EXPLORING CHRISTIAN UNITY ON CAMPUS

Aim

·      Thinking about a real-life situations deeply.

·      Unpacking scripture and identifying the main thrust of the text.

·      Re-examining scripture and the topic and drawing biblically informed conclusions.

Exploring the issue of Christian unity on campus carefully

1. There are a number of Christian clubs on campus that come under the category Christian, there also a number of clubs that come under the category Culture or Sports. Does this wide variety point to disunity?

Examine 1 Corinthians 1, what does Paul suggest is the cause of disunity in Corinth?

2. In the March16 Issue of Nexus, Jules Crafts, talks about the need for a Waikato Student Culture. She talks about strength in unity as students, the need for traditions and the building the right vibe through pride in being a tertiary student and participation on campus.

. Look in the bible passage and see if these are qualities Christian want as well?

3. Personality cults exist in the media, in theoretical trends and in the Christian world. Why would people believe and accept a charismatic leader instead of thinking for themselves? Why would these cause disunity or be disruptive to learning? What does the passage say about people gathering a following?

Exploring the bible text carefully.

Read through 1 Corinthians

1. Discuss what stands out for you.

2. What questions do you have about the text?

Here are some to start you out...

1) How does Paul’s use of the pronoun “you” and his use of language reflect God’s heart for the Corinthians?

2) “¹⁰ I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” In v 10, how does Paul address them and how are they to be unified?
2)  The symmetrical structure of Hebrew poetry means ideas tend to lead up to the climax found in the centre of the passage. Does knowing this help you figure out the key idea of the passage?
3) In verse 17 ...what does “the cross of Christ emptied of power mean to you”?
4) Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks demands intellect. Does Paul cater to their demands and why not?
What do people demand today? Is Christ still the stumbling block today?

5) Is there value in fostering activities that involve all Christian groups working together to serve the campus?

Re-examine the real-life issue of Christian Unity and draw biblically informed conclusions to the issue.