SECTION SIX – The Church

55: Page 212 starts with an observation that we have large churches, large Christian radio and tv networks, and Christian publishing, yet America’s spiritual life does not seem to be improving. Why is that? 

Discuss some of the things listed on the pages 213-215. 

56: Notice the questions, in the middle of page 218, that were asked of conservatives. How would you have answered those questions? 

At the bottom of page 218, you’ll see the term “90%” used twice. What are those referring to? How does that impact you? What thoughts do you have about that?

On the bottom of page 221 and 222, what is the danger of saying something so good as “I just preach Jesus.” What might be left off? (Answer: teaching what Jesus taught, the Kingdom.)

57: Notice the chart on the top of page 224, can you remember a time (or have heard of a time) when Catholics and Protestants had very little contact? 

On the bottom of page 224, have you noticed that both Catholics and Protestants have split: that is Liberals on one side and Conservatives on the other?

On page 225, have you noticed that traditional Catholics and Evangelical Christians have worked together on many issues in ways they would not have in the past? 

On the bottom of page 226, note the fissure between Bible-affirming Evangelicals and so-called Evangelicals who are affirming homosexual practice. Why is this happening? 

On the bottom of page 227, we see an unusual coalition being born among Evangelicals, traditional Catholics and Orthodox, Bible-believing (Old Testament, Tanakh) Jews. Why is such a coalition forming? What would cause them to work together? 

58: What is the difference, on page 230, between a “watchman” and a “silent watch dog?” 

What is the difference, on page 231, between a “shepherd” and a “hired hand?”

59: According to page 232, what is a reason for us to have hope?

What does it mean that we have to take a stand at the risk of offending people? See the biblical examples in the bullet points on page 236. Discuss.

According to page 238, when we use the word “salvation,” does that refer to more than just people, or does it refer to all of culture?

60: What do we mean by the phrase, “Transcendent Truth?”

61: What are the things you can do in your local congregation if your pastor is not willing to take a strong biblical stance on all governmental matters, including cultural issues? 

[NOTE: On page 246, when we talk about leaving a church, be assured that is meant only under the most dire circumstances when a pastor will not take a stand on truly biblical issues.] 

62: What are some of the indicators of really good news?

Conclusion: 

On pages 251-252, what is the difference between the two renditions of Psalm 11:3, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” as opposed to “When the foundations are being destroyed, what is the Righteous One doing?” (The first one sounds like panicky hand ringing. The second one is a confident observation of what God is up to.) Discuss the difference.