MT520 - Bible reading report - Poetic Books

Section: Poetic Books
Passage: Psalm 114-118

These five Psalms paint a picture of the universal nature of God’s rule, the kindness of God, and his faithfulness to Israel. In Psalms 114 and 115 we get a picture of earth subject to the rule of God, “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord” (114:7), “The heavens belong to the LORD, but he has given the earth to all humanity” (115:16). While these Psalms are certainly oriented to the nation of Israel, they are not without an eye toward the all-encompassing reality of God’s rule and reign. Psalms 116 and 118 are interesting in that they are solely focused on the familial relationship of God and his people. Any mention of “the nations” is derisive as they are depicted as enemies, “Though hostile nations surround me, I destroyed them all in the name of the Lord” (118:10). However, neither Psalm claims that God is merely the God of Israel, simply that God does care for them ultimately. It is worth noting that Psalm 117 falls directly between the these two nationalistic Psalms as it is specifically and concisely pro-nations. We see in these Psalms, taken together, that God provides, sustains, blesses Israel, but not in exclusion of the nations. And, as Psalm 117 proclaims, all nations are called to praise him (117:1).

MT520 - Bible reading report - Historical Books

Section: Historical Books
Passage: 1 Chronicles 13-17

We find in the account of David and Israel in 1 Chronicles a beautiful example of centripetal mission. Israel, and David in particular, is highlighted as a showcase for the nations. What is striking is the function of Israel’s worship of God as evidence of this centripetal movement. In a sense it is missional worship, as we see in chapter 16, verse 8, “Let the whole world know what he has done” and again in verse 24, “Publish his glorious deeds among the nations” and 17:24 “may your name be established and honored forever so that all the world will say, ‘The LORD Almighty is God over Israel!’”. Chapter 17 predicts the coming of Christ and the eternal reign of God (17:11-14). This promised kingdom is described in ultimate terms; God will “establish his throne forever” (v. 12). This promised progenitor would surely build on God’s earlier promise to David, “Now I will make your name famous throughout the earth!” (v. 8), and God’s centripetal mission would be extended beyond the lifetime of David.

MT520 - Bible reading report - Pentateuch

Section: Pentateuch
Passage: Genesis 1-5

In the story of Creation and Fall, we see God’s initial missionary activity.  Though this passage is often not read missionally, we see important precedents for God’s missionary work in the world.  First, God is the universal creator.  Everything in the cosmos has its origin in God and his initiation.  Therefore, God is separate from and Lord over all of creation.  God is shown in the first scene of scripture to not be a particular deity of a people group, rather the Lord of all.  We see the first hints of God’s all-consuming and universal love for the world even in these opening passages.  Second, God’s creation is designed with humanity in mind.  The apex of the Genesis 1 account of creation is verse 26, “Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves.  They will be masters over all of life”.  God’s provision and blessing for humanity is evident in the creation narrative.  Humanity is blessed and honored by being made in God’s image, but is also provided for by the process of creation, “seed-bearing plants [and]… fruit trees for your food” (1:29).  Third, God’s grace is experienced throughout the opening chapters of the story.  Even in the banishment from the Garden of Eden God provides clothing for the newly exposed first couple (3:21) and food (3:18).  Likewise, God’s graciousness is apparent when Cain is cursed (4:15) by his mark of protection.  In all of these ways, we evidence a God who is active and intentional with his creation, in particular the apex of his creation - humanity.

MT520 - coursework

I’m taking the week off of work to finish my coursework for the Fuller Seminary class I’m taking.  Here’s what I have to do:

Course Requirements Overview
1. Completed reading log
2. Bible reading report, containing a summary paragraph for each of the ten sections (5 chapters each) of the Bible that are read
3. Six two-page book reviews (on required texts)
4. One 15-page (minimum) to 20-page (maximum) paper tracing a biblical theme of missiological significance through the Old and New Testaments

I’m going to post my writings here for 2 reasons:  1)  to share the wealth - whatever I’m learning isn’t for me alone, its for the church.  This is one way to seed our ongoing conversation of God’s missional activity in our lives and in the world.  2)  for feedback - I would love any additional thoughts, grammar corrections, writing clarification notes, or thoughtful critiques of what I’m writing.

MT 520 - Biblical Foundations of Mission

I just registered for a new class at Fuller, via Distance Learning.  After this is completed (on June 13!!!) I’ll only have 4 left!  Praise God!

Fuller Theological Seminary-IDL Courses
MT 520/620: Biblical Foundations of Mission (4 quarter hours)
LECTURER: Charles Van Engen, Professor of Biblical Theology of Mission

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A central theme of the Scriptures is the mission of God as it relates to the present and coming Kingdom of God. The sovereign living God exercises absolute reign in and through history, and establishes a covenant relationship with the people of God redeemed and called to be God’s instruments among and for the nations. The Great Commission is the culmination of Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is the climactic event which creates the Church and completes the Christ event. From Pentecost onward the mission of the Church must be viewed eschatologically because the glorious appearing of the Kingdom at our Lord’s coming marks the end of the Church’s mission.

ASSIGNMENTS:

*  A summary paragraph for each book of the Bible read describing the mission of God.

*  Six 2-page book reviews following given instructions for each textbook.

*  One 15-20 page paper tracing a biblical theme of missiological significance through the Old and New Testaments.

REQUIRED READING:

Briscoe, Jill. Jonah and the Worm.  New Berlin, WI: Jilcoe/Hemp, 1983.

Glasser, Arthur. Announcing the Kingdom.  Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003.

Kaiser, Walter. Mission in the Old Testament.  Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000.

Newbigin, Lesslie. The Open Secret. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.

Nissen, Johannes. New Testament and Mission.  New York: Peter Lang, 1999.

Van Engen, Charles, ed. Good News of the Kingdom. Mary Knoll: Orbis Books, 1993.

By the way, if anybody around Cincinnati has those texts I’d love to borrow them!