Assignment 4 “A Christian Manifesto”

I. Read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, 3:10-17, John 15:1-11 (I am the True Vine) and meditate on Isaiah 59:12-16a and Revelation 3:2 (from week one).

II. Read the Chapter 10 in “A Christian Manifesto” by Francis Schaeffer.

III. Pray for God to reveal what He wants YOU to do and write down an action plan (set a goal) for the next 30 days.

IV. Answer the questions below. Use the comments section to share if you like.

1. In 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, Paul writes about the wisdom that comes from God (the Spirit) given to every believer to apprehend true truth and judgement. He says, “… we have the mind of Christ.” In 1 Corinthians 3:10-17, Paul talks about building and the quality of our personal ministry. In John 15:1-11, Jesus explains that as we abide, trust and rely on Him, we will bear much spiritual fruit… “Apart from Him we can do nothing.”

As we reflect on Isaiah 59:12-16a and Revelation 3:2 (repentance and a call to ‘wake up!’), we get a clearer picture of a Christian vision for engaging in this cultural moment. It all begins with prayer and repentance and evolves into holy spirit empowered action in obedience to God’s call to ‘wake up!’

Question: As you look at this cultural and historical moment, answer these four questions:
1. What is good, beautiful and true that you can celebrate / promote?
2. What is missing that you can create or contribute?
3. What is evil that you can help stop?
4. What is broken you can restore?

2. Chapter 10, in “A Christian Manifesto” Schaeffer names the chapter “By Teaching, by Life, by Action”. We must not “wrap Christianity in an American flag” because our citizenship is to God’s eternal Kingdom, not a temporal worldly kingdom that will burn away. On the same token, Schaeffer points out we have an “open window”. He goes on to state,

“With the window open we must try to roll back the results of the total worldview which considered material-energy, shaped by chance, as the final reality. We must realize that this view will with inevitable certainty always bring forth results which are not only relativistic, and not only wrong, but inhuman, not only for other people, but for our children and grandchildren, and our spiritual children… for with its false view of total reality it does not have a basis for the uniqueness and dignity of the individual person, but it is totally ignorant as to what, and who, Man is.” (pg. 132)

Question: Building on what you’ve learned in the last few weeks, can you write a short paragraph with your reflection or response (3-5 sentences)?

3. Now that we know something, we must do something in response. With God’s Word as your foundation and God’s indwelling Spirit as your source of strength, pray for a clear vision of what He wants YOU to do. Like the men of Issachar, we must understand the times in which we live. Like Nehemiah, we must take faithful action in the face of resistance. And like the wise builder, we build our personal ministry on the foundation of Christ.

Question: Set a goal to take action in the next 30 days.
Goals must be – specific, measurable, personal, time bound (deadline), and in writing. It can be as easy as reading and discussing “A Christian Manifesto” with your small group. Feel free to use, adapt or build upon the content I’ve created for our journey. Make sure to emphasize that everyone must take prayerful, bold action.

Assignments 1-4 “A Christian Manifesto” by Francis Schaeffer

1. Assignment 1
2. Assignment 2
3. Assignment 3
4. Assignment 4