Wow, you hit a home run with this observation and analysis, in my view, Ted. I love that "second conversion" idea. One thing I've been saying of late is that most believers live as if nothing very important happened between the resurrection and the ascension. But those 40 days of "all nations" teaching were incredibly important to the mission of the church.
You’re absolutely right, Ted. I am always grieved when pastors leave off the phrase, “of all nations.” In my opinion, the lack of concern for the nations and the disregard for Jesus’ fame and glory throughout the earth in American Christianity is one of the main barriers impacting mobilization. Perhaps we need a reeducation of the grand narrative of Scripture— a reeducation that starts in Genesis showing the missional focus throughout the Old Testament and continuing in the NT. Perhaps when pastors and church goers learn that missions didn’t start with a few verses at the end of Matthew, it will help them realize that missions is not just for missionaries, or that it should not just be one of many church programs, but that it is the purpose and main function of the Church. I don’t know, but I am burdened and prayerful. Thanks again for the article and all you do.
Taking Perspectives for the second time now. Witnessing the second conversions among my classmates is like the really good frosting on an already-perfect perspectives cake.
I remember listening to the Scott Dunford talk addressed to Cedarville students late last year from the missions podcast. Letting the Gospel wreck your life!
Wow, you hit a home run with this observation and analysis, in my view, Ted. I love that "second conversion" idea. One thing I've been saying of late is that most believers live as if nothing very important happened between the resurrection and the ascension. But those 40 days of "all nations" teaching were incredibly important to the mission of the church.
You’re absolutely right, Ted. I am always grieved when pastors leave off the phrase, “of all nations.” In my opinion, the lack of concern for the nations and the disregard for Jesus’ fame and glory throughout the earth in American Christianity is one of the main barriers impacting mobilization. Perhaps we need a reeducation of the grand narrative of Scripture— a reeducation that starts in Genesis showing the missional focus throughout the Old Testament and continuing in the NT. Perhaps when pastors and church goers learn that missions didn’t start with a few verses at the end of Matthew, it will help them realize that missions is not just for missionaries, or that it should not just be one of many church programs, but that it is the purpose and main function of the Church. I don’t know, but I am burdened and prayerful. Thanks again for the article and all you do.
Taking Perspectives for the second time now. Witnessing the second conversions among my classmates is like the really good frosting on an already-perfect perspectives cake.
I remember listening to the Scott Dunford talk addressed to Cedarville students late last year from the missions podcast. Letting the Gospel wreck your life!