The Eschatology of Victory in the Greatest Century of MissionsPeter Hammond
This document discusses the Protestant missionary movement of the 19th century. It describes how Protestant Christianity expanded from being concentrated in Europe and North America to becoming a worldwide religion by the end of the 1800s. The missionary movement was unprecedented in scale, reducing languages to writing, pioneering schools, introducing modern medicine, and ending many social evils. This expansion was driven by an eschatological belief in the coming universal reign of Christ over all nations, inspired by figures like John Calvin and William Carey who helped launch the modern missionary movement through voluntary societies that mobilized resources on a massive scale.
God's mission from the beginning was for humanity to fill the earth and reflect God's glory. However, sin disrupted this mission. Throughout the Old Testament, God called people like Abraham to bless all nations. While God's people had an inward focus, they also had an outward focus through encounters with other nations where God's glory was shown. The Old Testament gradually revealed God's universal mission for salvation, though God worked in particular ways through individuals and cultures.
The document discusses different views on religious pluralism and salvation: exclusivism holds that only one religion leads to God; inclusivism believes that while one religion contains full truth, other religions may also lead to God; pluralism asserts that all religions equally lead to God. It notes arguments from scripture used to support universalism, but also problems with this view in undermining evangelism, discipleship, and teachings on hell. It explores revelation through creation, scripture, and the incarnation. It quotes a passage arguing Christians should challenge society not through politics but by living out the gospel in local congregations.
The Central Theme of the Scriptures is the Kingdom of God. What is it? How does it relate to the church? How does it relate to society? A Video of this material is available at https://vimeo.com/vivgrigg/kingdom.
What is the true test of Godliness? How can one fellowship with the true church without being contaminated by the religious impositions of men of today?
The Prince of this world has long been striving and seems almost close to achieving that victory. it is the natural result of the error by the Church; a lowering of the standard of the Kingdom of God through the introduction of the gospel of convenience, a walk with God without transformation of life , a Christianity without the Cross. The church surrendering this basis of her power and legitimacy has made her to exist in a perfect and harmonious accord with the world.
The visible church has virtually created her own ‘GOD’ a religious deity who seems satisfied with his subjects excesses ,cares little about their sins, highly appreciates their works of virtue, even though these were predicated on human pride , and looks with pleasure upon their bold deeds and intellectual displays. Packages of doctrines, whole pedestals of understanding and range of thinking system which form the basis of people’s faith have been tailored to satisfy the cravings of fallen men.
The God of the bible has been left of his own House. His city lies in virtual ruins while the city wall are continually been compromised so that strangers may enter at will. This book written by Ayodeji Ezra-Williams brings to mind the words of Jesus Christ comparing the days of his coming to the days of Noah
Will we be Able to Fulfill the Great Commission in our Generation?Peter Hammond
This document discusses the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ to his followers to make disciples of all nations. It argues that the task seems impossible but that Jesus promised power and presence to fulfill it. It provides examples of pioneering missionaries from the 19th century who were willing to make great sacrifices and face opposition and danger out of their belief that God would ensure ultimate victory in completing the Great Commission. The document aims to inspire readers to have the same optimistic faith and commitment to fulfilling Christ's command to spread the gospel worldwide.
What is the true test of Godliness? How can one fellowship with the true church without being contaminated by the religious impositions of men of today?
The Prince of this world has long been striving and seems almost close to achieving that victory. it is the natural result of the error by the Church; a lowering of the standard of the Kingdom of God through the introduction of the gospel of convenience, a walk with God without transformation of life , a Christianity without the Cross. The church surrendering this basis of her power and legitimacy has made her to exist in a perfect and harmonious accord with the world.
The visible church has virtually created her own ‘GOD’ a religious deity who seems satisfied with his subjects excesses ,cares little about their sins, highly appreciates their works of virtue, even though these were predicated on human pride , and looks with pleasure upon their bold deeds and intellectual displays. Packages of doctrines, whole pedestals of understanding and range of thinking system which form the basis of people’s faith have been tailored to satisfy the cravings of fallen men.
The God of the bible has been left of his own House. His city lies in virtual ruins while the city wall are continually been compromised so that strangers may enter at will. This book written by Ayodeji Ezra-Williams brings to mind the words of Jesus Christ comparing the days of his coming to the days of Noah
What do the Bible says about the Kingdom of God? Is it something that we will see after we died? Is it something that we can experience while we are alive?
The Eschatology of Victory in the Greatest Century of MissionsPeter Hammond
This document discusses the Protestant missionary movement of the 19th century. It describes how Protestant Christianity expanded from being concentrated in Europe and North America to becoming a worldwide religion by the end of the 1800s. The missionary movement was unprecedented in scale, reducing languages to writing, pioneering schools, introducing modern medicine, and ending many social evils. This expansion was driven by an eschatological belief in the coming universal reign of Christ over all nations, inspired by figures like John Calvin and William Carey who helped launch the modern missionary movement through voluntary societies that mobilized resources on a massive scale.
God's mission from the beginning was for humanity to fill the earth and reflect God's glory. However, sin disrupted this mission. Throughout the Old Testament, God called people like Abraham to bless all nations. While God's people had an inward focus, they also had an outward focus through encounters with other nations where God's glory was shown. The Old Testament gradually revealed God's universal mission for salvation, though God worked in particular ways through individuals and cultures.
The document discusses different views on religious pluralism and salvation: exclusivism holds that only one religion leads to God; inclusivism believes that while one religion contains full truth, other religions may also lead to God; pluralism asserts that all religions equally lead to God. It notes arguments from scripture used to support universalism, but also problems with this view in undermining evangelism, discipleship, and teachings on hell. It explores revelation through creation, scripture, and the incarnation. It quotes a passage arguing Christians should challenge society not through politics but by living out the gospel in local congregations.
The Central Theme of the Scriptures is the Kingdom of God. What is it? How does it relate to the church? How does it relate to society? A Video of this material is available at https://vimeo.com/vivgrigg/kingdom.
What is the true test of Godliness? How can one fellowship with the true church without being contaminated by the religious impositions of men of today?
The Prince of this world has long been striving and seems almost close to achieving that victory. it is the natural result of the error by the Church; a lowering of the standard of the Kingdom of God through the introduction of the gospel of convenience, a walk with God without transformation of life , a Christianity without the Cross. The church surrendering this basis of her power and legitimacy has made her to exist in a perfect and harmonious accord with the world.
The visible church has virtually created her own ‘GOD’ a religious deity who seems satisfied with his subjects excesses ,cares little about their sins, highly appreciates their works of virtue, even though these were predicated on human pride , and looks with pleasure upon their bold deeds and intellectual displays. Packages of doctrines, whole pedestals of understanding and range of thinking system which form the basis of people’s faith have been tailored to satisfy the cravings of fallen men.
The God of the bible has been left of his own House. His city lies in virtual ruins while the city wall are continually been compromised so that strangers may enter at will. This book written by Ayodeji Ezra-Williams brings to mind the words of Jesus Christ comparing the days of his coming to the days of Noah
Will we be Able to Fulfill the Great Commission in our Generation?Peter Hammond
This document discusses the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ to his followers to make disciples of all nations. It argues that the task seems impossible but that Jesus promised power and presence to fulfill it. It provides examples of pioneering missionaries from the 19th century who were willing to make great sacrifices and face opposition and danger out of their belief that God would ensure ultimate victory in completing the Great Commission. The document aims to inspire readers to have the same optimistic faith and commitment to fulfilling Christ's command to spread the gospel worldwide.
What is the true test of Godliness? How can one fellowship with the true church without being contaminated by the religious impositions of men of today?
The Prince of this world has long been striving and seems almost close to achieving that victory. it is the natural result of the error by the Church; a lowering of the standard of the Kingdom of God through the introduction of the gospel of convenience, a walk with God without transformation of life , a Christianity without the Cross. The church surrendering this basis of her power and legitimacy has made her to exist in a perfect and harmonious accord with the world.
The visible church has virtually created her own ‘GOD’ a religious deity who seems satisfied with his subjects excesses ,cares little about their sins, highly appreciates their works of virtue, even though these were predicated on human pride , and looks with pleasure upon their bold deeds and intellectual displays. Packages of doctrines, whole pedestals of understanding and range of thinking system which form the basis of people’s faith have been tailored to satisfy the cravings of fallen men.
The God of the bible has been left of his own House. His city lies in virtual ruins while the city wall are continually been compromised so that strangers may enter at will. This book written by Ayodeji Ezra-Williams brings to mind the words of Jesus Christ comparing the days of his coming to the days of Noah
What do the Bible says about the Kingdom of God? Is it something that we will see after we died? Is it something that we can experience while we are alive?
The chapter discusses shifts in the paradigm of mission theology, including understanding mission as the church-with-others, as missio Dei (God's mission), as mediating salvation, as the quest for justice, and as evangelism. Key points are that mission is the essence of the church, the local church is fundamental to mission, and the church must hold the tension between being called out of the world and sent into the world.
Introduction to Divine Principle & the need for returning Messiah.
Even with Jesus salvation from his Crucifixion-Resurrection,
no Christian has ever been born or given birth to children without Original Sin.
The great promise of the Returning Christ being fulfilled in our time,
with Korea as the 3rd Israel.
This document discusses the Kingdom of God and what it means to build the Kingdom through community service and social action. It explains that the Kingdom of God is God's active rule that leads to human salvation and restoration. Building the Kingdom differs from ordinary city-building in that it emphasizes human dignity, community responsibility, and empowering people rather than controlling them. The Kingdom imparts life and hope, whereas cities can end in death and despair. The document encourages readers to allow the church to become God's Kingdom presence in the world by caring for those in need.
A Biblical Mandate for Advocacy on corruption and povertyDion Forster
This presentation was presented at the African Biblical Leadership Forum (ABLI - see http://www.abliforum.org for details). I was invited to represent the campaign 'EXPOSED - Shining a light on corruption'. You can find out more about the campaign at http://www.exposed2013.com - you can find out more about my work at http://www.dionforster.com
This document provides an overview and summary of Matthew 9:35-10:8 and the calling of the twelve apostles. It discusses Jesus having compassion on crowds who were like sheep without a shepherd. He instructs his disciples to pray for more workers, then calls the twelve apostles and gives them authority over unclean spirits and to heal diseases. The document lists the twelve apostles and provides background on their qualifications and training. It explains the significance of there being twelve and their role as Jesus' representatives.
The document summarizes a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi titled "In His Service" which discusses Jesus sending the twelve disciples on a mission to the lost sheep of Israel from Matthew 9-10, giving them authority to heal and cast out demons, and instructing them to freely share the gospel message that the kingdom of heaven is at hand without payment. It also provides an overview of the plan of salvation from scripture.
The central theme of Jesus preaching, and one that links all of the scriptures. A video presentation may be found at https://vimeo.com/vivgrigg/kingdom.
This document discusses the role of the church and work. It argues that the church is not just a building or institution, but rather the collective body of believers called by God. The church often fails to engage the world because it does not see value in work outside the church. However, the Bible shows God using people from all walks of life, including those in STEM fields, to transform the world. As the body of Christ, believers are called to extend God's kingdom through their vocations wherever they are placed.
1. The document discusses the concept of Apostolic Succession, where the authority of the Catholic Church is passed down through an unbroken line of bishops from the original Apostles.
2. It describes the establishment of the Church hierarchy with Peter as the first Pope and his appointment by Jesus as the rock upon which the Church would be built.
3. The succession of popes continued despite persecution of early Church leaders, with each Pope appointing their successor, maintaining an unbroken line still followed today.
God created humans in God's image with a propensity for creativity. Humans were meant to work, mirroring the creative, redemptive, and sustaining roles of the Trinity. In the Garden of Eden, humans fulfilled the creative mandate by caring for creation and adding value as God's stewards.
The Early Catholic Tradition of Social JusticeJohn Gonzalez
This document presents quotes from early Catholic thinkers and saints spanning from the 1st century AD to the 16th century AD on the topics of justice, peace, and care for creation. The quotes discuss concepts like sharing possessions communally, balancing abundance and need, showing faith through works, greed destroying equality, justice for the poor and vulnerable, nonviolence, compassion for all creatures, becoming vessels of love, distributive justice, preventing harm to the poor, charity as a duty, interdependence, and embodying Christ's work in the world through our actions.
This document discusses finding balance between work and rest for STEM professionals from a theological perspective. It explores the meaning of the Sabbath and how it relates to work, leisure, busyness and calling. The Sabbath is meant as a time for play, peacemaking and prayer rather than cessation of activity. Discerning one's calling involves understanding their passions, skills and how they can contribute to God's kingdom. Both work and leisure are gifts from God when practiced appropriately.
This document provides an overview of Islam, including:
1. Islam means "submission" to God and originated as one of the Abrahamic faiths, sharing history with Judaism and Christianity. The Quran is considered the perfect revelation from God to humanity.
2. Islam split from other Abrahamic traditions due to Isaac and Ishmael, with Ishmael's descendants including the Prophet Muhammad and modern Muslims.
3. Muhammad was born in 570 CE in Mecca and received the first Quranic revelations at age 40, with the religion gaining converts after he migrated to Medina in 622 CE and conquered Mecca in 630 CE.
4. The five pillars of Islam
The presentation reveals the origin of the New Testament Church. What did it look like? When and how was it established? This presentation outlines the establishment and characteristics of the New Testament Church and Apostolic order.
This document discusses mission according to Bosch and in the Old and New Testaments. Some key points include:
- Bosch discusses the church's missionary existence as bringing the whole gospel to the whole world and participating in people's struggles.
- There is debate around whether there was a concept of mission to non-Israelites in the Old Testament. While God's election of Israel is clear, there are also references showing God's concern for other nations.
- The New Testament depicts Jesus establishing the foundation for mission through his teachings and the early church's reflection on the universal implications of his message. His resurrection convinced Christians of the dawn of salvation for all.
The document discusses a book that analyzes paradigm shifts in the theology of mission. It describes how the current crisis in Christian mission is the result of a fundamental paradigm shift due to changes in the modern world. The book examines mission foundations, motives and nature through different theological lenses across church history. It analyzes six historical paradigms and how each era understood faith differently than those before and after. The goal is to develop a new vision for missionary involvement in light of past lessons learned.
Ten Urban Missiological Principles from the Book of Acts A video is available at https://vimeo.com/vivgrigg/movements. This is part of the MA in Transformational Urban Leadership course Biblical Theology in an Urban Context, from www.wciu.edu/matul
01_Transforming_Story SL Short version PROFESSIONALS (Mar 8,18).pptAlexWesigye
The document discusses the biblical worldview and its importance. It outlines the key elements of the biblical story, including Creation, the Fall, God's redemption plan through figures like Abraham, the Gospels, the Great Commission to disciple nations, and the final consummation at Christ's return. It argues that the biblical worldview provides the only true foundation for human progress by combating problems like poverty, disease, and social issues.
12 gates of influence (nccf enugu state)Joseph Asoh
The document discusses the 12 Gates of Influence which identifies 12 sectors of society that believers are called to bring change to, including government, economy, business, law, health, education, entertainment, sports, media, religion, family, and scientific inventions & discoveries. It provides details on each gate and how Christians can influence these areas with biblical principles to establish God's kingdom on Earth in fulfillment of the Great Commission. The purpose is to train and equip believers to be change agents across all spheres of life and society.
The chapter discusses shifts in the paradigm of mission theology, including understanding mission as the church-with-others, as missio Dei (God's mission), as mediating salvation, as the quest for justice, and as evangelism. Key points are that mission is the essence of the church, the local church is fundamental to mission, and the church must hold the tension between being called out of the world and sent into the world.
Introduction to Divine Principle & the need for returning Messiah.
Even with Jesus salvation from his Crucifixion-Resurrection,
no Christian has ever been born or given birth to children without Original Sin.
The great promise of the Returning Christ being fulfilled in our time,
with Korea as the 3rd Israel.
This document discusses the Kingdom of God and what it means to build the Kingdom through community service and social action. It explains that the Kingdom of God is God's active rule that leads to human salvation and restoration. Building the Kingdom differs from ordinary city-building in that it emphasizes human dignity, community responsibility, and empowering people rather than controlling them. The Kingdom imparts life and hope, whereas cities can end in death and despair. The document encourages readers to allow the church to become God's Kingdom presence in the world by caring for those in need.
A Biblical Mandate for Advocacy on corruption and povertyDion Forster
This presentation was presented at the African Biblical Leadership Forum (ABLI - see http://www.abliforum.org for details). I was invited to represent the campaign 'EXPOSED - Shining a light on corruption'. You can find out more about the campaign at http://www.exposed2013.com - you can find out more about my work at http://www.dionforster.com
This document provides an overview and summary of Matthew 9:35-10:8 and the calling of the twelve apostles. It discusses Jesus having compassion on crowds who were like sheep without a shepherd. He instructs his disciples to pray for more workers, then calls the twelve apostles and gives them authority over unclean spirits and to heal diseases. The document lists the twelve apostles and provides background on their qualifications and training. It explains the significance of there being twelve and their role as Jesus' representatives.
The document summarizes a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi titled "In His Service" which discusses Jesus sending the twelve disciples on a mission to the lost sheep of Israel from Matthew 9-10, giving them authority to heal and cast out demons, and instructing them to freely share the gospel message that the kingdom of heaven is at hand without payment. It also provides an overview of the plan of salvation from scripture.
The central theme of Jesus preaching, and one that links all of the scriptures. A video presentation may be found at https://vimeo.com/vivgrigg/kingdom.
This document discusses the role of the church and work. It argues that the church is not just a building or institution, but rather the collective body of believers called by God. The church often fails to engage the world because it does not see value in work outside the church. However, the Bible shows God using people from all walks of life, including those in STEM fields, to transform the world. As the body of Christ, believers are called to extend God's kingdom through their vocations wherever they are placed.
1. The document discusses the concept of Apostolic Succession, where the authority of the Catholic Church is passed down through an unbroken line of bishops from the original Apostles.
2. It describes the establishment of the Church hierarchy with Peter as the first Pope and his appointment by Jesus as the rock upon which the Church would be built.
3. The succession of popes continued despite persecution of early Church leaders, with each Pope appointing their successor, maintaining an unbroken line still followed today.
God created humans in God's image with a propensity for creativity. Humans were meant to work, mirroring the creative, redemptive, and sustaining roles of the Trinity. In the Garden of Eden, humans fulfilled the creative mandate by caring for creation and adding value as God's stewards.
The Early Catholic Tradition of Social JusticeJohn Gonzalez
This document presents quotes from early Catholic thinkers and saints spanning from the 1st century AD to the 16th century AD on the topics of justice, peace, and care for creation. The quotes discuss concepts like sharing possessions communally, balancing abundance and need, showing faith through works, greed destroying equality, justice for the poor and vulnerable, nonviolence, compassion for all creatures, becoming vessels of love, distributive justice, preventing harm to the poor, charity as a duty, interdependence, and embodying Christ's work in the world through our actions.
This document discusses finding balance between work and rest for STEM professionals from a theological perspective. It explores the meaning of the Sabbath and how it relates to work, leisure, busyness and calling. The Sabbath is meant as a time for play, peacemaking and prayer rather than cessation of activity. Discerning one's calling involves understanding their passions, skills and how they can contribute to God's kingdom. Both work and leisure are gifts from God when practiced appropriately.
This document provides an overview of Islam, including:
1. Islam means "submission" to God and originated as one of the Abrahamic faiths, sharing history with Judaism and Christianity. The Quran is considered the perfect revelation from God to humanity.
2. Islam split from other Abrahamic traditions due to Isaac and Ishmael, with Ishmael's descendants including the Prophet Muhammad and modern Muslims.
3. Muhammad was born in 570 CE in Mecca and received the first Quranic revelations at age 40, with the religion gaining converts after he migrated to Medina in 622 CE and conquered Mecca in 630 CE.
4. The five pillars of Islam
The presentation reveals the origin of the New Testament Church. What did it look like? When and how was it established? This presentation outlines the establishment and characteristics of the New Testament Church and Apostolic order.
This document discusses mission according to Bosch and in the Old and New Testaments. Some key points include:
- Bosch discusses the church's missionary existence as bringing the whole gospel to the whole world and participating in people's struggles.
- There is debate around whether there was a concept of mission to non-Israelites in the Old Testament. While God's election of Israel is clear, there are also references showing God's concern for other nations.
- The New Testament depicts Jesus establishing the foundation for mission through his teachings and the early church's reflection on the universal implications of his message. His resurrection convinced Christians of the dawn of salvation for all.
The document discusses a book that analyzes paradigm shifts in the theology of mission. It describes how the current crisis in Christian mission is the result of a fundamental paradigm shift due to changes in the modern world. The book examines mission foundations, motives and nature through different theological lenses across church history. It analyzes six historical paradigms and how each era understood faith differently than those before and after. The goal is to develop a new vision for missionary involvement in light of past lessons learned.
Ten Urban Missiological Principles from the Book of Acts A video is available at https://vimeo.com/vivgrigg/movements. This is part of the MA in Transformational Urban Leadership course Biblical Theology in an Urban Context, from www.wciu.edu/matul
01_Transforming_Story SL Short version PROFESSIONALS (Mar 8,18).pptAlexWesigye
The document discusses the biblical worldview and its importance. It outlines the key elements of the biblical story, including Creation, the Fall, God's redemption plan through figures like Abraham, the Gospels, the Great Commission to disciple nations, and the final consummation at Christ's return. It argues that the biblical worldview provides the only true foundation for human progress by combating problems like poverty, disease, and social issues.
12 gates of influence (nccf enugu state)Joseph Asoh
The document discusses the 12 Gates of Influence which identifies 12 sectors of society that believers are called to bring change to, including government, economy, business, law, health, education, entertainment, sports, media, religion, family, and scientific inventions & discoveries. It provides details on each gate and how Christians can influence these areas with biblical principles to establish God's kingdom on Earth in fulfillment of the Great Commission. The purpose is to train and equip believers to be change agents across all spheres of life and society.
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 008: “The Kingdom of God II--Miracles and Message”BibleAlive
The document provides an overview of the key messages and themes from a class on the Kingdom of God based on Jesus' teachings. It discusses how Jesus' message was that the Kingdom of God is at hand, which was different than the violent end times expected by Jews. It explores Jesus' use of parables like the banquet to convey the Kingdom, and how his love was "stupid" and "incomprehensible" in forgiving and showing compassion towards all.
This document outlines the key principles of God's Kingdom and how it differs from building cities. It discusses how Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God and showed it through his works. The Kingdom cares for the poor, oppressed, and needs of others. It creates communities of reconciliation rather than fame or security. Kingdom building emphasizes human dignity and sharing over accumulation. The Kingdom imparts life while cities end in death. The document challenges the church to allow itself to become God's Kingdom presence in the world through hearing and obeying God. It poses questions for discussion about resonating with and adjusting the program.
5 Paradigms And Kingdom Business For Alict August 2009Dion Forster
As society changes it is necessary to change the way in which we do ministry. The Church dominated model, where ministry is done almost exclusively in and through congregations, needs to be strengthened and further developed by empowering Christians to do ministry in their places of work and study! We spend most of our waking hours at work, or at school, or in our community and home. Furthermore, if we are honest, the majority of Churches do not equip and facilitate ministry beyond the interests of their congregational needs.
This presentation was prepared for a group of international students on the African Leadership in Community Transformation school in Cape Town. I prepared it based on my experience as a minister in the marketplace. I serve as a chaplain to a large construction company (the Power Group http://www.powergrp.co.za). I hold a doctorate in theology and science and am an ordained minister in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa - so, this presentation draws together:
- Theology
- Biblical and scriptural injunctions on ministry
- An understanding of economics and justice
- Neuroscience (showing how and why we do certain things)
- Research on the Church and the Christian faith
You can find out more about me and my work at http://www.spirituality.org.za - please see the blog at http://www.spirituality.org.za/blogger.html
This document provides an overview of the key concepts of God's kingdom and the two invisible kingdoms that are in operation - the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Satan. It defines the Kingdom of God as Christ's spiritual domain and explains that mankind can choose which kingdom they will belong to. The document also outlines the seven major world systems - media, education, business, government, family, arts & entertainment, and religion - that shape culture according to the priorities and agenda of the nations on Earth. Christians are called to influence these systems as citizens of God's kingdom.
The document discusses two approaches to communicating the Bible - the topical approach and the universal story approach. It also discusses the Bible's role in providing the message, model, motivation, and mandate for Christian missions. The Church is called to continue Jesus' mission of discipling all nations and has the power and resources to complete the Great Commission through strategic planning, unity, and maintaining a spirit of faith.
God wants His church to grow in order to save more people. This is seen through God's nature as a seeking God in scripture, and Jesus' mission to preach to the poor, prisoners, blind, and oppressed. While God causes growth sovereignly, He also wants the church to actively seek and harvest lost people. The kingdom of God is broader than the church, which exists within and for the kingdom. The church represents the kingdom to the world by proclaiming the gospel and demonstrating God's reign through mercy and reconciliation. As the church obeys God, the kingdom of God advances in the world.
This document contains an outline and instructions for a topic 7 assignment on living with a Christian worldview in a multicultural context. It discusses choosing a specific non-Western society or culture to focus on, and addressing three parts in an essay: 1) the biblical and theological basis for cross-cultural ministry, 2) describing the worldviews and cultural dimensions of the chosen society, and 3) implications, challenges, and strategies for presenting the gospel in that cultural context. It provides example majority world communities and gives details on what to include in each part, such as biblical passages, cultural differences, and proposed ministry approaches.
The document discusses how the world is fallen and in need of healing. It argues that God has empowered believers to bring healing to the world by sharing the good news of the gospel. The good news is the message that through faith in Jesus, people can be rescued from sin and restored in their relationship with God. Believers are to spread this message to others everywhere, just as Jesus and the early disciples did, as this is how God works to bring healing to the world.
SGRM is a ministry organization based in Ghana with the goal of helping the needy, poor, and elderly around the world. It operates several departments including a healing fellowship, deliverance ministry, prayer bible school, and orphanage. The mission is to preach the gospel globally through various outreach programs and share practical aid. The founder emphasizes serving people in need rather than profiting from religion.
Looking at the Big Picture Handout (letter sized)William Anderson
An updated version of the introduction to our "Growing Deep in the Gospel" series. These are the notes that we handed out after the teaching. This handout is American sized.
At the 2016 CCIH Annual Conference, Dr. Dan O'Neill examines the theology behind sustainability, the Christian call to development, and how that relates to the Global Goals.
An updated version of the introduction to our "Growing Deep in the Gospel" series. These are the notes that we handed out after the teaching. This handout is European sized.
1. Scholars propose different models to understand where and when the Kingdom of God is present: the Christendom model sees it as equivalent to the visible church; amillennialism sees it presently in hearts with final restoration later; postmillennialism posits the church's triumph will usher in a golden age before Christ returns; premillennialism argues the world will get worse before Christ returns to literally reign.
2. Each model has strengths but also problems - none fully accounts for all biblical texts about the kingdom. Overall, there are different understandings as to how and when God is restoring the world through Christ's kingdom.
In "Looking at the Big Picture" we look at what life is all about according to the Bible by looking at Jesus, the gospel, the church and the mission of the church. This teaching is the introduction to the gospel series "Growing Deep in the Gospel".
The document discusses strategic approaches to spreading the Kingdom of God globally. It emphasizes that the Kingdom comes through transforming individual hearts and communities. It encourages focusing evangelism efforts on the billions who have never heard the gospel, using "triage lenses" to prioritize places, peoples, issues, seasons, and partners based on need and opportunity. The goal is making disciples through movements in all areas of society by mobilizing local churches and partners globally.
This document discusses making disciples for the 21st century. It defines a disciple as someone who forsakes all to follow Jesus, is willing to learn, commits to identifying with Christ's death through sacrifice, and responds in faith and obedience to Jesus' call. Effective discipleship involves lifelong learning and allowing Christ to transform us. Small groups are emphasized as the primary means of nurturing disciples through worship, community, nurture, support, outreach and mission. Empowered disciples rely on the Holy Spirit and use personal evangelism to witness and make more disciples.
The document provides an overview of the gospel and its implications. It discusses how the gospel is often presented with an emphasis on individual salvation but that this can facilitate a "salvation culture" rather than a "gospel culture" of faithful discipleship. It then examines how the gospel is defined in the Bible by looking at examples from Acts, focusing on Jesus' death and resurrection. The implications of the gospel discussed include seeking justice, freedom, healing and community. Exploring how the gospel is incompatible with racism and nationalism. It closes with prayers focusing on being agents of healing and loving God and others.
God reveals himself to humanity in four main ways:
1. Through creation, as the natural world declares God's glory and divinity.
2. In Scripture and salvation history, as God entered into relationship with the Israelites and revealed himself through deeds and prophets.
3. In the Church, where God continues to reveal himself through preaching, worship, and the sacraments by the power of the Holy Spirit.
4. In other religions, as non-Christians who seek God according to their conscience may receive revelation and attain salvation.
Similaire à Perspectives 12 MikeBell 2022b.ppt (20)
Assessment and Planning in Educational technology.pptxKavitha Krishnan
In an education system, it is understood that assessment is only for the students, but on the other hand, the Assessment of teachers is also an important aspect of the education system that ensures teachers are providing high-quality instruction to students. The assessment process can be used to provide feedback and support for professional development, to inform decisions about teacher retention or promotion, or to evaluate teacher effectiveness for accountability purposes.
A workshop hosted by the South African Journal of Science aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers with little or no experience in writing and publishing journal articles.
How to Manage Your Lost Opportunities in Odoo 17 CRMCeline George
Odoo 17 CRM allows us to track why we lose sales opportunities with "Lost Reasons." This helps analyze our sales process and identify areas for improvement. Here's how to configure lost reasons in Odoo 17 CRM
The simplified electron and muon model, Oscillating Spacetime: The Foundation...RitikBhardwaj56
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3. Terms
RELIEF -- urgent provision of resources to reduce suffering resulting
from a natural or man-made disaster.
REHABILITATION -- restoring a community to pre-disaster
conditions and rectifying the conditions which brought about the
disaster.
DEVELOPMENT-- a process enabling a community to provide for its
own needs, beyond former levels, with dignity and justice. It involves
improved capacity & indigenous engagement.
9. Secular development --
is designed to improve living conditions &
encouraging a higher quality of life…it believes
people can improve their circumstances through
outside help and human effort. The question:
what are the physical needs?
Biblical development--is God-centered; seeking to honor
God, relying on Him as the principal participant in the
process of man’s healing. The question: what are the
spiritual & physical needs, and how does the Gospel & a
Biblical worldview inform the solution? End game: God is
glorified.
Secular & Biblical Development
10. The Range of Physical Necessities
The Wheel of Development
Sanitation
Spirituality
Health
Shelter
& Clothing
Communication
Education
Economics &
Infrastructure
Transportation
Income production
Climate &
Weather
Water & Food
Environment & Energy
11. Model of Participation
Type of Involvement of Local
People
Relationship of
Outsiders to Local
People
Coercion Locals submit to predetermined plans developed
by outsiders
Doing To
Compliance Locals assigned to tasks, often with incentives,
by outsiders who decide and direct the process.
Doing For
Consultation Locals opinions are asked, outsiders analyze
and decide on a course of action
Doing For
Cooperation Locals work with outsiders to determine
priorities; responsibility remains with the
outsiders to direct the process.
Doing With
Co-learning Locals and outsiders share their knowledge to
create appropriate goals and plans, execute those
plans and evaluate the results.
Doing With
Community Initiated Locals set their own agenda and mobilize to carry
it out without any outside initiators and facilitators.
Responding To
14. Isaiah 58:10…if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in
the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
God’s expressed heart for the marginalized
Matthew 5:15-17
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead
they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may
see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
15. An act of worship
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will
reward them for what they have done.
Matthew 25:45
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the
least of these, you did not do for me.’
17. Galatians 3:8-9
8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the
Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel
in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be
blessed through you.”
What is the Gospel?
Because of the Gospel Of The Kingdom
18. 1 Corinthains 15:3-4 ”…Christ died for our sins according
to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was
raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…”
The broader context…
24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the
kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all
dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he
has put all his enemies under his feet. 26
19. “This inscription is from around 9 BC….
It says that “Providence … [sent
Augustus] as a savior [σωτῆρα]” and
claims “the birthday of the god
Augustus was the beginning of the
good news [εὐαγγελίων, euangelion,
gospel] for the world that came by
reason of him.” This “good news”
propagated various messages, such as
the royal victory, ascension, or birth of a
king. For Paul, the true gospel certainly
proclaimed the reign of a king, namely
Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 17:3–7). The
gospel is a royal declaration.”
Jackson Wu, lecture at Singapore
Bible Seminary
20. The kingdom of God: the central message of the
New Testament;
• The phrase “Kingdom of God/Heaven” is spoken by
Jesus over 90 times in the four Gospels.
• The Kingdom is the center of John the Baptist's
proclamation about Jesus (Mark 1:15, Matt. 3:2)
• When Jesus sent out his disciples, he sent them to
“preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick.” (Mt.
10:7-8; Luke 9:2)
21. • The first thing Jesus spoke about was the Kingdom (Mark 1:14-
15; Matt 4:17)
• The last thing Jesus spoke about to His disciples was the Kingdom
(Acts 1:1-3)
• Jesus said the purpose he was sent to earth for was to preach the
Kingdom (Luke 4:42-44)
• Most of the parables Jesus taught were about the Kingdom or living
in it (Matt. 13:19, 24, 31, 33)
• Jesus said the gospel of the Kingdom must be preached
everywhere before he returns (Matt. 24:14)
• Acts begins and ends with the Kingdom (Acts 1:3, 28:30-31)
22. Every kingdom has;
• A king
• Subjects
• Rule (a “constitution” or laws)
• A realm
Colossians 1:19-20 For God was pleased to have all
his fullness dwell in him, and through him to
reconcile to himself all things, whether things on
earth or things in heaven, by making peace through
His blood, shed on the cross.
23. “There is not a square inch in
the whole domain of our
human existence over which
Christ, who is Sovereign over
all, does not cry, Mine!”
― Abraham Kuyper
24. Addressing a broken world (development) is a
Kingdom activity
Matthew 6:10
“Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is
in heaven”
The Kingdom Of God is Any realm where God’s will
is Done.
So what is His will?
25. Matthew 28:18-19
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore
go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.“
26.
27. Wholistic Jesus:
Matthew 4:23
23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every
disease and sickness among the people.
Jesus taught truth (metaphysical), how to live (physical) and
about the afterlife (metaphysical). He delivered the possessed
(physical/metaphysical), healed, fed, increased the capacity of
a fishing business & stood up against corruption (physical).
28. God’s will: Disciples who replicate and reflect
His glory wholistically through;
• Truth (reality/redemption)
• Justice (obeying truth)
• Compassion (widows-orphans-aliens –the
impoverished)
• Beauty (image bearers reflecting the
creator in creating)
29. Kingdom Culture and the Great Commission
TRUTH
BEAUTY
on earth
as it is
in heaven
DEMOGRAPHIC
GEOGRAPHIC
Thy kingdom come, Thy
will be done
Kingdom
Culture
Progress (Isaiah 9:7): “of the increase of his
government… there will be no end”
Time (Matt. 28:20b)
“until the end of the age”
30. The Gospel is the good news that the Kingdom of God has
come and King Jesus is reigning over the cosmos. Jesus
paid the penalty for sin on the cross, conquering death
through his resurrection and reconciling all of creation to
himself. He offers eternal life to all who believe, repent and
give allegiance Him. His redeemed followers, in relational
obedience to all Jesus commanded, “salt” society in the
power of the Holy Spirit, bringing truth, justice and beauty into
every sphere of existence. The result of more people
following Jesus is more human flourishing, spiritually and
physically until His return, to the glory of God.
31. GOD
Coram Deo: before the
face of God
Faith
Science
Business
Missions
Justice
Devotional
Life
Art
Bread
Reason
Theology
Ethics
Politics
Evangelism
Nature
Community
Service
Gospel
A Biblical worldview of God and man leads to
wholistic living & flourishing (aka development);
32. William Carey, a Wholistic Gospel
Missionary, linguist,
humanitarian, moral reformer,
and educator.
Helped to outlaw infanticide in
1802
Established schools for
females
Helped to end sati, widow
burning in 1829
33. William Wilberforce; a Wholistic Gospel
Championed causes and
campaigns such as the Society for
the Suppression of Vice, British
missionary work in India, the
creation of a free colony in Sierra
Leone, the foundation of
the Church Mission Society,
the Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals, and abolition of
the slave trade in the United
Kingdom.
Does this diversity reflect an
evangelical posture today?
35. The false distinction;
*Faith
*Grace
*Missions
*Ethics
* Theology
* Evangelism
* Discipleship
* Devotions
Secular
GOD
Physical
* Works
* Reason
* Business
* Politics
* Science
* Economics
* Mass Media
* The Arts
‘Physical’ Ministries
Social Justice
Weekdays
Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual Warfare
Sundays
Spiritual
36. Good News for the Whole Person
"You can give
without loving.
But you cannot
love without
giving."
- Amy Carmichael
“One cannot save
and then pitchfork
souls into heaven…
Souls are more or
less securely
fastened to their
bodies…and as you
cannot get the souls
out and deal with
them separately, you
have to take them
both together."
37. “An individual gospel without a social gospel is a soul without a
body and a social gospel without an individual gospel is a body
without a soul. One is a ghost and the other is a corpse.” E.
Stanley Jones, The Unshakeable Kingdom And The
Unchanging Person, page 49
38. Three approaches to social action:
1) Social Action is a consequence of evangelism.
2) Social Action can be a bridge to evangelism.
3) Social Action accompanies evangelism as its
partner.
“The symbiotic ministry implies that both evangelism and social
action, though separate in function, are inseparable in relation, and
essential to the whole ministry of the Church.” Dr. Ted Yamamori,
FHI
39. “One of the most difficult things for some people to understand is why it is
impossible, not just unwise, to think of words and deeds as being separable.
The Bible as God’s Word would be little more than dreamy philosophy if it did
not refer almost constantly to the deeds of God, the deeds of key human
followers, and the deeds of His Son. In the same way, our missionary outreach
must be filled with meaningful deeds or our words run thin and we do not
effectively reveal the character of God. The World Evangelical Alliance speaks
discerningly of Integral Mission or holistic transformation [as] the proclamation
and demonstration of the gospel. It is not
simply that evangelism and social action are to be done
alongside each other. They are not two different things.
Note that “holistic” here does not merely mean the whole
man but the whole of society, the whole of this world.”
Ralph Winter, The Rise, Reduction and Recovery Of
Kingdom Mission 1800-2000, pages 12-13.
40. Is Africa “reached”?
633 Million Christians?
• Zambia 95.5%
• Rwanda 93.6%
• Uganda 88%
• Kenya 85.1%
• Malawi 79.9%
• Ghana 71.2%
• Nigeria 58%
Protestant % only
• Liberia 85.5%
• Namibia 76.3%
• Namibia 68%
• Botswana 66%
• Ethiopia 63.4%
• Swaziland 57.7%
41. Sub Sahara Africa • 388 million living on $1 a
day or less
• 239 million
undernourished
• GDP per capita (current
US$) 1,286
• Life expectancy at birth,
53.8
• Infant mortality rate, (per
1,000 live births) 76.4
• 22.9 million infected with
HIV, 5% of the population
ages 15-49
42. “I spent many hours asking God how this
could be. How could we, as Christians and
especially missionaries, be patting ourselves
on our backs for a job well done in Southern
and Central Africa? How could we speak so
glowingly of the Gospel's great reformation of
Europe and North America and not see that
none of that nation-changing reality is being
experienced in Africa? How could anyone
conceive of this utterly devastated Africa…as
finished?” Landa Cope, The Old Testament
Template
43. If we reduce the Gospel solely to naming the name of
Christ, persons are saved but the social order is
ignored. This is crippled Christianity with a crippled
result.” (Jones 1972). If we act as if individuals are
saved now and the Kingdom is only in heaven when
Jesus comes, then we in effect leave the social order
to the devil. “vast areas of human life are left out,
unredeemed-the economic, the social and political”
(ibid). Into this vacuum other ideologies and
kingdoms move with their seductive and deceptive
claims of a new humanity and a better
tomorrow…shakeable kingdoms all.” – Bryant
Myers, Walking With The Poor
46. Human beings are endowed with infinite dignity and
entrusted with the power to exercise stewardship over the
created world…Poverty is the most extraordinary waste of
human potential…the present disparity that exists between
developing and developed countries…is something to which
we as Christians can never be resigned. We cannot pray the
Lord’s Prayer, “thy Kingdom come” and then sit back and do
nothing about the plight of the poor.” Lord Brian Griffiths of
Fforestfach, For the Least Of These, page 180
48. Physical poverty
• Middle and upper class North
Americans tend to emphasize food,
money, clean water, medicine, housing,
jobs, etc.
• Under-resourced people typically talk in
terms of shame, inferiority,
powerlessness, humiliation, fear,
hopelessness, depression, social
isolation and voicelessness.
49. 7 Steps to Physical Poverty
What it feels like to be poor in the developing world…
Take away ELECTRICITY
Take away CLEAN WATER
Take away two of your daily MEALS
Take away your HEALTH CARE
Take away most of your CLOTHES
Replace your HOUSE with a small shack
Take away your HOPE
51. Key thought:
If we don’t understand what truly causes
poverty, we will focus on symptoms, rather than
the sickness.
52. • War (civil & national)
• Corruption
• Resource curse (dependence on exporting, often a
single resource)
• Isolation, making domestic and international trade
difficult
• Current or a legacy of colonial and other exploitative
economic relationships
• Disease and natural disasters
• Poor national and personal decision making
Typical explanations for physical poverty:
56. John 8:44
44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to
carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer
from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is
no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native
language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Where do lies originate?
57. Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the
heavenly realms.
Demonically driven...
58. 2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets
itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take
captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and
deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition
and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather
than on Christ.
59. The opposite of poverty is flourishing or
“shalom”
We call it peace, but it means far more than mere
peace of mind or a cease-fire between enemies...
shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness,
and delight — a rich state of affairs in which
natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts
fruitfully employed… Cornelius Plantinga, Not The
Way It’s Supposed To Be
• Metaphysical
• Physical
61. John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
John 8:31-32 …“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my
disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set
you free.”
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...
62. • Human capacity (imago dei)
• Reality (benevolent creator/open system)
• Resources (metaphysical to physical)
• The future (progress/potential)
• Happiness
(community/giving/sacrifice/abundance w/o
attachment)
Truth about;
66. “The ideas of economists and political philosophers, both
when they are right and when they are wrong, are more
powerful than is commonly understood. Indeed the world is
ruled by little else….I am sure that the power of vested
interests is vastly exaggerated compared with the gradual
encroachment of ideas.”
—John Maynard Keynes, The General Theory Employment,
Interest and Money, p. 383 (1935)
67. Ideas spread through culture
The Intellectuals
(religion, philosophy)
The Balladeers
(popular music, the arts)
The Professionals
(law, politics, economics)
The masses
68. The Spread of Ideas
Ideas travel around the globe,
from one area to another.
Ideas pass to future
generations.
Ideas diffuse into cultures
through classes of people.
Vertically
Temporally
Horizontally
69. Worldview Impact on Popular Culture
Development
Economics
Environment
Law
Education
FamilyLife
The Arts
Politics
Worldview
Lifestyles
Institutions
Lifestyles
Institutions
70. The strategy; “Inside Out”
Regeneration &
Mindset
Renewal
Family
Church
Sectors & spheres of influence with
Kingdom culture;
Community: Society & Culture
Arts
Media
Commerce
Law
Governance
Mt. 13:31-33,
Parable of the Mustard
Seed & Yeast Science
Education
• Truth
• Justice
• Beauty
• Compassion
• Generosity
• Creativity
• Innovation
• Discovery
71. Conversion and baptism according to the Great Commission do not
mark the conclusion, but the beginning of personal renewal, as well
as the renewal of the family, church, economics, state, and society.
Every individual should become a pupil (disciple) of Jesus Christ. In
the command to teach “them to obey everything I have commanded
you,” the Great Commission includes the exhortation to teach the
whole range of biblical ethics. In transforming the individual, his or
her everyday life, and his or her environment, mission overcomes
sinful structures and visible injustice. Thomas Schirrmacher
Perspectives Issue: 07-2009, The Great Commission – An
Exploration of the Old and New Testament
72. “There can be no economic progress in a country where
there is no social peace. True social peace is grounded
on justice. Justice in turn is a function of righteousness.
And righteousness is possible only when the moral
absolutes of God are affirmed and people are Spirit-
empowered to act rightly.”-- Rev. Dr. Agustin Vencer, Jr.
Former International Director, World Evangelical Alliance
73. Matthew 28:19
“…teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you.“
• Vishal Mangalwadi, “Truth and Transformation”
• Truth Centered Transformation www.tctprogram.com
Acting on truth leads to flourishing…
74. The Challenges of CCD
• Western assumptions
• Corruption
• The sins of poverty
• The Risk Of Dependency
• Finding Solid Field Partners
• Natural/Man Made Disasters
75.
76. Engagement:
• Wholistic Discipleship & ABCD
www.coramdeo.com www.tctprogram.org
• Pastoral/Leadership/Business Training
• BAM: Micro/Medium/Large enterprise
• Surrogate Funded Development Projects
• Relational Ministry
• Church Planting*
77. “Church planting cannot be the final
objective of mission, only the beginning. A
church full of life and love, working for the
good of the community in which God has
placed it, is the proper end of mission.
Transformational development that does not
work towards such a church is neither
sustainable nor Christian.” Bryant Meyers,
Walking With The Poor: Principles and
Practices Of Transformational
Development
78. In China alone, since 1978 over 600 million
have been lifted out of extreme poverty.
Global poverty rates have been halved since
1990 and are on pace to be halved again.
The only way this has been possible is by
embracing the biblical principles of private
property, the rule of law, ingenuity, productive
work, and well-functioning global markets
that encourage and reward our God-given
creativity and talents. Anne Bradley, For
The Least of These page xxv.
79. “Every art has it’s rules to which
the work of the person practicing it
corresponds. Since living is the
noblest work of all, there cannot be
any more proper study than the art
of living…Since the highest kind of
life for a human being is that which
approached most closely the living
and life-giving God, the nature of
theological life is living to
God…Men live to God when they
live in accord with the will of God,
to the glory of God, and with God
working in them.” William Ames,
The Marrow Of Theology 1623
81. Traditional American society…possessed a quartet of characteristics,
intimately bound together…These were: a conviction that the purpose
of life, however vaguely conceived, was to establish the Kingdom of
Heaven on earth; an aptitude for the exercise of mechanical skills; a
moral outlook that subordinated the interests of the individual to the
group; and an ability to assemble, galvanize and marshal financial,
material and human resources to a single purpose and on a massive,
or lesser scale. All of these elements were intimately associated with
the colony’s Puritan origins. Kenneth and William Hopper, The
Puritan Gift, page 3
82. Devoting eight months of weekly lectures in 1705 to economic
vocation, (Pastor) Willard asserted the importance of choosing
a profitable trade and conducting it prudently. Merchants in
particular ought to acquire the requisite training, intelligence
and “Skill” to pursue wealth beyond a merely competent living.
“It is not enough to get an Estate, but there is Duty to endeavor
that it may prosper,” he wrote, because “Riches are consistent
with Godliness, and the more a Man hath the more Advantage
he hath to do Good with it.” Public service transposed
economic ambition into a means of holiness. Cotton Mather’s
most thorough statement on secular vocation, his 1701 A
Christian And His Calling, correlated moral obligation,
providential order, spiritual felicity, commercial knowledge, and
market profits.
Mark Valeri, Heavenly Merchandize p. 160
83. Effects of worldviews on economic
philosophy
Open System Closed System
“Oikonomia”
(Stewardship of a
free market &
resources)
Idealistic
Socialism
(Material Mechanical
Universe)
Classic
Communism
(Institutionalized
Control/planned
economy)
Predatory
Capitalism
(Consumerism)
Amoral
Moral
Universe
84. Why are so many well intentioned Christians
drawn to dead end strategies? Perhaps it is
because the right path seems
counterintuitive. To untutored intuition, it
seems obvious that if there are some rich
people and some poor people, we can cure
poverty by taking some of the wealth of the
rich and giving it to the poor. It just doesn’t
happen to be true.
Jay Richards, For The Lease Of These,
page 344
85. Christianity created Western civilization. Had the followers
of Jesus remained an obscure Jewish sect, most of you
would not have learned to read and the rest of you would
be reading from hand held scrolls. Without a theology
committed to reason, progress, and moral equality, today
the entire world would be about where non-European
societies were in, say, 1800: A world with many astrologers
and alchemists but no scientists. A world of despots,
lacking universities, banks, factories, eyeglasses, chimneys, and pianos. A world
where most infants do not live to the age of five and many women die in
childbirth-a world truly living in "dark ages." The modern world only arose in
Christian societies…Not in “secular” society – there having been none. And all
the modernization that has since occurred outside Christendom was imported
from the west, often brought by colonizers and missionaries. Rodney Stark,
The Victory Of Reason, page 233
86. Jay Richards, Ten Tough Steps Out Of Poverty:
• Teach a purposeful universe/reality
• Right cultural mores
• Understanding wealth & poverty
• Rule of law
• Strong mediating institutions
• Limited Government
• Formal property rights
• Economic freedom
• Focus on comparative advantage
• Work hard
87. It is only a slight simplification to sum up in a single
phrase the pathway to widespread wealth creation:
economic freedom. I do not mean freedom in the
sense of getting to do whatever you want to do, but
in the sense of “ordered liberty” – the conditions
under which we can pursue our proper, God-given
ends, and can engage in win-win exchanges with
our fellow human beings. We now know that these
conditions correlate with a reduction in
poverty….We now have decades of research
demonstrating this. Jay Richards, For The Lease
Of These, page 351
88. What these latest findings demonstrate is the church's
relative ineffectiveness and impotency at helping the
poor…It is not Christian activism that has created history's
greatest poverty reduction initiatives in India and China.
And it is not micro but rather macroeconomics that really
makes a difference…some activists tout these poverty
reduction numbers, saying, "See, we can make a
difference!" Then they encourage us to get involved in our
own small way, because if we do, "We can defeat poverty
in this generation" or, "The church can end extreme
poverty.“ But of course, it is a stretch to suggest we can
end any sort of poverty. Mark Galli, The Best Ways to
Fight Poverty—Really, Christianity Today, February
2012
89. “Areas where Protestant missionaries had a
significant presence in the past are on
average more economically developed today,
with comparatively better health, lower infant
mortality, lower corruption, greater literacy,
higher educational attainment (especially for
women), and more robust membership in
nongovernmental associations. In short:
Want a blossoming democracy today? The
solution is simple—if you have a time
machine: Send a 19th-century missionary.”
90. Woodberry would temper our triumphalism, to be sure, reminding us that all
these positive outcomes were somewhat unintended, a sign of God's
greater purposes being worked out through the lives of devoted but
imperfect people. As Dana Robert notes, "Bob's research shows that the
total is more than the sum of its parts. Christians collectively make a
difference in society.“ Looking back now, more than a century later, we see
just how long that transformative difference can endure. The Surprising
Discovery About Those Colonialist, Proselytizing Missionaries,
Christianity Today, Jan-Feb 2014