Comments on: Is the Mission Philanthropy?

By: mattsummers

mattsummers — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:19:27 +0000

Poverty is the big “catch word” in Christian circles right now—hence the large movement of conservative Christians becoming liberal democrats. It’s two things IMO: (1) a reaction to the modern church program doing very little to address the issues in and around poverty; (2)the fact that Jesus said more about poverty than He did about any of the modern Conservative Idiologies. In other words, Jesus said nothing about (1) abortion; and (2) homosexuality (although Jesus did speak up in support of the God-ordained model for marriage). Unfortuantely too many people just look at the Red Letters and not at the whole scope of Scripture. Likewise, history has not proven that the Democrats plan (redistribution of wealth) for alleviating poverty will work at all (I think it will entrench more and more people into poverty). BUT, it’s the “in-thing” to talk about and do in the cutting-edge ministry circles. At least some who are poor are being helped. I agree with you–if it isn’t accompanied by the preaching of the Gospel then we have missed the point all togethher.

By: hillbillytheologian

hillbillytheologian — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:06:01 +0000

JB, I agree we must make attempts to communicate in whatever manner we can. Using illustrations from creation and Godly character will certainly be an advantage until and beyond the time their language can be utilized. Yet,”faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ”(Rom. 10:17 – NASU. The preaching/presentation of the Gospel is necessary for salvation (by sign language, voice, translation, or braille, etc.)- Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18. *Thanks for reading my meager attempts to be thought provoking.

By: JBrown

JBrown — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:50:25 +0000

As for the waiting before preaching. The only thing that I can see is if there is no translator and the language of that particular people is unknown. However, even then, Acts 2 shows that the Holy Spirit has the power to have everyone hear in his own tongue a message that is said in one language. Also, with how the world has progressed, the majority of people know a couple of languages. Aside from that, who says that preaching can’t be done with actions and images rather than just words. Maybe it’s better that we use nature in some cultures to point to Christ as we learn their language so that we can more effectively explain the Gospel to them. Just a thought I had while reading that.