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Kyran L. John

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Andrews University

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

AN EVANGELISTIC STRATEGY TO REACH THE PUNJABI SIKHS

IN QUEENS VILLAGE, NEW YORK CITY

A Project Proposal

Presented in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Doctor of Ministry

Kyran Leo John

April, 2019

THIS IS THE CURRENT AND OFFICIAL VERSION – July 29, 2021

Choose a Topic and Relevant Scriptural Texts

Manageability Consider the time and the space available.

Focus on a limited aspect.

Relevant Scriptural Texts

2’nd Step: Exegesis of the Scriptural Texts

Fully exegete them first! Remember the goal of exegesis is to understand what

the scriptural passages meant in their historical context.

Chapter 2: Theological Reflection

God as Creator and Father of Humankind

MAY 8, 2019

Heritage Month Celebration

Connell Robinson

Ride out the Storm – The night’s almost over so ride out your storm. Ive found a lily in my valley- He is the refuge from the Storm

My wife and my son

Sednak Yankson

Sister Yarde – for

IMPACCT7

Barbados – Beliz – Honduras - Grenada

Sermon: One Blood! - One Root Many Branches

In an article found in Pew Research JULIANA MENASCE HOROWITZ writes, As the United States becomes more racially and ethnically diverse, and as companies from Wall Street to Silicon Valley grapple with how to build workforces that reflect these changing demographics, she reports that “Americans have a complicated, even contradictory, set of views about the impact of diversity and the best way to achieve it.

Most say it’s a good thing that the country has a diverse population, but many also say this introduces its own set of challenges. And while a majority values workplace diversity, few endorse the idea of taking race or ethnicity into consideration in hiring and promotions, according to this New Pew Research Center survey. https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2019/05/08/americans-see-advantages-and-challenges-in-countrys-growing-racial-and-ethnic-diversity/

DOES THE CHURCH HAVE A SOLUTION FOR THIS CHALLENGE? HOW CAN WE GRAPPLE WITH THIS COMPLICATED, AND CONTRADICTORY REALITY OF OUR RACIALLY AND ETHNICALLY DIVERSE CULTURE WE FIND IN OUR CHURCHES? CAN THERE BE HARMONY AMONG THE RACIAL AND ETHNIC GROUPS IN OUR CHURCHES. CAN THERE BE PEACEFUL INTEGRATION IN OUR WORSHIP SERVICE AND UNITY IN DIVERSITY IN OUR CHURCHES HERE IN NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE, AND EVEN IN OUR CONGREGATION HERE AT MT. OF OLIVES?

How then can we foster this harmony, integration, and unity among our congregations? One blood

Scripture: Acts 17:22-30

LIFT HIM UP – 371

Appeal: 296 Lord I'm coming home

Closing song: 453 OH

Acts 17 King James Version (KJV) - 22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Introduction

Paul Great Evangelist and Preacher was on one of his routine evangelistic preaching schedules. For he was an itinerant missionary preacher! renowned throughout Israel, Judea, the territories of Rome and the regions beyond. While on one of those intense and spirit filled preaching schedules, many heard him and were intrigued, moved, inspired and impressed. They also wanted others to experience such powerful and authoritative discourse coming from that evangelist. So they took him to a place called Mars Hill to speak to the powerful leaders, teachers, doctors and influential powerbrokers of his day.

Addressing the religious beliefs of the men of Athens.

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. Many of us came to America with our biases, our values, our sense of right and wrong, what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior, even with our beliefs, standards and cultural mores: the essential or characteristic customs and conventions of our islands.

The geography and significance of mars hill

Mars Hill is the Roman name for a hill in Athens, Greece, called the Hill of Ares or the Areopagus (Acts 17:19, 22). Mars Hill served as the meeting place for the Areopagus Court, the highest court in Greece for civil, criminal and religious matters. Even under Roman rule in the time of the New Testament, Mars Hill remained an important meeting place where: philosophy, religion, and law were discussed. (Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Mars-Hill.html#ixzz37szTyybC). They deem Paul more than qualified to stand and address this august, esteemed, respected legislative ... body. Paul then took up the challenge and delivered one of his most important gospel presentations at the time of his visit to Athens during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:16-34). (Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Mars-Hill.html#ixzz37t1aKDaF)

TACT IN DEALING WITH ETHNIC DIVERSITY

ACTS 17

Paul commended their devotion

23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, 23b…To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

EVERYONE HAS SOME TRACE OF GOD IN THEM.

ALL HUMANKIND HAVE BEEN CREATED IN THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF THE GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH!

The identity of this unknown god!

Paul knew this God by experience! In order to foster unity in diversity among each other and among congregations and immigrants from different island and countries, as followers of Christ, we must know this God by experience. Like many of us Paul thought he had known Him before. He thought he had a personal relationship with Him! He thought he had enlisted on the side of Prince Emmanuel and doing his biddings and his will! He took it upon himself to persecute the true followers of God. But was it indeed the will and biddings of God he was carrying out? John 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. 2They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me…. Paul when he persecuted the Christians, thought he was carrying out the will of God. He thought he was doing God’s service. Then God knocked him off his high horse as he galloped on his way to Damascus to persecute God’s true followers.

Modern Day Paul's. Like Paul there are many who have their own self-righteous ideologies, and religious norms. That’s how we did it back home. My way is the right way. My culture is more civilized than yours etc. Some have strange ideas about the origin of the species and in particular the races. Like the elite of Mars Hill, some of us are entertaining strange ideologies and beliefs, and biases about the races and cultures. Is it ok for Grenadians to worship freely with Antiguans, and Barbadians to serve with St. Lucians, and Jamaicans to congregate with costa Ricans etc.

For after all, My island is more elite, more educated, more ambitious, industrious than your island. There is great debates whether different races and ethnic groups should even associate with each other. Some as asking would God sanction and accept the marriages between various racial groups. Is the mixing of the races in accord with biblical principles? I can imagine both the religious and political leaders on mars Hill asking such question as is “interracial” marriages directly violate God’s principles in the Bible and should it be allowed?

These were all taking place on Mars Hill. Many have set up altars in the name of God and religion. Paul’s observational and ethnographic research. What were His findings and conclusions?

ACTS 17

23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, to the Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. When we ignorantly worship God we come up with some strange theology, concepts, ideologies, beliefs, doctrines, nationalistic theories, raciest world view, guilty of bigotry etc.

Some ignorant beliefs and views

According to Answers in Genesis an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ the questions and arguments about race is irrelevant. In the 1800s, before Darwinian evolution was popularized, most people, when talking about “races,” would be referring to such groups as the “English race,” “Irish race,” and so on. However, this all changed in 1859 when Charles Darwin published his book On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. Darwinian evolution was (and still is1) inherently a racist philosophy teaching that different groups or “races” of people evolved at different times and rates, so some groups are more like their apelike ancestors than others. They held the belief that “At the lowest stage of human mental development are the Australians, some tribes of the Polynesians, and the Bushmen, Hottentots, and some of the Negro tribes. As a result of Darwinian evolution, many people started thinking in terms of the different people groups around the world representing different “races,” but within the context of evolutionary philosophy. This has resulted in many people today, consciously or unconsciously, having ingrained prejudices against certain other groups of people.9

Only one race!

SCIENTISTS TODAY ADMIT THAT, BIOLOGICALLY, THERE REALLY IS ONLY ONE RACE OF HUMANS.

However, all human beings in the world today are classified as Homo sapiens. For instance, a scientist at the Advancement of Science Convention in Atlanta stated, “Race is a social construct derived mainly from perceptions conditioned by events of recorded history, and it has no basic biological reality.”

This person went on to say, “Curiously enough, the idea comes very close to being of American manufacture.”10

Reporting on research conducted on the concept of race, ABC News stated, “More and more scientists find that the differences that set us apart are cultural, not racial. Some even say that the word race should be abandoned because it’s meaningless.”

The article went on to say that “we accept the idea of race because it’s a convenient way of putting people into broad categories, frequently to suppress them—the most hideous example was provided by Hitler’s Germany. And racial prejudice remains common throughout the world.”11

In an article in the Journal of Counseling and Development, 12 researchers argued that the term “race” is basically so meaningless that it should be discarded. More recently, those working on mapping the human genome announced “that they had put together a draft of the entire sequence of the human genome, and the researchers had unanimously declared, there is only one race—the human race.”13

Christians of all People should never categorize others as nothing more than children of the one and only creator God. We should characterize others as different “people groups” around the world.

So Paul is now here to set the record straight! Acts 27:23b…To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. Who is that unknown god Paul? 24 God that made the world and all things therein, … He is the creator God!

John 1:1-5(KJV) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

ACTS 17 24b…seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing,

Who is that god?

25b…seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, This lesson is one of the most important to be learned by the missionary, whether laboring at home or abroad.

Since the Gospel is based on a principle that there is no difference in men, it is absolutely essential that the Gospel worker should recognize the fact, and always keep it in mind.

God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.” Acts 17:26.

We are all of one flesh -1 Corinthians 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. The great burden of the epistle to the Romans, as has appeared up to this point, is to show that so far as sin and salvation therefore are concerned, there is absolutely no difference between men of all races and conditions in life.

The same Gospel is to be preached to; the Jew and to the Gentile, to the slave and to the freeman, to the prince and to the peasant. {PTUK August 30, 1894, p. 548.40}

ACTS 17

Who is that God?

26b…and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; If he is indeed god, what’s our responsibility? 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

Paul’s appeal

By Sam Smith

The most important fact about race is that It doesn't really exist. We are One Blood by creation and by redemption! There is simply no undisputed scientific definition of race. What are considered genetic characteristics are often the result of cultural habit and environmental adaptation. As far back as 1785, a German philosopher noted that "complexions run into each other." Julian Huxley suggested in 1941 that "it would be highly desirable if we could banish the question-begging term 'race' from all discussions of human affairs and substitute the noncommittal phrase 'ethnic group.' That would be a first step toward rational consideration of the problem at hand." Anthropologist Ashley Montagu in 1942 called race our "most dangerous myth."Yet in our conversations and arguments, in our media, and even in our laws, the illusion of race is given great credibility. Let’s give credibility to the fact that we are One Blood Acts 17:26

The Bible and “Race”

Lets give credibility to the fact that we are all related, as all humans are descendants of the first man, Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45), 15 who was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27).16 The Last Adam, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:45) also became a descendant of Adam.

Any descendant of Adam can be saved because our mutual relative by blood (Jesus Christ) died and rose again. This is why the gospel can (and should) be preached to all tribes and nations. Can god be found by anyone who seeks him? Can the Asian find him? How about the African, the European, the Indian, the West Indian, people of all race and ethnicity? It is God’s desire that everyone should have the opportunity to seek and find Him. He commanded the Apostles to preach the gospel to all who would listen – regardless of race or ethnicity. The commission of The three angels

Revelation 14:6-12 God wants you to find him! Seek ye the lord while is near. God wants to be found! You shall seek me and find me. Jeremiah 29:11-20 New International Version (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.

Acts 17

28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; In other words he is the creator, the provider, the sustainer, our helper and deliverer, our lord and savior regardless of race or ethnicity. Paul brought to their awareness in verse 28b…as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Why should we serve him?

29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, 29b…we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent:

31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, we will hear thee again of this matter. 33 So Paul departed from among them.

Some believed

34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. Different but the same. We are all one blood by creation! We are all brothers and sisters! We are all of one parentage regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, status in society or in life. One by redemption 1 Corinthians 17:23 we are Bought with a price – be not servants of men.

No reason to war against each other if we are on the same side

James 4:1 – the Apostle ask the question 4 From whence come wars and fighting among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

James 4:11(KJV)

11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Romans 12:10-13New King James Version (NKJV)

10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. We are not the enemy

Ephesians 6:10 Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesian 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath and anger and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.You may have been guilty of bigotry, discrimination, prejudice, hatred etc.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again?

There is help!

Abraham as Father of all Nations - Multiculturalism

God’s Love for the Cities and His Treatment of Strangers, Aliens, Immigrants and Pilgrims

SERMON: PILGRIMS - STRANGERS AND FOREIGNERS AT OUR DOORS!

The United States became known as “the land of the free” because that is how Francis Scott Key viewed his nation in 1814.

It hung on as part of the American national anthem and became a favored phrase among Americans because of that. The first verse is the only one most people know the words to.

O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Historically, the United States was the world’s largest democracy – The Champion of Religious Freedom for all.

The Pilgrims left England to find religious freedom in America

KATIE REILLY Writing for the Times JANUARY 28, 2017 Wrote:

In the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration…,

many critics quickly took up a familiar rallying cry, lifting words from the Statue of Liberty that have for decades represented American Immigration, Tolerance and Invitation:

“Give me your tired, your poor – Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

Former independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin, Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright all invoked those words

written by American author and poet Emma Lazarus in 1883 — as they condemned Trump’s suspension of the country’s refugee assistance program.

My TASK today is to raise Awareness!

Raise Awareness of the Immigration status of everyone presently living on American Soil.

Awareness of why we are here, where we came from, how we got here. And where we are going! Although some of us may claim US citizenship –

May Claim Black and White Privileges because of original ties and ancestral roots going back to the birth of America, nevertheless, we all fall into one of these categories:

Aliens –

Strangers –

Foreigners –

Asylum Seekers –

Pilgrims-,

Illegals or Undocumented.

Some Claim that America is only for one race and everyone else is a foreigners. Most of those who claim privilege status, also claim to be religious and even Christians.

But the hymn rightfully says:

This is my Father’s world:

I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas

His hand the wonders wrought.

How Should we especially the Church treat the Foreigners, Aliens, Strangers, People who are not of your race, culture or ethnicity?

2 Chronicles 6:32-33 (NKJV)

32 “Moreover, concerning a foreigner, who is not of Your people Israel, but has come from a far country for the sake of Your great name and Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm,

32b…when they come and pray in this temple;

33 then hear from heaven Your dwelling place,

33b…and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You,

33c…that all peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You,

The Church the Model and Example

33d…as do Your people Israel.

Purpose

33d…and that they may know that [a]this temple which I have built is called by Your name.

In other Words we give the invitations to attend the evangelistic campaign, we ought to be no respecter of Ethnicity, race, status, culture, color of skin, texture of hair, stature, size height.

For we have all been created in the image and likeness of God.

HOW SHOULD WE TREAT THE STRANGER AND THE FOREIGNER?

Jeremiah 22:3 (NKJV)

3 Thus says the Lord: “Execute[a] judgment and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor.

3b… Do no wrong and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.

James 1:27

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

TAKE WARNING HOW WE TREAT OTHERS

Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV)

2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

WHAT EVER WE DO, LET’S DO IT FAITHFULLY

3 John 5-6 King James Version (KJV)

5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

Ezekiel 24:26-27 New King James Version (NKJV)

26 that on that day one who escapes will come to you to let you hear it with yourears?

27 On that day your mouth will be opened to him who has escaped;

you shall speak and no longer be mute. Thus you will be a sign to them, and they shall know that I am the Lord.’ ”

SOMETIMES WE FORGET FROM WHENCE WE CAME

1 Chronicles 29:14-16 (NKJV)

14 But who amI, and who are my people, That we should be able to offer so willingly as this?

For all things come from You, And [a]of Your own we have given You.

WHO ARE WE REALLY?

15 For we are [b]aliens and [c]pilgrims before You, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope.

16 “O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own.

What Principle Should we Apply in the Treatment of others?

• Leviticus 19:33-34 New King James Version (NKJV)

• 33 ‘And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him.

34 The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as [a]one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

HOW CAN OTHERS KNOW THAT WE ARE CHRISTIANS – DISCIPLES OF JESUS?

John 13:34-36

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Including the aliens, the strangers, the pilgrims, the undocumented, the stoweaway

EVERYONE REGARDLESS OF THEIR ETHNICITY – RACE – CULTURE AND STATUS IN LIFE, HAVE THE SAME ACCESS BEFORE THE SUPREME RULER OF THE UNIVERSE

Ephesians 2:15-20 (CEV)

15 to destroy the Law of Moses with all its rules and commands. He even brought Jews and Gentiles together as though we were only one person, when he united us in peace.

16 On the cross Christ did away with our hatred for each other. He also made peace[a] between us and God by uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body.

17 Christ came and preached peace to you Gentiles, who were far from God, and peace to us Jews, who were near God. 18 And because of Christ, all of us can come to the Father by the same Spirit.

NO LONGER STRANGERS AND FOREIGNERS

19 You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God.

20 You are like a building with the apostles and prophets as the foundation and with Christ as the most important stone – the Chief Cornerstone!

The Holy Spirit’s Role in Evangelism

Acts 1:8-20

New King James Version

8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Jesus Ascends to Heaven

9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

The Upper Room Prayer Meeting

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one [b]accord in prayer [c]and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Acts 16: The Macedonian Call

The Macedonian Call

6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in [a]Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the [b]Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

God’s Commission to Preach the Everlasting Gospel to everyone

Integrate the Missional

The Power of the Everlasting Gospel

God’s Last Message to the World

Rev 14:6-9

6 ¶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

The First Angel is pictured as announcing the everlasting gospel

The second and the third angels offer further developments of the first message.

The importance of these messages?

It is evident that these messages are important because they are to be given; to preach unto them that dwell on the earth,

and to every nation,

and kindred,

and tongue,

and people.

How should we proclaim this message?

With a loud, urgent, clear and distinct voice.

It is a testing message!

Bringing every person in the world to a decision concerning their salvation in Jesus Christ.

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF THIS MESSAGE

This message produces a people who keep the commandments of God and - The faith or teachings of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,

an holy nation,

a *peculiar or purchased people;

9B…that ye should shew forth the *praises or virtues of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS NAME

What else does this message bring?

It also brings to a final decision all who would refuse to embrace the gift of Salvation.

What did John see happening to the earth at the end of the Preaching of the Everlasting Gospel?

Rev 14:14-20

13 ¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord *from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is *ripe.

16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying,

18B…Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

The Everlasting Gospel is indeed the last Warning Message to the World!

This Gospel is good news!

It is glad tidings!

Proclaimed by the Angels!

Witnessed by shepherds!

It is to be taken to ever nation, and kindred and tongue and people.

ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH

THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL IS AN AGGRESSIVE GOSPEL!

Caution Against Undue Delay.--Caution is needed; but while some of the workers are guarded, and make haste slowly, if there are not united with them in the work those who see the necessity of being aggressive, very much will be lost; opportunities will pass, and the opening providence of God will not be discerned. {Ev 228.4}

True Christianity will always be aggressive, and wherever it exists it will arouse enmity. {Christ Triumphant 356.2}

From the first our work was aggressive. Our numbers were few, and mostly from the poorer class.

Our views were almost unknown to the world. We had no houses of worship, but few publications, and very limited facilities for carrying forward our work.

The sheep were scattered in the highways and byways, in cities, in towns, in forests. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus was our message. {Christian Experience Teachings of Ellen G. White 192.2}

By aggressive warfare, in the midst of opposition, peril, loss, and human suffering, the work of soul-saving is to be carried forward.

At a certain battle, when one of the regiments of the attacking force was being beaten back by the hordes of the enemy, the ensign in front stood his ground as the troops retreated.

The captain shouted to him to bring back the colors, but the reply of the ensign was, "Bring the men up to the colors!"

This is the work that devolves upon every faithful standard-bearer,--to bring the men up to the colors.

The Lord calls for whole-heartedness. We all know that the sin of many professing Christians is that they lack the courage and energy to bring themselves and those connected with them up to the standard. --Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 45, 46. {ChS 244.5}

God cannot use men who, in time of peril, when the strength, courage, and influence of all are needed, are afraid to take a firm stand for the right. {ChS 245.1}

God calls for men like Elijah, Nathan, and John the Baptist,--men who will bear His message with faithfulness, regardless of the consequences;

men who will speak the truth bravely, though it call for the sacrifice of all they have.--Prophets and Kings, p. 142. {ChS 245.2}

What is the Core or Center of this Gospel?

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

1 ¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye *keep in memory *what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

This Gospel is not only for Paul’s day, but for all to proclaim!

This Gospel must be declared to the entire world!

It must be proclaimed on the Islands of Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota!

It must be proclaimed through out the Islands of the Marshalls, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, Palau, Philippines and the Regions beyond

IT MUST BE PROCLAIMED ON THE MOUNTAIN TOP!

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

What is the Most Important Part of the Everlasting Gospel according to Paul?

1 Corinthians 15:3 (Contemporary English Version)

3 I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me. That part is: Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say.

Isa 53:6 - 9

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath *laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

8 He was taken *from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people *was he stricken.

9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his *death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

The Everlasting Gospel demands only one Savior, Only one Redeemer, Representative, Only one Advocate, mediator!

1 Timothy 2:5,6

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all,…

How far reaching is Jesus’ Mediatorial Work?

1 John 2:2

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:2 Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world's people - CEV

The Contemporary English Version

3 ¶ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

The Everlasting Gospel is the message of God’s Changeless love for the entire world.

1 Timothy 4:10

10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

He is the Saviour of the Human Family!

A Savour is one who goes in search of, one who rescues, one who Delivers those who are straying, lost and are in danger.

He Demonstrated this attribute, this quality when Adam and Eve Sinned

Gen 3:8, 9

8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the *cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

9 ¶ And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

The Everlasting Gospel is about;

Loving, searching, rescuing, delivering, pleading, gathering into the Kingdom!

Matt 23:37

37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee,

37b…how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

The Everlasting Gospel is about a Saviour who Never Gives up on one who needs to be saved!

Hosea 11:8

God declares, How can I give you up!

God always takes the initiative towards us!

There are no ifs, no contracts regarding God’s initiative on behalf of sinners.

God did not say if you repent and promise to be good, I will give My Son for your sins.

God gave His son for the sins of the world without any agreement signed

He knew that everyone would not accept, but He gave His son any way!

What was our condition when Jesus Died for us?

Rom 5:7-8

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Rev 13:7

Jesus was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

God Loves us regardless!

God’s foreknowledge of our ingratitude did not destroy His love for us!

How Has He declared His love for us!

Romans 5:6-8 calls it His Matchless Love!

Ephesians 3:19 calls It His Boundless Love

Luke 23:34 calls it His Infinite Love

Luke 15:20 calls it His Unmerited Love

Jeremiah 31:3 calls it His Everlasting Love

Malachi 3:6 calls it His Changeless Love

John 3:16 Calls it His “Who So-ever Love”

What was Jesus’ Mission?

Luke 4:

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;

18b…he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

The Bible teaches that through the Everlasting Gospel;

Mankind has been Ransomed

1 Timothy 2:6

Redeemed (Galatians 3:13)

Bought (1 Cor. 6:20)

Set Free (John 8:32, 36)

Released (Isa 42:7)

The Prophecy of the Everlasting Gospel Pointed towards a Baby,

Born in a Manger,

Wrapped in Animal’s Clothes,

Announced by shepherds,

Visited by foreigners,

Accepted by the poor,

Rejected by the educated, the rich and the powerful,

Crucified by the Rulers and the Government,

Died!

Buried!

Resurrected!

Ascended!

And is Coming Again to take us home to Glory

LET’S PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS OF SALVATION

Mat 24:14 CEV

14When the good news about the kingdom has been preached all over the world and told to all nations, the end will come.

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

Ellen G. White’s Statements on the Church’s Responsibilities to Reach and receive Foreigners and Immigrants\

Mrs. White:

As there are different materials in a building, each article representing the parts united together, so it is with the church of God.

CHRIST CONNECTS ALL

Christ is the foundation and cornerstone which unites all the parts of the building.

Every human being who has consecrated himself to Christ has his place in the building.

He is connected with others to make the building, the church, a perfect whole. But he is not the head or foundation. Christ is to be all and in all. MS94 – 1898.11

The hearts of Paul and his associate workers were drawn out in behalf of those who were “without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.”

Through the untiring ministrations of the apostles to the Gentiles, the “strangers and foreigners,” who “sometimes were far off,” learned that they had been “made nigh by the blood of Christ,”

and that through faith in His atoning sacrifice they might become “fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:12, 13, 19.

A Heaven-sent Opportunity

In our own country there are thousands of all nations, and tongues, and peoples who are ignorant and superstitious, having no knowledge of the Bible or its sacred teachings.

God's hand was in their coming to America, that they might be brought under the enlightening influence of the truth revealed in His Word, and become partakers of His saving faith.—The Review and Herald, March 1, 1887.

God in His providence has brought men to our very doors, and thrust them, as it were, into our arms, that they might learn the truth, and be qualified to do a work we could not do in getting the light to men of other tongues.—The Review and Herald, July 25, 1918.

Many of these foreigners are here in the providence of God, that they may have opportunity to hear the truth for this time, and receive a preparation that will fit them to return to their own lands as bearers of precious light shining direct from the throne of God.—Pacific Union Recorder, April 21, 1910.

Great benefits would come to the cause of God in the regions beyond, if faithful effort were put forth in behalf of the foreigners in the cities of our homeland.

Among these men and women are some who, upon accepting the truth, could soon be fitted to labor for their own people in this country and in other countries.

Many might return to the places from which they came, in the hope of winning their friends to the truth. They could search out their kinsfolk and neighbors, and communicate to them a knowledge of the third angel's message.—The Review and Herald, October 29, 1914.

THE REWARD

Matthew 25:22-40 New King James Version (NKJV)

31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the [a]holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.

32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?

38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’

40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did itto one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.

CHAPTER 2 – RUBRICS OF THE THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION

C. Chapter two of your project document, a paper of 25 pages, will be required providing a theological reflection relevant to your project challenge. This work required in year two partially integrates your 6 credits of project learning into the program.

The Andrews University Standards for Written Work, 12th Edition (or more recent edition) will provide the standards for all written work. Doctor of Ministry papers are done in Turabian style.

Due date: Jan 31, 2021

250 pts

E. Attend virtually the Implementation Symposium on December 8, 2020 2:00-4:00pm EST via Zoom. This symposium will help you finalize your project proposal and prepare you to implement your project in year three of the program.

F. Meet again with your context support group of five to nine persons from your specific ministry context and review your MDP. The meeting should center on personal and professional progress. The meeting must occur on or before June 30, 2020. The group will review the MDP and its role with materials provided during the intensive.

60 pts

G. Students will participate in a minimum of two sessions of a work group for peer support and sharing of experience.

1. A journal and attendance record of the group meetings will be required from a secretary for each group by Jan 31, 2021.

2. The first group meeting must occur on or before July 31, 2020, and review the work of each student on their chapter five.

3. The second group meeting must occur on or before Oct 31, 2020, and review the case study done by each student (or other assignment).

4. Groups may meet by phone conference, face-to-face, or via electronic conference.

50 pts

H. Continue work with your field mentor, be involved in at least monthly sessions with your mentor, and report the 1) name, 2) contact information, and 3) a one page journal of session dates and reactions to the sessions to the lead teacher on Jan 31, 2021.

40 pts

* For grading rubrics that specify grading criteria in more detail, see Appendices.

In order to make grading fair for everyone, grades will be assigned on the basis of the above requirements alone. No individual arrangements will be made for those requesting last minute grade adjustment or extra credit.

Submission of Assignments

Assignments are to be turned in on Learning Hub before the beginning of the class period at which they are due (unless otherwise announced).

Late Submission

Assignment due date: Late up to 30 days: Late 31 to 60 days: Late 61 to 90 days:

(possible A grade)

(no more than A- grade) (no more than B+ grade) (no more than B grade)

Late 91 days or more: (no credit for the assignment)

Reading reports and reading journals for pre-intensive books are due the first session of the teaching intensive, (enter date). If submitted late, the work will be discounted 10%.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Allan R. Walshe

Current ministry emphasis—Discipleship and Biblical Spirituality

Brief summary of ministry:

Local pastor—3 different conferences

Conference Departmental Director: Various Departments Union Departmental Director: Various Departments Conference President: SPDiv

Union President: SPDiv

University Teaching Professor: Andrews University Department Chair: Dept. Discipleship and Religious Education, Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

OTHER COURSE-RELATED POLICIES

Academic Integrity

The Seminary expects its students to exhibit rigorous moral integrity appropriate to ministry leaders representing Jesus Christ. Complete honesty in academic matters is a vital component of such integrity. Any breach of academic integrity in this class is subject to discipline. Consequences may include receipt of a reduced or failing grade, suspension or dismissal from the course, suspension or dismissal from the program, expulsion from the university, or degree cancellation. Disciplinary action may be retroactive if academic dishonesty becomes apparent after the student leaves the course, program or university. A record of academic integrity violations is maintained by the University Student Academic Integrity Council. Repeated and/or flagrant offenses will be referred to an Academic Integrity Panel for recommendations on further penalties.

Academic Dishonesty includes:

 Plagiarism in which one fails to give credit every time use is made of another person’s ideas or

exact words, whether in a formal paper or in submitted notes or assignments. Credit is to be given by use of:

o Correctly designed and inserted footnotes each time one makes use of another individual’s research and/or ideas; and

o Quotation marks placed around any exact phrases or sentences (3 or more words) taken from the text or speech of another individual.

 Presenting another’s work as one’s own (e.g., placement exams, homework assignments);

 Using materials during a quiz or examination other than those explicitly allowed by the teacher

or program;

 Stealing, accepting, or studying from stolen quizzes or examination materials;

 Copying from another student during a regular or take-home test or quiz;

 Assisting another in acts of academic dishonesty

 Submitting the same work or major portions thereof, without permission from the instructors,

to satisfy the requirements of more than one course.

For additional details see: https://www.andrews.edu/academics/academic_integrity.html

Academic Accommodations

If you qualify for accommodation under the American Disabilities Act, please see contact Student Success in Nethery Hall 100 (disabilities@andrews.edu or 269-471-6096) as soon as possible so that accommodations can be arranged.

Use of Electronics

No recording or streaming is permitted in seminary courses.

Courtesy, respect, and professionalism dictate that laptops and cell phones are to be used only for class- related activities during class time.

Communications and Updates

Email is the official form of communication at Andrews University. Students are responsible for checking their Andrews University e-mail, Moodle, and iVue alerts regularly.

LearningHub Access

Andrews University Learning Hub hosts this course online. Your Learning Hub username and password are the same as your Andrews username and password. Use the following contact information if you need technical assistance at any time during the course, or to report a problem with LearningHub.

Username and password assistance

helpdesk@andrews.edu

(269) 471-6016

Technical assistance with Learning Hub

dlit@andrews.edu

(269) 471-3960

Technical assistance with your Andrews account

http://andrews.edu/hdchat/chat.php

Emergency Protocol

Andrews University takes the safety of its student seriously. Signs identifying emergency protocol are posted throughout buildings. Instructors will provide guidance and direction to students in the classroom in the event of an emergency affecting that specific location. It is important that you follow these instructions and stay with your instructor during any evacuation or sheltering emergency.

Please Note: The instructor reserves the right to revise the syllabus, with the consensus of the class, at any time during the semester for the benefit of the learning process. The up-to-date Course Description for this course may be found at www.learninghub.andrews.edu .

APPENDIX 1: INTERPRETING LETTER GRADES

Graduation requires a 3.0 or better program GPA. Students who receive a DN for a module must seek permission from the DMin office to restart with another cohort and seek a new program time limit. Such requests are considered by the DMin program committee and not guaranteed. No tuition refunds are considered.

Letter Grades and Percentages

94-100% A

90-93% A- 87-89% B+

THE B GRADE

83-86% B 80-82% B- 77-79% C+

73-76% C 70-72% C-

The B grade is a sign that you have competently fulfilled all of the requirements stipulated for an assessment or competency evaluation. It is a very good grade and demonstrates a high level of the knowledge, insight, critical competence and professional presentation standards essential for an individual wishing to pursue a career as a professional leader in ministry.

THE A GRADE

An A grade is given only when a student not only fulfills the criteria for a B grade, but in doing so demonstrates an advanced academic aptitude for content knowledge, critique, synthesis and independent insight, while exhibiting highly developed communication skills and professional publication standards that would allow them to pursue a highly competitive academic career.

THE C GRADE

The C grade differs only from a B grade in that the traits outlined in the B grade above are not consistently applied. However, with diligence and by applying feedback from your lecturer, the academic process can provide opportunity for a student to improve their consistency, and hence, their grade.

THE D GRADE

The D grade points to a limited level of knowledge, insight, and critique, as well as to inadequate quality of written work. This may be because of a lack of time management on the part of the student, difficulty grasping the concepts being taught, use of English as a second language, or a personal issue that is affecting one’s concentration and motivation levels. Again, with diligence, applying feedback from your lecturer, and seeking services offered by the University like the writing lab or the counseling center, the academic process can provide an opportunity for a student to significantly improve their performance.

THE F GRADE

A failing grade is given when very limited or no demonstrable competency has been observed.

APPENDIX 2: ASSIGNMENT RUBRIC(S)

Chapter Assessment Rubric for the Post Intensive Paper: