23.13 Craig Smith - What to Surrender, What to Keep (Part 2)

Indigenous Faith

In this second part of the all important teaching of the practical ways in which we are called to apply the biblical truths on Christ and Culture, Craig continues to unpackage the issue of Identity and Significance. Using Paul's letter to the Philippians, he reminds listeners that before coming to Christ, Paul's identity and significance was all wrapped up in who he was as a tribal, linguistic, traditional, militant and religious person in his Jewish tradition. But we learn that Paul counted all these things as "garbage" (his term not mine), when compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ. Hard truths to hear, especially if you are not a follower of Christ and hang your hat on your earthly, tribal identity for sure! But truth none the less. And that is an important truth that all followers of Christ must arrive at if we are to live biblically healthy lives in the context of our cultures and communities. Once that issue is settled, Craig then transitions to how we must now treat not only our sacred objects, but all other aspects of our human cultures. Craig contends that there are many things in many cultures that do not violate biblical principles, and as such, can be kept by the the believer but a new meaning applied. Other items of our culture, cultural forms, and meanings can be retained only if aspects that violate God's Word are changed in those forms, practices, etc. But we can never miss this important third option, and that is some cultural practices can only be abandoned by the believer in Christ because they violate biblical instruction in righteousness and holiness and can never be redeemed. That process academically is defined as contextualization. It must be reiterated that Craig and LaDonna Smith affirm good contextualization of the gospel and our cultural ways, using the searchlight of Scripture to guide us in that process, while they take the strong position that the sacred objects of our people cannot be redeemed based on what God's Word clearly teaches. All this constitutes what a healthy Indigenous Faith is all about. So as you go through this session, and finish out the whole of the teaching in the next episode, find ways in which you can apply these truths and honor the God of the Universe by using His timeless Truths in this lifelong practice. We're nearing the finish line, but the next few sessions, including this one, is critical to understanding this important process. Be blessed and encouraged by today's session, and come prepared next week as the finishing touches are made to help build a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith in the context of your culture and community!