I. Opening Prayer
II. Arguments for True Christianity (Ch. 5, pp. 131-138)
The Current State of Christianity (Ch. 6, pp. 139-164)
A. The beauty and perfect harmony of true, biblical Christianity:
1. Foundation fact of fallen human nature (Human guilt/sin).
2. Foundation fact of the reconciled relationship with God that the
work of Christ on the cross provides (God’s grace/salvation).
3. Foundation fact of restoration and transformation of our inner
person by the presence and action of the Holy Spirit (Human
gratitude/service).
Would you agree these three are factual and foundational? If so,
where do cultural Christians go astray and miss the mark?
B. The actions and thinking most emphasized in the Bible as the goal
of spiritual living are…
1. Reverence and love of God.
2. Love, kindness and meekness toward our fellow human beings.
3. A proper priority regarding the possessions and events of this life
as compared to eternal things.
4. A healthy practice of self-denial and humility.
Do you agree with WW? Is there anything you would take away from
this list? Is there anything you would add to the list?
C. True Christianity operates in an exact opposite manner (to major
world religions, philosophy, cultural Christianity). Not only is the
gospel intended for all humanity, but it also has a special place among
the poor. It was even characterized by Jesus as “the good news
preached to the poor” (Luke 7.22).
What are your thoughts on this? Who are the poor? Does Jesus show
preferential treatment to the poor? Are true Christians concerned
about the poor? How is such concern tangibly expressed?
D. Has true Christianity produced untold benefits to America over her
history? In what specific ways?
1. Do you believe authentic [Christian] faith has been on the decline
for quite some time [in America] and continues to slide in that
direction at the present moment? What changes have you experienced
in your lifetime?
2. WW writes, Authentic faith has always thrived under persecution.
During such times, it is not easy to be a Christian. There are no
lukewarm believers or half-hearted followers of Christ in times of
great difficulty. The battle lines are clear during such times, and it
becomes evident that the kingdom of Christ is not of this world. The
greater the difficulty, the closer it drives us to Christ. Only in Him do
we find refuge. We truly become pilgrims and strangers. We carefully
examine and cling to the basics of the faith. They become an anchor
in the storm. Do you agree with this statement? Can you provide
examples of the validity of this statement? Does this give you hope, or
frighten you, as there is a decline of true Christianity in America?
3. …[W]hen a country has been in a state of spiritual decline for as
long as ours has [England in the 17-18th centuries, American in the
20-21st centuries], true faith—already very rare—is in great danger of
simply disappearing. Soon, all that will be left is a weak and impotent
version of Christianity in which no one talks about their personal faith
and religion itself is viewed as the sign of a weak mind. Unbelief
itself will become fashionable. Do you believe this statement
accurately reflects America…Clymer, NY? What are you/I doing
about it?
III. Next Sunday, Chapter 7, Practical Hints About Authentic Faith
IV. Closing Prayer
Additional WW Quotes from Chapter 6
* Morality has been divorced from [biblical] spirituality.
* Character is intimately interwoven with belief.
* Is there any doubt that the handwriting is on the wall for where we
are heading? …[M]anners have been corrupted, morality has sunk
into depravity, indulgence is out of control and, above all, faith has
been discredited and unbelief has become fashionable. When…
culture reaches this point, it becomes so out of touch with truth that
masses of people deny outright the existence of God. God’s will for
the nation has been abandoned and [humanity] has been made God.
* If the entire country followed the law of Christ, we would become a
land of peace and prosperity. We would be a place where one could
see joy on the face of every citizen.
* A proper response to the call of Christ to love all [people], even
one’s enemies, should produce this outcome in a truly Christian
culture.
* Benevolence is the driving principle of authentic Christianity.
* When the cement that has held a nation together no longer exists,
the state soon dissolves into anarchy.
* If the Church is to experience this renewal, change needs to begin
with the ministers of these local churches.