Christian Ministry, Free Course, Lesson 006
Ministry in Contemporary Society
Missions rest upon a foundation of scripture. But mission endeavor also must take into account the process of interfacing with modern cultures. Culture is in itself a neutral concept being, neither right nor wrong, good nor evil. But elements embraced by various cultures may be either a blessing to the Christian witness or a hindrance. The gospel is unique. It fits all people in all time periods and in all cultures. The problem in preaching cross-culturally lies in the preacher and not in gospel content.
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Christian Ministry, Free Course, Lesson 005
Ministry in Contemporary Society
Ministry in the context of missionary activity exists for a reason. It does not exist for its own ends. Neither does it justify its own existence. Both missions and ministry arise out of the acts of God and serve his ends. Through the proclamation of the gospel, God’s will is made known. Through the compassionate touch of human ministry, God’s love is demonstrated to the world.
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Christian Ministry, Free Course, Lesson 003
Ministry in Contemporary Society
Globalization, which began with the European exploration of the Western hemisphere, is today a rapidly expanding phenomenon. The world today is a very eclectic place. Christians are not immune to its subtle influence. In our pursuit of life, each of us should be reminded of Israel’s relations with her pagan neighbors. When they failed to allow Yahweh an exclusive place in their lives and teachings, they wandered from the true path.
Is there more reason to believe that the revelation of God in Jesus Christ yields less exclusiveness? Not all positions held by individuals or fellowship groups can be right. Some attitudes may be correct and others may be either wholly or partially wrong. We need to broaden our horizons and become enlightenment as to representative thinkers.
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