Reframing the Arab World as our greatest missions opportunity…
A recent article in the DTS magazine, Kindred Spirit (Summer 2009), talks about God's heart for the Arab people. Due to our long experience in warfare with this part of Europe, it's natural for us as Americans to look through the lens of our hurt at these people. We've even made the mistake of misinterpreting the comments that God makes in the Scriptures about these people...and believe them to be God's enemies. However, this is truly not the case!
We must choose to open our eyes and see that sending missionaries to the Arab world may very well be the greatest influence we can have on the future. Muslim populations throughout Europe are rapidly becoming the dominant demographic of the land, within a few generations, they will hold majority influence over the policies and resources of nations like Great Britain, France, and Italy. If change will happen, it has to happen now. We have a choice, convince Christian Europeans to have 18 kids each, or start reaching the Muslim/Arab world.
Read my notes below on Reshaping the American view of Ishmael:
The God who chose Abraham and closed Sarah's womb, blessed Hagar with pregnancy.
Four of Israel's twelve tribes were born through maidservants.
Hagar is told to return to Abraham's household to be underneath his instruction (18:19)
Ishmael is named by God - "God listens" reminding Hagar that God hears the cries of the afflicted.
Ishmael is said to become "a wild donkey of a man"
Meaning that he will freely roam in the desert, describing the nomadism that characterized Ishmael and his line. This lifestyle would result in a perpetual struggle with each other and with others, due to their lack of a legal system/social order.
"will dwell in the presence of his brethren"
Having been pushed away from 'the presence' of Sarah, Hagar finds her condition is reversed in the promise of a son who will always be inside the Abrahamic circle and will dwell 'in the presence' of all his brethren.
A challenge to Isaac's descendants, reminding them that faith and not mere blood relationship.
The proximity would present a potential within the line of Ishmael to participate in Israel's blessings.
Job, Agur, Lemuel, and probably the magi are just a few examples of His grace working through Ishmael's children in biblical history.
~ Isa 60:6-7
Dr. Tony Maalouf - Arabs in the Shadow of Israel: The Unfolding of God's Prophetic Plan for Ishmael's Line
The State of the American Pulpit
Since being here at Dallas Theological Seminary and sitting under the instruction of some great men of God, I've realized that many of the things that I have heard preached from the pulpit and in the Sunday School classroom have not been Biblical. They may have been wise sayings...or great stories...or examples of what Joseph did, or Abraham did, or Jesus did...but they are not what the text of the Bible was trying to communicate to us.
I fear for the many things I have said and believed under the flag of "the Bible says"...and for the state of our pulpits today...since I have grown up in conservative congregations most of my life. One-line promises of God come to mind as well: "for I know the plans I have for you..." etc.
The truth is that the clarity of the Word of God is clear...and it can be heard in great pulpits all across the nation...but that it is one of many voices searching for an audience among the increasingly varied perceptions of religion in the USA. Our focus and our concern should not be so much for the politics of our nation, or the leader of our nation, as it is with the state of the church in the world today. We must step up and become the volunteers, the lay leaders, and the pastors that our nations needs in the future. YOU are needed. YOU have a critical role to fill that involves MUCH, MUCH more than being a Sunday morning greeter...
In closing, I want to cite an extremist example of the misuse of Scriptures. This unnamed pastor deserves no more attention that what he receives here and in a previous post...so I won't even mention his name. But here he is using his limited Biblical knowledge, sincerely trying to use the teachings of "the real Bible" (KJV) to prove his ridiculous point that the NIV Bible is demonic. His is a case of pride, misdirection, and passion for God. I pray that our future is at the other extreme from such a person.
If you would like to read the counter arguments to his video, check out the posts from PaleoBabble & NT blog
Church: 1 Day a Week or 7 Days a Week?
While I don't yet endorse Soul City Church, I do love the message behind this video, about getting church out of the "box" of Sundays only. I hope you find it challenging too!
The Confused Teacher
There was a time in my life where the truth of Scripture seemed so simple, so clear, and so compelling, that all I wished to do was share it with others...and I did. I took each opportunity that came my way, and taught. Lesson after lesson. Notes, Power Point slides, catchy lesson titles...I did it all.
Now, a half dozen years down the road, the truth that once was so crystal clear is a kaleidoscope of one liners, verses, and life experiences that I cannot readily systematize. I have trouble consolidating my thoughts to a 20 minute presentation...and I struggle diligently to separate wisdom I have learned from the world and in the church, from straightforward Biblical truth.
This new tension is deeply frustrating. Although I hope that it leads to a deeper level of understanding and maturity as a teacher, it currently stunts my desire to teach. I feel incompetent..."permanently disorganized".
Perhaps it is a result of being exposed to so many men who have spent their lives studying the Word, and who teach based on their lifetime's work attaining clarity.
"Please, Lord, send me a little insight down here..."
Leaders: Register for this Conference, Today!
September 10th and 11th, we’re going to get the opportunity to participate in a two day training event with leaders, including:
- Jack Welch
- TD Jakes
- Mark Rutland
- Patrick Lencioni
- Dave Ramsey
- Craig Groeschel
- Megyn Kelly
- Erwin McManus
- Bill George
- Tim Sanders
- Matthew Barnett
- Henry Cloud
This is a two day event with limited space. I’m registered, and welcoming anyone who wants to join me over to the apartment to participate. You also have time to register and participate by yourself.
This is just one of many ways Lifechurch.tv chooses to give their ministry away to others. God Bless them for that.
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