10 June 2019 | The South China Morning Post ran a June 1 story on a Psychology student at Hong Kong Adventist College who co-founded a fashion, music and dance show in the territory. Harmony “Ann-Marie” Ilungu fled the Democratic Republic of Congo and was allowed protection as a refugee in Hong Kong. Ilungu founded […] Source: https://atoday.org/hong-kong-adventist-college-student-uses-fashion-and-dance-to-combat-racism/
Luke 1:37
For no word from God will ever fail.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~s/dailybible/main/?i=http://dailybiblepromise.com/verse/2019/06/10
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dailybible/main/~3/YgQPPK3nQyM/10
Monday: The Power of Culture on Family
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Gen. 18:19).
Family Culture
Though they might come in various configurations, families are the building blocks of society; thus, many distinct cultural traits of various societies are directly tied to family. For instance, in one ancient culture it was deemed a man’s responsibility to eat the corpse of his dead parents; in another, a man who wanted a bride had to bring her father a dowry of shrunken heads from a rival tribe. Even in modern times, ideas relating to children, courtship, divorce, marriage, parents, and so forth vary widely. As we spread our message to these various cultures, we have to learn how to relate to them in ways that, while not compromising our beliefs, don’t cause unnecessary problems. At the same time, and closer to home, we have to be very aware of just what cultural influences impact our families.
In what ways did culture impact family life in the following examples? What principles can we learn from these examples?
None of us live in a vacuum; all of us and our families are impacted by the culture in which we live. Our responsibility as Christians is to exist within our culture the best we can, keeping that which is in harmony with our faith, while shunning, as much as possible, that which conflicts with it.
| What things in your particular culture are helpful to family life and in harmony with the Bible? What things are not? How can you best adapt your faith to your culture without compromising essential truths? |
Amen!
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(1) Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/YqPFoecIsWM/
From Optimism to Hope
by Christopher C. Thompson | 8 June 2019 | The glass is half full. I’ve always been like that. Studies show most people are optimists. Or, at least that’s what they profess to be. I agree: I think most people like to look at the world from a positive perspective. If nothing else, you see […] Source: https://atoday.org/from-optimism-to-hope/
Sunday: Hold Fast What is Good
As the gospel circles the globe, Christians encounter different cultures and practices, many of which pertain to family and social relationships. One of the great questions for Christian missionaries regards how they should relate to various cultural norms about many things, including family relationships they might personally find uncomfortable.
Read Acts 10:1-28, Acts 10:34-35. What can we learn here about our need to overcome our own barriers and prejudices when dealing with other cultures?
Family
Christ’s death was for the sins of every human being, everywhere. Many people simply do not know this great truth yet. To bring this news with an invitation to respond is the evangelistic mission of Christians. Because God shows no partiality, Christians are called to treat everyone with respect and integrity, giving them a chance to embrace the good news that is for them, as well.
What conclusions did early Christian missionaries reach regarding the presentation of the gospel to other cultures? What principle can we draw from these texts? Acts 15:19-20, Acts 15:28-29; 1 Cor. 2:2; 1 Thess. 5:21-22.
Though every culture mirrors the fallen condition of the people within it, cultures may also have beliefs that are compatible with Scripture, even useful to the cause of the gospel. The value placed upon close relationships in family and community in many parts of the world is an example. Christians can uphold and strengthen that which is good and in keeping with biblical principles.
At the same time, God’s truth must not be compromised. Church history sadly shows that compromise and accommodation to cultures has yielded a patchwork of pseudo-Christian beliefs posing as authentic Christianity. Satan claims to be the god of this world and happily spreads confusion, but Jesus has redeemed this world, and His Spirit guides His followers into all truth (John 16:13).
| How much of your faith is shaped by your culture, and how much is biblical truth? How can you learn to discern between the two? Be prepared to discuss your answer in class. |
Amen!(0)
(0) Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/WGALq0OzpLw/
