Imperishable Inheritance

A lot has been happening. I've been trying for two days to find a place to edit images online, because the computers here have nothing; and they block admin access (probably smart). Anyway, we'll just have to do without the pictures for now.

Evangelism

I went with my new friend Aaron and evangelized on the campus of University of Southern California. We got the opportunity to talk to a Tibetan Buddhist, a Malaysian Muslim, and a Greek Orthodox Christian (well, he said he was, rather passive). The Buddhist eyes lightened up when we talked about assurance of salvation in
Christianity, because he had no such doctrine in Buddhism. It was an enriching experience. I love Muslims, but I just froze when I was talking to him. It's amazing how all the head knowledge still has to be worked out in practical, evangelistic settings. I found my evangelistic half in Aaron. We complemented each other well, and it was a very edifying time.

The Kingdom

Perspectives talked yesterday about what "The Kingdom of God" is and what will bring it back. I've been reading writings by Gordon Ladd who is well known for his writings on The Kingdom. The thought that the second coming will occur only by the gospel reaching the ends of the earth is a thought easily passed over—but very important. It really makes you question how much you really want Christ to come back.

It was interesting to hear a scholar in Jewish studies clearly illustrate the differences between the Jewish conception of the Messiah and the resultant "mystery of the kingdom" (that being two comings instead of one). He was the first to defend a theological stance, and that being premillennialism. He made good arguments through history about the formulation of the Amil and Postmil views (that notably being, especially in Amil that the Roman Church was the kingdom and Jonathan Edwards and others viewing Postmil as the building on the kingdom in a literal millenia). Reflecting on those thoughts makes Premil just that much more appealing. He was, although, progressive dispensational so that does formulate in his view of a literal kingdom to which the promises will be fulfilled to the Jews.

Theological Controversy

We had some controversy (well, I caused controversy) with the inclusion of a Gregory Boyd article. I saw "God at War" the day before in the U.S. Center for World Missions bookstore, and I warned the managers about his theology; but they didn't really seem to phased. Well, when that book was brought up and an article utilized from it was in our manual his theology was put on display. It was good to warn others about what he believes and how destructive it is in the missions movement and our worship of God.

Calvinism is still an issue. My discipler told me to try and "think of something different." Ha, I guess he's right, but a part of my love for missions mobilization is deeply entrenched around that theological truth. I was so encouraged to meet Hein Pretorius (a missionary to Namibia) and see how Reformed Theology has impacted him and his ministry.

End Notes

I'm in a much better mood and learning a lot. I'm finally opening up to the other people on the project and things are going better. Tonight, we're going to a Mormon temple after receiving a lesson on their doctrine (I know Aaron would get pumped up).