Every geographical location has a particular cultural expression of the Gospel being lived out through the people that comprise the “church” in that place. Music, language, history, modes of worship, and clothing are all variables that allow for a unique flavor to be experienced as the people of God in that region express their faith in Jesus Christ.

“After this I looked and a vast host appeared which no one could count, gathered out of every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages. These stood before the throne and before the Lamb…”(Revelation 7:9)

With this good news also comes a great challenge — replacing traditions with truth. The universality of the Word of God means that it is applicable to all people in all places through all historical times periods. Its power is available to everyone, everywhere, anytime.

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

There is an anthropological line of thought that believes that exposing people to the God of the Bible destroys their culture. I have found that the opposite is actually true. However, I agree that problems do occur when we try to export our cultural interpretation of the Gospel and call it “ministry.” This recurring mistake only muddies the water and creates religious clones who then become dependent upon those who are importing their way of doing things. Instead of transformational outworking through redemption, enlightenment, and the creative leadership of the Holy Spirit we have propagated yet another human tradition and called it “evangelism.” Instead of discipling them to become dependent upon God we have allowed them to become dependent upon our organization or denomination. Instead of insisting that they mature to the point of being able to possess their inheritance in Christ we have allowed them to remain spiritual orphans.

“So for the sake of your tradition, you have set aside the Word of God [depriving it of force and authority and making it of no effect].” (Matthew 15:6)

Nothing changes for the better in a society until our inner beliefs are challenged with the truth. The strongholds that exist in any culture are empowered through the agreement and thought processes of the people that inhabit that place. The “violence of the kingdom” is the clashing of ideologies that are trying to determine who will rule and where. Will it be tribal or Bible?

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10)

The truth is not a doctrine, it is a person. His name is Jesus. His desire is to release His life to all people in all the world so that they may ultimately discover who they were created to be.

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