be
devastating consequences.
We need to get our worldviewsfrom a correct worldview.
(18:00):
The biggest challenge tomaintaining this will be that
life won't always make sense.
Need to get our worldviews froma correct worldview.
The biggest challenge tomaintaining this will be that
life won't always make sense.
We struggle constantly withthoughts such as why isn't my
life working out like I thoughtit would?
It's not what I intended it tobe at all.
Why do I feel so stressed allthe time?
Why is everything in my lifesuch a mess?
(18:21):
Why do my problems alwaysoverwhelm me?
And here's the short answerwe're using the wrong operating
system.
If we accept the world'sworldview, it will mess up our
lives here on earth.
By persisting and livingaccordingly to world standards
rather than God's, we not onlyface unnecessary challenges, but
(18:44):
also risk forfeiting theheavenly rewards in store for us
While we may still enter heaven.
Failing to align our lives withGod's principles means missing
out on the eternal blessingsthat he intends for us To uphold
a Christ-centered worldview andadhere to God's standards, it
is crucial to establish ourfundamental beliefs.
(19:06):
Just as a building requiresload-bearing beams for
structural support, ourworldview must be founded on
principles rooted in God's Word.
Otherwise, when confronted withthe societal shifts of change,
our worldview may crumble.
Convictions necessitatepredetermined decisions about
(19:32):
what is morally correct.
They do not hinge on momentaryimpulses or fleeting perceptions
of rightness.
Rather, they serve as thesteadfast groundwork on which
our lives are constructed.
When sharing our convictionswith others, it is not essential
to adopt a harsh or criticalapproach, but rather crucial to
have unwavering certainty inthem.
(19:53):
Our beliefs, values and moralprinciples form the cornerstone
of our thoughts, emotions,decision-making processes and
behaviors, influencing everyfacet of our existence.
We can see how our convictionsinfluence our lives most clearly
in our relationships.
For instance, if you know mytestimony with my wife Michelle,
(20:16):
there was a point in ourmarriage where we almost got
divorced.
By the grace of God, ourmarriage was reconciled at
literally the final moments, andone of the things we promised
was to take our vows asseriously as God takes them.
We define till death, do uspart as a lifetime commitment,
no matter what.
Consequently, we agreed tothrow out two words from our
(20:38):
dictionary impossible becausethat's not in God's vocabulary.
And divorce because it's not anoption God's vocabulary.
And divorce because it's not anoption.
I won't presume to tell youexactly what your core
convictions should be, as avariety of beliefs can find
validation in the Word of God.
However, given the inquiries Ioften receive regarding my own
(20:59):
convictions, I would like toexplore several essential areas
of conviction pivotable fornavigating interactions with the
prevailing culture.
Areas of conviction pivotablefor navigating interactions with
the prevailing culture.
Number one is worship, orplacing worth and value on who
(21:30):
God is, and that tops my list.
Scripture is crystal clear aboutGod's preeminence, the way he
surpasses all others.
In Colossians, 1, verses 15-18,it says the Son is the image of
the invisible God, thefirstborn over all creation.
1, verses 15-18, it says he isbefore all things and in Him all
things hold together, and he isthe head of the body, the
church.
He is the beginning and thefirstborn from among the dead,
(21:53):
so that in everything he mighthave the supremacy.
You know, through worshipingGod, we embrace His divine
qualities.
We recognize Him not in ourpresence or being present
everywhere at once, hisomniscience or possessing
all-knowing wisdom.
His omnipotence, excludingall-encompassing power, his
absolute goodness and boundlesslove.
(22:15):
Worship extends beyondrecitations and hymns.
It entails surrendering oneselfto the grandeur, authority and
benevolence of the Creator,allowing God to assume His
rightful position even inmoments of uncertainty or
disagreement.
In Romans 12, 1, it saysTherefore, I urge you, brothers
and sisters, in view of God'smercy, to offer your bodies as a
(22:37):
living sacrifice, holy andpleasing to God.
This is your true and properworship.
When we surrender ourselves toGod in all things and
acknowledge his headship, wedon't question him, even when
the culture does.
The next one is God's word, orplacing worth and value in the
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Bible and believing it is theinfallible word of God.
In 2 Timothy 3, it says allscripture is God breathed and is
useful for teaching.
With any situation you face,let God's Word settle it.
Don't let society explain away.
(23:23):
What God says is true.
It is imperative tocontinuously immerse ourselves
in the teachings of the Word ofGod, utilizing it as the
illuminating force that directsour daily actions and forms the
ethical foundation of ourprinciples.
We must be vigilant inanchoring ourselves in truth,
steering clear of rumors,unreliable information and
(23:45):
external perspectives.
Steering clear of rumors,unreliable information and
external perspectives.
When approached for my views oncurrent affairs or specific
matters.
My usual reply is why do youbelieve my opinion holds
significance?
It is God's perspective thatultimately carries all the
weight.
Now the third one here isholiness.
Holiness raises the standard ofpersonal purity as we honor the
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lordship of Christ.
God's character, christ'sexample and the Holy Spirit's
guidance provide ourunderstanding of personal
holiness.
It's being set apart from theworld in a way that distinctly
reflects who God is and whathe's about.
In 1 Thessalonians 4, verses 2through 5, the message version,
(24:29):
it says you know the guidelineswe laid out for you from the
master Jesus.
God wants you to live a purelife.
Keep yourselves from sexualpromiscuity.
Learn to appreciate and givedignity to your body, not
abusing it as is so common amongthose who know nothing of God.
Striving for holiness entailsupholding a standard of
(24:50):
exemplary leadership, akin tobeing a beacon of light and
preserving influence for thosein our midst.
It signifies recognizing God'ssovereignty in our lives and
showcases our readiness toemulate the selfless example set
by Jesus.
This commitment prompts us tocarefully consider our speech,
(25:10):
behaviors, routines and mindsetsconsistently.
Holiness acts as a safeguard,preventing us from succumbing to
societal shifts and moralambiguity.
The fourth one is family.
Family carries worth and valueas a sacred institution created
by God, we are made in His imageand designed for a relationship
(25:33):
.
This begins with our familiesand extends when we marry and
start a family of our own.
As children, we're instructedto honor our fathers and our
mothers and to obey them.
As parents, we are warned notto provoke or harm our children,
as it states in Ephesians 6,2-4.
Families take care of oneanother.
(25:53):
In 1 Timothy 5, 8, it saysAnyone who does not provide for
their relatives, and especiallytheir own household, has denied
the faith and is worse than anunbeliever.
Marriage holds a pivotal rolewithin the family structure.
It is regarded by God as asacred and endearing bond
between a man and a woman,intended to mirror the union of
(26:15):
Christ and the church.
Divorce is disapproved by Godbecause marriage is intended to
exemplify the love andcommitment shared between Christ
and his followers, as outlinedin Ephesians 5,.
Husbands are instructed to lovetheir wives selflessly,
emulating Christ's love for thechurch, while wives ought to
honor their husbands throughdevoted respect.
(26:36):
Strong families are cultivatedfor resilient marriages where
mutual love, respect, serviceand honor between spouses foster
an environment of harmony andstability.
The fifth one is life.
Life has intrinsic values inall forms reflecting this most
precious gift from God.
(26:57):
Therefore, no person has theright to terminate human life,
their own or anyone else's.
The word of the Lord came to mesaying Before I formed you in
the womb.
I knew you Before you born.
I set you apart, I appointedyou as a prophet to the nations.
That's Jeremiah 1, verses 4 and5.
God has foreknown everyindividual even before their
(27:21):
conception, underscoring theimportance of cherishing each
life as a divine present.
Given this fundamental reality,it is imperative to acknowledge
that abortion equates to takinga life, despite the grim nature
of truth.
Similarly, determining thecourse of one's life, including
euthanasia andphysician-assisted suicide, is
(27:44):
not within our jurisdiction.
Life holds intrinsic value andthe right to determine the
beginnings and ends of life.
And finally, the sixth thing ishumility.
Humility reflects an attitudeof service, compassion and
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strength.
It's the quality of placing theneeds of others above your own,
refusing to grandstand and drawattention to yourself.
Truly humble people alwaysreflect the glory of God,
reminding us that he is thesource of life.
The opposite, of course, ispride Our human tendency to want
(28:32):
the praise, adoration andattention of those around us, to
take all the credit and shiftall the responsibility.
Yet God's view on human prideis clear God opposes the proud,
but shows favor to the humble.
That's James 4.6.
Humility acts as the antidoteto arrogant self-centeredness,
embodying modesty, genuinenessand the readiness to prioritize
selflessness over ego.
In my family and ministry, wechoose to lead uncomplicated
(28:54):
lives to better serve God.
Embracing simplicity reducesexpenses and allows more time
and resources to be directedtowards the Lord's work.
Our primary goal is to impactothers for the glory of God,
rather than seeking personalrecognition.
Rather than seeking personalrecognition, sincerity ensures
authenticity and approachabilityin our interactions, ensuring
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alignment between our words andsentiments Through humility.
Our focus remains on God,fostering a mindset that
prioritizes His will over ourown desires.
Now, while these fundamentalprinciples may not be unexpected
, if you find yourself uncertainabout any of them, I urge you
(29:39):
to explore God's Word and alignyourself with His teachings.
Culture remains a deceptive toolused by the enemy to distort
truth and sow confusion amongbelievers.
However, by anchoring yourselfin the unwavering foundation of
God's truth and establishingyour convictions before facing
challenges, you will remainsteadfast, even in the face of
societal pressures that seek tosway you.
As we wrap up this week, livingin a rapidly evolving world
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poses a challenge.
As we strive to maintain asolid foundation amidst constant
change.
In the face of culturalinfluences that seek to distort
our biblical perspective, it iscrucial to uphold our core
beliefs and standards rooted inthe Word of God.
That is why I found the imageof the White House adorned with
rainbow-colored lights and thesubsequent Supreme Court ruling
(30:26):
troubling.
The Bible explicitly definesmarriage as a union between one
man and one woman for life,reflecting God's original design
.
The physical compatibilitybetween a man and a woman,
crafted with purpose by God,underscores His intentional plan
from the beginning.
A common question that I oftenencounter in response to this
(30:47):
notion is what about theinstances of polygamy depicted
in the Bible?
There are individuals in theBible who practiced having
multiple spouses.
Well, to this my response isthe mere inclusion of an account
in the Bible does notinherently equate to endorsement
by the Bible.
In simpler terms, not everyevent recorded in the Bible is
(31:09):
necessarily condoned by God.
A prime illustration is theissue of slavery.
Although historical narrativesin the scriptures document
instances of slavery, the Bibleinequivocally condemns the
practice, dating back to itsearliest books.
Jesus himself referencedscripture, proclaiming his
mission to abolish and liberateindividuals from the shackles of
(31:31):
slavery, to empower thedowntrodden and grant freedom.
That's Luke 4.18.
It is truly remarkable toconsider while we refer to it as
(31:54):
the Holy Bible.
In this sacred book, you willencounter a plethora of
challenging themes such asviolence, incest, rape,
molestation, murder, jealousyand greed.
Despite these dark portrayals,the Bible remains esteemed as
holy, the reason being this bookstands out for its
(32:15):
uncompromising honesty.
Unlike a mere human accountthat may omit the flaws and
failings of its protagonist, theBible paints a candid picture
of individuals like Abraham,moses and David.
Rather than simply glorifyingtheir accomplishments, it lays
bare their vulnerabilities andshortcomings.
Illustrating bare theirvulnerabilities and shortcomings
.
Illustrating how they stumbledand erred much like we do.
(32:36):
Their lives are riddled withmistakes, family turmoil,
personal struggles andimperfections, mirroring the
challenges faced by humanity atlarge.
Through its unvarnishedportrayal of reality, the Bible
upholds a standard oftruthfulness.
Through its unvarnishedportrayal of reality, the Bible
upholds a standard oftruthfulness.
Here's what God says aboutmarriage in His Word in Matthew
(32:57):
19, verses 4-6.
Haven't you read?
He replied that at thebeginning, the Creator made them
male and female and said Forthis reason, a man will leave
his father and mother and beunited to his wife, and the two
shall become one flesh, so theyare no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore, what God has joinedtogether, let no one separate.
(33:18):
Since the dawn of creation, thesacred institution of marriage
has consistently been defined asthe union of one man and one
woman for life.
This guideline is not a humanorigin, but is rooted in the
divine decree of God.
In a culture where variousconvictions are gradually
undermined, the sanctity oftraditional marriage endures
(33:40):
beneath the spotlight of moderndebates and discussions.
It serves as a pointed reminderfor believers to resolutely
stand by their foundationalprinciples, anchored in the
unwavering truths of God's Wordrather than personal
inclinations.
Neglecting to do so may lead tospiritual peril.
By succumbing to the influencesof societal norms and allowing
(34:03):
our beliefs to be reshaped, werisk constructing our faith on
mere fleeting fads andsubjective opinions rather than
on the endearing truths found inGod's eternal Word, and
subjective opinions rather thanon the enduring truths found in
God's eternal word.
Such a shift results in a faithsystem crafted solely by human
hands, devoid of the timelesswisdom and guidance that stems
(34:27):
from God's unchanging word.
If we want to stand strong in aculture that consistently tells
us to bow down, then we mustknow what we're standing on.
As followers of Jesus.
We're standing on as followersof Jesus.
We're standing on eternal truth, the authority of the one and
only holy God and the power ofthe gospel to change lives.
In Hebrews 6, verse 19,.
It says this hope is a strongand trustworthy anchor for our
(34:49):
souls.
It leads us through the curtaininto God's inner sanctuary.
Well, that's going to be allfor this week's episode, but as
we go, don't forget that webelieve that God's Word never
fails us.
God's Word has stood the testof time and through Jesus' death
on the cross, he has connectedthe gap.
Connecting the Gap is aministry of Connecting the Gap
(35:09):
Ministries, and we pray that youhave a blessed week.
To uphold a Christ-centered worldview and
adhere to God's standards, it iscrucial to establish our
fundamental beliefs.
Just as a building requiresload-bearing beams for
structural support, ourworldview must be founded on
principles rooted in God's Word.
Otherwise, when confronted withsocietal shifts of change, our
worldview may crumble.
(00:25):
This week, on Connecting theGap, we're continuing our series
on unshaken holding fast in aculture of compromise.
We'll be back with this week'sepisode right after this.
Welcome to Connecting the Gap.
(00:47):
This is a podcast aboutmarriage, bible and book studies
(01:11):
, and we interview people thathave stories.
I'm Daniel Moore, your host.
Thank you for joining us thisweek.
If you're not familiar with ourshow, check out our website at
wwwconnectingthegapnet for ourplatforms.
Our YouTube and Rumble linksare there.
We're also on the Christianpodcasting app, edify.
You can also visit us on social, on Facebook, instagram and X
at CT Gap Online.
(01:31):
If you're a fan of our show,please subscribe and feel free
to leave a comment on ourplatforms and give us a thumbs
up or a five star review onApple podcast, and we'd be
grateful to you for doing that.
Well, welcome once again toanother episode on Connecting
the Gap and here.
Recently we've started a newseries entitled Unshaken Holding
(01:51):
Fast in a Culture of Compromise.
This week we're going tocontinue that series with
episode three, this one's titledthe Strategy to Tame Me Buffet
in Babylon.
(02:14):
Have you seen this?
A friend of mine asked.
He held out an image on hisphone screen.
No, what is it?
I replied.
Just take a look.
He replied solemnly.
When I saw the photograph on myfriend's phone, I felt like I'd
been punched in the gut For along few seconds.
(02:36):
I was literally speechless.
It was a devastating, iconicimage that proudly pointed to
our own choice to reject God.
A nighttime photograph of theWhite House, home to the
President of the United Statesof America, illuminated in
rainbow-colored floodlights.
The display had been assembledin celebration of the landmark
US Supreme Court ruling theprevious day allowing same-sex
(02:58):
couples the legal right to marry.
The picture had been taken thenight before and broadcast
around the world.
To me it looked like ourcountry was thrusting its middle
finger toward heaven, declaringthat we not God knew what was
best and had the right to decide.
My heart was literally brokenthat moment as I stared at that
(03:23):
photograph, feeling sick inside.
I knew that this study couldn'tbe more timely.
The rainbow-hued image of theWhite House was only the latest
in a string of incidents andevents that played out a theme I
had been observing for manyyears.
(03:44):
Popular culture will always tryto tame us into compromising
compliance with its fast-movingtrends.
Culture grinds against ourvalues until either they crumble
or we stand up and counter thecultural erosion.
In order to maintain arighteous life in the midst of
conflicts within society, it iscrucial to anchor our core
beliefs and the teachings of theBible and know how to stand
firm in them despite pressuresfrom society.
(04:05):
By grounding ourselves in God'struths, we are better equipped
to resist the influence ofshifting cultural norms.
Daniel and his friends theyknew this firsthand.
After their Babylonian captorschanged their names, their new
master, ashpenaz, did somethingelse significant.
He assigned them a portion ofthe king's table.
(04:27):
You might be tempted to thinkwell, that doesn't sound so bad.
What's the big deal?
Maybe old Ash was just beinghospitable?
But think again.
Not only did the king's richfood and drink violate the
dietary laws of Israel, but mostof it had been offered up to
idols prior to being served.
(04:49):
Instead of tucking in andenjoying what must have been a
sumptuous meal, daniel resolvednot to defile himself with the
royal food and wine, and heasked the chief official for
permission not to defile himselfin this way.
That scripture reads Daniel 1,verse 8.
To remain pure in body andspirit, daniel politely refused
(05:13):
the king's sacrificial filletand cabernet.
He asked instead if he and hisfriends could have veggies,
grains and water, with a clearunderstanding of the nourishment
his soul and body required.
Daniel was unwavering in hisconvictions when faced with the
temptation to compromise.
When you know what's in yourcore, you don't struggle to
(05:35):
decide.
Being given new names andoffered a place at the king's
table may have initiallyappeared as friendly gestures,
but they marked the beginning ofa deliberate attack on the
faith of the youthful Jewish men, resembling the broader tactics
that the devil employs to leadus into compromising our
principles.
By leveraging the ever-changingtrends of society, the enemy
(05:59):
seeks to weaken our steadfastbeliefs and alter our actions.
If he succeeds in enticing ustowards forbidden indulgences,
often by appealing to ourdesires, he effectively disrupts
our connection with God andsabotages our intended purpose.
Often the devil's snares areopen and obvious, but that
(06:20):
doesn't make them less tempting.
Do you ever notice that when youdecide to fast, all your
long-lost friends and familycome out of the woodwork and
want you to go eat to a nicemeal at a restaurant, or the
church has a big dinner andwants you to host a table.
There may be nothing to it, butit sure does seem that when you
want to do something, tosacrifice some time for God's
(06:42):
things, things come up to temptand taunt you to mess it up.
We always have to refuse togive up what God wants us to do.
It is necessary for thosespecial times with you and God
to not mess it up by temporarytemptations.
Satan will employ varioustemptations to steer you off
course from God's intended path,diminishing your effectiveness
(07:06):
and attempting to restrain you.
These temptations may appearenticing and effortless,
downplaying their significance.
Some may even masquerade asblessings from the Lord,
seemingly harmless and pleasantto embrace.
However, they ultimately divertyou from God's true plans for
your life.
(07:27):
It is essential to have a clearunderstanding of your values and
what you stand for beforefacing moments of temptation,
whether it be a drink, touch,purchase, taste or any other
allure.
Predetermine your course ofaction, for when these
temptations inevitably arise,especially during vulnerable
moments or when your guard islowered.
Establish steadfast beliefs asyour guiding principles, serving
(07:52):
as anchors amidst the pressuresthat seek to lead you astray.
Consider King David.
He wrote my heart is set onkeeping your decrees to the very
end and because I consider allyour precepts right, I hate
every wrong path.
That's Psalm 119, verses 112and 128.
He was far from perfect, butDavid always found his way back
(08:16):
to God.
He knew what he believed andnot even Goliath, saul,
bathsheba and Absalom couldshake David's faith.
Ultimately, it is up to eachindividual to determine what
they believe in their hearts,whether it aligns with God's
truth or the beliefs of society.
Culture may promote the ideathat there are no absolute
(08:37):
truths, presenting a narrativethat truth is subjective and
dependent on the circumstancesor personal perspective.
Our convictions are likely tobe challenged, from the
authenticity of the Bible andthe divinity of Jesus to the
importance of spiritual rebirthand our stances on significant
social issues such as marriage,finances and the sanctity of
(08:59):
life.
Moral relativism prevails asthe prevailing ideology of the
present era, exemplified by thefact that only 35% of Americans
acknowledge the existence ofmoral absolutes.
This statistic, highlighted byGeorge Barna during a
contentious public presentationdiscussing the moral beliefs and
(09:20):
behaviors of Christians, shedslight on the significant number
of Christians who view actionslike abortion, same-sex
relationships, sexual fantasies,cohabitation, excessive
drinking and pornographyconsumption as morally
permissible.
It was stated without some firmand compelling basis for
(09:40):
suggesting that such acts areinappropriate.
People are left withphilosophies such as if it feels
good, do it, or everyone elseis doing it, or as long as it
doesn't hurt anyone else, it'spermissible.
In fact, the alarmingly fastdecline of moral foundations
among our young people hasculminated into a one-word
(10:01):
worldview.
Whatever the result is amentality that esteems pluralism
, relativism, tolerance anddiversity without critical
reflection of the implicationsof particular views and actions.
So gradually and persistently,we can be swayed from adhering
to the teachings of God's Wordregarding the contemporary
(10:22):
contentious issues.
To uphold our convictions,particularly in the challenging
and socially sensitivecircumstances, it is crucial to
have a solid understanding ofthe core principles of our faith
and rationale behind our lesspopular beliefs.
Like David, we should anchorourselves in an eternal
perspective as the unchangingstandard amidst the
(10:44):
ever-shifting cultural landscape.
But our goal in knowing ourcore convictions is not to draw
a line in the sand and create anus-versus-them mindset.
Our goal is to build bridgesand serve those in need so that
they might be drawn to the loveof God.
No one was ever won to Christbecause they lost an argument.
(11:07):
Jesus told us to share the goodnews of the gospel throughout
all of the world in Matthew 28,16 through 20, and he made it
clear that we were to be in theworld but not of the world, in
John 15, verses 18 through 20.
He said in John 13, 35, by this, everyone will know that you're
my disciples If you love oneanother.
We are blessed with theopportunity to show love and
(11:30):
share God's truth with others,that we are all centers in need
of a savior, a need that Jesusfulfilled by coming to earth as
a man and sacrificing himself onthe cross.
Due to his sacrifice, hope isoffered to us all, enabling a
relationship with the Holy God.
Amid the prevalent negativityand harmful influences in our
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society, we spread the upliftingmessage of the gospel and are
privileged to bring illuminationand vitality to those in our
midst.
To navigate the overpoweringcultural influences without
losing ourselves.
We anchor our beliefs in aworldview rooted in God's Word.
Understanding our faith and thereasons for it, is essential
(12:12):
for us to positively impactothers.
By using God's truth as ourguiding principle, we not only
withstand the shifting tides ofculture, but also extend a
compassionate hand to thosearound us.
Every individual possesses aunique worldview a perspective
or framework through which theyinterpret and make sense of
(12:34):
daily experiences within theirenvironment.
Essentially, one's worldviewcomprises the foundational
beliefs that guide their lives,serving as the principles they
reference when making decisions.
It acts as a specific lensthrough which they perceive and
evaluate the world around them.
Various influences contribute toshaping an individual's
(12:56):
personal worldview.
Despite sharing common lifeevents, individuals often
perceive them differently.
Our perceptions are not solelybased on the actual events, but
are influenced by our ownsubjective filter, formed by
personal experiences,relationships, observations and
conclusions.
These variables, influenced byboth positive and negative
(13:19):
aspects of life, are frequentlyswayed by bias, inaccuracy and
emotional responses.
This is why conflicts arise anddisagreements occur among
individuals, due to the diverseperspectives each person uses to
interpret situations.
Each individual holds their ownviewpoint, unique to them.
(13:40):
If given five different people,each person would possess their
distinct perspective.
Even if these individuals werepresent at the same event, they
would likely have varyingexperiences and draw different
conclusions from it.
For instance, if you've everbeen involved in a car accident,
the involved parties may eachhave a different interpretation
(14:01):
of the event.
One driver may blame the other,while another may attribute it
to the absence of a stop sign.
An eyewitness might suggestthat the collision stemmed from
temporary sun glare, and thearriving officer, analyzing the
evidence, could form an entirelyseparate judgment.
These individuals are allobserving the same incident
(14:22):
through their individual lensesshaped by their personal
worldviews.
Our unique worldviews shape ourperception of God, our
self-image and our attitudestoward others.
They filter out our pastexperiences, current situations
and future expectations.
Personal worldviews impact howwe understand concepts such as
(14:44):
money, relationships, work andmorality, influencing every
decision that we make.
For example, if someone has ahistory of frequent dating and
multiple failed engagements,they may start to believe that
marriage is unlikely for them.
These past experiences can leadto misconceptions, such as
doubting their suitability formarriage, feeling others are
(15:06):
unreliable and doubting thelongevity of relationships.
If these false beliefs start toaffect their outlook and
behavior, they may inadvertentlypush others away with their
negativity and lack of trust.
In doing so, theyunintentionally reinforce the
lies perpetuated by negativeinfluences, and the destructive
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cycle continues.
Our beliefs, whether aboutourselves, god, others or the
workings of life, significantlyinfluence the choices that we
make daily.
Our perspectives shape thefactual occurrences we face into
personal interpretations.
However, a significantchallenge arises our own
(15:47):
worldviews are heavilyinfluenced by the perspectives
of those around us.
In reality, our worldviewsoften contain numerous elements
that we have unconsciouslyabsorbed rather than
deliberately chosen.
These influences stem from oursurroundings, environment,
family and the people with whomwe interact most frequently.
(16:08):
Each time we engage withvarious forms of media, whether
through music, movies, tv shows,newspapers, magazines, novels,
textbooks, blogs or social media, we are exposed to different
worldviews.
Every conversation, interactionand personal encounter also
(16:28):
imparts a perspective.
Consequently, many aspects ofour worldviews may not align
with truth and therefore do notbelong.
In order for our worldviews tobe authentic, they must be
grounded in God's Word, theultimate source of truth, as
relying on the false andnegative influences of the world
can lead to misconceptions.
(16:49):
Consider this In the St Barnasstudy that I mentioned earlier,
62% of Americans polled saidthey considered themselves
deeply spiritual.
These same people were thenasked how this deep spirituality
affected their decision-making.
Almost a third, or 31%, said Imake my moral choices based on
(17:12):
what feels right and comfortable.
Another 18% of this group saidI make moral choices based on
whatever is best for me.
There's another 14% ofAmericans who said I make moral
choices based on whatever causesthe least conflict with others.
Only 16% reported.
(17:38):
This means that most Christianshave non-Christian worldviews.
You may be a believer and be onyour way to heaven, yet still
not have a Christian worldview,because you got it from the
world and not the Word.
If we don't base our decisionson the Bible, then there will be
devastating consequences.
We need to get our worldviewsfrom a correct worldview.
(18:00):
The biggest challenge tomaintaining this will be that
life won't always make sense.
Need to get our worldviews froma correct worldview.
The biggest challenge tomaintaining this will be that
life won't always make sense.
We struggle constantly withthoughts such as why isn't my
life working out like I thoughtit would?
It's not what I intended it tobe at all.
Why do I feel so stressed allthe time?
Why is everything in my lifesuch a mess?
(18:21):
Why do my problems alwaysoverwhelm me?
And here's the short answerwe're using the wrong operating
system.
If we accept the world'sworldview, it will mess up our
lives here on earth.
By persisting and livingaccordingly to world standards
rather than God's, we not onlyface unnecessary challenges, but
(18:44):
also risk forfeiting theheavenly rewards in store for us
While we may still enter heaven.
Failing to align our lives withGod's principles means missing
out on the eternal blessingsthat he intends for us To uphold
a Christ-centered worldview andadhere to God's standards, it
is crucial to establish ourfundamental beliefs.
(19:06):
Just as a building requiresload-bearing beams for
structural support, ourworldview must be founded on
principles rooted in God's Word.
Otherwise, when confronted withthe societal shifts of change,
our worldview may crumble.
Convictions necessitatepredetermined decisions about
(19:32):
what is morally correct.
They do not hinge on momentaryimpulses or fleeting perceptions
of rightness.
Rather, they serve as thesteadfast groundwork on which
our lives are constructed.
When sharing our convictionswith others, it is not essential
to adopt a harsh or criticalapproach, but rather crucial to
have unwavering certainty inthem.
(19:53):
Our beliefs, values and moralprinciples form the cornerstone
of our thoughts, emotions,decision-making processes and
behaviors, influencing everyfacet of our existence.
We can see how our convictionsinfluence our lives most clearly
in our relationships.
For instance, if you know mytestimony with my wife Michelle,
(20:16):
there was a point in ourmarriage where we almost got
divorced.
By the grace of God, ourmarriage was reconciled at
literally the final moments, andone of the things we promised
was to take our vows asseriously as God takes them.
We define till death, do uspart as a lifetime commitment,
no matter what.
Consequently, we agreed tothrow out two words from our
(20:38):
dictionary impossible becausethat's not in God's vocabulary.
And divorce because it's not anoption God's vocabulary.
And divorce because it's not anoption.
I won't presume to tell youexactly what your core
convictions should be, as avariety of beliefs can find
validation in the Word of God.
However, given the inquiries Ioften receive regarding my own
(20:59):
convictions, I would like toexplore several essential areas
of conviction pivotable fornavigating interactions with the
prevailing culture.
Areas of conviction pivotablefor navigating interactions with
the prevailing culture.
Number one is worship, orplacing worth and value on who
(21:30):
God is, and that tops my list.
Scripture is crystal clear aboutGod's preeminence, the way he
surpasses all others.
In Colossians, 1, verses 15-18,it says the Son is the image of
the invisible God, thefirstborn over all creation.
1, verses 15-18, it says he isbefore all things and in Him all
things hold together, and he isthe head of the body, the
church.
He is the beginning and thefirstborn from among the dead,
(21:53):
so that in everything he mighthave the supremacy.
You know, through worshipingGod, we embrace His divine
qualities.
We recognize Him not in ourpresence or being present
everywhere at once, hisomniscience or possessing
all-knowing wisdom.
His omnipotence, excludingall-encompassing power, his
absolute goodness and boundlesslove.
(22:15):
Worship extends beyondrecitations and hymns.
It entails surrendering oneselfto the grandeur, authority and
benevolence of the Creator,allowing God to assume His
rightful position even inmoments of uncertainty or
disagreement.
In Romans 12, 1, it saysTherefore, I urge you, brothers
and sisters, in view of God'smercy, to offer your bodies as a
(22:37):
living sacrifice, holy andpleasing to God.
This is your true and properworship.
When we surrender ourselves toGod in all things and
acknowledge his headship, wedon't question him, even when
the culture does.
The next one is God's word, orplacing worth and value in the
(22:58):
Bible and believing it is theinfallible word of God.
In 2 Timothy 3, it says allscripture is God breathed and is
useful for teaching.
With any situation you face,let God's Word settle it.
Don't let society explain away.
(23:23):
What God says is true.
It is imperative tocontinuously immerse ourselves
in the teachings of the Word ofGod, utilizing it as the
illuminating force that directsour daily actions and forms the
ethical foundation of ourprinciples.
We must be vigilant inanchoring ourselves in truth,
steering clear of rumors,unreliable information and
(23:45):
external perspectives.
Steering clear of rumors,unreliable information and
external perspectives.
When approached for my views oncurrent affairs or specific
matters.
My usual reply is why do youbelieve my opinion holds
significance?
It is God's perspective thatultimately carries all the
weight.
Now the third one here isholiness.
Holiness raises the standard ofpersonal purity as we honor the
(24:09):
lordship of Christ.
God's character, christ'sexample and the Holy Spirit's
guidance provide ourunderstanding of personal
holiness.
It's being set apart from theworld in a way that distinctly
reflects who God is and whathe's about.
In 1 Thessalonians 4, verses 2through 5, the message version,
(24:29):
it says you know the guidelineswe laid out for you from the
master Jesus.
God wants you to live a purelife.
Keep yourselves from sexualpromiscuity.
Learn to appreciate and givedignity to your body, not
abusing it as is so common amongthose who know nothing of God.
Striving for holiness entailsupholding a standard of
(24:50):
exemplary leadership, akin tobeing a beacon of light and
preserving influence for thosein our midst.
It signifies recognizing God'ssovereignty in our lives and
showcases our readiness toemulate the selfless example set
by Jesus.
This commitment prompts us tocarefully consider our speech,
(25:10):
behaviors, routines and mindsetsconsistently.
Holiness acts as a safeguard,preventing us from succumbing to
societal shifts and moralambiguity.
The fourth one is family.
Family carries worth and valueas a sacred institution created
by God, we are made in His imageand designed for a relationship
(25:33):
.
This begins with our familiesand extends when we marry and
start a family of our own.
As children, we're instructedto honor our fathers and our
mothers and to obey them.
As parents, we are warned notto provoke or harm our children,
as it states in Ephesians 6,2-4.
Families take care of oneanother.
(25:53):
In 1 Timothy 5, 8, it saysAnyone who does not provide for
their relatives, and especiallytheir own household, has denied
the faith and is worse than anunbeliever.
Marriage holds a pivotal rolewithin the family structure.
It is regarded by God as asacred and endearing bond
between a man and a woman,intended to mirror the union of
(26:15):
Christ and the church.
Divorce is disapproved by Godbecause marriage is intended to
exemplify the love andcommitment shared between Christ
and his followers, as outlinedin Ephesians 5,.
Husbands are instructed to lovetheir wives selflessly,
emulating Christ's love for thechurch, while wives ought to
honor their husbands throughdevoted respect.
(26:36):
Strong families are cultivatedfor resilient marriages where
mutual love, respect, serviceand honor between spouses foster
an environment of harmony andstability.
The fifth one is life.
Life has intrinsic values inall forms reflecting this most
precious gift from God.
(26:57):
Therefore, no person has theright to terminate human life,
their own or anyone else's.
The word of the Lord came to mesaying Before I formed you in
the womb.
I knew you Before you born.
I set you apart, I appointedyou as a prophet to the nations.
That's Jeremiah 1, verses 4 and5.
God has foreknown everyindividual even before their
(27:21):
conception, underscoring theimportance of cherishing each
life as a divine present.
Given this fundamental reality,it is imperative to acknowledge
that abortion equates to takinga life, despite the grim nature
of truth.
Similarly, determining thecourse of one's life, including
euthanasia andphysician-assisted suicide, is
(27:44):
not within our jurisdiction.
Life holds intrinsic value andthe right to determine the
beginnings and ends of life.
And finally, the sixth thing ishumility.
Humility reflects an attitudeof service, compassion and
(28:04):
strength.
It's the quality of placing theneeds of others above your own,
refusing to grandstand and drawattention to yourself.
Truly humble people alwaysreflect the glory of God,
reminding us that he is thesource of life.
The opposite, of course, ispride Our human tendency to want
(28:32):
the praise, adoration andattention of those around us, to
take all the credit and shiftall the responsibility.
Yet God's view on human prideis clear God opposes the proud,
but shows favor to the humble.
That's James 4.6.
Humility acts as the antidoteto arrogant self-centeredness,
embodying modesty, genuinenessand the readiness to prioritize
selflessness over ego.
In my family and ministry, wechoose to lead uncomplicated
(28:54):
lives to better serve God.
Embracing simplicity reducesexpenses and allows more time
and resources to be directedtowards the Lord's work.
Our primary goal is to impactothers for the glory of God,
rather than seeking personalrecognition.
Rather than seeking personalrecognition, sincerity ensures
authenticity and approachabilityin our interactions, ensuring
(29:18):
alignment between our words andsentiments Through humility.
Our focus remains on God,fostering a mindset that
prioritizes His will over ourown desires.
Now, while these fundamentalprinciples may not be unexpected
, if you find yourself uncertainabout any of them, I urge you
(29:39):
to explore God's Word and alignyourself with His teachings.
Culture remains a deceptive toolused by the enemy to distort
truth and sow confusion amongbelievers.
However, by anchoring yourselfin the unwavering foundation of
God's truth and establishingyour convictions before facing
challenges, you will remainsteadfast, even in the face of
societal pressures that seek tosway you.
As we wrap up this week, livingin a rapidly evolving world
(30:03):
poses a challenge.
As we strive to maintain asolid foundation amidst constant
change.
In the face of culturalinfluences that seek to distort
our biblical perspective, it iscrucial to uphold our core
beliefs and standards rooted inthe Word of God.
That is why I found the imageof the White House adorned with
rainbow-colored lights and thesubsequent Supreme Court ruling
(30:26):
troubling.
The Bible explicitly definesmarriage as a union between one
man and one woman for life,reflecting God's original design
.
The physical compatibilitybetween a man and a woman,
crafted with purpose by God,underscores His intentional plan
from the beginning.
A common question that I oftenencounter in response to this
(30:47):
notion is what about theinstances of polygamy depicted
in the Bible?
There are individuals in theBible who practiced having
multiple spouses.
Well, to this my response isthe mere inclusion of an account
in the Bible does notinherently equate to endorsement
by the Bible.
In simpler terms, not everyevent recorded in the Bible is
(31:09):
necessarily condoned by God.
A prime illustration is theissue of slavery.
Although historical narrativesin the scriptures document
instances of slavery, the Bibleinequivocally condemns the
practice, dating back to itsearliest books.
Jesus himself referencedscripture, proclaiming his
mission to abolish and liberateindividuals from the shackles of
(31:31):
slavery, to empower thedowntrodden and grant freedom.
That's Luke 4.18.
It is truly remarkable toconsider while we refer to it as
(31:54):
the Holy Bible.
In this sacred book, you willencounter a plethora of
challenging themes such asviolence, incest, rape,
molestation, murder, jealousyand greed.
Despite these dark portrayals,the Bible remains esteemed as
holy, the reason being this bookstands out for its
(32:15):
uncompromising honesty.
Unlike a mere human accountthat may omit the flaws and
failings of its protagonist, theBible paints a candid picture
of individuals like Abraham,moses and David.
Rather than simply glorifyingtheir accomplishments, it lays
bare their vulnerabilities andshortcomings.
Illustrating bare theirvulnerabilities and shortcomings
.
Illustrating how they stumbledand erred much like we do.
(32:36):
Their lives are riddled withmistakes, family turmoil,
personal struggles andimperfections, mirroring the
challenges faced by humanity atlarge.
Through its unvarnishedportrayal of reality, the Bible
upholds a standard oftruthfulness.
Through its unvarnishedportrayal of reality, the Bible
upholds a standard oftruthfulness.
Here's what God says aboutmarriage in His Word in Matthew
(32:57):
19, verses 4-6.
Haven't you read?
He replied that at thebeginning, the Creator made them
male and female and said Forthis reason, a man will leave
his father and mother and beunited to his wife, and the two
shall become one flesh, so theyare no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore, what God has joinedtogether, let no one separate.
(33:18):
Since the dawn of creation, thesacred institution of marriage
has consistently been defined asthe union of one man and one
woman for life.
This guideline is not a humanorigin, but is rooted in the
divine decree of God.
In a culture where variousconvictions are gradually
undermined, the sanctity oftraditional marriage endures
(33:40):
beneath the spotlight of moderndebates and discussions.
It serves as a pointed reminderfor believers to resolutely
stand by their foundationalprinciples, anchored in the
unwavering truths of God's Wordrather than personal
inclinations.
Neglecting to do so may lead tospiritual peril.
By succumbing to the influencesof societal norms and allowing
(34:03):
our beliefs to be reshaped, werisk constructing our faith on
mere fleeting fads andsubjective opinions rather than
on the endearing truths found inGod's eternal Word, and
subjective opinions rather thanon the enduring truths found in
God's eternal word.
Such a shift results in a faithsystem crafted solely by human
hands, devoid of the timelesswisdom and guidance that stems
(34:27):
from God's unchanging word.
If we want to stand strong in aculture that consistently tells
us to bow down, then we mustknow what we're standing on.
As followers of Jesus.
We're standing on as followersof Jesus.
We're standing on eternal truth, the authority of the one and
only holy God and the power ofthe gospel to change lives.
In Hebrews 6, verse 19,.
It says this hope is a strongand trustworthy anchor for our
(34:49):
souls.
It leads us through the curtaininto God's inner sanctuary.
Well, that's going to be allfor this week's episode, but as
we go, don't forget that webelieve that God's Word never
fails us.
God's Word has stood the testof time and through Jesus' death
on the cross, he has connectedthe gap.
Connecting the Gap is aministry of Connecting the Gap
(35:09):
Ministries, and we pray that youhave a blessed week.
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