Sep/Oct '05 Bible Study
Sacred or Secular?
Both Waking Ashland (pg. 17) and As Cities Burn (pg.15) say they aren’t a “Christian Band”, but both bands clearly have faith in Jesus Christ. What images does the word “Christian Band” conjure up? What connotations does the word “Secular Band” bring to mind? Is it fair to label something as secular or sacred? What are the requirements for both categories? In light of 1 Peter 2:9, how do we proclaim the excellencies of Christ?
Welcome to Hard Times
In the Blindside article (pg. 40), singer Christian Lindskog recaps the trials of 2004 that had the band seriously thinking about the future of their group. He says, “ Sometimes it seems as though God wants to take you to another place where things just seem to go wrong. You have to fight your way through the adversity to see the light.” Why do you think God takes us through this hard process? When bad things happen, is it God testing our faith or is life just getting in our way? How do we know when it’s God trying to teach us something? Read Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4. How do trials help strengthen? What are the end results? What then should our attitude be in the midst of rocky times?
Rebel Without a Cause
On pg. 18, HM introduced “Causes,” a new feature that challenges the readers to support the highlighted organization for 60 days, regardless of differences (i.e. denomination affiliation, racial bias, or social status). This issue features PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Read their mission statement.
In So and So says (pg. 58), The Locust paint a dark picture of contradictive Christians who lack participation in humanity’s plaguing issues.
Name a few organizations should Christians be supporting. Is PETA one of them? What Christian-based organizations are lending a helping hand? What areas do you see where Christians and Christian-based organizations can get more involved? Look at Matt. 5:14-15. How do those verses translate into your life?
Processed…
Andrew Schwab of Project 86 reveals in pg.45, his tendency to be “more about the goal instead of the process”, when it comes to his band (and life in general). But he is “learning to be thankful and hopeful in all circumstances.” Why is the process of reaching one’s goal important? Can we miss the goal if we don’t pay attention to the process? What is Philippians 3:14 talking about? What does 1 Tim.6: 6-7 reveal?
Back Cover
Read the quote from A.W. Tozer. Why do you think we are so afraid to show our true selves to each other? Why do we try to cover up the person who God made us to be? What are we ashamed of? Can you think of a time when you went to extreme lengths to hide your true self? Can you think of the last time when you showed your true self? How did you feel in both instances?
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