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

7. What is the mystery that was revealed through the apostles and prophets about the make-up of God’s people, the bride? What then can we say about the believing Gentiles as members of the bride of Christ? How did the JerusalemCouncil solidify the place of Gentiles as members of the body and bride of Christ, and what can be said now about the nature of all apostolic ministry? 8. When and where will the divine romance be consummated between God and his people? What is the hope that those who are members of the bridegroom have about their high rank and role in the upcoming Kingdom of God? 9. What are the main implications of this motif of Mission as the Romance of the Ages for mission? What does mission seek to do among the nations as related to this message of God’s selecting a people for himself?

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The Vision and Biblical Foundation for Christian Mission: Part 2

Segment 2: Mission as the War of the Spheres

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

The motif of Mission as the War of the Spheres is perhaps the most dynamic image of mission in Scripture, and begins with the sovereign rule of Yahweh God as creator and sustainer of all. God’s reign was resisted in the rebellion of the mystery of iniquity (i.e., the satanic rebellion in the heavenlies), which resulted in the temptation and fall of humankind, and the curse of creation. God placed hostility between the Seed of the woman and the serpent, and sovereignly and graciously promised to end the rebellion through the Seed of the woman. As a result of the Fall, the universe is at war and God has declared himself at war with the serpent and those who side with him. God displayed himself as divine warrior in his conflict with evil symbolized as a river and the sea, his defeat of Pharaoh and his armies, and the nations of Canaan. Unfortunately, God also had to fight against his own people because of their disobedience and rebellion. In addition, Israel’s prophets pictured God as a divine warrior who through his Messiah would finally destroy all evil once and for all time. This Messianic rule has been inaugurated in the person of Jesus, who in his birth, teaching, miracles, exorcisms, deeds, death, and resurrection has brought the Kingdom of God into being. The Kingdom is both “already” and “not

Summary of Segment 2