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

• Complete the phases of God’s unfolding purpose with the Fullness of Time (which includes the incarnation, the Kingdom revealed in Jesus, the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ), the Last Times (including the descent of the Holy Spirit, the formation of the Church, the inclusion of the Gentiles, and age of world mission), the Fulfillment of Time (which includes the end of world evangelization, the apostasy of the Church, the Great Tribulation, the Parousia , the reign of Christ on earth, the Great White Throne, the Lake of Fire, and turning the Kingdom over to God the Father), and finally Beyond Time (which includes the new heavens and new earth, the descent of the New Jerusalem, the times of refreshing, and the ushering in of the Age to Come). • Summarize the implications of Mission as the Drama of All Time : how God’s sovereign purpose underwrites all human history, God as the central character in the unfolding phases of the divine drama, mission as the recovery of that which was lost at the beginning of time , and the making of disciples among all nations as our part in fulfilling our role in the script of Almighty God . • Give an overview of the major elements of Mission as the Fulfillment of the Divine Promise beginning with a definition of covenant as a contract between two parties, whether individuals, tribes, or nations, with both having obligations to fulfill, and benefits and advantages as a result of the fulfillment of those conditions. • Outline key characteristics of covenant making in Scripture including how they were invoked by a witness, were sober (i.e., breaking them was seen as a great moral evil), were given witness by giving gifts, eating meals, and setting up stones of remembrance, confirmed with an oath and with sacrifice. • Provide several examples of covenants in the Bible, including marriage, the covenant with Noah, the covenant of Sinai with the children of Israel, all of which speak to the solemn contract between individuals, or God and individuals.

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