The Cultural Mandate

"The doctrine of creation also affirms music and the arts. Although there is nothing specific about this in Genesis 1 and 2, what we do with sight and sound is part of the inherent potentiality of creation. Our creator tells us, "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Phil 4:8). And don't just think about them: talk about them, sing about them, dance about them, paint about them, and explore their truth and beauty in all the arts.

"Together these various aspects of human life give us what theologians call the "Cultural Mandate." We have a God-given responsibility to develop the possibilities of creation in ways that reveal our Maker's praise, and thus to fill the whole earth with his glory. We are to do this in science, politics, business, sports, literature, film, and all the arts. It is not just one part of life that ought to glorify God, but all of life, in all its fullness. This is the way that things were meant to be."

What Is The Christian Worldview?, Philip Graham Ryken, pg. 24

Who Agrees With This?

Comment if you agree or disagree with the following:

God created the world.

God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other.

The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself.

God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life, except when needed to resolve a problem.

Good people go to heaven when they die.

They Each Desire You

This is an excerpt taken from the website for Eden Church:

"Satan hates you.

He will lie to you through what’s cool and what everyone else is doing around you. He will tell you that you are worthless, not loved, stupid and ugly. Or, he might seduce you into thinking that you are cool and that everyone should be doing what you’re doing. He will trick you into thinking you’ve got it all, know it all, and own it all. He’ll make you think that this life and everyone around you is your kingdom to conquer.

All Lies.

Jesus will tell you the Truth. Jesus is the Truth. In a dry and thirsty land, Jesus is the only one who will give you a cup of water. You exist because Jesus wanted you to. He invented you. He made you. He made you for Himself. And He died for you. God’s boot of wrath was coming to your head because of your sin. Jesus took the boot instead of you; He took it for you in your place. Turn to Jesus and He will happily save you.

God treated Jesus on the cross as if He were you so that He can treat you as if you were Jesus.
Now that’s cool."

I know plenty of students who would agree with this quote, but I know very few who actually believe it. They are either consumed with sports, their girlfriend or boyfriend, hanging out with friends, being right, or just having a good time.

The coolest students in the world - and I've met them - are those that agree with Jesus with wild abandon because of the gospel when he says, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?... Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:25, 31-33).