In a day when Christianity is often thought of as a Western religion, missionaries are often viewed as cultural imperialists, forcing western ideologies around the world in the name of Christ. While there have been some major cultural abuses done in the name in the cross throughout history, the truth of the matter is that Christianity was founded in a very non-western society and has spread from there to the ends of the earth in spite of human error in its presentation and communication. The gospel is rooted in Judaism, which was intended from the call of Abraham to be a religion that was a light unto the nations. As years went on, Judaism grew more and more exclusive and ritualistic. Into this closed society God sent His Son, Jesus, to expose Himself to the world where His chosen people would not. Jesus made it very clear that his disciples were to evangelize all the nations of the world. (Matt. 28:18-20).

Jesus was the first Christian missionary, of course, that went across cultural lines when he witnessed to the Samaritans (John 4). Peter was shown the “light” in a revelation that sent him out from among the Jews to the home of Cornelius, a Roman army officer. (Acts 10) Perhaps the biggest example we have in the Bible that indicates the Gospel is for every nation is the ministry of Paul. He was called by God to specifically go to the ends of the earth and preach to the Gentiles.

Many of the cultures that the Gospel has been presented in are vastly different than the Jewish culture that Jesus came out from. By sending a Saviour through the Jewish people, God wasn’t saying that we all had to turn into Jews culturally to be saved. In fact, he made it very clear through the ministry of Paul and others that Jesus was relevant across cultures. The modern missions movement didn’t go into tribal and remote societies to turn them into little westerners, but to share Jesus Christ with people in a relevant way to their own culture. If you ever get a chance to read Peace Child, by Don Richardson, I highly recommend it. He traveled into the jungles of Papau New Guinea and discovered within their vastly different culture a perfect way to explain the work of Jesus on the Cross with the redemptive analogy of the “peace child”.

Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire because it was persecuted. Early Christians were tortured and killed for their faith until Constantine made it “legal” to be one. Then Christianity got “trendy” and weaker, and many cultures were abused in the name of spreading the gospel, when really only worldwide dominance and exploitation was the goal–not the love of Christ. The Crusades and the imperialistic eras are more examples of false doctrines of Christ being spread across cultures.

The true Gospel of Christ, however, and the one that Jesus ordained for his followers to carry out, was a Gospel of love. That God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, Jesus Christ; that whoever believes in him, shall not die, but have life eternal. That is a Gospel that loves diversity found in every culture–that does not support prejudice and hatred. The true Gospel also offends. It reveals true motives and convicts people and societies of their sins. Behind the revelation, however, is a loving God waiting to forgive and restore us back to Himself. The truth of the Gospel that we are to share is that God is loving, powerful, and relevant to us in every way and every culture.

The true Gospel is worthy of defending in the midst of a culture that tells us we cannot share our faith. It is worthy of suffering to defend, if necessary, even to the point of martyrdom. False Christianity is just one more religion that people can choose from–weak and powerless to change lives. Dare to accept the truth and dare to spread the truth. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are commanded to share your faith. Are you a believer? If you are, spread the gospel. If not, ask me and I’ll show you how.

A powerful video of youth worship, open the eyes of the hearts of the youth, Lord.

As our little girls grow up, we share more and more Bible stories with them and as they listen, they are beginning to ask us profound questions that theologians have been trying to answer clearly for centuries. What happens to us when we die? Where did Jesus go after he died? What will our spiritual bodies look like in heaven?

As a parent, and a student of theology, I take it very seriously how I respond to their questions. I want to be true to the Bible and true to common sense (or Godly wisdom). Our children listen to us discuss some very serious topics sometimes. While we try not to make them afraid, they are very quick to pick up the tone and intensity of our discussions about signs in the world today and the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ. These topics make many believers (and obviously non-believers) uncomfortable and it is common for our own doctrinal systems to justify our fears by having us sometimes deny the realities we can expect in the end of this age.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I do not think that Christians have to fear losing our heads or suffering greatly for our faith, etc, like many movies in the past have implied, for those “left behind” on the rapture. However, I do not also believe that there is necessarily a “rapture” at all–the Bible never says so. I believe Christians can expect to be present on the earth as witnesses to the gospel until the very end of the tribulation. There really never has been a time in history that God has taken his children out of the dangers and sufferings of the world. He is likely not going to change His ways now for the end. I believe there will be countless opportunities for Christians that are blessed enough to live through the Tribulation to be a powerful demonstrator of the power and love of God in the midst of great evil and suffering. What a privilege to minister to those crying out for God in very dark times!

So, even though my little girl is so sensitive and fearful of trivial things, I fully believe that speaking confidently and honestly about what we can expect in the coming years in human history will largely help prepare her be a powerful woman of God on the earth until it is her time to be with Jesus in the next age.

What do you believe will happen at the time of tribulation? How do you prepare yourself and/or your family for what is coming? Any ideas on how to share truth, even if it isn’t “fun”, in such a way that your children can feel motivated to seek God more and not succumb to fear? Please feel free to share your comments and opinions here.

Open the eyes of my heart Lord, and may I be well pleasing in your sight. If this is your prayer, as it was the apostle Paul’s, you are in good company. As we read, Jesus did have the Father proclaim His pleasure in His Son.

Well Pleasing To God

“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.” II Corinthians 5:9 NKJV

A sermon at church preached on this verse brought it to the forefront in my mind. To be well pleasing to God…hmmm…is that really possible? Paul, who is writing a letter to the church at Corinth, tells them that he is making it his aim so it is possible. It is not only possible but should be our aim also. How do we become well-pleasing to God?

Two different times in scripture we see where God spoke aloud to Jesus saying He was pleased with Him.

“And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in who I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 NKJV

In this first scripture we find Jesus getting ready to begin his public ministry. He goes to John to be baptized, saying it must be done. Jesus is obedient to the will of the Father.

“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matthew 17:5 NKJV

The second scripture is during what is called “the Transfiguration.” Jesus has let the disciples know that He is the Messiah and has rebuked Peter for wanting to stop His journey to the Cross. He then tells the disciples that they must not try to save their life but follow Him. Jesus takes Peter James and John afterwards to a mountain and is transfigured or shown in His glory. Peter speaks but is interrupted by God who again is pleased. Jesus is still being obedient to the will of the Father.

Obedience to what God would have you to do is a key to pleasing God. He is not looking for a great preacher or teacher. God does not necessarily want you to go to Africa or sell all you have. God desires obedience to whatever He asks you to do.

Many times we try to figure out what we think God would want by looking at others and acting like them. More Christians “burn out” by doing works that they are not anointed to do. You may want to sing on the praise and worship team at your church but if God has not anointed you and instead is calling you to a season of intense Bible study, guess what? You better get your Bible, concordance and highlighter and go to it. God knows everything that is in store for us and only He knows when we should study, minister, rest or simply be.

It all comes down to trusting God while we are taking time to listen. We hear from Him while we are praying, reading, praising, singing or worshiping and then obey. We trust that God knows what is best for us. Ask for patience and wisdom while you wait and when He lays something before you, obey quickly.

Make it your aim today to be well pleasing to Him.

Jennifer Hallmark is a writer, artist and ministry leader who works with women’s ministry groups. Her love of writing is evident in over 130 articles she has written on several different article websites. She has finished her first in a series of novels, Journey of Grace: A New Beginning.Check out her websites at www.jenniferhallmark.com and www.aclarioncall.com .

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/christianity-articles/well-pleasing-to-god-1073212.html

And for those of us who want a bit more of a teaching, this 30 minute video is designed to assist in your quest

Technorati Tags: is God pleased, open the eyes of my heart, pleasing God

This has been a very difficult couple of weeks for me. My career is in a major period of transition and although I am excited and am beginning to see some really awesome things happen in my life that only God could make happen, I still struggle with my old familiar partner–anxiety.

I have been a Christian for a very long time (33 out of my 41 years of age). I have traveled to many exotic cultures and seen first hand the power of God working in people’s lives in miraculous ways. I have seen miracles in my life and in the lives of others. I have watched the promises of God fulfilled in my life over and over again. My God has never, ever, failed to care for me and provide for my needs. The question I keep asking myself over and over again lately, then, is why do I still always give in to anxiety and worry about money and God’s supply? Why can I still not trust Him completely in my life to take care of the everyday details?

I find that I am often in a vicious cycle of rejoicing in God’s provision, doubt that He will help me again, and condemnation that I have such weak faith. Have you ever found yourself in the same position with God? If you find yourself doubting or not able to trust God, anxious about circumstances you have no control over, or feeling you are letting God down by not trusting Him enough?

You need to stop. You need to stop the self-condemnation. You need to rejoice a little longer in God’s provisions. The longer you take to focus on the good stuff, the less time you will have about worrying about the dumb stuff. As I take some time to follow my own advice this evening, let me offer you some more encouragement with the video below.

Technorati Tags: anxiety, doubt, faith, fear