EZRA 19 CONTENT

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BIBLE EXPOSITION

Book of Exposition

After consideration various options, it was felt that the epistle of 2nd Peter is appropriate in addressing the teaching needs that emerge from the contextual realities facing the students and the church currently. The challenge of living faithfully and soberly in a context of incipient false teachings that threaten the doctrinal stability of the church resonates well with the contemporary reality of the church in Kenya, and indeed in the Christian Unions in institutions of higher learning. While false prophets and their teachings may promise quick solutions to the myriad of societal problems Christians face, such will be found to be only “springs without water and mists driven by storm…promis[ing] them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity…” (2 Pet.2:17a, 19a). In such a context, where students are often tempted to follow after false teachers and their depraved ways of life, there is nothing more important than rediscovering and reaffirming the trustworthy Scriptures as the sure foundation and shaper of faith and life. For the Word is not merely a set of good ideas, but a person, Jesus Christ, who is himself the very “Word of Life” (2 Pet.3:19).

Four Pastoral Needs

In this regard, the epistle of 2nd Peter provides a suitable text for engaging these concerns, which may be distilled in four strands of pastoral needs that shape the thrust and emphasis of the forthcoming Ezra 2019.

  1. The need to reaffirm the Holy Scriptures as the authoritative Word of God in all matters of Christian faith and ethics, with the call to uphold faithfulness in its engagement.
  2. The need to expose the reality of false teaching and its nature; its manifestations and its inherent danger to the contemporary body of Christ in our own context and experience.
  3. The need to stimulate biblical and theological reflection on contemporary issues facing Christian students and society as a whole, as a task of Christian discipleship
  4. The need to challenge believers to holy living, steadfastness and sobriety in the difficult context of the last days, and in view of the second coming of Jesus Christ.
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PLENARY CONTENT

Bearing in mind the contextual issues highlighted, the book of exposition and the four key pastoral needs identified, the following are the suggestions for the Ezra 2019 plenary content. In keeping with the concept of plenary content of Ezra Conferences, these plenary topics comprise an issue of doctrine, a devotional subject, a contemporary issue of concern, and an areas of scripture engagement as part of discipleship.

  1. Doctrinal/ Theological Issue

Plenary Topic: Success God’s Way [Panel Discussion]

Perhaps as a reaction to the reality of the pain and struggles of life in contemporary society, or an off-shoot of the global charismatic movement, the popular theology of “health and wealth gospel” has continued to flourish in the African church. At the heart of this is a view of success and prosperity that seems to be based more on positive psychology than authentic biblical theology of success, undermining as it does the centrality of the cross in Christian discipleship. The following are some of the questions this topic seeks to address:

  • What really is the essence of success in life?
  • What are the influences of secular thought that have shaped prevailing conceptions of the “good life” and its implied success and prosperity? How does the Bible’s conception of the “good life” differ with or provide basis for such contemporary conceptions?
  • What does the Bible as whole (Biblical Theology) teach about blessing and prosperity and the reality of the African experience of pain and suffering that is so evident in the reality of everyday life?
  • As contemporary Christians, how are we to understand the covenantal promises of material blessings and prosperity in light of the new covenant fulfilment in Christ?
  • How is “work” an essential ingredient of success, and how can we as students and Christian professionals develop a balanced work-ethic our pursuit of success in life in our context today?
  • What biblical convictions and approaches should Christians develop in the pursuit of success?

Important Note:

As indicated in the draft program, this session will take the form of a Panel Discussion. Besides doing background research and study, the Panel Discussion facilitator is expected to generate suitable questions (an interactive interview outline) based on the topic objectives highlighted, which can be settled upon with the Ezra Directorate before sharing with the Discussants in due course.

 

  1. Devotional Issue

Plenary Topic: Confronting Brokenness

A survey of current affairs in Kenya reveals the alarming state of a society in turmoil. From the global ecological crisis to the fragmentation of societal institutions, systems and structures, to the sense of disillusionment and misery among ordinary people, the reality of brokenness is a challenge to contend with. Perhaps more than anywhere else, the brokenness and hurt in marriage and family epitomize the bleeding wounds in the lives of individuals, including young people represented by the Ezra 2019 delegates. Indeed, the increased rates of depression and suicide among the youth, and the sheer hopelessness that underlies this desperation raise many important questions that need a thoughtful, compassionate Christian response rooted in Scriptures. In particular, the following are some of the key issues that this plenary can address:

  • What is the essence of brokenness, as experienced since the fall of mankind?
  • How has the fall impacted the nature (the created world) and the contemporary human society?
  • What are the realities of brokenness underlying our contemporary social condition?
  • What are some of the key factors that have contributed to the continuing reality of brokenness and crises we find in the contemporary family, marriage and other social institutions?
  • How do the Scriptures illuminate (or provide a balanced perspective) on the societal and individual experience of brokenness that we are grappling with today?
  • What redemptive purposes can the individual experience of brokenness in life serve?
  • What is the hope of the Gospel with regard to the pervasive reality of brokenness we face today?
  1. Contemporary Issue

The Crisis of Addiction: A Christian Response

Whether considered as a behavioral disorder or a psychological condition, addiction is an undeniable reality with many expressions among the youth in contemporary society. These range from the traditional struggles of sexual obsession (pornography, masturbation etc.) to more contemporary ones, such as sports-betting, social media and the internet, and the spiritual bondages that result from such compulsive practices. Invariably, these addictions undermine ability of students to thrive in their Christian life, and to make progress towards spiritual maturity as Disciples of Christ. In view of this, this plenary should address:

  • What is the state of the contemporary problem of addictions among the youth in the society today?
  • What are the underlying factors that have fueled modern day addictions among the young people?
  • In what ways do addictions undermine a Christian’s quest for spiritual maturity?
  • What insights can psychology bring into our understanding of the nature of addictions?
  • What does the Bible reveal about the human struggle with addictions and bondages?
  • How does the Lordship of Christ confront the challenge of addiction in a believer’s life?
  • What biblical convictions should inform our commitment to the ongoing pursuit of wholeness and victorious living as Christians in the midst of the temptations of contemporary society?
  • What practical ways can those in bondage to addictions find healing and wholeness?

 

  1. Scripture Engagement

Plenary Topic: Living by the Word

In this plenary, the focus is on the centrality of Scriptures in the life of the Christian as an individual and as a community, not merely as biblical literature but as a transformative knowledge of God. Some of the key concerns that inform the need for the topic on scripture engagement include what may be observed as an indifference to the place of the Word of God in Christian life, a disconnect between knowledge and practical application in life, and the related problem of lack of life transformation. This plenary is intended to address:

  • What are the current attitudes towards the Word of God among Christians?
  • Why is the Word of God critical for the life of the individual believer and the faith community?
  • What are the contemporary struggles that Christian have in taking the word of God seriously?
  • How can Scriptures be applied as the rule by which to shape thought and way of living (transform culture) as individuals and the church in contemporary society?
  • What biblical convictions and practices should underlie our commitment to live by the Word of God as Christians at individual and Christian community level?
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SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES

Ezra 2019 Bible Study Guide

In order to enhance engagement of the text, a Bible Study guide has been developed on 2nd Peter for use as a companion and complement to the Bible expositions. The small group study approach is intended to encourage small group Bible study, especially at this time when there seems to be a trend of decline across the Christian Unions. The Bible Study Guide development has been be spearheaded by Research & Publications working with a team of students, associates and Staff representatives.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]