Christianity is under attack around the world and even in America today. Examples of this aggression may be seen in news media, education, politics, jurisprudence, and especially Hollywood. Yet, this is nothing new to God’s people throughout history. Despite cultural hostility, authentic disciples bow to only one King.

Secular culture often muses about religion, but never really grasps the things of God. Believers are interpreters of God’s activities in history. This is possible because God reveals His plans. Living as interpreters guarantees influence and impact in every generation.

The Bible speaks about many different responses to cultural exile. Jonah, for example, condemned the surrounding culture; while Esther generally accommodated it. Since America is clearly no longer a Christian culture, how should we respond? Daniel, living in Babylon, gives us a better model to follow.

Listen in as Pastor Taylor Gabbert teaches this week from the book of Numbers.

Paul intends in Colossians to impress his readers with a majestic view of the person and work of Jesus. The depth of Christology may be difficult to process, but pondering Christ should always produce an attitude of wonder and worship. Leo I played an integral role in finally solidifying the orthodox doctrine of the Incarnation.

Spiritual amnesia is a danger to faith in every generation. The psalmist complained, “They forgot what He had done, and the wonders He had shown them” (Psalm 78:11). Fortunately, this Church father, Eusebius of Caesarea, recognized the importance of remembering the history of God’s mighty acts in the lives of His Church. We are in his debt, even today.

The finest preacher of the ancient church, John of Antioch proclaimed the gospel with a pastor’s heart and elevated the literal exposition of the Word of God above the dominant allegorical school in the fourth century. God’s veiled wisdom is revealed in sound preaching.

Politician turned bishop, this unlikely Church father played a significant role in defending orthodoxy, demonstrating the Church’s influence in the public square, and shaping worship in the fourth century. His story has particular relevance to our current age when the secular culture needs the engagement of the Church more than ever.

In the second half of the fourth century, a trio of Church fathers (known as the Cappadocian Fathers) had a profound influence upon Christian theology as they grappled with a way to speak of the Trinity that neither minimized the unity of the Godhead nor fell into the error of tri-theism, or three gods. Their contributions are codified in the Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381).

One of the least likable of the Church Fathers, Jerome nevertheless had an influence which dominated the Western Church for a thousand years. Always torn between comfort of wealth and demands of holiness, he spent years of soul struggle in ascetic isolation. His legacy, however, is God’s Word set forth in the language of the people.