October 12, 2024

Caring Enough to Confront - Culture Shock 4.0

25 minutes

Are you concerned about your community and church as values and morality continue to shift away from the truth of Scripture? In this program, Chip begins a critical series to help Christians use the light of God’s Word to confront today’s most critical issues, without being combative or defensive. Learn why our call to be salt and light is needed now more than ever.

Main Points

Personal Story of Confrontation: Chip recounts a pivotal moment in his family's life when his mother intervened with his alcoholic father. Her decisive action—giving him an ultimatum—led to his sobriety and eventual transformation. This personal story underscores the importance of confronting issues with care and clarity.

Call to Action for Christians: Chip highlights a contemporary issue where many Christians remain silent on controversial topics out of fear or a desire to avoid conflict. The message is clear: Christians need to be more vocal and courageous in addressing critical issues like politics, climate change, and LGBTQ+ matters, rather than remaining passive.

Historical Context and Church Role: Reflecting on past experiences in a progressive city and the impact of the book Culture Shock, Chip emphasizes the importance of understanding and communicating truth in a respectful manner. Chip advocates for addressing controversial issues with both grace and truth, grounded in biblical principles.

The Importance of Light Over Heat: Chip argues that Christians should bring light, not heat, to conversations about divisive issues. This means presenting truth with compassion and respect, rather than judgment or condemnation.

Need for Internal Reflection: Before addressing external issues, Christians must first examine and address their own shortcomings and hypocrisies. Chip stresses that judgment begins with the house of God and that Christians should live out their faith authentically.

Emphasis on Jesus’ Teachings: Drawing on biblical teachings, particularly from the Sermon on the Mount, Chip urges Christians to stand firm in righteousness, even if it leads to persecution. He stresses that the goal is not to be right for the sake of being right but to embody and communicate Jesus’ teachings faithfully.

Practical Application: Chip calls for a practical approach to addressing critical issues—engaging in compassionate dialogue, supporting those in need, and actively working towards solutions rather than merely criticizing from the sidelines.

Final Encouragement: The message concludes with a call to action for Christians to embody the light of Christ in their interactions and to not shy away from confronting issues with love and integrity. The goal is to reflect Jesus' love and truth in all aspects of life, making a positive impact on the world.

Broadcast Resource

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Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

"Not Beyond Reach" Small Group Study

"Caring Enough to Confront" Resources

About Chip Ingram

Chip Ingram’s passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, and teacher for more than three decades, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God’s truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.

About Living on the Edge

Living on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. Established in 1995 as the radio ministry of pastor and author Chip Ingram, God

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