Updates and answers

A while back I posted a couple of questions. Finally after some research, soul searching and trying to figure out what the correct question is, I have come to this place.

my first question was this:
1. What are your thoughts on Prevenient Grace? - It's definition and importance in our lives.
Prevenient Grace is simply the Grace that goes before us. It is absolutely needed and absolutely real - While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

the second question was this:
2. How would you define this idea on Progressive Culture.. and how do we fit in to that and apply it... and do we even want to be a part of that - do we have a choice...?
Progressive Culture can be considered as synonomous with the emerging culture. Our culture naturally progresses - things change with time - what was important in the 50's and 60's are not as important in today's culture. Sure, there are many things that are still important - many of the same topics still apply but most have different meanings and levels of meaning. Things like war, politics, and religion - same topics - different details. This idea of progressive culture is nothing new - as we all know "there is nothing new under the sun" rather it has been presented differently - given a different spin - given more attention.
Most of our older relatives - parents, grandparents and such just accepted life - our generations have come to see that they can change life - they can have an impact for better and for worse. Most aren't willing to sit back and allow life to just 'happen' they embrace it and live like there is no tomorrow.
This idea of aligning yourself with this emerging church/culture is about being both rational and relational - being both linear and non-linear.. It's a worldview change. The better way to explain would be to quote directly from http://www.emergingchurch.org/.

"the emerging church of the 21st century may have more in common with the church of the apostolic era, than with the church of the 20th century.
as leonard sweet writes, "our faith is ancient. our faith is future. we're old-fashioned. we're new-fangled. we're orthodox. we're innovators. we're postmodern christians."
the emergence of the postmodern era (1960 onward) is only now beginning to impact the world and the church in a profound way. most folk know about luther, calvin and the reformation. some have likened what is taking place in the church today to a "second reformation."

the traditions of the church are treasure... we are not starting from scratch... we can build upon the learnings of the first reformation as we surf the wild wave into the second.
today's mission context provides the church with a chance to:
1. shake off any residual "leave it to beaver" orientation and begin swimming (even with a paddleboard) within the postmodern culture.
2. really trust the power of the gospel and learn to communicate it with authenticity, because for postmodern people, authenticity is primary.

the church should not fear postmodernity, as it provides us with a new context, and thus a fresh opportunity to get real, to drink deep from our own wells, and go back to our own future... "

People are searching for authenticity, for a grouping of people that are real. Now this is a statement that I know both from seeing the people who are searching, but also seeing that person within myself. I require a connection with a God who is real and who is relevant to me. It is that kind of a relationship I seek to find.
While in some instances I can see the need for a 'reformation' at the same time I don't. It would seem that this emerging church takes it's focus off of Jesus and places it 'on our own futures'.

The main thing that I see this doing is replacing the freedom that Christ brought to us with His death with that same spirit of religion His Spirit is breaking off of people and churches across the nation. This spirit of religion is the one who brings fear of man - steals the boldness to speak the truth from the pulpit and replaces it with a 'feel good' theology. The truth is the Gospel will step on your toes, it will hurt your feelings but it is Christ and Christ alone who can heal those hurts and give you what you seek. He is the cornerstone of our lives. He is the very foundation of each person. When we look to him and allow Him to really rule our lives, our personal relevance doesn't matter in the least. My being relevant and applicable to the rest of the human race is impossible - it is Him that makes me relevant. It doesn't matter what I look like, what music I listen to - when I surrender myself to His calling - He brings the change and the people He desires me to speak and minister to. It is there that we find true authenticity and real-ness. And in that moment we find our peace and are satisfied.

Is the progressive culture something you want to be involved in - that's for you to decide - the only thing I desire is Christ and I don't need Him prettily packaged to make Him relevant.