I started my Perspectives class on Monday this week. It's a non-denom parachurch ministry (like CCC) of the US Center for World Missions. Before the class, I thought of it as a 16 week history of missions and God's work in the world.
After just one night, it's obvious that it's more than a class. The emphasis on finding your niche in God's overall purpose for the world was refreshing and encouraging. I'm already pretty passionate about that, but it's nice to gain direction in finding it for yourself. I think I'd like to help others find out how they fit into God's plan for the nations.
The first night featured the Pastor from Hope Community Church, (which is where the class is meeting). He introduced the night by sharing a list of his favorite movies (the Sixth Sense, the Prestige, to name a few) and why he likes them: the big twist at the end makes you want to re-watch the movie. It casts a different light on everything in the plot.
He proceeded to take us from Revelation to Genesis, showing us that reading the OT in light of knowing the big twist makes certain things very important. We spent a ton of time in Acts and Romans, two books I've read a lot but never dig into very deeply. One thread he pointed out really struck me: the curse. Here's the journey we made:
Revelation 22:3
No longer will there be any curse...
Galatians 4:4-5
God sent forth his Son...born under the law...to redeem those who were under the law...
Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree."
Acts 5:30
The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.
Daniel 9:11
All Israel has transgressed your law and turned aside, refusing to obey your voice. And the curse and oath that are written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out upon us, because we have sinned against him.
Deuteronomy 21:23
...his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance.
I think there were more verses, but you get the idea. Pretty neat! Can't wait for next week.
2 comments:
I can't believe you are taking the Perspectives course!!!! That's awesome. People here that are thinking of going into medical missions mention it and have strongly recommended it. So when I get time someday, I hope to also take the course. Glad you are enjoying it!
It's stinkin' awesome so far! Definitely recommend it to anyone seeking to figure out how they can be involved in God's work in the world. It's way more than a history of missions/advice on how to do missions.
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