the "new athens": fulfilling the mission of the "unknown god"

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The New Athens: Fulfilling the Mission of the 'Unknown God

Kleber O. Gonçalves, Ph.D.

+Introduction

“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.

+Introduction

A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, ‘What is this babbler trying to say?’ Others remarked, ‘He seems to be advocating foreign gods.’ They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.

+Introduction

Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, ‘May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.’”

(Acts 17:16-20, NIV)

+Introduction

“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.’”

(Acts 17:22-23, NIV)

+Introduction

A new reality We live in an emergent postmodern world Yet the church is largely positioned within a

modern framework A moment of conflict, tension, challenges,

crisis A real threat A real opportunity

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Personal connections Family, neighbourhood, unions. Individualism, consumerism, independence,

migration and new communication technologies

People are engaging in networks of their own choice.

Introduction

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Spiritual development Disassociated from religious institutions Most people who live in urban areas say

they believe in “something”

Introduction

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Spiritual development Disassociated from religious institutions Most people who live in urban areas say

they believe in “something” Blend of anything acceptable to one’s

perspective People are engaging in spiritual experiences

of their own choice

Introduction

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Social structures Searching for happiness Economic and physical security Subjective well-being, self-expression,

quality of life People are developing social arrangements

of their own choice

Introduction

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Multicultural society Multicultural and pluralistic society Heavily influenced by globalization Economic hardships Immigration of migrant workers Technological progress It requires

A new attitude of tolerance toward others A new worldview

Introduction

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Sharing Christ in Postmodern Contexts

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What do you see?

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Intentional Christian Living in a Postmodern

World

+Intentional Christian Living

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2, NVI).


“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8-10, NVI).


“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16, NVI).


What is intentional Christian living? Being imitators (followers) of Jesus Living a life of love Living as children of light Finding out what pleases Jesus Being careful how you live Making the most of every opportunity


What is intentional Christian living? Intentional living flows out a life of a real

disciple of Christ It is a renewed way of following Christ

Thinking Feeling Doing


Intentional Christian living is centered on discipleship What are we seeking?

Baptisms? Church-members? Real disciples?

The existence of true disciples is the greatest evidence of God’s work and the advancement of His Kingdom anywhere in this world.

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The importance of discipleship Greatest problem: Christianity/Adventism

without discipleship Main difficulties related with discipleship:

Nature Scope Development

Intentional Christian Living

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Meaning of Discipleship Discipleship today is a concept much

broader than what it was in the past. Result of the integration of three

movements: Classical discipleship Biblical spirituality Relational discipleship


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Following the MasterChrist taught us that having faith means

to follow.This is the first test of faith.This is the basic presupposition of

discipleship.“If anyone desires to come after Me, let

him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)


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Nature of discipleship In simple terms, discipleship means to follow

and learn from a master One of the greatest problems is the lack of

comprehension of discipleship as a process Discipleship is vital to the healthy

development of any local church Discipleship is the “soul” of intentional living


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Nature of discipleship Discipleship cannot be seen as a program. Discipleship cannot be seen as a department

or a ministry of the church. Discipleship needs to permeate the “whole”

of any local church.


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Why is there so much resistance? Submission Vulnerability Change Confession Effort Commitment Discipline Obedience Transformation


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Discipleship:Transformation

+Discipleship: Our mission

The Great Commission It is found in different versions in the

Gospels (Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:44-49; John 20:19-23)

It is also found in the book of Acts (1:1-2a, 6-8).

The most known: Matthew 28:18-20 One imperative (order) Three participles (actions, movements)


The Great Commission is TO MAKE DISCIPLES How a disciple is formed?

At the “new” birth? Through training? Both?

How a disciple is maintained? Alone? In community?


The Great Commission is TO MAKE DISCIPLES Christ has never asked us to go in to world to

“make church members.” With the Great Commission, transformation

became the mission “The mission of the church of Christ is to

save perishing sinners. It is to make known the love of God to men and to win them to Christ by the efficacy of that love.” (3T, 381).

+The Test of Discipleship

“Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of

discipleship.” (Steps to Christ, 60)

+Discipleship and Adventist MissionSDA Theology of Mission

Organizational principle: eschatologyGreat Controversy Proclamation of the gospel to the whole

world before the end (Matthew 24:14) Making disciples from every nation (Matthew

28:19-20)


The last warning (Present Truth) Revelation 14:6-12

Everlasting Gospel Preparing disciples “who keep the

commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (v.12)


Therefore, the foundation of our mission is the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ in the context of His imminent return to this world.

The goal of our mission should always be to make disciples who are preparing themselves to the soon coming of Jesus Christ.

We should prepare a “different kind” of disciple: Obedience to the whole gospel Preparation to the Second Coming

+Discipleship and Adventist MissionSDA Discipleship

We should be leaders in the process of discipleship because of our comprehension of the Great Commission in the context of the Three Angels’ Messages

Our understanding of discipleship should necessarily be broader and more comprehensive.


The Three Angels’ Messages is an extraordinary tool of preparation for true disciples Everlasting Gospel Restoration of God’s image Total transformation

It should not be proclaimed with fear. On the contrary, it should be presented with expectation and conviction.


Fear God (mental attitude) Give Him glory (life style) Worship Him who has made heavens and

earth (rest and submission) The time of His judgment has come (security

and comfort)


The proclamation of the Three Angels’ Messages in the context of the end is the most powerful tool for real and complete discipleship.

True discipleship is the mark of those who keep the commandments of God and the faith in Jesus.

True discipleship is centered on obedience and transformation.

+The Test of Discipleship

“Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of

discipleship.” (Steps to Christ, 60)

+Discipleship: Transformation

What is transformation?How can it be achieved?

Conversion (event)Happens over timeUse of one’s will Individual journey

Transformation


This understanding about transformation has some basic presuppositions:Transformation happens in the moment

of conversion (“surrender”) It continues (“grows”) as time goes by It is achieved mainly by an act of the willThe best way is alone.


Transformation at conversion (event)?There is a deep, miraculous change of

habits, attitude, and so on.This is the Saul/Paul model. The

experience of the Damascus Road.Change is always the immediate result of

conversion


Continuous transformation as time goes by?Faith “automatically” grows with time.The greater is the “church experience”

the more spiritually mature one becomes.

In this model, the main effort in making disciples is only filling up the church with people.

It is what really happens with time?


Transformation is achieved only by an effort of the will? What does not happen with time, will

happens when we make our best. The fruit of the Spirit always comes when

we dedicate the required effort. In this model, the only barrier to become

a disciple is the effort used.


Transformation is better achieved alone? Independency, spiritual individualismA “personal relationship” with Jesus

became synonymous of “particular relationship” with Jesus.

The vast majority of books, seminars, sermons is centered on this idea: all is a matter of individual application.


If these presuppositions were valid, the results would be a exponential growth, not only in numbers, but especially in the spiritual life of every church member

Why we do not see the transformation we dream of?

Wouldn’t be necessary an adjustment in these views on discipleship?


Transformation begins at conversion (salvation)This is the view that we acceptThis is the beginning of the sanctification

processThis is a journey towards complete

transformation. Paul himself experienced this reality.


Transformation takes more than just timeBeing exposed to “information” is not enough.Have church members really understood and

committed themselves to this process?What is the reality of the church? Where is the

commitment?Unfortunately, church pews are full of

individuals who have been there for years but never went through real transformation.


Transformation takes more than just time“In fact, though by this time you ought

to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.”(Hebrews 5:12-13)


Transformation takes learning and not only personal desire (use of the will). “Trying” to experience life transformation

never brings the results were need. “Train yourself to be godly.” (1

Timothy 4:7, NIV) Be a disciple does not happen simply by

“trying.” It takes dedication and training. Discipleship involves teaching/learning.


Transformation takes learning and not only personal desire (use of the will). “The student is not above the teacher,

but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” (Luke 6:40, NIV)

How much training is necessary?Disciple vs. “Discipler”Training for trainers (T4T)


Transformation is also a process that happens within a communityExample: AA What is their secret? System of

relationships and personal support“As iron sharpens iron, so one person

sharpens another.”(Proverbs 27:17, NIV)The value of community (Hebrews 10:24-

25)


Transformation is also a process that happens within a communitySynergy created by the groupThe power of “small groups” In community we find the best environment

to a healthy development of the discipleship process.

It goes beyond growth. It is growing “together”

Discipleship cannot be a lonely experience.


What is transformation?Some changes are essential:

Conversion (event)Happens over timeUse of one’s will Individual journey

Transformation



Conversion (process)Happens over timeUse of one’s will Individual journey

Transformation



Conversion (process) IntentionalityUse of one’s will Individual journey

Transformation



Conversion (process) IntentionalityCapacitation Individual journey

Transformation



Conversion (process) IntentionalityCapacitationCommunity

Transformation

+Implications

Fundamental steps in church planting in the context of discipleship:Need of continuous capacitation/training

Spiritual disciplinesChristian service

Creation of opportunities for meaningful relationships IntentionalityGroup life

+Conclusions

Different formats, strategies, and methods can be used.

There is not such a thing as a “miraculous prescription” for the problem.

Much prayer is needed.The guidance of the Holy Spirit is

essential.It depends of the intentionality.It depends of the efforts employed.