I truly enjoyed that video and at the same time I was rather disappointed in some of the responses and suggestions on how we as regenerated sinners whose lives are firmly dependent upon God in every aspect of life should interact with this world. If I may be extremely simplistic, which I believe is the key to all of life with its apparent complexities, our answer to every issue of life is found in SCRIPTURE and not rationalism nor solved with pragmatism. Nor is there "common grace" when defined as God's love for all mankind and to whom is given the ability to comprehend, accept, love and do the truth of God. Some on the panel iterated that "common grace" is actually and biblically defined as God's restraint of the depravity of fallen men. So, what is the answer to how should Christians approach this depravity of men? It is found in Romans 1:

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Romans 1:16-25 (KJV) 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

The power to overcome the innate and deliberate hatred of God and all that He has revealed, both in supernatural revelation (Scripture) and the creation (what can be perceived) is through the Gospel and all that is contained in the Bible, which is truth (Jh 17:17). It is the Holy Spirit working through the truth that can and does radically change the hearts and minds of even the most corrupt and sinful men. Remember, what can be known of God is clearly seen in the things which are made but natural man upon realizing that truth suppresses that truth and substitutes that truth with a lie because they hate God and all that is true. Without regeneration of the soul, no argument will ever be truly won. There may be some diminishment of the sinner's objection to one degree or another, but that innate hatred will not be won over and eventually gain the victory in that person's life.

What is the Church's core problem today? In my opinion is the lack of sound doctrinal preaching and teaching. And likewise, professing Christians know woefully little of biblical truth because the Scriptures are not the manna of life that sustains them. Rather the Bible as a supernatural communication of God that is the source of true knowledge wisdom and life itself has become just another 'self-help' book that sits on the shelf and rarely read as intended never mind actually studied.

John Owen had it right when he wrote: "Without absolutes revealed from without by God Himself, we are left rudderless in a sea of conflicting ideas about manners, justice and right and wrong, issuing from a multitude of self-opinionated thinkers."

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

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simul iustus et peccator

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