Gordon Conwell Commencement Address May 11, 2013: Clear Teaching for a Culture in Flux
Dr. Roberto Miranda
(Audio: English, Spanish)
SUMMARY: The current cultural climate is increasingly skeptical and alienated towards Christianity and Christian institutions. This makes it difficult to carry out ministries that are both attractive to the prevailing ethos and biblically faithful. The challenges and temptations faced by this generation of ministers are subtler and more perilous than those of previous generations. The modern, secular mind challenges Christians to be sensitive and affirming, but in doing so, often expects them to abandon the distinctive and paradoxical aspects of the Christian faith. American evangelicalism is at a crossroads, with many leaders and denominations abandoning the confines of orthodoxy. The correct ministerial posture is to rely less on cultural acumen and intellectual resources, and more on the unassuming but ultimately irresistible power of Jesus Christ. The Kingdom's weapons are ridiculous and deceptively foolish, but they are mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds.
We must use the weapons of the Kingdom instead of the weapons of the world, and rely on the power of God to tear down spiritual walls. It's safest to stay faithful to biblical teachings and trust in Christ to guide us through cultural storms. We shouldn't fear becoming irrelevant, as God loves to work through impossible odds and receive all the glory. Let's approach this struggle with biblical weapons and outlook. God bless you.
We must use the weapons of the Kingdom instead of the weapons of the world, and rely on the power of God to tear down spiritual walls. It's safest to stay faithful to biblical teachings and trust in Christ to guide us through cultural storms. We shouldn't fear becoming irrelevant, as God loves to work through impossible odds and receive all the glory. Let's approach this struggle with biblical weapons and outlook. God bless you.
Today you set out on a journey that is glorious, but also daunting. This graduating class will have to minister in large degree to a culture that, perhaps like never before in American history, is alienated and skeptical with respect to the values and claims of Christianity and Christian institutions.
This state of things, of course, is nothing new. It has been intensifying with each passing year, and may continue to increase for years to come. This hostile spiritual environment will make it increasingly difficult to carry out ministries that will be attractive to the prevailing ethos and at the same time biblically faithful.
This state of things, of course, is nothing new. It has been intensifying with each passing year, and may continue to increase for years to come. This hostile spiritual environment will make it increasingly difficult to carry out ministries that will be attractive to the prevailing ethos and at the same time biblically faithful.
