Overview
What will Christians need most in the days ahead?
The themes of Prepare—like hostility, persecution, perseverance, and hope—remain timely to Christians everywhere, as opposition to Christian values is steadily increasing.
This study—ideal for groups or individuals—will guide readers in applying Prepare’s themes in today’s troubling times. Each chapter consists of two sections:
- The Issues—brief summaries of key ideas, plus questions to help with further exploration
- Ponder and Discuss—key book quotes worthy of further reflection and application
Today’s challenges present a great opportunity to honor Christ as we declare the good news of salvation and demonstrate His compassion to those who oppose us. A Guide to the Themes of Prepare will help you live faithfully, bear witness, and embrace hope, even as the world becomes an increasingly difficult place to live.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780802495037 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Moody Publishers |
| Publication date: | 01/19/2016 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 80 |
| File size: | 3 MB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
A Guide to the Themes from Prepare
By J. Paul Nyquist
Moody Publishers
Copyright © 2016 J. Paul NyquistAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-8024-1458-8
CHAPTER 1
AWAKENING TO A DIFFERENT WORLD
THE ISSUES
The Definition of Marriage
Dr. Nyquist explores "four game-changing developments" that demonstrate that Christian tenets have been challenged and dismissed by American society. The first is the abandonment of biblical marriage through three key decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court: (1) dismissing in 2013 the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that defined marriage as one man and one woman; (2) refusing in 2014 to hear appeals of five states, reinforcing the national scope of the decision; and more recently (3) the 2015 decision declaring the right of same-sex couples to marry "is part of the liberty promised by the Fourteenth Amendment."
1. Consider the definition of marriage offered by DOMA and originating in the Bible (Gen. 2:23) — a union between one man and one woman — and that of the Supreme Court — two persons. What are two or three reasons the first definition is more accurate? What could you say to someone who prefers the definition given by the court?
Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty
The second development is the governments erosion of Christian freedom. Three classic examples involve a baker, a florist, and a photographer (from three different states) who refused to provide wedding services to a same-sex couple because of the vendors' religious belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. They faced ridicule, boycotts, and state sanctions because of their opposition. One closed her shop. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act did not protect them as individuals.
2. Should we expect the government to protect individual merchants and businesspeople who refuse to provide their services for activities they do not believe in? Why or why not?
3. If you were (or are) a baker, florist, or photographer, would you refuse to cater or provide services for a same-sex wedding? What if you were faced with government fines or penalties as a result of your refusal?
The third development is special considerations given to special interest groups, including those in the LGBT community. Laws could require religious nonprofit organizations and Christian colleges and universities to hire gay and transgender individuals as part of "nondiscriminatory" hiring.
4. The community standards of a Christian college, typically guided by biblical principles, often lead to a code of conduct. In the case of Gordon College, what is the most compelling argument its leaders can offer for not adding to its staff members of the LGBT community? What can they do to respond with love and grace and still honor the Scriptures?
Anti-Christian Hostility
The fourth development is outright hostility toward Christianity.
5. Mike Adams was a tenured professor and received two faculty awards and strong reviews. Yet he was denied promotion to full professor when he spoke about his faith. He won his day in court, being awarded his professorship with back pay. That was justice, but often justice does not take place. If you were in a situation at work where you were told not to read your Bible or pray alone during breaks or else risk demotion, what would you do? Why?
6. Five incidents of antagonistic actions against individuals and groups are listed on the final page of the chapter. Which one of these is most disturbing to you and why?
PONDER AND DISCUSS
But despite efforts to equate the discrimination against the LGBT community with the enslavement of African Americans, the issues are fundamentally different. While there's nothing sinful about having black or white skin, the Bible says homosexual behavior and changing one's gender is wrong — an affront to the Creator (Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Rom. 1:26–27).
1. D o you agree with this argument? Why or why not?
2. What is the challenge of presenting this argument to someone who says that truth is relative — "It's your truth, not mine"? How could you present this reality to someone who questions that sin exists, or that God exists?
CHAPTER 2CROSSING THE RUBICON
* * *
THE ISSUES
Cultural Decay
Dr. Nyquist describes this chapter as "a cultural postmortem" on how America became a "highly individualized, relativistic, anti-Christian culture." A literal postmortem is an examination of the deceased to determine the cause or causes of death. A figurative postmortem examines causes that contributed to the demise or failure of a project or institution.
2. Do you consider all Christian values to be wholly rejected by American society at large? Or to put it another way, is "Christian America" dead, a relic of the past? Explain why or why not.
Change in a culture takes place over time and follows a five-step process: (1) A contact happens, (2) a champion emerges, (3) a coalition builds, (4) a law is passed, and (5) integration occurs. Each cultural change follows this cyclical movement that influences key issues and how and why people do things. The cycle is reproduced below:
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
2. A coalition must be gained (step 3) to reach "a tipping point" where a law is advocated or challenged that leads to cultural change. This is when debate between the coalition for change and its opponents takes place. In what ways can Christian citizens influence the argument before and during the coalition's growth? Discuss how this can be done publicly and privately.
3. Why do you think many Christians have declined to be involved in these approaches — both by outward actions and private prayers?
Nyquist traces the five-step process of cultural change that has occurred regarding the nature of religious freedom through legal interpretations of the "establishment of religion" clause in the Constitution's First Amendment. Under step four, he summarizes seven laws spanning fifty-one years (1962–2013). He begins with the case Engel v. Vitale, in which the Supreme Court ruled that prayer and Bible reading in public schools violate the establishment of religion clause. He ends with United States v. Windsor, which ruled the Defense of Marriage Act (marriage is only between one man and one woman) as unconstitutional.
4. Nyquist argues that the Supreme Court's removal of religious influence in the making of laws has led to a slippery slope of laws redefined that allow abortions to minors and marriage to any two adult persons. How important are religious principles to establishing and maintaining laws? To what extent should high-court judges weigh religious commands, which English legal scholar William Blackstone regarded as "binding over all the globe, in all countries, and at all times" (p. 43)?
Liberty and Worldview
In the case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the Supreme Court extended the constitutional right to liberty to a personal understanding, writing "At the heart of liberty is the right to define one's own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life."
5. What are the dangers of making liberty subject to one's personal concept of existence and meaning?
PONDER AND DISCUSS
Is gay marriage the logical end to our cultural change? With privacy and individualism reigning supreme in our courts, and with a relativistic philosophy devoid of absolutes dominating individuals around the country, what else could we see in this country in the name of marriage? Is polygamy wrong? Is incest out of the question?
1. The final two questions above are rhetorical in nature, assuming the answers are both no, or at least not necessarily. Do you think Dr. Nyquist is being alarmist, or is that a possibility? Defend your answer and discuss it with others.
2. What response could you give to those who would say, "In the privacy of your home it is okay" (which is the argument that overturned sodomy laws in America [Lawrence v. Texas])?
CHAPTER 3NORMAL NOT STRANGE
* * *
THE ISSUES
Christ's Suffering
The two disciples who did not recognize Jesus as He walked with them toward the village of Emmaus also did not recognize that Jesus had to suffer great pain and death, both to fulfill prophecy and to accomplish spiritual redemption.
1. Most Christians think of Christ's severe yet essential suffering only when they participate in a Communion service at church. What other times, if any, do you think about the suffering and death of Jesus?
2. Most believers in Jesus as the Savior sent to deliver the human race prefer to think of Him as the reigning King rather than the suffering Messiah. Is that the right emphasis (cf. Luke 24:26)? What are the benefits of remembering Jesus' suffering on the cross?
Christians and the World
Jesus warned His followers of the world — not planet earth, but the personal world we encounter, that is, the beliefs and values of prevailing society. That world is antagonistic to God and His Word, and its citizens hate Christians because they (1) are different, (2) bear Christ's name, and (3) expose sin.
3. Dr. Nyquist notes that the world loves "those who identify with, conform to, and embrace its values. ... But if we don't conform to the world ... the world has zero tolerance for us." Can Christians still conform to this world and thus be no different than people of the world? (Consider Romans 8:2 as you answer this question.)
4. How would our conformity with the world's system influence the degree we would experience rejection and persecution?
5. Those who renounce the world's system, refusing to conform to its expectations and values, become disciples. Discipleship, writes, Dr. Nyquist, requires that a person (1) renounces self, (2) sacrifices self, and (3) keeps following Jesus. Which of these three elements of a disciple is the most difficult for you to embrace? Why?
PONDER AND DISCUSS
One of the most difficult truths for us to grasp is that the world hates us. The world doesn't tolerate us — even though toleration is a supposed value of our society. It doesn't like us. No, it hates us.
1. That is a hard truth to hear and to accept. No one likes to be despised or subjected to rejection. Yet three times in two verses (John 15:18–19) Jesus declares the world hates His followers. What is your reaction to being told you can expect hatred for your faith? Be honest about your feelings, which could be shock, surprise, fear, or hesitancy ("What did I get myself into by following Jesus?"), or all of these.
2. Jesus says we should not be surprised by such animosity, because "if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (v. 20). What is your reaction to being told that hatred may be expressed in the form of persecution?
3. What steps can you take to prepare for the rejection and persecution that may come your way?
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12). As American Christians, we ... don't expect suffering and persecution. ... Living in a culture with Judeo-Christian roots, we expect our lives to be marked by general prosperity and societal acceptance. Persecution is strange.
4. Part 2 of Prepare includes five seemingly paradoxical statements. Nyquist calls these "five counterintuitive biblical principles" for understanding persecution. Because they seem to contradict expectations and perhaps logic as well, they are hard to accept as reality. Consider the first one: "Persecution is normal, not strange." Why is it hard to accept that persecution is a normal prospect for a Christian? Consider where you live, personal experiences, things you were taught growing up, and any other factors that may influence your questioning that persecution is normal.
CHAPTER 4BLESSED NOT CURSED
* * *
THE ISSUES
The Blessing of Persecution
Nyquist offers the testimonies of three men who would suffer greatly that persecution means you're blessed not cursed: the apostles Peter (1 Peter 3:14) and James (James 1:12) and the Master Himself, Jesus (Matt. 5:10).
1. Consider both the verb blessed and the noun blessing. Most uses of the word in either form are associated with opportunities, good outcomes, receiving something unexpected or in abundance, even deliverance from a threat or trouble. Can you think of a blessing, i.e., positive outcome, that you, a friend, or a family member received that at first was perceived to be a huge negative or devastating loss? Share it with your group. If you are doing a personal study, thank God in prayer for His wisdom in blessing you with a situation He used for your good. Either way, write down this example(s) so you can recall it the next time His blessing is not what you expected but is for your good.
Even when we come up with examples of blessings of ultimately good outcomes from seemingly bad situations, it is hard to see that eventual outcome during the initial pain or loss. In fact, that pain and/or loss may send your mind and emotions reeling.
2. In what ways can you look beyond your initial thoughts and feelings to recall and abide in the truth that persecution means you're blessed, not cursed? Consider the first paragraph under "The Issues" above for a couple of clues.
Persecution brings blessing in our lives in two key ways. First, it allows us to know Christ better, more intimately. The litany of troubles the apostle Paul experienced (2 Cor. 11:24–27) proved he suffered persecution as much as anyone in the early church. He looked at those trials and later contrasted them with his earthly accomplishments and titles (Phil. 3:5–7) and concluded his personal achievements were like rubbish. His goal was to intimately know Christ "and ... share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death" (v. 10).
3. Dr. Nyquist writes that Paul acknowledged all things have value, but knowing Jesus as Lord of his life has greater value than his position and accomplishments. Why is that perspective so difficult for most Christians to accept? Why is this perspective so hard for you to accept?
4. Nyquist quotes Paul saying "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Phil. 3:8), except Nyquist uses italics to emphasize "my Lord." What is the difference between calling Christ Jesus "the Lord" and calling Him "my Lord"? How does personal knowledge of a person differ from intellectual knowledge?
The second way persecution brings blessing in our lives is it allows us to become more like Christ. Read again James 1:2–4, where the apostle James tells members of the early church to regard their persecution with joy because "testing of your faith produces steadfastness ... that you may be perfect and complete."
5. How can the discomfort and downright pain of persecution and suffering make us like Jesus in terms of character qualities? Since we cannot be perfect in terms of our sinful nature (1 John 1:8), in what way(s) can we become more like Jesus as we experience suffering?
PONDER AND DISCUSS
Clearly, American Christians have had it easy. We've not faced persecution on a regular basis like our brothers and sisters around the world. But that's about to change. A hostile culture is bringing persecution our way.
1. Do you agree that many people in America are hostile to Christianity and Christians? Why or why not?
2. Assume Nyquist's conclusion is correct: "A hostile culture is bringing persecution our way. In this chapter Dr. Nyquist gives two major reasons we should welcome persecution as a blessing: (1) Persecution allows us to know Christ better. (2) Persecution allows us to become more like Christ. Do these truths free you to welcome persecution? Discuss and defend your answer.
CHAPTER 5EXPOSED NOT PROTECTED
* * *
THE ISSUES
God and the Government
God appoints governmental rulers, who are to be servants of God and expected to punish evildoers and reward those who do good (1 Peter 2:14; Rom. 13:1–3). But in our fallen world, not all leaders regard themselves as servants nor punish evil as God declares it. Dr. Nyquist gives two examples of men threatened with death for doing good. The prophet Daniel was thrown to the lions when he refused to stop praying to God (Dan. 6:1–7), and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a blazing furnace when they refused to bow down to a tall golden image in worship of King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 3:1–23).
1. Read the Daniel 6 passage. Daniel knew about the law yet disobeyed it by praying to God three times each day (v. 10). Why did he disobey the law and the king if he was a loyal subject? What was the final outcome for Daniel and King Darius the morning after he entered the den of lions?
(Continues...)
Excerpted from A Guide to the Themes from Prepare by J. Paul Nyquist. Copyright © 2016 J. Paul Nyquist. Excerpted by permission of Moody Publishers.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
About This Guide, 7,Introduction, 9,
Part One: The New Reality,
1. Awakening to a Different World, 15,
2. Crossing the Rubicon, 19,
Part Two: Understanding Persecution–Five Counterintuitive Biblical Principles,
3. Normal not Strange, 27,
4. Blessed not Cursed, 33,
5. Exposed not Protected, 39,
6. Compassion not Anger, 45,
7. Rewarded not Forgotten, 49,
Part Three: Reasons for Hope,
8. God Our Help, 57,
9. An Encouraging Word from the Persecuted Church, 61,
10. The Hope of Revival, 65,
Afterword, 71,