The similar phrase 'Worldly Christianity' is one used by Bonhoeffer. It's J Gresham Machen that I want to line up most closely with. See his Christianity and culture here. Having done commentaries on Proverbs (Heavenly Wisdom) and Song of Songs (Heavenly Love), a matching title for Ecclesiastes would be Heavenly Worldliness. For my stance on worldliness, see 3 posts here.

GBA 2012 05 Paul Oliver



Our second morning session was again on church membership, but this time on practical expectations. The speaker was Paul Oliver. He began with some humour speaking of our expectations but pointed out that it is Christ's expectations that matter.
He then spoke on
1. Unrealistic expectations
1 We must avoid placing unscriptural burdens on people eg with regard to Sabbath observance, alcohol, corporate worship.
2 We must avoid an unbalanced message - not make every effort but For this reason make ever effort (see 1 Peter)
3 We must avoid what Paul David Tripp calls personal or locational amnesia. We are this side of heaven and imperfection is bound to exist.
2. Realistic expectations (drawn from 1 Thessalonians)
1. Believing the gospel
2. Turning from idols
3. That we be motivated by faith and love in our Christian lives
4. Growing in faith, grace and love including peace in the church and the helping of the weak and the broken being helped
I found the message a little "touchy feely" myself but there were lots if helpful and challenging things said. The emphasis on God's grace was very much appreciated.

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