The Bible clearly indicates that in the last days before Jesus’ return, the following paradigm shifts will occur to remove the biblical worldview from the overall culture:
- Mankind — Love for one’s family and fellow man will grow cold, replaced by a love only for oneself (Matthew 24:12; 2 Timothy 3:1-4).
- The Church — In the last days the Church will primarily be defined by its apathy and falling away from sound doctrine (Revelation 3:15-18; 2 Timothy 4:3-4).
- Society — Society will devolve immorally back to the days of Noah (Luke 17:26; 2 Peter 2:5).
Bible prophecy indicates that society will break down in the last days. These tragic signs of the times point to the very soon return of Jesus Christ, even though they do not pinpoint when that day will arrive. As we await His arrival, we are commanded by Jesus to live on as lights in the world (Matthew 5:13-6). Therefore, we must fight for what’s biblical, moral, and God-honoring.
What would it take to reclaim a Christian culture — a culture of worship of Jesus Christ alone, where the Bible is the foundation of morality and law, and where people love others more than themselves? Here’s the strategy:
1. Start with You
a. Commit to Christ
True revival begins with the Holy Spirit working in the human heart. Is Jesus Christ your Savior? Is He Lord of every area of your life, controlling the thoughts and intents of your heart? If not, renew your relationship with Him.
b. Be the Example
The world is going to look at how you live your life as an example of the genuineness of the message you are proclaiming. If it sees hypocrisy, your message will be ignored. Strive towards becoming Christ-like.
c. Share Christ
Secularism and paganism thrive when people reject Christianity or when people don’t know who Jesus Christ is — the Son of God and Savior of our souls. Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ can be scary, but scarier still are people going to Hell while we sit on the sidelines and watch. Have you shared your faith in Christ with someone this week? Instead of yielding to fear or resigning yourself to watching our culture slip away, use your God-given spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
2. Secure Your Family for Christ
a. Invite Jesus to be a Family Member
A family where Jesus isn’t a member of the family is missing its most important member. A family where Jesus is palpably present lays a rock-solid foundation that will influence one’s children long after they’ve left home.
b. Get Right With Your Spouse
Most of the evils in society today — fear of commitment, perpetually broken relationships, loneliness, sexual promiscuity, drugs, and suicide — are rooted in Dad and Mom’s marriage. Christian husbands and wives must reject divorce! They must put each other’s needs first before their own. They must reconcile and forgive. Society will not heal unless the family heals first.
c. Throw Out the Trash
If pornography, lewd music, and violent games are in your home, they are cancer rotting out your family’s morality and unity. Dispose of them permanently!
3. Revitalize the Local Church
a. Know Your Bible
You won’t know if the messages from the pulpit are doctrinally sound if you don’t know what the Bible teaches. Equipping yourself in the “full armor of God” of Bible study and prayer will help you detect heresy.
b. Go to Church
If you are not where other believers are, then you’re disconnected from Jesus’ primary change engine in this age. Whether it’s a large mega-church or a tiny home study, it’s where God wants you to be for Christian fellowship, accountability, and worship (Heb. 10:25).
c. Engage Within
If you are directly involved in growing a church, then you’ve earned the right to have the pastor’s ear when it comes to charting the church’s course. Encourage your local body to have a passion for Jesus Christ. Insist on doctrinal soundness, equipping believers, and reaching out to those who have yet to meet their Savior.
4. Reclaim the Culture
a. Take a Stand
A society that doesn’t know Christ has lost its ability to discern right from wrong. When was the last time you made a public stand for Christ against something that was blatantly evil? One person can make a difference if they speak up and act.
b. Help Those in Need
Jesus’ ministry was spent helping those in need, both spiritually and physically. His actions caught the people’s attention so they would listen to His message. Claim that right to be heard by being involved in showing Christ’s compassion and love, and you will point lives towards the Cross.
c. Lead
Society goes where its leaders’ vision takes it. If you are the one setting the vision for a Christian culture, then assuming a leadership role in society will give you the opportunity to act on that vision.
Do you want a Christian cultural revolution? While it may not happen on a national scale, it can certainly happen within your circle of influence. But it won’t happen nationally or locally if Bible-believing Christians remain inactive.
Our culture will certainly not change if we are not actively engaging in it. Nobody is going to do the work for us. Engaging society towards reclaiming its Christian culture is up to every one of us who call Christ, Savior.
Nathan, my current world view is a bit different!
I expect at any time to be caught up to the heavenly city of New Jerusalem where we will all have new bodies and a new community! I have no hope for a renewing of the old world order of the church on earth. See what you think. God bless you.