Lesson 5: Unleashing the Gospel - Enoch Liao (2/24/14)
Notes by Lana
· Acts 6: 1-7 (Hellenists vs. Hebrews / overseas-born Jews vs. local Jews) – there were already conflicts within those with the same race
· The mystery – something which is not known before – God was going to use the Jewish people to bring the gospel to all nations, including the Gentiles
· Christian = followers of Christ from different races
· Caveats:
1. The Bible is not just for the Jewish people – it is for all people / all nations
2. You do not have to be Jewish to bring the gospel to the nations
2. Barriers
· Challenges of making disciples of other people groups
1. Political challenge
2. Linguistic challenge
3. Culture differences
4. Being accepted by the community
5. The identity after coming to Christ – now who are they?
COMMUNICATION barrier vs. CONVERSION barrier
· Communication barrier (The Wall): How do we get there?
· Conversion barrier (The Canyon): New convert: Who am I now?
· It’s a long term commitment of discipling them
· Aim to make disciples, not converts
· Homogenous principle of church planting – effective strategy of winning people to Christ, but may not be effective in the long term for sustainability
3. A mature movement of the Holy Spirit by the WORD & the SPIRIT
· Definition = where they are equipped to face the very conversion barriers that they face
· Mentality should be: “I’ve given them the tools, what is best for them, not for us?”
4. Apostolic Suffering
· Definition = Suffering that is intentional as a result of Christ / Radical obedience to Christ
· Ralph Winter: The motivation for mission should not be passion for the lost – that is compassion, the real driving force should be passion for the glory of Lord!
· Apostolic Passion - Apostolic Abandonment; Apostolic Focus; Apostolic Praying; Apostolic Decision-Making
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