Convo connection

Christian theologian Dr. Darrell Bock brought a powerful, culture-confronting message to Liberty students to start this week’s Convocation. Bock focused on how passages in both the biblical books of Romans and Acts profiled the Apostle Paul engaging and confronting the dysfunctional culture of his day. He challenged us to be aware of the conflicts and tensions in sharing the gospel and explained how we can boldly yet graciously represent Christ as we participate in the battle for truth.

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There are obvious gaps in our culture’s knowledge of God. Bock encouraged us to understand who we are and who Jesus is so we can fill in the gaps. As I pondered this, I realized that I had been content to sit on the sidelines of the faith-and-culture war. I suppose I had just assumed that someone else was more spiritually equipped to take up the sword of the Spirit and go to battle. The truth is, I am called, and so are you. We have the one who is the “gap” filler in us, and it is not by our might or power, but by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we have everything we need to leave the sideline comfort zone and get into the battle. Besides, we already know who wins.

Convocation took an interesting yet thought-provoking turn Wednesday when comedian and Pastor Mark Gungor candidly discussed relationships. With the on-stage help of campus worship Pastor Justin Kintzel and his wife Ashley, Gungor discussed the many differences in the way men and women think, feel and act. While there are certainly exceptions, men are generally compartmentalizers able to focus on one particular thing at a time. In stark contrast, women are driven by emotions and tend to chain link or connect everything together. It was obvious by the crowd’s response that most of what Pastor Gungor shared resonated on some level. And then, with conviction, Gungor said; “Every man’s basic interest in a woman is ultimately sex.”

I must admit I was tracking with Gungor until that last line. Maybe he was referring to ungodly men, but he did not say that, so I do not think that was the case. Why does his statement bother me? Well, because I believe a man saved by grace, living to glorify God, would not fit the stereotype or norm, but would be the exception. Therefore, his basic interest would be to honor Christ and love the woman God has given him. Not only that, the gift of sex in the context of a godly marriage is shared with mutual longing and appreciation rather than in a one-sided pursuit. Certainly, I have a lot to learn. My hope is that someday I would not only find the right person but that I would be the right person.

The week ended with an address by acclaimed actor and producer, Kirk Cameron. His new movie, “Saving Christmas,” is set to open in theaters Nov. 14. Cameron gave us a sneak preview of the film while explaining its overarching meaning. Many Christians look down on Christmas as a pagan holiday. The legalism and controversy have caused many believers to lose sight of the real reason we celebrate Christmas. It is the never-ending battle between the sacred and secular. So how do we respond to the war on Christmas? We simply rejoice and share the joy we have in Jesus. Ultimately, nothing else matters apart from this. It is all about Jesus.
He is Christmas.

The world is desperate. We need people ready and willing to challenge the status quo. People unafraid and unashamed to proclaim his name, live what they believe, and pay any price to do so. This world needs what you and I are being trained to become — champions for Christ.

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