Summary
In our exploration of truth and faith, we’ve uncovered a critical challenge facing modern Christianity. The concept of ‘progressive Christianity’ seeks to redefine core biblical truths, but we must be vigilant in recognizing this as a departure from the authentic gospel. The story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of redefining God’s truth. Just as the serpent twisted God’s words, we too can fall into the trap of manipulating scripture to suit our desires. However, the true gospel stands firm: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again – all according to the Scriptures. This unchanging truth is our anchor in a world of shifting ideologies. Remember, our faith isn’t about redefining God’s word to fit our preferences, but about submitting ourselves to His unchanging truth.
Opening Prayer:
Begin your session with a prayer, asking God for wisdom and discernment as you read scripture and the things we hear from others.
Key Scripture
1 Timothy 4:1
Opening Discussion:
What was your initial reaction to the sermon topic? Did anything particularly stand out to you?
Key Takeaways:
- Progressive Christianity reinterprets, reimagines, and redefines historic Christian doctrine through the lens of modern culture and feelings.
- It often distorts Scripture by taking verses out of context or redefining key terms.
- Progressive Christianity denies the true gospel by redefining sin and minimizing the need for Jesus’ sacrificial death.
- The truth of Christianity is not dynamic or changing; it was “delivered to the saints once and for all” (Jude 3).
- We must submit ourselves to God’s Word, not try to make God’s Word submit to our desires or cultural trends.
Discussion Questions:
- What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?
- How would you explain the difference between Christianity and progressive Christianity to a friend?
- The pastor mentioned “circles of theology” (essentials, convictions, opinions, speculations). How can this concept help us navigate disagreements within Christianity?
- Why is it dangerous to redefine sin or minimize its consequences?
- How does understanding the cross as a display of both God’s love and justice deepen your appreciation for the gospel?
- What are some ways we might be tempted to “edit God’s word to suit us” in our own lives?
- How can we lovingly respond to friends or family members who might be influenced by progressive Christian ideas?
Practical Applications:
- Commit to reading the Bible in context. Choose a book of the Bible to read through entirely, considering its historical and literary context.
- Practice discernment when consuming Christian content online or on social media. Always compare teachings to Scripture.
- Memorize key verses that affirm essential Christian doctrines (e.g., John 14:6, Romans 3:23-24, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
- Engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold different views, always being ready to give a reason for the hope you have (1 Peter 3:15).
- Pray for discernment and for those who may be led astray by false teachings.
Closing Prayer:
End your session by praying for each other, asking God to strengthen your faith and help you stand firm in the truth of His Word.
Supporting Scripture:
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some suggested relevant verses for general themes discussed:
- Genesis 3 (multiple references throughout the sermon)
- 1 Timothy 4:1
- Acts 17:11
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
- Galatians 1:6-9
- Jude 3-4
- Romans 6:23 (alluded to)
- John 3:36
- Hebrews 9:22 (paraphrased)
- Luke 9:23 (paraphrased)
Additional relevant verses for themes discussed:
- 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (on false teaching)
- 2 Peter 2:1 (on false teachers)
- Colossians 2:8 (on being captive to deceptive philosophy)
- 1 John 4:1 (on testing the spirits)
- 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (on being led astray from sincere devotion to Christ)
- Ephesians 4:14-15 (on not being tossed by every wind of doctrine)
- Matthew 7:15 (on false prophets)
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (on the nature and purpose of Scripture)
- Hebrews 13:8 (Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever – contrasting with the “dynamic truth” claim)
- John 14:6 (Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life – emphasizing absolute truth)