Post by disciple on Apr 27, 2011 16:57:34 GMT -5
In the Gap
Session 2—notes
1. What is Bill’s real need, and what solutions does Bryant provide?
•Needs a global cause—to move beyond “pea-sized Christianity” and put his Bible study, prayer, family life, etc. into a world dimension
2. How does Bryant define Christ’s global cause? Would you modify his definition?
•The gap is the basis for motivation & action in Christ’s global cause
•Christ’s global cause is about Christ-centered—because of, through, & about Him
•Christ’s global cause encompasses all languages, cultures, people groups, nations, & places
3. How does Bryant answer Bill’s 4 main objections? Are his answers adequate, in your opinion?
•1—Our first priority should be knowing Christ
•Ans: Yes, but knowing Christ can’t be separated from His global cause; can’t separate knowing Him from obeying His commission
•2—All God wants is obedience, and loving God/others is above the Great Commission
•Ans: Living for Christ’s global cause ignites our love for God & others
•3—Shouldn’t our own culture come first?
•Ans: It is not an “either/or” question—our global involvement strongly determines our impact on our own society
•4—Local outreach is hard enough
•Ans: Reaching people surrounded by Christianity is often more frustrating than reaching people who realize their need; reaching further motivates me to reach those nearby
4. How can Christ’s global cause create renewed health in
•Prayer? We pray about what God most desires (Psa. 67, Lord’s Prayer) & thus see great answers
•Bible study? It will increase our faith in the Cause, build our world vision, move us to involvement, & equip us to stand in the gap, rather than just being a “spiritual sedative”
•Godliness? We want to flee sin & pursue righteousness for world redemption, not just for personal cleanliness
•Small groups? Will produce disciples equipped to stand in the gap (in marriage, family, & Christian groups)
•Larger groups? Gathering together to share one another’s missions & encourage one another to continue on
•Outreach? Will be given higher priority in our lives, give us concern for those very different from us, & remind us of God’s sovereignty
5. In 1 sentence, how would YOU define a world Christian?
•Day to day disciples for whom Christ’s global cause has become the integrating, overriding priority
•Christians whose life directions have been solidly transformed by a world vision
•“tramps for the Lord” who leave their hiding places & stand in the gap with Christ
6. How would you answer some of the questions Bryant outlines to help you evaluate your progress in world Christian discipleship?
•Catching a world vision—Do you see the Cause from God’s point of view? Do you see the potential for closing the gap between God’s worldwide purpose & its fulfillment? Do you see the earth’s billions of unreached peoples? Do you believe that you can have a strategic impact on Christ’s global cause right now?
•Keeping a world vision—Are you willing to unite your whole relationship with Christ around His global cause? Are you willing to join other world Christians & stand in the gap together? Are you willing to make specific plans to obey your world vision & help close the gap?
•Obeying a world vision—Are you studying the Cause & growing your world vision? Are you helping to reach the unreached peoples at the widest end of the gap? Are you transferring your vision to other Christians & seeking to help them stand in the gap?
Session 2—notes
1. What is Bill’s real need, and what solutions does Bryant provide?
•Needs a global cause—to move beyond “pea-sized Christianity” and put his Bible study, prayer, family life, etc. into a world dimension
2. How does Bryant define Christ’s global cause? Would you modify his definition?
•The gap is the basis for motivation & action in Christ’s global cause
•Christ’s global cause is about Christ-centered—because of, through, & about Him
•Christ’s global cause encompasses all languages, cultures, people groups, nations, & places
3. How does Bryant answer Bill’s 4 main objections? Are his answers adequate, in your opinion?
•1—Our first priority should be knowing Christ
•Ans: Yes, but knowing Christ can’t be separated from His global cause; can’t separate knowing Him from obeying His commission
•2—All God wants is obedience, and loving God/others is above the Great Commission
•Ans: Living for Christ’s global cause ignites our love for God & others
•3—Shouldn’t our own culture come first?
•Ans: It is not an “either/or” question—our global involvement strongly determines our impact on our own society
•4—Local outreach is hard enough
•Ans: Reaching people surrounded by Christianity is often more frustrating than reaching people who realize their need; reaching further motivates me to reach those nearby
4. How can Christ’s global cause create renewed health in
•Prayer? We pray about what God most desires (Psa. 67, Lord’s Prayer) & thus see great answers
•Bible study? It will increase our faith in the Cause, build our world vision, move us to involvement, & equip us to stand in the gap, rather than just being a “spiritual sedative”
•Godliness? We want to flee sin & pursue righteousness for world redemption, not just for personal cleanliness
•Small groups? Will produce disciples equipped to stand in the gap (in marriage, family, & Christian groups)
•Larger groups? Gathering together to share one another’s missions & encourage one another to continue on
•Outreach? Will be given higher priority in our lives, give us concern for those very different from us, & remind us of God’s sovereignty
5. In 1 sentence, how would YOU define a world Christian?
•Day to day disciples for whom Christ’s global cause has become the integrating, overriding priority
•Christians whose life directions have been solidly transformed by a world vision
•“tramps for the Lord” who leave their hiding places & stand in the gap with Christ
6. How would you answer some of the questions Bryant outlines to help you evaluate your progress in world Christian discipleship?
•Catching a world vision—Do you see the Cause from God’s point of view? Do you see the potential for closing the gap between God’s worldwide purpose & its fulfillment? Do you see the earth’s billions of unreached peoples? Do you believe that you can have a strategic impact on Christ’s global cause right now?
•Keeping a world vision—Are you willing to unite your whole relationship with Christ around His global cause? Are you willing to join other world Christians & stand in the gap together? Are you willing to make specific plans to obey your world vision & help close the gap?
•Obeying a world vision—Are you studying the Cause & growing your world vision? Are you helping to reach the unreached peoples at the widest end of the gap? Are you transferring your vision to other Christians & seeking to help them stand in the gap?