Level II: Going Deeper

The theme that we have selected can also be interpreted in many different ways in which we will seek to further explore and clarify. Most people automatically read the theme "Christianity in Our Generation" and assume it says "The Church in our Generation" which is totally different.  We will now elaborate on two truths relating to the theme:

 

1. The Church CAN change with each generation and still be called The Church.

 

2. Christianity CANNOT change regardless of the generation, because it's a doctrine. For if it does, it will no longer be defined as Christianity.

 

The Church is an institution or a body made up of people that interpret the message of the Bible and apply their interpretation to everyday life. Therefore "The Church" changes with each generation and the changes may occur dramatically in principle and in doctrine depending on factors such as: culture, race, geographical location, tradition, education and more. Though the core belief may be the same of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, how the body functions administratively and what is deemed sound doctrine or held as high priority are all results of interpretation and application of the word of God which are influenced by the factors listed above.

 

Christianity is a religious sect or a way of life that is made up of specific characteristics/requirements that are defined in the Holy Bible. The definition of “Being a Follower of Christ” or the goal of being “Christ Like” are examples of this. Christianity can never be changed regardless of time or space. It must contain the same fundamental principles for it to be considered Christianity. Therefore the theme of Christianity in Our Generation boils down to two things: (A) are we meeting all of the requirements of being “Christ like” and are they evident in our lives? and (B) how can our approach change with respect to perspectives and methods?

 

What are some of the ways that our lives will demonstrate that we are Christ like?

 

·        We will love god/Jesus

o       Seek Him (consistently reading and studying our bibles, fasting, praying)

o       Know him (developing a personal relationship)

o       Love him by obeying Him (following the guidelines set out in our bibles)

o       Love him by giving our worship, our talents and our whole lives to him

 

·        We will love our neighbours

o       We will get to know our neighbours (school mates, co-workers, neighbours at home, other members in the church, people we see anywhere who are in need)

o       We will love them

o       Treat them as we want to be treated

o       Give to those who are in need – feed them, cloth them, comfort them

 

What are some of the ways that the CHURCH has changed over the generations? (This is very broad referring to "The Church" worldwide)

 

1. Culturally/Traditional - denominations tend to bring their culture from wherever they started from and introduce new programs/annual events/ceremonies (like Christmas etc or ways of punishing sin on a corporate level) in order to bring out some aspect of the Christian faith or their interpretation of the Bible. Sometimes these practices become a part of their doctrines and continually change with time.

 

2. Secularism – for example

·        Dress codes

·        Language

·        Allowance to smoke

·        Views towards pre-marital sex

·        Participation in Christmas/ Halloween & other festivals

 

3. Race - There was a time in the history of the church when African Americas/Canadians people were not viewed as equal to others and were treated that way in church as well

 

4. Geographical location /state laws-

·        How the Sabbath is interpreted

·        When people worship

·        How they worship (also connected to culture)

 

What are some of the ways that the CHRISTIANITY has changed over the generations?

 

It has not changed! One of the key aspects of christianity is that is it will not change over time because the requirement of being "Christ like" and being a follower of Christ will not change. Thus what does change from generation to generation is OUR "APPROACH" to Christianity!

 

How does/has one change their approach towards CHRISTIANITY IN THIS GENERATION?

 

We can change our approach by changing our perspective, methods of application. Some examples are provided below.

 

1. Perspectives

·        How to fast and love it

·        Letting your light shine through all of today's distractions like:

-          Social media, provocative dressing,

-          Our "everything in a minute" way of life

-          Coping with promiscuity

-          The norm of gay and lesbian lifestyles in politics, educational and other areas

-          How to evangelize using Godly wisdom today

-          How to hear God's voice

 

2. Methods

    A. Technology:

·        Internet churches/ Studies/ Abundance of information

·        Cell phones / Smart phones instead of carrying Bibles

·        Projectors (providing more visual aid)

·        Movies with messages

   

    B. Being Creative

·        Skits

·        Interpretive dance

·        Debates

·        Creating ministries that are not listed in the Bible but meeting the needs of people like: Christian women's abuse, Christian financial management, etc.

 

As we go through the 5 days of the 2011 convention we will use a number of different means to demonstarte the theme - ranging from community service activities , use of technology in activities to bible studies and sermons. We hope that at the end of the 2011 convention you will have fully realized the meaning of "Christianity in Our Generation" and would have taken the steps to demonstrate the theme in "Deeds not Words."

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