Post by disciple on Apr 27, 2011 17:00:23 GMT -5
In the Gap
Session 1—notes
1. How does Bryant define the term “gap”?
•The gap between God & men, between all He is & all we are
•The gap between God’s original intention for man (Gen. 1:27-28) and its fulfillment in Jesus (Rev. 5:9-10)
•The gap between what God is doing in our lives & what He wants to do among all nations
•Equally wide for all men as sinners, but wider for some than others in opportunity
2. What illustrations does he give of this gap? What illustrations have you seen of it?
•Narrow gap (Mrs. Calley—“Christian” background)
•Personal background gap (George—“Christian” culture but no personal background)
•Cultural background gap (International students & Watts—less Christian culture)
•Cultural & language gap (Little Tokyo—non-Christian culture with language barrier)
•Cultural, language, & geographic gap (India)—widest end
3. Why does Bryant maintain hope in the face of the gap?
•Sunrise of missions: harvesting of people for God’s kingdom all around the world at an ever-increasing pace (especially Asia/Africa/South America)
•If this is accompanied by Christian renewal, we may see the Great Commission fulfilled in our lifetimes!
4. What is the greatest gap of all, and how does Bryant see it often expressed?
•The gap of unbelief—gap between God’s promise to fulfill the Great Commission through His disciples & the faith of those disciples to claim and act on His promises
•This gap limits what Christ will do through us, makes us hesitate to take risks so that redemption might come to all peoples, focuses us on our own self-preservation, & blinds us to the dreams, resources, and strategy God would give us to bridge the other gap.
5. Why does Bryant believe it exists? Can you think of other reasons?
•“Pea sized Christianity”: focusing on our own salvation, character, spiritual needs, church activities, culture, etc
•Reasons: we give in to the mood of the society around us, our wealth decreases our faith for world missions, we have a basic ignorance of missions facts
6. What evidence do you see of “pea-sized Christianity” in yourself or in Christians around you?
(Responses will vary)
7. In the face of the gap of opportunity, what response does Bryant call for from the church at large?
•Will you stand in the gap? (Fully assume the God-given privilege to serve in His world cause)
•In what part of the gap will you stand? (At what geographic, cultural, & theological distance from the gospel are the ones you will reach? Who will have opportunity to hear of Christ for the 1st time because you care?)
Session 1—notes
1. How does Bryant define the term “gap”?
•The gap between God & men, between all He is & all we are
•The gap between God’s original intention for man (Gen. 1:27-28) and its fulfillment in Jesus (Rev. 5:9-10)
•The gap between what God is doing in our lives & what He wants to do among all nations
•Equally wide for all men as sinners, but wider for some than others in opportunity
2. What illustrations does he give of this gap? What illustrations have you seen of it?
•Narrow gap (Mrs. Calley—“Christian” background)
•Personal background gap (George—“Christian” culture but no personal background)
•Cultural background gap (International students & Watts—less Christian culture)
•Cultural & language gap (Little Tokyo—non-Christian culture with language barrier)
•Cultural, language, & geographic gap (India)—widest end
3. Why does Bryant maintain hope in the face of the gap?
•Sunrise of missions: harvesting of people for God’s kingdom all around the world at an ever-increasing pace (especially Asia/Africa/South America)
•If this is accompanied by Christian renewal, we may see the Great Commission fulfilled in our lifetimes!
4. What is the greatest gap of all, and how does Bryant see it often expressed?
•The gap of unbelief—gap between God’s promise to fulfill the Great Commission through His disciples & the faith of those disciples to claim and act on His promises
•This gap limits what Christ will do through us, makes us hesitate to take risks so that redemption might come to all peoples, focuses us on our own self-preservation, & blinds us to the dreams, resources, and strategy God would give us to bridge the other gap.
5. Why does Bryant believe it exists? Can you think of other reasons?
•“Pea sized Christianity”: focusing on our own salvation, character, spiritual needs, church activities, culture, etc
•Reasons: we give in to the mood of the society around us, our wealth decreases our faith for world missions, we have a basic ignorance of missions facts
6. What evidence do you see of “pea-sized Christianity” in yourself or in Christians around you?
(Responses will vary)
7. In the face of the gap of opportunity, what response does Bryant call for from the church at large?
•Will you stand in the gap? (Fully assume the God-given privilege to serve in His world cause)
•In what part of the gap will you stand? (At what geographic, cultural, & theological distance from the gospel are the ones you will reach? Who will have opportunity to hear of Christ for the 1st time because you care?)