On 29 January, Christian Concern hosted a conference – ‘What is the Gospel?’ – at the Emmanuel Centre in London. The speakers addressed some of the sociocultural issues faced by the Church.
Christian Concern is a non-profit organisation campaigning for a nation once defined by the Christian faith. The UK is now largely a secular, humanistic, morally relativistic nation, the fruits of which can be seen in widespread immorality and social disintegration.
The state of our nation
The overarching concern of the event was the call to action for Christ’s people to step up, to share the Word of God in all spheres of life, bringing about the reconciliation of all things to Christ.
Years ago in London, stadiums would be packed with people eager to hear from Billy Graham as he spoke on the concept of sin and of judgement, developing with the people an understanding of the person of Jesus Christ. Many would leave having had an encounter with the Lord’s Holy Spirit, becoming followers of Christ there and then.
Today, people like Andrea Williams, co-founder and Chief Executive of Christian Concern, deal with cases wherein individuals who have stood for their moral convictions face prosecution. ‘It’s shocking, but it’s all so civilised… it’s a death culture.’ Andrea shared some of these stories, leaving the congregation with the lingering question: in a nation where the rights to freedom of speech, tolerance and equality for all stand protected, are we as Christians experiencing some subtle, underlining degree of subjugation?
Ultimately, what was called to attention was that our image and purpose in God is under attack. And so, to a politically correct and Biblically illiterate culture, will we as stewards of the earth stand in public for the truth of Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ in public life
‘When people say, I don’t believe in God, I always say to them, I bet I don’t believe in the God you don’t believe in.’ Dr Daniel Strange, Lecturer in Culture, Religion and Public Theology at Oak Hill, says that the gospel will simultaneously confront the perceived wisdom of the world, yet connect with the needs of the people of its culture. Some Christians will find that they’re better at one of these approaches rather than the other. However, as Dan pointed out, the Apostle Paul says we must do both! We ought to be like the men of Issachar: though few in number they were weather-wise, ‘they understood public affairs, the temper of the nation’ and therefore, they were serviceable.
He urged the attendees to make such a connection with the culture we live in, with non-believers. Essentially in understanding the needs and desires of others, we’re able to enable them to truly share in Christ’s love through the revelation of his relevance to them, personally.
The mission of God
Revd Dr Joseph Boot authored The Mission of God, as a theologically rooted insight into the biblical reasons and ways Christians ought to engage with the 21st century. To spread the truth of the gospel wherever God has positioned them, to encourage them to be fierce representatives of the Kingdom. This book will show you the way toward reconciling the culture of the world to God, for his glory.
The message of the day was do not be either ashamed or afraid. Be bold and proclaim the Word of God. Glorify him where you are and stand strong. Christ’s message is one of wisdom and hope, love and truth.
