Proclaiming Christ: Challenges and Opportunities Worldwide

 

Summary

In today's discussion, we explored the challenges and opportunities faced by Christians around the world in proclaiming the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. In Rome, the traditional gospel has been overshadowed by a "mercy alone" gospel, which dilutes the exclusivity of Christ and leans towards a pluralistic approach. This shift has made it difficult for people to accept the exclusive claims of Jesus. In contrast, in Brazil, there is still a significant degree of freedom to preach openly about Jesus as the only way, despite some attempts to restrict religious expression. This freedom is cherished, but there is an awareness that it may not last indefinitely.

In Indonesia, the challenge is different. The majority Muslim population struggles with core Christian doctrines like the Trinity and the concept of Jesus as a mediator. Despite these challenges, there is a commitment to preach the full gospel with love and respect, even in the face of potential persecution. The testimony of Muslims being drawn to the message of Christ is a testament to the power of the gospel.

In the United States and other Western contexts, the challenge is often the reluctance to preach the antithesis—that without Christ, there is no salvation. While people are open to discussing Jesus, they resist the exclusive claims of Christ. This reluctance is mirrored in the societal shift away from Christian values, as seen in the removal of the Ten Commandments and the encroachment of secular ideologies into education and family life.

Despite these challenges, there is hope. The disintegration of societal values presents an opportunity for Christians to demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. As society continues to struggle, there will be a turning towards Christian families for guidance and wisdom. This is a time for Christians to be courageous, to live out their faith boldly, and to be prepared to offer hope and truth in a world that desperately needs it.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Challenge of Pluralism: In Rome, the gospel has been diluted by a pluralistic approach that emphasizes mercy over the exclusivity of Christ. This shift challenges believers to reaffirm the unique claims of Jesus as the only way to salvation. [01:13]

2. Freedom and Responsibility in Brazil: While Brazil enjoys religious freedom, there is a responsibility to use this freedom wisely. Christians must be vigilant and proactive in defending their right to preach the gospel, knowing that this freedom may not last forever. [03:17]

3. Preaching in a Muslim Context: In Indonesia, the challenge is to preach the full gospel in a predominantly Muslim context. This requires courage and a commitment to truth, even when faced with opposition. The testimony of Muslims being drawn to Christ is a powerful reminder of the gospel's impact. [06:41]

4. The Antithesis in Western Contexts: In the West, there is a reluctance to preach the antithesis—that without Christ, there is no salvation. This challenge calls for clarity and boldness in proclaiming the full gospel, even when it is unpopular. [09:33]

5. Opportunities Amidst Societal Disintegration: As societal values disintegrate, there is an opportunity for Christians to demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. This requires courage, wisdom, and a readiness to offer hope and truth to a world in need. [16:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Global Challenges
- [00:29] - The Gospel in Rome
- [01:38] - Pluralism and Inclusivity
- [02:17] - Freedom in Brazil
- [03:36] - Legal Challenges in Brazil
- [04:10] - Preaching in Indonesia
- [05:18] - The Cost of Preaching
- [06:03] - Testimonies from Indonesia
- [07:01] - Muslim Conversions
- [08:13] - Challenges in the United States
- [09:33] - The Doctrine of Christ Alone
- [10:42] - Interreligious Dialogue in Iran
- [12:15] - Radical vs. Nominal Islam
- [13:26] - Societal Shifts in Scotland
- [15:02] - Education and Family Challenges
- [16:13] - Courage and Wisdom for the Future

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
2. Acts 4:12 - "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
3. Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the key challenges faced by Christians in Rome regarding the exclusivity of Christ, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:13]

2. How does the current religious freedom in Brazil impact the way the gospel is preached, according to the sermon? [03:17]

3. What are the main doctrinal challenges faced by Christians in Indonesia when preaching to a Muslim audience? [06:41]

4. In the sermon, what societal changes in the United States and other Western contexts are affecting the preaching of the gospel? [09:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "mercy alone" in Rome challenge the traditional understanding of the gospel's exclusivity? What implications does this have for believers? [01:13]

2. Considering the freedom to preach in Brazil, what responsibilities do Christians have in using this freedom wisely? How might this change if the freedom were to be restricted? [03:17]

3. In what ways does the testimony of Muslims being drawn to Christ in Indonesia illustrate the power of the gospel, despite doctrinal differences? [06:41]

4. How does the reluctance to preach the antithesis in Western contexts reflect broader societal shifts away from Christian values? What are the potential consequences of this reluctance? [09:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own context: How do you perceive the challenge of pluralism affecting your faith community? What steps can you take to reaffirm the unique claims of Jesus in your daily life? [01:13]

2. In what ways can you actively use your freedom to share the gospel in your community, similar to the situation in Brazil? Are there specific actions you can take to defend this freedom? [03:17]

3. How can you engage in respectful and loving conversations about faith with those who hold different beliefs, as seen in the Indonesian context? What practical steps can you take to prepare for such interactions? [06:41]

4. Considering the societal shifts in Western contexts, how can you be more courageous and clear in proclaiming the gospel, even when it is unpopular? What support do you need from your faith community to do this? [09:33]

5. As societal values continue to change, how can you demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in your family and community? What specific actions can you take to be a source of hope and truth? [16:44]

6. Identify a situation in your life where you have been hesitant to share your faith due to fear of rejection or controversy. How can you overcome this hesitation and be more bold in your witness? [09:33]

7. How can you cultivate wisdom and courage in your personal faith journey, especially in times of societal disintegration? What role does prayer and scripture play in this process? [16:44]

Devotional

Day 1: Reaffirming the Exclusivity of Christ
In a world increasingly leaning towards pluralism, the challenge for Christians is to reaffirm the unique claims of Jesus as the only way to salvation. In Rome, the traditional gospel message has been overshadowed by a "mercy alone" gospel, which dilutes the exclusivity of Christ and leans towards a more inclusive, pluralistic approach. This shift makes it difficult for people to accept the exclusive claims of Jesus, as it challenges the prevailing cultural narrative that all paths lead to God. Christians are called to stand firm in their faith, proclaiming the truth of Christ's unique role in salvation with love and conviction. [01:13]

John 14:6 (ESV): "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you lovingly and respectfully affirm the exclusivity of Christ in your conversations with others this week?


Day 2: Stewarding Religious Freedom Wisely
In Brazil, Christians enjoy a significant degree of religious freedom, allowing them to preach openly about Jesus as the only way to salvation. However, with this freedom comes the responsibility to use it wisely and proactively defend it. There is an awareness that this freedom may not last indefinitely, and believers are encouraged to be vigilant in protecting their right to preach the gospel. This involves being proactive in sharing their faith and standing up for their beliefs in the face of potential challenges. [03:17]

Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

Reflection: How can you actively use your religious freedom to serve others and share the gospel this week?


Day 3: Courage in Preaching the Gospel in Muslim Contexts
In Indonesia, where the majority of the population is Muslim, Christians face unique challenges in preaching the full gospel. Core Christian doctrines like the Trinity and the concept of Jesus as a mediator are difficult for many Muslims to accept. Despite these challenges, there is a commitment among believers to preach the gospel with love and respect, even in the face of potential persecution. The testimony of Muslims being drawn to the message of Christ is a powerful reminder of the gospel's impact and the courage required to share it in such contexts. [06:41]

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Reflection: What steps can you take to prepare yourself to share the gospel with gentleness and respect, especially with those who may have different beliefs?


Day 4: Boldness in Proclaiming the Antithesis in Western Contexts
In the United States and other Western contexts, there is often a reluctance to preach the antithesis—that without Christ, there is no salvation. While people may be open to discussing Jesus, they resist the exclusive claims of Christ. This challenge calls for clarity and boldness in proclaiming the full gospel, even when it is unpopular. Christians are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, speaking the truth in love and being unafraid to share the message of salvation through Christ alone. [09:33]

Acts 4:12 (ESV): "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Reflection: How can you practice boldness in sharing the message of salvation through Christ alone in your daily interactions?


Day 5: Seizing Opportunities Amidst Societal Disintegration
As societal values disintegrate, Christians have an opportunity to demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. This requires courage, wisdom, and a readiness to offer hope and truth to a world in need. As society continues to struggle, there will be a turning towards Christian families for guidance and wisdom. This is a time for believers to live out their faith boldly, being prepared to offer hope and truth in a world that desperately needs it. [16:44]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to be a light in your community, offering hope and truth to those around you?

Quotes


The gospel that my city and my nation has received as the standard form of the Gospel was a Rome alone kind of gospel, and in our 21st century context, it has been substituted with a Mercy alone gospel. This is the key word of the present Pope, mercy, and mercy has no limits. [00:00:26]

In Latin America and South America, and I mean Brazil mainly, we have been privileged at this time. We do enjoy freedom of speech and religion even though the state is secular. I can go to a public street and just preach openly about Jesus is the only way. [00:02:01]

In Indonesia, about 80% of the Muslims are moderate and only a few percentage are very radical. But when radical try to make riots, it is a very harmful phenomena for the society. In my preaching, I mostly in the Christian population area, but Islam people are allowed to come. [00:04:10]

When we preach about Jesus Christ, Muslim cannot accept three things: the concept of Trinity, the second God became man mediator, and the blood of a man can save and clean other sin. This they cannot accept, but if we don't preach all this, we are not Christian. [00:04:57]

I believe when we are minority, that is blessing of God. When Christian become majority, that is very dangerous. But when minority is working for the benefit of the majority, and automatically my minority will no more be a minority, they will be appreciated by those people. [00:07:48]

It's one thing to preach Christ and to preach Christ alone, but it's an entirely another thing to say that if you don't trust in Christ alone, then you'll perish. And that's what we must keep. And I think in America, we're facing much the same challenge. [00:08:32]

The doctrine of Christ alone has two parts to it. When we talk about soless Christus or Christ Alone, we mean first that Jesus Christ's identity is absolutely unique, but we mean secondly his work is entirely sufficient. It was the sufficiency of his work that was primarily under attack. [00:09:33]

The more multifaith a culture is, the more it'll be the uniqueness of his person that will be under attack. But we need to ensure that we are preaching proclaiming both those truths, the absolute sufficiency of his work and the complete uniqueness of his person. [00:10:08]

The meetings came to a halt when we began to talk about the exclusivity of Jesus Christ. As Dr. Tong was talking about both moderate and radical Muslims, what I found in my time there is I studied a good bit about at least Iranian Islam. [00:10:50]

One of the things that I have noticed happening in the demise of a public Christianity, the role for example of the Ten Commandments, my own conviction is when a society that has been christianized removes the Ten Commandments, it is field day for the lawyers. [00:14:34]

Now a new generation needs courage not only to believe and have those convictions but courage to live out those convictions to speak out those convictions and extraordinary wisdom. Our youngsters, if things continue the way they are, will all need to be sufficiently taught. [00:15:50]

As our society continues to disintegrate, these families in our church, which is kind of full of young families, the families in their streets, if things continue in 10 years, will be turning to them and saying how do you do this because the government cannot legislate. [00:16:31]

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Transcript
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