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

Our objective for this segment, Defining and Discerning a Biblical Understanding of the City , is to enable you to see that: • The concept of the city is central within the Old and New Testaments, and provides us with a simple overview of their ancient characteristics. Cities in the ancient world were different than villages in that they were a collection of houses and buildings surrounded by walls, were significant and impressive for their time, and some were dependent for protection and supply upon others. A common reality in the ancient world, cities of old were relatively small, typically unpaved, strengthened by thick walls and high towers, and seats of government and power. • In terms of their spiritual meaning as outlined in Scripture, cities were associated with human rebellion and idolatry (e.g., Enoch, the city of Cain), with independence and arrogance (as in the case of the Tower of Babel), and with evil and godlessness (as with Babylon). Cities were judged by God for their sinfulness (e.g., Sodom and Gomorrah, Jericho, Nineveh), and denounced for their false sense of security and power (specifically, Jerusalem). • Although associated with the rebellion of humankind, the Scriptures teach that God adopted the city as symbol of his dwelling place and blessing. In spite of the fact that David won the city in battle, God selected Jerusalem for himself, and determined to make her a praise in the earth. Divine irony is present here; God transforms the secular image of self-dependence and rebellion into an image of refuge (i.e., the cities of Refuge), as well as the image of reconciliation , a place which can know and experience his forgiveness and blessing (i.e., Jonah and the experience of Nineveh). • Because of the mercy and grace of Almighty God in Christ, hope exists for any city which repents in the face of his judgment, yields in the face of his demands, and seeks his mercy in the face of his punishment.

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