The Gospel and Non-America | Resources
Devotional:
Missions has changed significantly in the last 40 years. For much of the 20th Century, missionaries were sent to bring an American Gospel to non-American countries. Whether it was South America, Asia, Africa, or Communist Europe, missionaries carried with them not only the gospel but the American way of life. You can see this when you look at photos of missions work from the 1950s through the 1980s, and you will often see male Christian converts in various countries wearing a white shirt and tie, which was not common in their culture. Yet, it was what American culture deemed important for a godly Christian leader to wear.
In the 1990s, this started to change. Mission organizations started recognizing that various cultures had distinct values and that bringing the gospel did not need to be flavored with American culture. The emphasis shifted to discipling leaders who were native to the country and starting churches that reflected the culture of the country rather than an American ideal.
Today, the Timothy Initiative is a good example of using the vast financial resources American churches can provide to spread the gospel organically within a country. Who better to reach a village in India than someone born and raised in the village?
This has been a positive change in how the gospel is spread outside of America. If you are interested in learning more about what modern missions looks like and how you might get personally involved, consider participating in a Perspectives or Journey Class. There are classes available both locally and online. Contact Pastor Travis to learn more about Perspectives or Journey and how you can get involved.
by Chris Eller
Scripture Reading:
Sunday: 1 Kings 12; Phil. 3; Ezek. 42; Ps. 94
Monday: 1 Kings 13; Phil. 4; Ezek. 43; Ps. 95-96
Tuesday: 1 Kings 14; Col. 1; Ezek. 44; Ps. 97-98
Wednesday: 1 Kings 15; Col. 2; Ezek. 45; Ps. 99-101
Thursday: 1 Kings 16; Col. 3; Ezek. 46; Ps. 102
Friday: 1 Kings 17; Col. 4; Ezek. 47; Ps. 103
Saturday: 1 Kings 18; 1 Thess. 1; Ezek. 48; Ps. 104
Memory Verse:
“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Acts 13:47
Discussion Questions:
What in our text this week stands out as interesting, confusing, or challenging?
What does our text this week teach us about missions or God’s heart for the world?
What did this week’s message teach you or remind you about God’s heart for the world?
In light of what we have studied this week, how should you respond in obedience?