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

» The concept of the ancient city is born from its connection to self-reliance, arrogance, and rebellion against God. In case after case from Nineveh to Jerusalem, God has judged the city because of its wickedness and transgression. » Through his gracious and sovereign election of the city, God has adopted the concept of the city associating it with his own presence, transforming the city into a place of refuge, repentance, and restoration. Please take as much time as you have available to answer these and other questions that the video brought out. In this section we saw the origins and development of the concept of the city. Born in the rebellion and arrogance of Cain, the ancient city was conceived spiritually in deep connection to self-reliance, arrogance, and rebellion against God. In numerous cases, God judged the city because of its idolatry, injustice, and wickedness. Yet, through God’s mercy and love, God sovereignly elected the city as his own concept, transforming it into his own dwelling place, and refashioning it as a place of refuge, repentance, and restoration. As an urban Christian leader, you ought to understand these concepts well, and, where appropriate, support your answers with Scripture. 1. Give an overview of the some of the general characteristics of the ancient city. From a biblical point of view, where did the concept originate? How were ancient cities distinguished from villages? 2. Why is the association of the creation of cities with Cain such an important spiritual concept? What can we learn from the incident at the Tower of Babel about the nature of the city? Similarly, how does the city of Babylon inform our understanding of the spiritual godlessness of cities in general? 3. What were some cities mentioned in the Bible that incurred God’s judgment because of their sinfulness and lack of repentance? Why was Jerusalem denounced especially for its own false sense of security and power? 4. Although the city was associated with the rebellion of humankind, how did God adopt the city as symbol of his dwelling place and blessing? How does the example of Zion (Jerusalem) reveal this gracious and sovereign selection

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Student Questions and Response

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