“Neo” = new, renewed, or revived version of an older idea, belief, or movement.

Study 1 – From Christendom to Chaos: Understanding the Times

Summary

Australia has moved from a broadly Christian framework to one that mixes spirituality,

 individualism, and moral relativism. This new “neo-pagan” mindset worships creation 

and self instead of the Creator.

Read: Romans 1:18-25 • Acts 17:16-23 • 1 Chronicles 12:32 • Hosea 4:6

Discuss

• How does Paul describe society’s drift from God in Romans 1:21-25?

→ They knew God but did not honour Him; they exchanged His truth for lies and 

worshipped creation instead of the Creator.

• What parallels do you see between Athens in Acts 17 and our culture today?

→ Many gods, philosophies, and spiritual ideas but little knowledge of the true God.

• According to Hosea 4:6, what causes God’s people to perish?

→ A lack of knowledge of God and His Word.

• How can we be like the men of Issachar (1 Chron 12:32)?

→ By understanding the times and applying God’s wisdom to our culture.

Living It Out

• Begin watching cultural messages through a biblical lens.

• Commit to reading Scripture daily for discernment (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Study 2 – The Worship of Self and the Loss of God

Summary

Modern spirituality celebrates self-empowerment. But the Bible calls us to deny self 

and worship God alone.

Read: Romans 1:21-25 • Genesis 1:26-27 • John 3:30 • Matthew 16:24-26

Discuss

• How does Romans 1 show self-worship as the root of idolatry?

→ People exchanged the glory of God for their own image and desires.

• What does being made in God’s image (Gen 1:26-27) reveal about human worth?

→ Our dignity comes from God, not from self-created identity.

• What does Jesus mean in Matthew 16:24-26?

→ True life is found in surrender, not in self-promotion.

• How can we reflect John 3:30 in our lives?

→ Let Christ increase as we humble ourselves and serve others.

Living It Out

• Examine one area of life where self takes centre stage.

• Pray daily: “Lord, less of me and more of You.”

Study 3 – Truth in an Age of Feelings

Summary

We live in an age of “my truth” where emotions override reality. God’s truth remains 

absolute and unchanging.

Read: Judges 21:25 • John 14:6 • Psalm 119:160 • 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 

• Ephesians 4:15

Discuss

• What was Israel’s problem in Judges 21:25?

→ Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.

• How does Jesus define truth in John 14:6?

→ He is the truth — not one of many truths.

• What do Psalm 119:160 and 2 Cor 10:5 teach about truth and thought life?

→ God’s Word is truth; we must bring every thought under His authority.

• How can we balance grace and truth (Eph 4:15)?

→ Speak truth lovingly — correcting without condemning.

Living It Out

• Evaluate where emotions or culture influence your decisions more than Scripture.

• Memorise a verse each week to renew your mind.

Study 4 – Redeeming the Sacred: Creation and Creator

Summary

Neo-paganism blurs the line between Creator and creation. Christians are called to care 

for creation but worship only God.

Read: Romans 1:25 • Psalm 24:1 • Colossians 1:15-17 • Genesis 2:15

Discuss

• What error does Romans 1:25 expose?

→ Worshipping the created instead of the Creator.

• How does Psalm 24:1 correct this?

→ The earth belongs to the Lord — He alone deserves worship.

• What does Colossians 1:15-17 reveal about Christ’s role in creation?

→ He created and sustains all things — everything exists for Him.

• According to Genesis 2:15, what is our responsibility toward the earth?

→ To work and care for it as stewards, not as worshippers.

Living It Out

• Enjoy creation this week and thank God for it.

• Replace eco-guilt with gratitude and stewardship under God.

Study 5 – Raising the Next Generation in a Neo-Pagan World

Summary

Children are shaped by culture more than ever. Parents and churches must intentionally 

disciple them.

Read: Deuteronomy 6:6-9 • Hebrews 5:14 • 2 Timothy 3:14-17 • Daniel 3:16-18

Discuss

• What does Deut 6:6-9 tell parents and mentors to do?

→ Teach God’s commands diligently and weave them into everyday life.

• What does Hebrews 5:14 say about maturity?

→ Maturity means training to discern good from evil.

• How can 2 Timothy 3:14-17 guide our children?

→ Scripture equips us for every good work and grounds faith early.

• What lessons can we learn from the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

 (Daniel 3)?

→ Stand firm even when culture demands compromise.

Living It Out

• Discuss faith at home daily — over meals or bedtime.

• Model biblical conviction with humility and love.

Study 6 – Standing Firm and Shining Bright

Summary

Christians are called not to retreat but to shine brightly in a confused world.

Read: Matthew 5:13-16 • Philippians 2:14-16 • Ephesians 6:10-13 • Revelation 21:1-4

Discuss

• How does Jesus describe believers in Matthew 5:13-16?

→ As salt and light — preserving truth and shining hope.

• What does Philippians 2:14-16 call us to do in a dark world?

→ Live without grumbling; shine like stars as we hold out the Word of life.

• How does Ephesians 6:10-13 equip us for spiritual battle?

→ By putting on God’s armour — truth, righteousness, and faith.

• What ultimate hope do we find in Revelation 21:1-4?

→ A new heaven and earth where God dwells with His people forever.

Living It Out

• Be intentional about being light this week — an act of kindness, a word of truth.

• End each day thanking God that His Kingdom will outlast every culture.

Expanded: What “Neo” means (and why it matters)

• “Neo” = new / renewed / revived
  • A fresh packaging of something older
  • Often comes with modern language, new symbols, and “updated” values
• What that looks like in culture
  • Old ideas (idolatry, animism, self-deification) reappear as:
    • “manifesting,” “the universe,” “energy,” “my truth,” “identity as self-created,” “sacred nature”
• Working definition for this series
  • Neo-paganism = a modern revival of pre-Christian spirituality where people:
    • Treat creation (nature, forces, energies) as sacred
    • Treat self (desires, feelings, identity) as ultimate authority
    • Treat God (Creator) as optional, distant, or “one option among many”

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Study 1 – From Christendom to Chaos: Understanding the Times

1) Big idea

• Australia has shifted from a broadly Christian moral framework to a mix of:
  • spirituality without surrender
  • individualism without accountability
  • moral relativism without truth anchors
• The Bible’s category for this drift is not mainly “politics” but worship:
  • Who (or what) gets ultimate honour? (Romans 1:18–25)

2) Key Scriptures (expanded notes)

Romans 1:18–25

• The problem isn’t lack of information only; it’s suppression of truth (v18)
• The core move:
  • knowing God → not honouring God → gratitude disappears → thinking darkens
• The cultural outcome:
  • exchange God’s glory for substitutes
  • exchange truth for lies
  • worship creation rather than Creator (v25)

Acts 17:16–23

• Athens is “spiritual” but lost
  • many altars, many ideas, little saving knowledge of God
• Paul models:
  • clear discernment (he’s disturbed, not entertained)
  • wise engagement (he listens, then speaks truth)

1 Chronicles 12:32

• Issachar = people who:
  • understood the times
  • knew what Israel should do
• Not just cultural critique—cultural application of God’s wisdom

Hosea 4:6

• God’s people collapse when they lose:
  • knowledge of God
  • knowledge of God’s Word
• It’s possible to be busy, religious, and still biblically illiterate

3) Discuss (expanded prompts + fuller answers)

How does Romans 1:21–25 describe drift?

• Step-by-step slide
  • honour God fades
  • thanksgiving fades
  • thinking becomes futile
  • substitutes multiply
• Follow-up prompt:
  • Where do you see “exchange language” today (truth swapped for feelings, God swapped for self)?

Parallels between Athens and today?

• “Spiritual marketplace” vibes:
  • many beliefs coexist, truth claims feel offensive
  • people love “new ideas” (Acts 17:21) but avoid repentance
• Follow-up prompt:
  • What “unknown gods” do Aussies worship without naming them? (comfort, sex, success, self, wellbeing)

Hosea 4:6—why do people perish?

• Not just “lack of info”
  • rejection of knowledge leads to spiritual vulnerability
• Follow-up prompt:
  • If a Christian only consumes social media more than Scripture, what happens over time?

How do we live like Issachar?

• Discern
  • read culture, but read Scripture more
• Decide
  • move from opinions to obedience
• Do
  • take faithful action (home, work, church)

4) Living it out (expanded)

• Practice “lens-switching”
  • Ask: What story is this message telling me about God, humans, sin, salvation, purpose?
• Daily Scripture habit (2 Tim 3:16–17)
  • Aim for: reading + one takeaway + one step of obedience

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Study 2 – The Worship of Self and the Loss of God

1) Big idea

• Modern spirituality often says: “Look within”
• Jesus says: “Deny self, follow Me” (Matthew 16:24–26)

2) Key Scriptures (expanded notes)

Romans 1:21–25

• Self-worship shows up as:
  • my desires = my compass
  • my feelings = my authority
  • my identity = my creation
• Idolatry isn’t only statues; it’s ultimate loyalty

Genesis 1:26–27

• Human worth is received, not achieved
  • image of God = dignity, responsibility, meaning
• This protects us from:
  • self-hatred (I’m worthless)
  • self-deification (I’m god)

John 3:30

• The posture of a disciple:
  • “He must increase; I must decrease”
• Not self-erasure, but right order (Christ first)

Matthew 16:24–26

• Jesus reframes “winning”:
  • gaining the world can still be losing your soul
• Discipleship is not self-improvement; it’s self-surrender

3) Discuss (expanded)

How is self-worship the root of idolatry?

• When “me” becomes ultimate, God becomes optional
• Follow-up:
  • Where does “self” demand worship in our routines (time, money, sexuality, ambition)?

Image of God and human worth

• Worth is stable because God is stable
• Follow-up:
  • How does this challenge both despair and pride?

What does Jesus mean (Matt 16)?

• Cross-bearing = daily “no” to the false self
• Follow-up:
  • What does “follow Jesus” look like in your work, not just church?

Living John 3:30

• Practical humility:
  • serving without needing applause
  • choosing obedience over image-management

4) Living it out (expanded)

• Identify one “centre-stage” self-area:
  • control, comfort, approval, pleasure, status
• Daily prayer:
  • “Lord, reorder my loves—make You first.”

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Study 3 – Truth in an Age of Feelings

1) Big idea

• Culture often says: truth is personal
• Scripture says: truth is revealed—and truth is a Person (John 14:6)

2) Key Scriptures (expanded notes)

Judges 21:25

• The danger of “right in my own eyes”:
  • moral autonomy becomes moral chaos
• When everyone is their own authority, the strongest voices win

John 14:6

• Jesus doesn’t merely teach truth; He is the truth
• Christian truth is relational and real:
  • centred on Christ, not vibes

Psalm 119:160

• God’s Word is reliable from the start
• It’s not trend-based truth

2 Corinthians 10:3–5

• The battleground is the mind
• Discipleship involves:
  • challenging lies
  • submitting thoughts to Christ

Ephesians 4:15

• Truth without love = harshness
• Love without truth = sentimentality
• зрелость = speaking truth in love

3) Discuss (expanded)

Israel’s problem (Judges 21:25)

• Not just bad behaviour—no shared authority
• Follow-up:
  • Where do you see “own eyes” decision-making celebrated?

Jesus defines truth

• Truth is not “what works for me”
• Follow-up:
  • How does Jesus correct both cynicism and confusion?

Truth and thought-life (Ps 119 / 2 Cor 10)

• We don’t believe everything we feel
• Follow-up:
  • What’s one common lie people absorb today? How would Scripture answer it?

Grace + truth balance

• Aim: clarity + kindness
  • strong convictions, soft tone

4) Living it out (expanded)

• Do a “decision audit” this week:
  • Did I decide because I felt it, feared it, or because Scripture shaped it?
• Memorise one verse weekly:
  • pick verses that confront your most common temptation

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Study 4 – Redeeming the Sacred: Creation and Creator

1) Big idea

• Neo-paganism often treats nature as divine
• Christianity treats nature as gift and responsibility
  • not God, but God’s handiwork

2) Key Scriptures (expanded notes)

Romans 1:25

• The core error:
  • worship directed to created things
• It’s spiritual misdirection: the heart bows to the wrong object

Psalm 24:1

• Creation is the Lord’s:
  • ownership belongs to God
  • humans are stewards, not owners

Colossians 1:15–17

• Jesus is central to creation:
  • Creator, sustainer, goal (“for Him”)
• This stops us worshipping:
  • nature
  • humanity
  • progress

Genesis 2:15

• Stewardship is biblical:
  • work it, care for it
• Not exploitation; not worship—responsible care under God

3) Discuss (expanded)

• How does Psalm 24:1 correct Romans 1:25?
  • it reassigns worship: God alone
  • it reassigns responsibility: we care for what is His
• Follow-up:
  • Where does care for creation become guilt, fear, or identity?

4) Living it out (expanded)

• Enjoy creation as worship:
  • gratitude replaces guilt
• Stewardship as obedience:
  • simple habits that honour God without idolising nature

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Study 5 – Raising the Next Generation in a Neo-Pagan World

1) Big idea

• Kids are being discipled constantly (screens, school, peers, influencers)
• Parents + church must be intentional, not passive

2) Key Scriptures (expanded notes)

Deuteronomy 6:6–9

• Faith is taught through:
  • repetition
  • everyday moments
  • normal life rhythms
• The goal is not information only, but formation

Hebrews 5:14

• Maturity = trained discernment
  • practice spotting good vs evil
• Discernment is learned by use, not vibes

2 Timothy 3:14–17

• Scripture:
  • stabilises identity
  • equips for action
• “Grounded early” matters because storms come later

Daniel 3:16–18

• Courageous conviction:
  • “God can deliver… but even if not… we won’t bow”
• Kids need categories for:
  • pressure
  • courage
  • respectful resistance

3) Discuss (expanded)

• How do we “weave” faith into life?
  • meals, car rides, bedtime, sport mornings
• Follow-up:
  • What’s one micro-habit your household could add this week?

4) Living it out (expanded)

• Daily faith conversation:
  • one question: “Where did you see God today?” or “What did you learn about Jesus?”
• Model conviction + humility:
  • firm beliefs, gentle spirit

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Study 6 – Standing Firm and Shining Bright

1) Big idea

• The call is not retreat or rage
• The call is faithful presence: salt + light

2) Key Scriptures (expanded notes)

Matthew 5:13–16

• Salt:
  • preserves, adds flavour (quiet influence)
• Light:
  • visible goodness that points to God
• Goal:
  • not self-promotion, but “they glorify your Father”

Philippians 2:14–16

• A shining church is:
  • non-grumbling
  • Word-holding
  • distinct without being nasty

Ephesians 6:10–13

• The fight is spiritual:
  • truth matters
  • armour matters
• Standing firm isn’t hype; it’s endurance + obedience

Revelation 21:1–4

• Final hope:
  • God makes all things new
  • suffering is not permanent
• This produces courage:
  • we can be faithful now because the end is secure

3) Discuss (expanded)

• What does “light” look like at work / school?
  • honesty, compassion, courage, calmness, purity, generosity
• Follow-up:
  • Where are you tempted to hide faith—or weaponise it?

4) Living it out (expanded)

• Plan one intentional “light” action this week:
  • kindness + clarity (not one without the other)
• End-of-day gratitude:
  • “Your Kingdom will outlast every culture.”