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

Please take as much time as you have available to answer these and other questions that the video brought out. In this segment we saw how in the motif of Mission as the Romance of the Ages God determined to draw from the earth a people that would belong to and serve him forever. Through the mystery revealed through the apostles and prophets, we now see how God has extended the kingdom proclamation to the Gentiles, who have been made fellow heirs and mutual members of the body and bride of Christ. By faith in Jesus Christ, now even the Gentiles can participate in God’s wonderful design to create a people who will live with him forever. Mission is participating in this divine romance, preparing a people who will forever belong to God. Understanding the elements of this motif can greatly aid you in understanding what mission seeks to do through its various efforts, so please review the materials just covered using the questions below, and cite Scripture to support your conclusions. 1. Briefly define the motif of Mission as the Romance of the Ages . How does the motif of divine romance between God and his people highlight God’s determination for himself and his world? Explain. 2. Trace the notion of the bride and bridegroom in the OT. In what sense is this image a prominent idea as it relates to God’s relationship to his people? How does the Song of Solomon relate to this theme? 3. Where does the “courtship” between Yahweh and his people begin? In what way was the relationship between God and his people Israel based upon God’s gracious selection, courtship, and marriage to her? 4. According to the Scriptures, how did faithless Israel commit “adultery” against the Lord? What did God do as a result of her faithlessness, and how did it affect both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms? 5. Under what secular ruler did the return of God’s people to the land begin, and who were the leaders of the people who actually brought the remnant back to Israel to rebuild its walls? What was the nature of God’s promise for a new covenant, and upon what would it be based? After the new covenant was ratified, what would be the result for God and his people? 6. List some of the more obvious “clues” given in the OT that Gentiles would have a place in the coming salvation of the Lord. How does the bride-bridegroom metaphor get extended and completed in Jesus and his relationship with his people, the Church? What was John the Baptist’s role in this relationship?

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Student Questions and Response

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