But What About Christian Nationalism? · Group Guide
Acts 17:1-7
Icebreaker
Where did you grow up, and what is one thing about that place you would defend to a stranger who put it down? Then, honestly, one thing about it you would have to admit is not true.
Discussion Questions
- 1
The mob in Acts 17 drags Jason out shouting that these men "have upset the world" and are "saying that there is another king, Jesus." Why would that particular sentence sound dangerous to a city loyal to Caesar?
- 2
Paul spent three Sabbaths reasoning, explaining and giving evidence. Some were persuaded and joined him; others formed a mob. What do you make of a message that produces both of those in the same room?
- 3
Kent separated nationalism, which he called basically the same thing as patriotism, from Christian nationalism, which he described as wanting to "wrap the cross up in the flag." Where have you seen those two get blended together, and what did it cost?
- 4
Kent said he would not want America made a Christian nation by charter, because "you can force people to submit, you can't force them to believe." Where have you been on either end of an attempt to force a belief rather than persuade?
- 5
"I love my God. I love my country. I worship my God. I do not worship my country." Which of your loyalties do you find yourself defending most fiercely, and what does that tell you about where the line has blurred?
- 6
Kent quoted God's word to the exiles: seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you, and pray to the Lord on its behalf. Name one specific thing in Miami you could seek the welfare of this week, and say what praying for it would actually look like.
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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.