Life As It Comes

Perspectives6 Comments

I’m taking a course called Perspectives on the World Christian Movement.

I am enthusiastic about Perspectives because my life and our church are devoted to spreading a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples. God intends to be known and enjoyed by every tribe tongue and nation (Rev. 5:9). Perspectives has been essential in mobilizing hundreds of lay people in our church to be World Christians. - John Piper

The course explores Scripture from a “10,000 foot view” (that’s software industry lingo) in the sense that it highlights the theme which is underscored throughout the Bible: God desires to be known and worshiped among all nations (people groups). In Genesis 12, we see God’s purpose set forth — it is this purpose which has been unfolding throughout the centuries and is still unfolding today. God desires to redeem people from all nations. This is why He sent His Son. This is why the apostles were instructed that Salvation through Christ is for everyone, if they accept it. It has been eye-opening to look at God’s story in this way; it has such continuity!

There are many things that have been interesting about the course so far, but one of the most recent points that has me intrigued is the idea that our Western culture must not be arrogant in our understanding of what it means to follow Christ. It is Pharisaic to impose a Western understanding of Christianity on those in other cultures. If the Truth is being understood and lived out in such a way that draws others to God’s glory, that is all that matters. New believers in other people groups should not need to commit “cultural suicide” in order to follow Christ.

It reminds me of a few lines from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (of course Azeem is Muslim):

Small Girl: Did God paint you?
Azeem: Did God paint me?
[laughs]
Azeem: For certain.
Small Girl: Why?
Azeem: Because Allah loves wondrous variety.

I’m headed to New Zealand in early March in an effort to reach the 100,000 or so Chinese tourists that visit the country each year. Our work is associated loosely with the Southern Cross Project. This is a timely message to be considering in light of this trip and just one of the reasons why I’m enjoying Perspectives.