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

Conclusion

» One of the most intriguing and powerful images of mission in Scripture is the proclamation of God’s kingdom rule in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. » Through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, God has defeated the powers of the devil and rescinded the effects of the curse. Now, in the very life of the Church, the rule of God is present and alive on planet earth. » The Kingdom is not yet fully consummated, however, and will not be until Christ comes again. The following questions were designed to help you review the material in the second video segment. In our last section we briefly reviewed what may arguably be considered one of the most integrating and dynamic motifs of mission in the entire Bible: the Mission as the War of the Spheres motif which is anchored in the reassertion of the rule of God in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. This motif traces the notion of divine warrior through the Bible, a theme which finds its zenith in the person of Jesus, the Messiah of God. Through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, God has defeated the powers of the devil and rescinded the effects of the curse. Now, in the very life of the Church, the rule of God is present and alive on planet earth. This motif carries special significance for urban communities, which especially are attuned to this kind of ongoing spiritual warfare. Be thorough and complete in your answers to the questions below, and make certain you understand the basic concepts related to this important motif. 1. Why can it be said that the motif of Mission as the War of the Spheres may be the most integrating and dynamic image of mission as well as spirituality in the entire Scriptures? How does this motif relate to the idea of the establishment and proclamation of God’s kingdom rule in the person of Jesus of Nazareth? Explain. 2. Provide a concise overview of God as the divine warrior motif in Scripture. What does this motif assert about the “mystery of iniquity?” What occurred as a result of the resistance to God’s reign in the heavenlies, and what was its result for creation?

Segue 2

Student Questions and Response

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3. Why is the protoevangelium so important for understanding God’s role and identity as a warrior (cf. Genesis 3.15)? How did the mystery of iniquity, the