[Pastor Ralph]

Q1. (Ephesians 4:17-19) Using Ephesians 4:17-19 as a basis, how would you describe (in your own words), the secular, non-Christian mindset of our age? Why are we tempted to conform to its values?

[Commissioned]

Q1. (Ephesians 4:17-19) Using Ephesians 4:17-19 as a basis, how would you describe (in your own words), the secular, non-Christian mindset of our age?
The secular, non-Christian mindset of our age is one of every man doing what's right in his own eyes, without regard for moral laws. Without God in their heart, they are ignorant to the moral laws of God. In their minds they regard what they are doing as right and not anything immoral.

Why are we tempted to conform to its values?
Many are tempted to conform to secular values because they want to blend into the crowd. They do not want to be the one that stands out as different.

[cct1106]

Not living by Bible principles. Walking in the way of unrighteousness. For many it is hard to change and easy to live as they want. Satan has some people blinded and they feel that they can live without God in their life.

[Helenmm]

Q1. (Ephesians 4:17-19) Using Ephesians 4:17-19 as a basis, how would you describe (in your own words), the secular, non-Christian mindset of our age? Why are we tempted to conform to its values?


The Mortal Disease of the Intellect!

Reason, they say, is the ultimate truth
And the intellect is understanding.
Why then all these wars, with intelligent men
Their compatriots on death marches leading?

“There is no absolute truth” is their stand,
(Would they die for that ’truth’? Makes me wonder!)
“We’re evolved from the apes,” is their statement of faith.
But, those statements cannot be true either!

For never an example of living DNA’s
Been observed to have evolved any higher
To a more complex level. So how, may I ask,
Does reason get around this? No buyer!

Well can you discuss such an argument? No!
They attack with insult to your intellect.
I think their conclusion is right out in front
With a ring in the nose of their logic.

While looking around I see evidence in plenty
Of the work of a Mighty Designer.
It makes more sense to me to delight in this fact
Than to wear such dark shades I can’t ponder.

I think the mindset of this age begins with the atheistic or agnostic conclusions and rationalises the reasons. This is actually going backwards and has no intellectual integrity. In Romans 1 we are told we are without excuse because the evidence of God's activity is all around us. I wrote another poem about this which I'll also put in.

Racing Backwards

Note: When people attach so-called “logic” to their personal agenda, they are actually working backwards from their conclusion, not forward from scientific evidence. This process of working backwards is called “rationalization”.

Down on the farms the silence reigned upon the great vacation.
The morning dawned, and city bound, in fashionable citation
The folks departed, heads held high with excited jubilation,
Their workboots left behind to wait for news and celebration.
.
For this was the great day that all their plans came to fruition.
They’d gathered with their floats and hopes and so-called intuition.
Everyone prepared to win in this salacious congregation.
Not one of them had planned to lose, or know dis-satisfaction

Every trainer studied in the facts of horse nutrition.
Cunning bookies offered prizes for a winner’s financial portion
Owners had paced trials, and from the fence made calculation.
Jockeys clambered on in trust their horse had clever notion.
.
They lined up at the starting gates in brightest expectation.
Some rearing, others plunging, prancing in exhilaration.
Spectators gathered, raising tickets in anticipation,
Watching for their favourites, craning necks with great elation.
.
BANG! The starting gates are flung. There goes Determination
Sitting pretty on the fence alongside dainty Fascination.
Pounding just behind them is the massive Contribution
Followed neatly by the sweet brown mare Hallucination.

What is Bertrand’s Fancy doing? Great Scot! He’s running backwards.
And look, so many follow him. All stable mates at Lockwoods.
What has the trainer down there done.to set up such an option.
Those horses won’t go forward. No! They’re backing toward the canyon.

Overstepping is a problem for the ungainly Feminisation.
She’s clipped the hooves of many a horse. There’ll be a consultation
At the finish line with that disconsolate gelding called Deflation,
Alongside them in pristine form runs the well-trained Litigation.

The finishing post has come to view with the leader Evangelisation.
And chasing him with outstretched necks are Persecution and Indignation.
But thundering past down the outside track is the mighty Perspicacious.
Can he do it? Close shave!. Photos? Yes. Magnificent! Victorious!

But what of Lockwood’s rebel ranks? They’ve all fallen down the canyon!
There was Bertrand’s Fancy, Ingratiate, and the celebrated Rationalisation.
Evolution went too, though inconceivable how that three legged horse ran at all.
Sure, this is the race that will never be forgot when Adam’s stable instigated the fall.

Why are we tempted to conform to its values?

We are just too lazy to study Scripture and find what Father wants us to know. It's all around us and we don't want to lose favour with man, so we conform. In othere words wea re in the dangerous postiion of being double-minded, and need to decide exactly where we are going to invest our lives.

[JustJeff]

We live in terrible times, growing worse each day as living becomes more difficult and the news more burdensome with war, famine, global warming, abuse of the poor. People seem to seek escape by pleasures of the flesh and the church compromises in order to keep the pews full. We have what is called "Christianity Lite" simply because of this. As a result, mainstream Christianity is in confusion which draws people to the enemy. For those who are not well versed in the Word, for those who cannot fight the good fight, fort those with the Holy Spirit dwelling in them or who have grieved Him into submission it is not difficult to fall into the many temptations available, finally into sin.

[masika]

We as Christians are called to be Light of the world. We are to show the people who have not received Christ as their Savior and Lord. We are to be good example to the world so that they may know Christ.

[Eudora]

Q1. (Ephesians 4:17-19) Using Ephesians 4:17-19 as a basis, how would you describe (in your own words), the secular, non-Christian mindset of our age?

Dead men walking! People have been lied to for so long they don’t even have an idea of what is truth anymore. The enemy has risen to such great heights that it seems he has over taken the world, but this is not truth. Jesus Christ is Lord. One day soon a revival will come , especially to the America’s, where all are born free to choose. Many will make their way to the truth and many will be saved. The wave will come through the pouring out of My Spirit, says the Lord. Many souls will be awakened and many will rise up from the darkness as the tide rolls in, evil shall be rolled away, and drowned into the sea.


Conformity is a mind set but I will turn them around. By my hand they will be set free. It is by My will that men and women and children and teenagers will walk out of the darkness into the new Light and through My Spirit, they will see my Son.” The darkened paths will be lit with truth. People will cash in too transformity through My Spirit. You will see, you will see. Elevate your eyes and look beyond the wave and see the man who walked on the waters and calmed the sea. Not by might, not by power but by My Spirit, says the Lord.” Come to My living waters that have been parted to give you dry land. Fill yourselves with my cup and Ye shall be saved. Drink no more from the bitter waters. Come, set at My table and ye shall be filled. No more will I put up with lies and conformity to things that are not truth. I will set you free and you shall be free indeed. I the Lord have spoken.

Why are we tempted to conform to its values? You will no longer be tempted, I will move you to new heights and to new places and you will be filled with living waters that will cause you to move like the waves. Fast and furious you will move. You will no longer be stagnate waters that do not move. You will rise above all that is evil and you will pour into the highways and the by ways and you will see a new thing that I am doing. You will share truth with everyone and everyone will know that I AM! Be ready! Be ready! Says the Spirit of The Lord.


It is 12:14 a.m. and as I was praying before I began to read the study tonight, I was getting ready to answer like I normally do. I prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to lead me as I read these questions out loud, this is the answer that I received.

[Stan]

Q1. (Ephesians 4:17-19) Using Ephesians 4:17-19 as a basis, how would you describe (in your own words), the secular, non-Christian mindset of our age? Why are we tempted to conform to its values?


"17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more." (4:17-19)

It's basically what's in it for me. I am what matters and nothing more. I need my needs met not yours. I deserve that not you.

We often get trapped in the same mind set given that is is easier to join in than fight the majority. We let our values go and become like the ones we are suppose to be trying to change. Instead of fleeing tempation we run to it so we can be part of the "in" crowd not an outsider. We look to others for our comfort instead of to the one who gives to all as they need and peace to those who digently seek Him.We remain slaves to self instead of servants of the Most High. Instead of seeking and saving the lost we remain lost. That's why Paul said come out from amoung them, we like Joseph must flee all temptation because of our sinful nature it is much to easy to fall. We must continue to seek frist the Kingdom and His righteousness then and only then can we remain IN Christ Jesus.

[Helen Williams]

Our age seem to be no different than the non-christian mindset in the study passage. They have made a choice. God has already told us that there would be those that would perish fron a lack of knowledge. Everything that looks good and feels good is not good for the flesh nor the soul. Satan come as an angel if light, until the picture truly unfold. In this time and age it seems as though everyone think they have their "right." In some cases yes, but what about the life that God want us to live, one that is pleasing to Him? The world gives a picture of you can have it all, but never showing or telling there is a high price to pay. We can't get caught up in the ways of the world even though we live in the world. We need to keep our mind on the things above. These are the things that are everlasting, all others or temporal.

Jesus is the true light, and he will show us the true path to follow, if we listen and be obedient.

[Ken7]

Todays non-believer has a distinct entrance into the same darkness available since the beginning. We live in a society with access to more of this same old darkness than ever. At your fingertips, in the privacy of your home are perversions, thoughts and beliefs around since the beginning - YET available in mass quantity at the speed of light.

Access is two-way, with both sound and sight available to adults and children. Darkness reigns supreme and is exalted - worshiped. Sin has our legal community behind it, endorsing and legalizing it.

We each inherited a piece of the Fall in the Garden. We each are 'naturally' attracted to darkness. My inheritance from God gives me the power to reject darkness by making the right choice. The victory is ours - if we choose it. My eternal victory because of Jesus ...gives me a "Joyful Heart".

[Lisa Rupert]

Q1. (Ephesians 4:17-19) Using Ephesians 4:17-19 as a basis, how would you describe (in your own words), the secular, non-Christian mindset of our age? Why are we tempted to conform to its values?
"17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more."
The mindset of our age is so darkened, completely without light. We believe that we see the light because we attend services on Sunday and this is all we need, but if one is to ask themselves am I truly getting all that is needed? I watched a program last night on tv that took you into the life of Joseph. That was a beautiful story of love, hatred, jealousy, forgiveness, suffering, deceit....etc. But in the end Joseph was the victor, he maintained his faithfulness toward his God, the God of what his father had taught him, even though he was an Egyptian slave he remained true to the God of his father. He forgave his brothers of their wrongs with love and understanding of why they did what they did in the end. The Egyptian way of life did not change Joseph because his loyalites were true to his father and his father's God. He did not bow down to the Egyptian idols or their false (God) kings as he said "even if it meant death, he was never to bow down to another God." This man did not have the internet, or the vast means of communications that we have to day and he didn't trade his poor life for the rich life of the Egyptians. He remained true no matter what the cost. He was not rebellious, or felt that God had allowed this to happen to him so he might as well change and conform to the news ways of the Egyptian with their false Gods and a heart that was filled with darkness and evil ways. He remained true to his God the one and only God and his life was truly blessed all the way to the end.
We are tempted to conform to the darkness because we see it as the light. We are being deceived by the prince of the air. We believe that the things that the way that we live our lives in this world to day are exceptable to God and we know deep down inside that they are not. We are not blinded to the truth, we choose not to see the truth, we believe we have "time" to get it right. We tell ourselves that God wants us to have all these things that are pleasing to the body and the soul. But we know, everyone knows inside that we are on a path of complete distruction.

[BJB123]

1)The non-believer has no concern about God. Most non-believers just live life to the fullest with no Godly concerns. "If it feels good", do it is what most non-believers would say. Non-believers have a closed mind and a very hard heart. Many non-believers are very evil and ready to hurt whomever gets in their way.

2) People have every opportunity to view sinful things in their own homes, internet, many TV shows that are no more than pornagraphic material. Getting involved with non-christians and going to bars and drinking alcohol and sex parties...folks just let their mind get set on "there is nothing wrong". I'm not hurting anybody is what they think. What it boils down to is they think it is ok when it is just sin sin sin. Wrong thinking. Stinking thinking.

[PCHRIS]

I feel that the secular world has the mindset 'if it feels good do it'. more and more our leaders are going liberal in their thinking and passing laws to allow immoral and absurd things to happen.
We know in the scriptures how it tells us the signs of the last days to come;
2Timothy 3:1-4 " This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God"
Our 'age' is a selfish instead of being selfless.


We maybe tempted because we are fearful of persecution, don't want to upset anyone in case we hurt their feelings. Tis better we hurt their feelings with the truth now than let them spend eternity in hell

[haar]

The secular, non Christian mind set of the present age is as bad as that in the age Paul was. It is even worst now as there is so much evil in the form of blood shed, terrible sexual immorality, ritual that involves different type of worship and sacrifices (sometimes involving the use of human parts).

It is sad that some members of the body of Christ are also involved in some of such evil. In the case of sexual immorality, Satan has succeeded in bombarding even children of God through adverts containing pornograghic materials in papers, radio, television, internet and other media that it is becoming "toleratable" to commit such sim by the Christians.

We need the grace and power of the Lord God to stand firm and to resist the devil through prayers and meditation in His Word of God. May Gdo deliver us.

[ElizabethTX]

The Blood of the Lamb awakens our spiritual senses to the "darkened culture" that exists all around us. Therefore, we cannot help but standout in a "darkened culture" when we stand for God and His Glory Power. God requires that we draw a Bloodline between us and the evil forces of the "darkened culture." Pray without ceasing and do God's Will; keep peace and love in your heart pouring out the Blood of the Lamb to sanctify and protect you from all evil, sicknesses and curses. Christ conquered satan at the cross with His Blood sacrifice. As an anointed saint, you must dedicate and purify your heart, mind, soul, spirit and body to become a prayer warrior of the Truth and the Way that occupies this Christ-conquered earth rescued and delivered from satan by the Power of God Almighty. We must battle with the enemy in His Name to keep what He has taken back for us.

We are called by God to stand out and separate ourselves from the "darkened culture." A righteous path is a straight one, filled with God's blessings and love. The more we separate ourselves, the more we understand the "darkened culture's" influence on our oneness with God. We know as believers that nothing in this world is more important than our relationship with God Almighty.

Peace and love, God bless and protect...Amen!

[June]

If it feels good, do it. Wanting to please themselves no matter what or who they hurt. Not believing in God or what He can do for them. Pure ignorance and hardened hearts as to anything of God. Living in darkness with sexual loose behavior.
We have to put off the old self and put on the new holy, righteous self. They are having a good time and tempts us to fall into our old sin. It's what we are use to and familiarity is welcome.

[kiqstart]

Q1. (Ephesians 4:17-19) Using Ephesians 4:17-19 as a basis, how would you describe (in your own words), the secular, non-Christian mindset of our age? Why are we tempted to conform to its values?

A lot of people have become a acceptable society, where they just want to accept everything without hurting others feeling

[charisbarak]

Today the dark world is living life with no hope. They are prideful, self-seeking, and seek to get what they want when they want it. They are totally blinded by "things"-- attractions by satan. They are blind. Right is wrong to them, wrong is right to them.

We're tempted to conform because we see it on tv, movies, is generally accepted by those who are not saved around us each day, and some are made laws by our congress & those who are of the world. We swim in it each day and it is a daily struggle to stay pure & be light.

[godsanointed523]

Using Ephesians 4:17-19 as a basis,how would you describe in your own words,the secular and the non-christian mindset of our age? Why are we tempted to conform to its value?

There is alot of pride and being lovers of themselves and in this world,the things that went on in the days of Paul is now up till today,is still occuring.There are people who are mockers and are doing whatever they want and think that God is not going to anything that Christians profess,like in the days of Noah.The people of the secular world have there eyes blinded and their ears dont want to hear,the people are under the sway of the wicked one and they live in all the drugs and drinking,etc to make themselves feel like they are on top of the world.We are tempted to conform to this world because we figure that it cannot hurt us like if we listen to a rock song or we drink an acholoic beverage then we think that it cant hurt.The devil does not want us at peace,he wants us to go back and to doubt God like the Israleites in time of Moses