Think Local, Act Global:
Recalibrating What Matters - Mission or Method
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonSince 1983, Dwight Nelson has served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University. He preaches on the “New Perceptions” telecast, teaches at the theological seminary and has written some books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.
Offering
More In This Series
“Think Local, Act Global: Recalibrating What Matters—Mission or Method”
- Acts 15
- Galatians 2:12
- F. F. Bruce: “[Peter’s] example was bound to have a disastrous effect on others; it would, unless checked, endanger the whole principle of Christian unity. . . . Paul saw quite clearly that the concession in the matter of table fellowship was bound in the long run to compromise the basic gospel principle that salvation was the gift of God’s grace in Christ, to be received by faith alone [and not by circumcision as well].” (Acts 303-304)
- Two characteristics of a Holy Spirit guided faith community:
- Acts 15:7—“after much .”
- Acts 15:2—“sharp and .”
- F. F. Bruce: “Peter, as leader of the Twelve, . . . reminded the company that the fundamental principle which they were discussing had already been decided. . . . Cornelius and his household had not even made an oral confession of faith when the Holy Spirit came upon them. . . [W]hy should further conditions now be imposed on them which God Himself plainly did not require?” (Acts 306-307)
- Ellen White: “Thus, without controversy, prejudice was broken down, the exclusiveness established by the of ages was abandoned, and the way was opened for the gospel to be proclaimed to the Gentiles.” (Acts of the Apostles 142)
- Does circumcision end?
- Acts 16:3-4—For the sake of the Jews, not wanting to put a stumbling block or wall between him and them, Paul Timothy.
- Galatians 2:3, 4—For the sake of the Gentiles, not wanting to put a stumbling block or wall between him and them, Paul to circumcise Titus.
- Paul changed his depending on cultural circumstances and societal values.
- The Jerusalem Council models for us an essential truth for the church of God today: unity in , but diversity in .
- To fulfill the same the same church/the same denomination can practice two very different in the very different cultures and countries of the world and still remain united under the divine guidance of the same Holy Spirit the whole time.
- You can be a global faith community and practice very methods in your shared mission to “seek and save the lost.”
Unity in Mission—Diversity in Method