This document discusses trends in the church and the need for discernment. It begins by discussing how Christianity requires vigilance due to spiritual adversaries. It then discusses how deception can come in subtle forms, so discernment is important. The document outlines objectives to equip believers to distinguish truth from falsehood. It provides warnings from Scripture and lists areas where discernment is needed, such as doctrinal teachings, church structure, and methodology. The document delves into examples like the Church Growth Movement, seeking to understand cultural relevance while avoiding becoming a "mission station." It emphasizes discerning trends from God-directed growth.
Perspectives Lesson Five: Unleashing the Gospel -- 202002MarkTab Ministries
Delivered to the Perspectives class in Statesboro, GA on February 20, 2020
In this lesson we will see how God launched the World Christian movement. We will discover that the Church is a double structure that endures to this day. We will watch how ordinary people chose a strategy of suffering which they learned from Jesus and will consider how we can live with that same apostolic passion. We will examine the biblical grounds of hope for an enormous in-gathering at the end of the age.
Winter, Ralph. Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: Reader and Study Guide - eBook . William Carey Library. Kindle Edition.
Perspectives Lesson Five: Unleashing the Gospel -- 202002MarkTab Ministries
Delivered to the Perspectives class in Statesboro, GA on February 20, 2020
In this lesson we will see how God launched the World Christian movement. We will discover that the Church is a double structure that endures to this day. We will watch how ordinary people chose a strategy of suffering which they learned from Jesus and will consider how we can live with that same apostolic passion. We will examine the biblical grounds of hope for an enormous in-gathering at the end of the age.
Winter, Ralph. Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: Reader and Study Guide - eBook . William Carey Library. Kindle Edition.
Integration of themes in TUL500 A Biblical Theology of Urban Mission, from Genesis to Revelations. A video and note of this is available on https://vimeo.com/vivgrigg/integration .
2Jenna HorganSt Thomas UniversityREL 2300P.docxrobert345678
2
Jenna Horgan
St Thomas University
REL 2300
Professor Laino
October 31, 2022
Christian Symbols
A common Christian symbol is a cross. It is a significant symbol for many reasons. The cross symbolizes the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also signifies the devotion of God to sacrifice his only son for the redemption of the human race. Crosses were used before the Christian era; however, their use cannot be labelled as faith-based or not. The widespread use of the cross began in the 4th century when emperor Constantine became a Christian, prohibited the death penalty by crucifixion, and promoted the cross as a symbol of Christianity. The cross has been used by many popular figures, including the pope, who is the head of the catholic church, where it forms part of the regalia and paraphernalia. Christians use the cross in many ways. Some Christians use it for prayer, while others use it as a protective tool against evil spirits. It is also worn as an expression of faith.
Sacred Scriptures
Many scriptures in the Bible guide the practice of Christianity. Every scripture in the Bible is regarded as sacred because the Bible is said to contain a word from God. The scriptures are divided into two; the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament gives a synopsis of the history of Christianity, a revelation of God's heart, and provides the foundational basis for comprehending the New Testament. On the other hand, the New Testament disseminates the life and significance of Jesus and his mission on earth and guides the practice of Christianity. They facilitate the various stages of Christianity, such as salvation, death, growth in spiritualism, baptism by water, and the spirit of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, these sacred scriptures play a significant role in churches.
Beliefs and Practices
Salvation and redemption are significant tenets of Christianity. The religion by itself alludes to followers of Christ dedicated to living a righteous life and abiding by the dictates of God's kingdom. However, to qualify as a Christian believer, the son of God, you need to be reborn. To be reborn is a metaphor symbolizing accepting salvation, abandoning the old life, and embracing the new life under the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Salvation and redemption are significant phases in Christianity. The scriptures indicate that a person can only go to heaven after accepting Christ as lord and personal savior. That is the ticket to heaven and the afterlife. When people die without salvation and redemption, the religion presupposes an afterlife in hell full of suffering and tribulations. Going to heaven is the objective of Christianity, and it is only through salvation that an individual is qualified to go to heaven after death.
Prayer and Worship
The notion of prayer and worship is a critical aspect of Christianity. Every religion has ways of appeasing its gods through songs and invocations (Ruth and Lim Swee Hong, 2021, 87). The religion h.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
Integration of themes in TUL500 A Biblical Theology of Urban Mission, from Genesis to Revelations. A video and note of this is available on https://vimeo.com/vivgrigg/integration .
2Jenna HorganSt Thomas UniversityREL 2300P.docxrobert345678
2
Jenna Horgan
St Thomas University
REL 2300
Professor Laino
October 31, 2022
Christian Symbols
A common Christian symbol is a cross. It is a significant symbol for many reasons. The cross symbolizes the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also signifies the devotion of God to sacrifice his only son for the redemption of the human race. Crosses were used before the Christian era; however, their use cannot be labelled as faith-based or not. The widespread use of the cross began in the 4th century when emperor Constantine became a Christian, prohibited the death penalty by crucifixion, and promoted the cross as a symbol of Christianity. The cross has been used by many popular figures, including the pope, who is the head of the catholic church, where it forms part of the regalia and paraphernalia. Christians use the cross in many ways. Some Christians use it for prayer, while others use it as a protective tool against evil spirits. It is also worn as an expression of faith.
Sacred Scriptures
Many scriptures in the Bible guide the practice of Christianity. Every scripture in the Bible is regarded as sacred because the Bible is said to contain a word from God. The scriptures are divided into two; the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament gives a synopsis of the history of Christianity, a revelation of God's heart, and provides the foundational basis for comprehending the New Testament. On the other hand, the New Testament disseminates the life and significance of Jesus and his mission on earth and guides the practice of Christianity. They facilitate the various stages of Christianity, such as salvation, death, growth in spiritualism, baptism by water, and the spirit of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, these sacred scriptures play a significant role in churches.
Beliefs and Practices
Salvation and redemption are significant tenets of Christianity. The religion by itself alludes to followers of Christ dedicated to living a righteous life and abiding by the dictates of God's kingdom. However, to qualify as a Christian believer, the son of God, you need to be reborn. To be reborn is a metaphor symbolizing accepting salvation, abandoning the old life, and embracing the new life under the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Salvation and redemption are significant phases in Christianity. The scriptures indicate that a person can only go to heaven after accepting Christ as lord and personal savior. That is the ticket to heaven and the afterlife. When people die without salvation and redemption, the religion presupposes an afterlife in hell full of suffering and tribulations. Going to heaven is the objective of Christianity, and it is only through salvation that an individual is qualified to go to heaven after death.
Prayer and Worship
The notion of prayer and worship is a critical aspect of Christianity. Every religion has ways of appeasing its gods through songs and invocations (Ruth and Lim Swee Hong, 2021, 87). The religion h.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
2. Ezekiel 44:23
• 23 Kinahanglan tudluan nila ang akon
katawhan kon ano ang balaan kag
ang indi balaan, kon ano ang matinlo
kag ang mahigko.
3. • Christianity is not a game, it is warfare. We are
called to be sober and vigilant these days
because we have an adversary that seeks to
devour us. This adversary will use any and all
means to thwart the purpose of God in your life
and in the life of the Church, the instrument of
God’s purpose on earth.
4. • The Bible speaks of deception and
the need to be watchful especially as
we near the Second Coming of
Christ
5. • As believers we have to understand that
there are times when the devil uses people
and teachings that are not obviously wicked
to lure us into deception. Often that which is
damaging comes to us in “sheep’s clothing.”
Therefore it is critical that we arm ourselves
with the discernment or skill in judging the
truth from the counterfeit.
6. Objectives:
-to equip the believer to be able to
distinguish the good from the bad, the
wheat from the tares, the profitable from
the unprofitable, and the true from the
counterfeit.
7. Essential Things to Do
•1. Observe the warnings of God’s
word.
•2. Accept the fact that we are all
vulnerable to deception.
8. •3. Apply the tests that God gives to
us in His word.
•4. Maintain a teachable heart and
Lean strongly on the Holy Spirit to
assist us.
9. • And they shall teach my people [the
difference] between the holy and profane,
and cause them to discern between the
unclean and the clean.
• Ezekiel 44:23
10. Ezekiel 44:23
• 23 Kinahanglan tudluan nila ang akon
katawhan kon ano ang balaan kag
ang indi balaan, kon ano ang matinlo
kag ang mahigko.
11. Malachi 3:16-18
• 3 Then they that feared the LORD spake
often one to another: and the LORD
hearkened and heard [it], and a book of
remembrance was written before him for
them that feared the LORD, and that thought
upon his name.
12. Malachi 3:16-18
• And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts,
in that day when I make up my jewels; and I
will spare them, as a man spareth his own son
that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and
discern between the righteous and the wicked,
between him that serveth God and him that
serveth him not.
13. Malachi 3:16-18
• 16 Dayon atong mga nagatahod
sa GINOO naghambalanay. Nagpamati sa ila
ang GINOO kag nabatian niya ang ila
ginahambalan. Ginsulat ang ila mga ngalan[a] sa
libro nga ara sa atubangan sang GINOO, agod
madumduman niya sila nga nagatahod kag
nagadumdom permi sa iya.
14. • 17 Nagsiling ang GINOO nga
Makagagahom parte sa mga tawo nga
nagatahod sa iya, “Mangin akon sila espesyal
nga katawhan sa adlaw nga magahukom
ako. Indi ko sila pagsilutan pareho sang
ginahimo sang isa ka amay nga indi magsilot
sa iya anak nga nagatuman sa iya.
15. 18 Kag sa liwat makita sang mga
tawo ang kinalain sang matarong
kag sang malaot, ang kinalain
sang nagaalagad sa akon kag
sang wala nagaalagad sa akon.”
16. Areas in the Church that
Discernment Must be Applied
• 1. Deception (personal; doctrinal)
• 2. Doubt on Fundamental/ Essential
Established Faith and Practice;
• 3. Shifting to Current Trends and
Practices Influenced by Post-
modernism
17. “Current Trends”
• 1. The word “trend” means “an
inclination in a particular direction, a
general direction, or a bent toward
something.”
• 2. Some of the synonyms in our culture
for this word include the following:
19. Trends can be applied to almost any area
of life.
• The reason why this is true is because all of
life is in a constant state of change. Change
is, in fact, one of the marks of something
that is alive. “The scene is changing, the
unseen is unchanging.” –Plato, 399 B.C.
20. 2 Corinthians 4
18 Kay wala namon ginapasulabi ang mga
butang nga amon makita diri sa kalibutan,
kundi ginapasulabi namon ang mga butang
nga indi makita. Kay ang mga butang nga
makita umalagi lang, pero ang mga butang
nga indi makita wala sing katapusan.
21. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but
on what is unseen. For what is seen is
temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (II
Corinthians 4:18,)
• 1. The world of nature is changing.
• 2. The world of science is changing.
• 3. The world of technology is changing.
• 4. The world of fashion changes constantly.
• 5. The world of politics is changing.
22. You name it; the only thing that says
constant is change.
4. Trends also affect the
church.
23. Trends versus Growth
• If the church is indeed a “living
organism” it automatically changes. One
of the signs of life is change. Change
happens for at least five reasons in the
life of the church.
24. Reasons:
• a. Change happens because of natural
growth and maturity.
• b. Change happens because of a progressive
walk with the Lord.
c. Change happens
because of improvements (from glory to
glory).
25. • d. Change happens because the
church must adapt to a
changing world.
• e. Change happens because God is
always pushing the church
forward.
26. The word “current” is a relative term that
means “recent, prevailing, or present.”
• 1. We will be focusing on trends of the 20th and the
21st Centuries.
• a. We will discuss some earlier trends to learn from
history and see some of the cycles of trends.
• b. We will discuss more present trends and forces
that are shaping the church today.
27. Why are trends evident in the church today?
• A. Some trends reflect an emphasis that
God is highlighting in a certain season.
• B. Some trends represent the
restoration of a truth that has been lost
to the church.
28. Why are trends evident in the church today?
• C. Some trends are aimed at refreshing the
Church with a fresh breath of air from the Spirit
of God.
• D. Some trends are the result of adjusting
methods to meet the unique demands of a
generation or culture.
29. What are some of the trend categories in
the church world?
• A. Some of the trends that we will reference are
doctrinal in nature.
• These doctrinal trends might include such things
as:
• Faith Prosperity Deliverance/Demonology
Spiritual Warfare Grace Etc.
30. Some of the trends that we will reference
deal with church structure.
• These structural trends might include such things
as:
• Discipleship/Shepherding
• Church Government/ Board of Trustees/ Pastoral
Staff
• Apostles and Prophets
• Church Groupings / The Cell Church Etc
31. Some of the trends that we will reference deal
with church methodology.
• These methodological trends might include such things
as:
Church Growth Movement
Church Marketing (Net Caster/ Networking Type)
Seeker-Sensitive
User Friendly (Maximizing Friendly Accommodation)
Felt Needs (Diversified)
Simple Church (Back to New Testament)
32. Some of the trends that we will reference deal
with church methodology.
• These methodological trends might include such things as:
Church Growth Movement
The Church Growth Movement is a movement
within evangelical Christianity that aims to grow churches
based on research, sociology, analysis, etc. The Church
Growth Movement started with a passion for the Great
Commission, and seeing people come to the knowledge of
Christ. Donald McGavran, a figure in this movement asserted
that "It is God's will that women and men become disciples of
Jesus Christ and responsible members of Christ's church".
33. • The church growth movement began with the
publication of Donald McGavran's book The
Bridges of God. McGavran was a third-
generation Christian missionary to India, where his
observations of How Churches Grow (the title of
another of his books) went beyond typical
theological discussion to discern sociological
factors that affected receptivity to the Christian
Gospel among non-Christian peoples.
34. • In 1965, he organized the School of World
Mission at Fuller Theological
Seminary in Pasadena, California, which was the
institutional home base for Church Growth
studies until after his death. It has been the
training ground for tens of thousands of pastors
and missionaries of one hundred mainly
evangelical denominations.
35. • McGavran used statistical research to
show that the typical missiological
strategy of the time, mission stations,
was largely ineffective in reaching people
for Christ, as well as ineffective in
discipleship
36. • The original goal of the Church Growth
Movement was to answer the question,
"How do we reach peoples (as opposed to a
few random individuals) with the gospel in
the U.S.?". The goal was to understand how
to share Christianity in a culturally
appropriate way, given the changing climate
in the United States.
37. Just as Donald McGavran stated that we
must understand the culture of the
people we are trying to reach; we cannot
simply enter a completely different
culture on the other side of the world, we
must seek to understand that culture and
present the gospel in a culturally relevant
way.
38. Paul's missionary journeys, it was argued,
used the same cultural relevance, which
eventually led to the council at Jerusalem
(Acts 15) which determined whether
Gentile converts must adopt Jewish
culture in order to become Christian
39. Stetzer states that the Church
Growth Movement went astray when
it became overly simplified into a
series of formulas for church growth,
and ultimately led to the very thing
McGavran sought to avoid, namely a
new kind of mission station.
40. Stetzer states too many of the churches
following the emerging formulas became
a socially engineered mission station,
which drew people out of their own
cultures, into Christian warehouses and
away from their neighborhoods and
communities where they lived
41. Example of Cultural Relevance
Implication:
(“And Cant’t it be” Written in 1738 Charles
Wesley)
And can it be that I should gain
An int'rest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?
42. • Refrain:
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!
• 2 'Tis mystery all! Th'Immortal dies!
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine!
'Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more
43. 3. He left His Father's throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race;
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.
44. 4. Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quick'ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with
light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.
45. 5. No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th'eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ
my own
46. Just as I am
(by Charlotte Elliott in 1835)
Just as I am - without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to
Thee,
-O Lamb of God, I come!
47. •Just as I am - and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can
cleanse each spot,
-O Lamb of God, I come!
49. I'm forgiven because You were forsaken,
I'm accepted, You were condemned.
I am alive and well, Your sprit is within
me,
Because You died and rose again.
(Repeat x2)
50. [Chorus:]
Amazing love,
How can it be?
That You, my King would die for me?
Amazing love,
I know it's true.
It's my joy to honour You,
In all I do, I honour You.
51. Methods:
Two key attributes of Church Growth are a passion
for the "Great Commission" and a willingness to
apply research to attracting members,
including quantitative methods. Scholars and leaders
from many denominations continue to meet annually
to discuss the implications of these insights as
the American Society for Church Growth
52. • The "seeker sensitive" label is associated with
some megachurches in the United States where
Christian messages are often imparted by means of
elaborate creative elements
emphasizing secular popular culture, such as popular
music styles. Such churches often also develop a
wide range of activities to draw in families at
different stages in their lives.
53. Four key approaches include:
1. The "Attractive Church Model", which was set
forth by Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose-
Driven Church". In this model, programs (such
as daycare, sports programs, classes, and
contemporary music and worship) are created
which attract people from the community to the
church.
54. 2. The "Missional Church Model", which was
set forth by Michael Slaughter of
Ginghamsburg UMC. In this model, missional
activities are developed to which people are
drawn to participate. As they participate,
they gradually become involved in the life of
the church.
55. 3. The "Preach God to Friends and Neighbors
Model", set forth by Brian L. Boley's book, "How
to Share the Gospel: A Proven Approach for
Ordinary People". In this model, members of
the congregation begin to preach God to friends
and neighbors. As they preach God, they are
eventually seen as "God-experts", and people
begin to inquire of them about spiritual issues.
56. 3. The "Soul Winning Model" (see the Book of Acts)
has always been trumpeted by Bible-believing
Christians, but heavily more recently with the
announcement of a National Church Growth
Conference being held at Clays Mill Road Baptist
Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Host Pastor Jeff
Fugate is a keynote speaker in Independent Baptist
circles and is well known for his old- fashioned stand
and his zeal for the bus ministry.