From Darkness to Light

Acts 26:16-18 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles-to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

To turn from darkness to light. Is not this what we are called to? Is not this what we are sent to share? Is not this the foundational and right response to the gospel? Turn from sin to God. Turn from evil to good. 

Confusion sets in when you start to define 'evil' and 'good'. Who writes the dictionary on those things? Who sets the boundaries? Who has authority to define terms? What is 'truth'? What is 'falsehood'?

Does society have the right to define morality? Does the individual have the right? Does the church? This is the intersection of culture and Christianity. 

In Christianity, we proclaim that God defines morality. He created morals. He created everything to function as he sees fit. He is good and holy and righteous. Those things that reflect his nature display some level of these attributes. Sin is displayed when someone turns to their own way, denying or rebelling against the Holy God of the universe.

We also proclaim that God revealed himself through history and through his word. We look at the scriptures as authoritative and definitive. When we read the scriptures God is speaking to us.

Due to these convictions our view of morality does not change with the sway of culture, unless we are correcting a misunderstanding of the Word of God. We watch heartbroken at the efforts of many to redefine history, to demonize good and glorify evil. 

We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. The Lord loved us when we were his enemies. Likewise we love everyone. We share his goodness and mercy freely. It is with gladness we proclaim the truth of the gospel. We invite people into the family of God accepting them with open arms and open hearts. We call each other to holy lifestyles, gently encouraging each other to follow the Lord's ways in this world.

May we live like this. Amen.