Foundations for Christian Mission, Mentor's Guide, MG04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

B. The Church as Sign and Foretaste of the Kingdom, Eph. 5.25-32

1. Commissioned as his witnesses to the ends of the earth, Acts 1.8

2. Ambassadors of Christ and his Kingdom, 2 Cor. 5.18-21

3. Showcase of God’s eschatological glory, 1 Pet. 2.9-10

4. Deputies of Christ’s authority, Matt. 28.18-20; 16.18-19

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C. God’s intent in this present age: to empower and authorize his Church to do battle against his foes, bearing witness to God’s rule today

1. Jesus’ authority now in heaven and earth is absolute: he has been raised to the position of Lord of all by the Father, cf. Matt. 28.18 with Phil. 2.9-11.

2. The strong man must be bound: Jesus’ authority over Satan must be enforced (even though he is defeated), 1 Pet. 5.8 with James 4.7.

3. The Church is the deputy and agent of the Kingdom of God: she has been granted the right and authority to represent Christ’s authority in the earth, to do violence against all powers and entities which defy God’s knowledge and authority, 2 Cor. 10.3-5.