Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
James Lasher used to just be a copy writer for Charisma News but lately he has graduated it seems to be a full-on contributor. While beneficial for his career it is not a positive for the kingdom because he generally tows the NAR dominionist party line of his boss, Steven Strang. One can hardly blame Lasher as I am sure he was just taught this poorly. The above linked article is the usual NAR confusion regarding the role of the church in culture. Let us reason again together so we are aware of the typical false teachings we will see in church today regarding these cultural issues.
"In a world swiftly re-shaped by trends and technologies, Christians stand at a crossroads. The Bible speaks directly to the balance between engagement and separation from the world's culture. As believers, we are called to be salt and light, actively influencing the world around us while preserving our distinctiveness. Here are seven ways Christ's followers can carry out the Great Commission." - James Lasher
I included the verses from Matthew for the Great Commission, since James is obviously confused. There is nothing in these verses that commands Christians to change the carnal culture of the world. Nothing. We are salt and light by behaving like Christians in our own lives. Discipleship comes after salvation, which is only attained through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is the extent of our "engagement" in the world. James and the NAR thinks we influence the world be trying to force them to behave as we think the bible commands. Those commands of course are for us, not the world. The world still thinks the things of God are foolishness and salvation has NOTHING to do with us. It is a supernatural work of God. Let's see his seven ways to carry out what he does not understand.
"1. Impactful Engagement - Engagement doesn't mean assimilation, but transformation. Jesus, the ultimate example, engaged with society's marginalized while holding fast to His divine identity. In Matthew 5:13-16, He likens believers to salt, seasoning life with grace and light, dispelling darkness. Engaging culture means living out our faith, demonstrating love and embodying truth." - James Lasher
The dominionists always get this easy part so wrong. Jesus did nothing to engage society at large. He did not give any attention or care to this world, politics, or the schemes of man. His kingdom was not of this world, remember? Salt does not dispel darkness. It preserves. We are to preserve and add flavor to a harsh world but not be making it harsher as the NAR does. Pointing our accusing finger and screaming sinner does not save anyone. Changing laws so that the unsaved will behave better as we have determined does not save anyone. Only the gospel does. Yes, we should embody truth but in OUR lives. What dominionists believe is they need to force the sinful world into behavior modification under the guise of "engaging culture."
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