H2O
This series is focused on the premise that many of us have been taught how to be “cultural Christians,” never having been taught the very commitments that make following Jesus come alive. This talk describes 4 eras of Christian history, and relates these to the journey of our hearts, in relation to the scriptures.
“A cultural Christian is someone who has overlaid religion on a life they have already chosen.” Keith Weiser
While 84% of unbelievers say they know a devout Christian, only 15% say they see any evidence in these people of a devout Christian lifestyle.
"Too often we Christians settle for inauthentic Christianity. We experience only partially the changes God can produce in our lives, and go through the motions that keep our faith lukewarm at best and make our Christian lifestyle mostly a vicarious experience….We make our impression on our society by how we live, what we way, and who we are. If we hope to affect others for Christ, we must be affected first. We must become spiritually authentic. We must do more than talk about Christianity; we must live it." Bill Hybels
I. Early Christianity
Summarize this era: Hungry for the Scripture
Acts 2:42 ESV
The emphasis was NOT on KNOWING THE BIBLE but rather on LEARNING THE LIFESTYLE. The form of teaching that was used Rabbinical instruction; “May you be covered in the master’s dust”
II. Catholic Christianity.
Summarize this era: Ignorant of the Scripture
III. Reformation Christianity
Summarize this era: Relearning the Scripture
Reformation Christianity was a period of time in church history, when the Bible was rediscovered and the church re-formed.
"Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Holy Scriptures or by evident reason-for I can believe neither pope nor councils alone, as it is clear that they have erred repeatedly and contradicted themselves-I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one's conscience is neither safe nor sound. Here I stand. God help me. Amen." Martin Luther
IV. Post-Modern Christianity
Summarize: Disconnected from, suspicious of, unbelieving toward the scripture.
In the modern era, at least FOUR hurricanes have come upon the church and its understanding of scripture.
Darwin.
Liberal Theology.
Big Bang Theory
Sexual Revolution.
The end result is that the scriptures appear to many as being un-scientific (when it comes to Evolution), mythological (when gives us history; think “Adam and Eve,” and outdated (when it comes to sex).
But these things did create a ripple effect.
First, there was the reaction of Fundamentalists.
Then, there was the reaction of Postmodern Christians, embracing a spirituality without the church (which Jesus invented).
Jeremiah 15:16 ESV
Matthew 4:4 ESV
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
The purpose of this small group is to interact honestly about where we're really at, with regards to scripture, so we can figure out the next step forward.
1. Which era do you relate to?
2. What put you where you are?
3. Where do you want to be, in relation to the Word; suspicious, ignorant, re-learning, hungry. What do you DESIRE?
4. What’s your next step, to move to the place where you want to be?