the mission of God

I haven’t written much recently, nearly a month now. It’s not like i haven’t been thinking about it but i haven’t really had time. No one ever has time, so it’s probably a bit more of a priority thing in that case.

Something that has been taking up a bit of time this past month has been my college subject this semester. This semester the subject is “Biblical Theology of Mission” and thus far has been incredibly interesting, thought-provoking and energising.

The subject takes an in-depth look at the the way in which God has acted throughout history – all for the purposes of achieving his mission. Typically many Christians look at the Bible from a self-centred point of view. That is, what can the Bible do for me? What does the Bible speak into my situation right now? The question has to be though, is this the right way of looking at the Bible and interpreting it? And, what about looking at it from God’s perspective, the way in which he has moved through the Biblical storyline with a purpose and mission.

For this reason alone my subject is great. It has had me thinking about what has been God’s purpose in creation and history? How has his mission unfolded along the way? In what ways can i now join God in his mission today?

I think this subject, by the end of it, will have stretched me enough for me to feel its effects in all parts of my ministry. It will help in my preaching, in my pastoral care, in my relationships with others, in my understanding of mission, in my Biblical knowledge, in my knowledge of God, in my love for God and in fear of the Lord – to name a few.

The text we are using is this one by Arthur Glasser, and a highly recommended one which is much easier to read is this one by Christ Wright, “The Mission of God”. My head was blown away with what Wright was saying, and that was just the first 50 pages – it’s a must read.

BCV definitely moving…

On Monday, at his regular Principals Forum, Mike Raiter made the announcement that BCV had purchased the Nutrimetics building in Wantirna. BCV have also sold their property in Lilydale and the plan is to move for the start of the academic year in 2011.

I know the move will bring mixed feelings amongst students and staff. Many people have been there a long time. However, as a current student i think this is great news. I think that it will be a good, strategic move for the college (who will most likely rename itself come 2011 also) as it brings it closer into the city and more accessible for people. The building is next to Mountain Hwy, Burwood Hwy and Eastlink and makes it a prime location for anyone to get to. As for me, i may even be able to ride there!

Spener and church reformation

Currently I’m studying Church History at BCV as a distance subject. This afternoon i decided it was time to hit the books again and tackle lesson 4, Pietism. Pietism was basically a renewal movement that complemented the Reformation regarding doctrine. From my limited reading this afternoon i tend to think that Pietism bought faith and works together. It seems to incorporate an all-encompassing Christian worldview that one could learn from today.

A leader within the Pietistic movement was Philip Jacob Spener (1635-1705). He focused on practical devotion and Biblical preaching. In one of his writings he outlines six measures for church reform:

1. There needs to be a more serious attempt to spread the word of God. Pastors should preach from the Bible and Christians should meet in small groups to study the Bible.

2. The Lutheran doctrine of the priesthood of all believers should receive a new emphasis and the differences between laity and clergy should be minimised. Clergy in particular should recognise that their calling involves bible study, teaching, reproving and consoling and living a personal, holy life.

3. More attention should be given to the cultivation of the individual spiritual life. Love for God and man should take priority over theological disputes. Knowledge is secondary to practice.

4. Truth is not established in disputes, but through repentance and a holy life.

5. Candidates for ministry should be ‘true Christians’. Their training should include small groups for devotional life and personal bible study.

6. Sermons should not show the preacher’s erudition, but attempt to edify believers and produce the effects of faith.

It got me thinking about the church today and how many of these points above are neglected. What do you make of them? Is there something that the church today misses? Coming from a Baptist tradition i somewhat resonate with many of these, if not all.