importance of world view & the cross by … dr. gwen dewey
TRANSCRIPT
Importance of World View & Importance of World View & The CrossThe Cross
By … Dr. Gwen Dewey
Important Concept to Understand Before We Important Concept to Understand Before We Start: Start:
worldview
values
behavior
culture
Our Worldview (assumptions) Drives Our Behavior
From Christian Overman. Assumptions that Affect our Lives
In reverse order, our worldview is In reverse order, our worldview is developed by our culturedeveloped by our culture
worldview
values
behavior
culture
Two Stories to Help Us Understand the Two Stories to Help Us Understand the Importance of WorldviewImportance of Worldview
Story 1: Conflict between Jews in Judean and Diaspora (10 BC – 135 AD)
Story 2: Novation Schism (250 AD)
Story 1: Conflict between the Jews in Judea and Story 1: Conflict between the Jews in Judea and DiasporaDiaspora
Jews forcefully taken to Babylonian Empire in 580 BC
Lived in “Diaspora” for about 500 yearsTheir lives turned good for a while, as
Babylonia prospered, and they did not want to return to Palestine (Judea)
Things turned bad, and they started migrating back to Judea, their homeland
Story 1: Conflict between Jews in Judea and those in Story 1: Conflict between Jews in Judea and those in Diaspora cont’dDiaspora cont’d
They still spoke the “mother” tongue (Hebrew)
Believed the Diaspora Jews did not honor their forefathers and Prophets by not returning sooner to live in Judea
Believed the Diaspora Jews had been “tainted” by hated Hellenistic culture
They knew the “truth,” because they had the Temple and Priests to guide them
Saw that the Diaspora Jews had discarded many of their Jew-defining laws and circumcision
• They spoke the “civilized” world standard language (Greek)
• Believed the Judean Jews had both ignored and killed the Prophets throughout history
• Believed the Judeans were barbaric (blood sacrifices)
• They had the “truth” too, because they not only had the scriptures, they had Synagogues, and they had the superior education of the Greeks
• Saw that the Judean Jews held onto ancient laws of animal blood sacrifices, and circumcision was a form of barbarism
Why each felt superior to the other
What each disliked about the other
Judean Jews Diaspora Jews
Story 1: Who was Right?Story 1: Who was Right?
Faithful Jews who kept the flame of Judaism alive in their home and held onto their historical practices by worshipping their ancestral Temple ?
The Jews who had grown in Greek wisdom and used that wisdom to better understand and live their faith?
AnswerAnswer: : Jesus Tells Us in the Parable of the Prodigal Son Jesus Tells Us in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)(Luke 15:11-32)
Son leaves, goes to a distant land
Stays there, rather than return, until he runs out of resources
Decides to return home, where things are better
Father welcomes him home in joy and celebration
Faithful brother not happy about it, and complains
◦ He had been faithful and stayed at home
◦ He deserved to be the only son, not the one who had failed
However, the Father wants to always forgive and be reconciled
Father says: Although the faithful son is loved and everything he has he shares with him, it is only right we should celebrate and rejoice, because the brother was dead and has come to life
Story 2: The “Lapsed” ControversyStory 2: The “Lapsed” Controversy
3rd great Roman persecution (249 – 50AD) under the Roman Emperor Decian
Decian wanted to return the Roman Empire back to its “glory” years, and decreed that all should offer sacrifices to the Roman gods
Christians in North Africa were especially persecuted
Some Christians openly refused, were martyred; Pope Fabian was martyred
Others bought fake certificates, saying they had offered sacrifices, but had not
Others recanted Christianity, and offered sacrifices
Lapsed Controversy, Cont’dLapsed Controversy, Cont’d
After the persecution, many wanted to repent and return to the Church
Controversy over how to re-admit them (the Lapsed) back into the Church erupted in the church at Carthage (Tunisia)
Should they be re-admitted?
◦ If forgiven, what kind of penitence should they do?
◦ Should those who purchased certificates be treated any differently than those who actually offered sacrifices?
Meet Novatian (200 AD – 258 AD)Meet Novatian (200 AD – 258 AD)
Lived, wrote and taught in CarthageRoman (heavily influenced by Greek
thought)Highly respected theologian (especially on
the Trinity)Believed, as some other Bishop’s, that Pope
Cornelius was too lenient on the LapseHad himself (with support of many Bishops)
made Bishop of Rome (Pope) in opposition to Pope Cornelius in 250AD
Main spokesman for the position that “only God” could forgive the Lapsed for such a grievous sin, not the Church
Probably martyred in 258AD during the 4th (and last) Valerian persecution
Meet Cyprian (200 AD – 258 AD)Meet Cyprian (200 AD – 258 AD)
Lived and worked in CarthagePagan background, became a Christian at
40 years oldVery wealthy: gave away much of his
wealth to the poorWrote some books, was highly influenced
by TertullianA few years after conversion he was chosen
Bishop of Carthage by the Church
Meet Cyprian (200 AD – 258 AD) cont’dMeet Cyprian (200 AD – 258 AD) cont’d
Highly skilled in rhetoric, and could easily dominate in debates, which added to some of his opponent’s irritation
He fled the Decian persecution in 249-250 AD; Novatian and a few other Bishop’s accused him of cowardice
He claimed he needed to flee into hiding to continue guiding his flock
Martyred in the last persecution in 258 AD
What Happened as a Result of the Novation What Happened as a Result of the Novation and Cyprian Argument? and Cyprian Argument?
1. Novation - Rome (Cyprian) churches split in 250AD
2. Antagonism continued until the Catholic (West) - Orthodox (East) split in the tenth century
The fight opened the door wide for Islam to enter to Africa in the eighth century
3. On the other extreme, the practice of selling “indulgences” (forgiveness papers) in Europe led to the Reformation, or the split between Protestant and Catholic Rome in mid-1500’s
Now three separate branches of Christianity, with little cooperation among them
Story 2: Who is Right?Story 2: Who is Right?
Those who endured persecution and even Martyrdom were faithful
Those who left the Church were sinners
Novation followers did not want the Church to be “tainted” and the blood of the martyrs “cheapened”
Cyprian followers wanted the Church to be known as “loving and forgiving”
What did Jesus teach us? Again, let’s look at the parable of the Prodigal Son
Father wants to forgive; should we go against His desires?
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The Heart of the Gospel (John 20:19-23The Heart of the Gospel (John 20:19-23))
On the first day of the week, in the evening, after Jesus was resurrected, he appeared to the disciples, and He ◦ Showed them his hands and side – which
validated his authority, and said: Peace (shalom) be with you As the Father has sent me, I am sending you
◦ Then He breathed on them (or breathed out the Holy Spirit on them), and said: Receive the Holy Spirit If you forgive the sins of anyone, their sins
are forgiven If you do not forgive them, they are not
forgiven
First Miracle after the ResurrectionFirst Miracle after the Resurrection
Disciples had to forgive each other◦ Peter failed, John had run away◦ All had scattered and hid from the authorities
Disciples had to forgive the family of Jesus◦ During the crucifixion, the mother of Jesus
was left alone, with no support from other family members
◦ During the ministry of Jesus, His family members had been ashamed of His teaching (John 3:30-34)
First one to forgive: James, the brother of Jesus ◦ Becomes the leader of the first church
Jesus Last InstructionsJesus Last Instructions
This I command you: Love one another(John 13:34, 15:12, 15:17)
By this will they (the world) know you(John 13:35)
How Do We Apply the Stories Today to Those How Do We Apply the Stories Today to Those who Offend Us or the Church)?who Offend Us or the Church)?
The Father is loving and wants all people to be reconciled to Him
Since we have been given the power to forgive, we should not stand in the way of those who seek reconciliation (Matt 6:14)
If an offender does not seek forgiveness, we should treat them well, as Jesus did when he dined with sinners and publicans
How Do We Apply the Stories Today to Those How Do We Apply the Stories Today to Those who Offend Us or the Church)? Cont’dwho Offend Us or the Church)? Cont’d
An unforgiving spirit divides, which opens the doors to attacks by the Evil One
We have been given one commandment by Christ that we are to love one another (John 13-16) and not condemn (John 3:16-17)
Even when we disagree with someone, we must still honor and encourage others, especially those who are part of the Body of Christ
Did the Cross make a difference?Did the Cross make a difference?
Breaks Have Cause Much Confusion and Pain in Breaks Have Cause Much Confusion and Pain in the Worldthe World (Gen 11:1-9) (Gen 11:1-9)
Loss of the purpose; not being stewards of all God has given us◦ Creation - environmental crises◦ People - social, economic and justice inequalities
Loss of seeing people as made in God’s image◦ We use our power to control others, not to serve
others◦ We see others with contempt- not worthy for anything
Loss of connectedness to God◦ Materialism◦ Humanism, etc
Loss of being able to get along with many others◦ We experience and hold onto transactional social
relationships, rather than transformational ones◦ Self indulgent, no regard for consequences of our
behavior
Did the Cross Made a Difference? Did the Cross Made a Difference?
Yes – relationships healed between (Gal 3:27-29)◦ Jew and Greek (ethnic and racial group)◦ Slave and free (social and economic standing)◦ Male and female (gender)
Yes – redeemed from the curse imposed at the Fall (Gal 3:13)◦ Cursed ground◦ Futility of work◦ Relationship between a man and a woman
Did the Cross Made a Difference? Cont’dDid the Cross Made a Difference? Cont’d
Yes – when we walk through the cross, we take a peek at what is in the Kingdom (Is 65:17-25), we see: ◦ Infants will be living and not dying◦ People living longer◦ Have houses to live in, land to plant food and have
plenty to eat◦ Will not build only for others, but for self◦ Not work in vain or have children that are sold into
captivity◦ The strong and the weak shall live peacefully
together◦ People will not work against the new creation
And we work with God as Stewards toward this final consummated Kingdom goal
We are a group of Redeemed people – once we were nothing, now we are something! A royal priesthood! A light to the World!
Despite the pervasiveness of the effects of Sin, God in Christ has redeemed the entire created order (Col 1:15-20)
The Kingdom of God was inaugurated at the cross – and we are the whole of Creation eagerly await its final consummation (Rom 8:19-23)
In the meantime, large numbers of people still live in sin, and much of creation is suffering
Cosmic scope of redemption worked by God Cosmic scope of redemption worked by God (Trinity) at the Cross! (Trinity) at the Cross!
Cosmic scope of redemption worked by God (Trinity) at Cosmic scope of redemption worked by God (Trinity) at the Cross! Cont’dthe Cross! Cont’d
The Creation Mandate is still in place, and it remains our central purpose
Now we have been given the Great commission
◦ God redeems mankind and creation through the Church when by the Holy Spirit His Children bring His presence into the World.
We have been given all the resources we need to do both the Creation Mandate and the Great Commission
Have You only gone Have You only gone ToTo the Cross, or have you the Cross, or have you gone on Tgone on Throughhrough the Cross to see the Kingdom? the Cross to see the Kingdom?
A B C
Kingdom of this world Kingdom of God
D
A: We start as members of the world kingdom
B. We come to the cross, are graciously redeemed
C. We go through the Cross, see the victory of God in the resurrection, and see how things can and will be in the kingdom
D. We go back into the world, knowing that the curse has been removed, and we work/live with God to bring the Kingdom of God into the world (we are lights of the Kingdom in the world) Church penetrating the world
Work after the Fall, and after the CrossWork after the Fall, and after the Cross
We are a group of redeemed peopleWe were nothing, now we are something
◦ a royal priesthood ◦ a light to the world
The Creation Mandate is still in place, and is reaffirmed as our purpose
We work as praise and worshipWe are still stewards of God’s creationWe have been given the Great CommissionWe have been given all the resources we
need to do both jobs – Creation Mandate and Great Commission
How Do we Do Both Jobs? How Do we Do Both Jobs? We Need a New God-given Worldview That Drives Our We Need a New God-given Worldview That Drives Our Behavior--Behavior--Not a Culture that Drives Our BehaviorNot a Culture that Drives Our Behavior
worldview
values
behavior
culture
Christian Worldview:
The Holy Spirit gives us the power to put on and live the “Mind of Christ”
A World Developed Worldview: Our individual environment & experiences creates in us our worldview
We Have Been Instructed to Have the We Have Been Instructed to Have the Worldview of JesusWorldview of Jesus
Jesus instructed his disciples and followers to “Follow Him” 18 times
Paul in his writings instructed us to “put on the mind of Christ” (and to “be transformed”)13 times
Paul instructed us be of the “same mind” 11 times
Paul instructed us to “put off” the carnal mind 10 times
Sounds tough! How do we do this?
We Have Been Given Everything We We Have Been Given Everything We Need Need
Made in His image, God gives us needed abilities/talents
God has given us the Creation Mandate–authority to have dominion over the earth
4000 years of instructions given through the Bible and history
God has given us four Institutions in which to operate:
◦ Family
◦ Business
◦ Government
◦ Church
God has given us His Son to allow us to be reconciled to Him
God has given us His Son as our model for work
Holy Spirit been given to provide us with overwhelming power to do our job
How Do We Proceed?How Do We Proceed?
Theological Studies Actions God (trinity at work) Biblical Instructions Pray - Holy Spirit transforms us worldview
Biblical Stories Apply - We develop (contextualize) (in Hebrew or Greek context) values, goals, purpose,
lifestyle, behaviors
Christian historical stories (in their cultural context)
Live - worship, work and live Study earth needs & resources with the “mind of Christ” in us
Study community needs & resources
How Do We Learn the Mind of Christ? How Do We Learn the Mind of Christ?
1. Listening to what Jesus tells us in words and stories, and living them and having them direct our actions◦ i.e., Sermon on the Mount, the Sea,
Olivet Discourse◦ Parables◦ Post resurrection instructions for the
disciples
How Do We Learn the Mind of Christ? Cont’dHow Do We Learn the Mind of Christ? Cont’d
2. Looking at how Jesus and the Father did their work and emulating them in our actions and behavior ◦ Gave power away◦ Was humble◦ Loving and forgiving, always desiring
reconciliation◦ Provide for our needs and resource
others with gifts and talents◦ Trusting of others, willing to have them
fail◦ etc
The Mind of Christ in UsThe Mind of Christ in Us
As Christians, we follow Christ and put on “the mind of Christ”
This means for us to:◦ Love the Father◦ Love and think of others first and build them
up ◦ Faithfully stewardship the Father’s
calling for our lives ◦ Not proud of what God has given us, but
thankful & humility◦ Be compassionate
The Mind of Christ in Us cont’dThe Mind of Christ in Us cont’d
◦ Seek justice ◦ Be kind◦ Be merciful◦ Be pure in heart; honest, responsible,
high integrity, and open to review by others
◦ Peacemakers◦ Seek justice◦ Be joyful in the Lord, knowing He loves us,
knows us by name, and cares for us
Application Examples of the Mind of Christ in Application Examples of the Mind of Christ in UsUs
Actions of God (the Trinity) God worked and created
universe, and called it good God trusted us to be
stewards of the earth (but resourced us with His DNA, skill, tools)
Father is forgiving – desires to embrace, not exclude
Jesus trusted a group of fishermen to change the world (servant-leader)
Application to Us• We work and create “good” things and it brings joy•We are stewards of God’s creation, and we must do our jobs well•We can disagree, but we always embrace, honor, respect, and encourage others, and not exclude•As Jesus laid down his power, he wants us to trust others who work for us, equip others (by instruction and our actions), and to allow them to make decisions, and yes, make mistakes
Example (continued)Example (continued)The World’s Worldview is Upside-downThe World’s Worldview is Upside-down
Hides values Models valuesArrogant, “do it my way” Humble, “do it your way” Keeps power/control Gives away power to othersKeeps decision-making role Gives away decision-making roleKeeps the rewards Gives the rewards to workers Expects workers to do as directed Expects creativity in workersGives minimal resources for work Gives abundant resources Workers obey rules of organization Requires integrity
Leader, CEO, King, Family Head, Manager, etc.
Servant – Leader
World’s Way Biblical Way
Workers do as
directed
Workers do as
modeled
The EndThe End