Unthinkable (New Zealand)

February 16, 2025 Study Guides

Sermon Study Guide

“Unthinkable: Understanding and Responding to the Ideologies Affecting Our Youth”

Main Passage: Matthew 5:14-16; Mark 8:34

How to Use This Study Guide

This study guide is designed to help you engage deeply with the message of the sermon “Unthinkable” by Dr. Conrad Vine. Whether you are studying on your own, leading a small group discussion, teaching a Sabbath School class, or guiding family worship, this guide will help you explore the biblical truths and practical applications of the message.

📖 Scripture Focus: Key Bible passages related to the sermon to ground your study in God’s Word.
💭 Teaching Points: Clear explanations and reflections on the main ideas from the sermon, helping you understand the speaker’s message in context.
❓ Discussion Questions: Thought-provoking questions to encourage conversation and personal reflection within groups or families.
✍️ Personal Application: Practical steps to live out the truths learned and to respond faithfully to current challenges.

Session 1: The Origins and Impact of Marxism (Matthew 5:14-16)

Opening Scripture: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

Teaching Summary:

Dr. Vine begins by explaining that Marxism is a foundational ideology influencing much of today’s political, social, and educational systems, particularly affecting young people in colleges and public schools. He traces Marxism to its originator, Karl Marx, who was born into a Jewish family but became a committed atheist and revolutionary. Marx’s Communist Manifesto, published in 1848, laid out a plan to abolish private property, centralize power in the state, and control all aspects of life, ultimately leading to a totalitarian regime. The speaker emphasizes that Marxism is not simply a political theory but an ideology that has been enforced through terror, mass suffering, and suppression of religious freedom.
The sermon details the ten points of the Communist Manifesto, such as abolition of private property, heavy progressive taxes, confiscation of property of dissidents, and state control of communication and transportation. These policies, as explained, dismantle individual freedom and property rights, violating biblical commandments like “Thou shalt not steal.” The historical examples from the Soviet Union and other communist regimes illustrate the devastating human cost of implementing Marxist ideology, including artificial famines, forced labor camps, mass executions, and destruction of family life.
Dr. Vine also shares personal experiences and historical testimonies that reveal the intense hatred Marxists had for God and Christianity. Marx himself was described as a man filled with rage and fascination with Satan, rather than a mere atheist. This deep hostility toward God explains why communist regimes relentlessly persecuted Christians and sought to eradicate faith from public and private life. The speaker warns that this ideology is not a relic of the past but continues to influence many institutions worldwide today.

Discussion Questions:

What are some ways Marxism’s influence continues to affect society and education today?
How does Marxism’s view of private property and individual rights conflict with biblical principles?
Why is it important to understand the historical context and consequences of Marxism for Christians?
How do Marx’s personal life and writings help us understand the spiritual nature of this ideology?
In what ways can knowing this history encourage us to be more vigilant in our own communities?

Personal Application:

Pray for wisdom to recognize and understand the ideologies influencing your children and community.
Study the Ten Commandments, especially the commandment about stewardship of property, to build a biblical worldview.
Engage in conversations with your family or small group about the historical impact of Marxism and the importance of freedom in Christ.

Session 2: Postmodernism and Critical Theory: The New Worldview (Mark 8:34)

Opening Scripture: “And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” — Mark 8:34 (ESV)

Teaching Summary:

Following Marxism, Dr. Vine introduces postmodernism, a worldview that emerged after World War II due to disillusionment with modernist ideals of progress and objective truth. Postmodernism rejects the idea of universal truth and embraces skepticism, cultural relativism, and the belief that truth is always shaped by one’s cultural context. This worldview challenges the foundations of knowledge, morality, and social order, leading to fluid definitions of identity and truth.
Critical theory, born from Marxist and postmodern thought, views society through the lens of power struggles between oppressors and oppressed groups. It argues that social hierarchies are constructed by elites to maintain power, and that language, culture, and knowledge are tools of oppression. This leads to the blurring of boundaries—such as gender and race—and the elevation of group identity over individual character. The speaker highlights how this framework fosters division, guilt, and a destabilization of social cohesion.
Dr. Vine explains that critical theory has evolved into various specialized studies—critical race theory, feminist theory, queer theory, and more—all promoting the idea of hierarchies of oppression. The ideology categorizes people based on race, gender, and sexual orientation, assigning roles of oppressors or victims accordingly. This system contradicts biblical teaching about the unity of humanity and judging by character, not appearance. The speaker warns that these ideas have infiltrated educational institutions, including some churches, and can radicalize young people if not addressed properly.

Discussion Questions:

How does postmodernism’s rejection of objective truth challenge Christian beliefs?
What are some dangers of adopting critical theory’s view of society as a hierarchy of oppression?
How can Christians respond to the blurring of important distinctions such as gender and morality?
In what ways might critical theory affect young people’s identity and worldview?
Why is it important to maintain a biblical understanding of human dignity and worth?

Personal Application:

Reflect on your own worldview: do you base your beliefs on absolute truth or cultural opinion? Pray for clarity.
Teach children and youth about the biblical view of identity, emphasizing that all are created in God’s image and valued by Him.
Be aware of the ideologies taught in your local schools and community, and seek to lovingly share biblical truth where possible.

Session 3: The Sexual Revolution and the Assault on God’s Design (Matthew 19:4-6)

Opening Scripture: “He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.’” — Matthew 19:4-6 (ESV)

Teaching Summary:

Dr. Vine identifies the sexual revolution as a critical battleground where the church faces intense ideological pressure. Postmodernism’s denial of purpose and meaning leads people to elevate sexual identity and expression as the defining feature of their being. The sexual act itself becomes a form of self-identity and even a kind of “god” in this worldview. This shift undermines the biblical purposes of sexuality: procreation and the nurturing of loving family relationships.
The speaker highlights that in public schools across the West, children as young as kindergarten are being taught ideas that reject biblical morality, promoting sexual freedom and fluidity without boundaries. He notes with concern that Christians have often remained silent while other groups, like Muslims in Britain, have actively protested such teachings. This silence risks losing the moral voice of the church in society and endangering the spiritual well-being of the next generation.
Transgender ideology, especially among young white middle-class girls, is explained as a response to intense social pressures related to body image, societal expectations, and the desire to escape oppressive gender norms. The cultural embrace of transgender identity is framed as a rebellion against God’s created order. Dr. Vine urges parents to guard their children’s experiences and influences carefully, recognizing the dangers of social media and peer pressure in promoting these ideas.

Discussion Questions:

Why is the sexual revolution considered a decisive battle for the church today?
How does the biblical view of sexuality and marriage contrast with the teachings of the sexual revolution?
What role should the church and Christian families play in responding to sexual ideology in schools?
How can parents protect and guide their children amid pressures related to identity and sexuality?
What does Matthew 19:4-6 teach us about God’s design for human relationships?

Personal Application:

Pray for children and youth to have clarity and strength to honor God’s design for sexuality.
Discuss openly as a family the biblical understanding of marriage and gender roles.
Monitor and guide children’s media and internet usage to shield them from harmful ideologies.

Session 4: Responding to Ideological Challenges: Flight, Fight, or Faithfulness? (Romans 12:17-21)

Opening Scripture: “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:17-21 (ESV)

Teaching Summary:

Dr. Vine describes three common responses Christians may have when facing the ideological challenges of Marxism, postmodernism, and the sexual revolution: flight, fight, and accommodation. Flight means avoiding confrontation by hiding one’s faith or moving away from difficult situations. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 about not hiding the lamp remind us that faith is meant to be visible and impactful, so flight may avoid immediate harm but fails to fulfill our calling.
Fight refers to active resistance and opposition to ungodly ideologies. While resistance is sometimes necessary, Dr. Vine warns that fighting with hatred or violence can compromise the gospel message. The example of Adventist militias fighting in Myanmar illustrates the complexity of opposing evil without losing the love and witness of Christ. Christians must avoid becoming consumed by hatred of enemies, as this undermines our mission to win souls.
Accommodation involves compromising biblical truths to fit cultural trends, often to avoid conflict or legal consequences. The sermon points out that many churches and institutions have adopted accommodation, which ultimately weakens the church’s witness and leads to loss of the next generation. Dr. Vine urges believers to embrace the theology of the cross—willingness to suffer loss and stand firm in faith even when costly—because true witness comes from faithfulness and love, not capitulation or violence.

Discussion Questions:

What are some risks of hiding your faith rather than living it openly?
Why is fighting against evil with hatred or violence problematic for Christian witness?
How does accommodation threaten the integrity of the church?
What does the theology of the cross teach us about facing persecution and ideological opposition?
How can we love our enemies while standing firm in biblical truth?

Personal Application:

Evaluate your personal posture toward challenging cultural ideologies—are you more prone to flight, fight, or accommodation?
Pray for courage to live faithfully and lovingly in difficult circumstances.
Seek opportunities to lovingly share the gospel and biblical truth, even when it is costly.

Session 5: Preparing for the Future: Faithfulness in Changing Times (Revelation 14:12)

Opening Scripture: “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” — Revelation 14:12 (ESV)

Teaching Summary:

Dr. Vine concludes by reminding believers that the ideological challenges we face today are part of the broader spiritual battle preceding Christ’s return. The church must prepare for times when preaching and living the gospel openly may no longer be allowed. He encourages readiness for an underground church that remains faithful to God’s Word despite legal restrictions or persecution.
The sermon warns that the current Adventist church structure is heavily dependent on worldly financial systems, which may soon be compromised or closed off due to the enforcement of the mark of the beast or internal compromise. This reality calls for spiritual vigilance and practical preparation, emphasizing faithfulness over convenience or comfort.
Dr. Vine urges believers to ground themselves in Scripture and understand the times in which we live, teaching their children biblical morality and guarding them against false ideologies. The goal is to inoculate the next generation against spiritual deception and to equip them to stand firm in Christ, securing their place in eternal Paradise.
The message closes with a call to remain faithful, seek the Holy Spirit’s power daily, and live visibly for Christ. This faithfulness is the key to overcoming the unthinkable challenges ahead and ensuring that the church continues to shine as a light in a dark world until Jesus returns.

Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to be faithful in the face of increasing opposition and legal restrictions?
How can the church prepare practically and spiritually for a future where open gospel proclamation is limited?
Why is teaching biblical morality to children and youth critical in these times?
How can believers maintain hope and courage in uncertain and difficult times?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in enabling faithfulness and witness?

Personal Application:

Commit to daily prayer for the infilling and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Discuss with your family and church community how to remain faithful amid societal pressures.
Begin or continue a consistent personal Bible study to deepen your understanding and resolve.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that lights our path in these challenging times. Help us to understand the ideologies shaping our world and to respond with faithfulness, love, and courage. Strengthen us to be lights shining brightly in darkness, to hold fast to Your truth, and to love our neighbors and even our enemies. Guard our hearts and minds, especially those of our children and youth, and fill us daily with Your Holy Spirit. Prepare us for the days ahead and keep us faithful until we see You face to face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.