Cross Denominational Mission
Jesus
was born, a Jew, during the Roman occupation. Through Joseph, he can be
established as a descendant of David. We are told that he was a
carpenter by trade, a fairly well off profession at that time and in
that place. However, when he was about thirty years old, Jesus began to
teach about God's Kingdom, and in addition began healing the sick and
lame. This demonstrated beyond doubt that Jesus had a special
relationship to God. The Romans were'nt all that bothered, but the
Jewish religious authorities (who had been allowed to continue in
position by the occupying Romans) tried to, and did, arrange Jesus'
downfall. On the night before this downfall, Jesus called his band of
followers, his disciples, to have supper with him. Then he made a new
covenant with them, and all people; promising a special gift from God
to them and all who would follow. Jesus was tried, in dubious
circumstances, and was crucified, a method of execution particularly
used for the most hated of criminals. Jesus dies on the cross but this
is not the end. Jesus returns to life and is seen by his disciples. To
prove he is really alive, Jesus eats and teaches, and is seen by many,
not only his supporters. Jesus goes to heaven and commands his
followers to continue his work and make believers of all people. God's
Holy Spirit is sent to enable Jesus' followers to do this work, which
still continues today.
The
word 'Gospel' means Good News. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are 'synoptic'
gospels which means they give a comprehensive, overall view; the gospel of John is written later with a
more reflective, circumspect approach. Epistle, means a writing in
the form of a descriptive letter, to describe events to those who were
not there. The approximate date for the birth of Jesus is reckoned to
be about 6BC. For various reasons, the transition from BC to AD became
inaccurate by six years. AD means Anno Domini, latin for 'the year of our Lord'.
The Gospels
Matthew tells
the Good News that Jesus is the promised saviour, the Messiah, through
who God will fulfill His promises. Matthew is a carefully arranged book
ordered to tell the story more or less chronologically. This gospel
presents Jesus as the Great Teacher, who has the authority to interpret
God's Law and to teach about the ways of God. Matthew writes from the
Jewish viewpoint, after all Jesus was a Jew living in the Jewish world.
This gospel has a flavour of being Good News for not only the Jews but
the whole world.
This was probably the reason that emphasis is placed on Jesus' birth,
and after his ministry, his death and resurrection.
Mark
is probably the earliest (that is to say first written) of the gospels.
Mark is straight to the point: he starts, 'This is the Good News about
Jesus Christ, the Son of God'. Marks delivers this good news in a
vigorous, straightforward manner. Jesus is seen as a man of action,
power and authority, who describes himself as the Son of Man, and who
has come to set his people free. Mark focusses on what Jesus did rather
than just on what he said. This gospel has no mention of Jesus as a
child, nor of his birth. It is when Jesus starts his ministry that Mark
begins. The emphasis is on teaching and healing. Those who follow Jesus
become more aware of who Jesus is, but his opponents become more
hostile. The closing chapters tell of Jesus' last few days on earth,
especially his betrayal and crucifixion. The resurrenction and
appearances of the risen Lord form the last part of Mark. There are two
endings to this gospel, and both are generally considered to be written
by someone other than the author of Mark, as if the gospel was
completed on the authors' behalf.
Luke Here
Jesus is presented as both the promised Saviour of Israel as well as
the saviour of all people. Luke was an educated man, a doctor, and his
gospel gives us a different perspective on the good news. Joy and
excitement are especially noticeable in the early and later chapters,
and the anticipation realised in the birth of Jesus and His triumphal
resurrection and ascending to heaven. We have material in Luke not
given to us in other gospels : accounts of the angels, and shepherds
visiting the baby Jesus, what Jesus did as a boy in the Temple,
parables he taught of the Good Samaritan, and the prodigal Lost son.
Luke also emphasises the Holy Spirit, the power of prayer, Gods
forgiveness and the role of women in the ministry of Jesus. The author
of Luke is the same who gave us the Acts of the Apostles, continuing
Jesus ministry as his followers create the early church on Jesus'
behalf.
John
This gospel was written about 80AD: after the life and
ministry of Jesus; as the early church was growing and struggling; yet
within the time frame to make it 'contemporary'. However, it gives the
story of Jesus in a considered, reflective way. This makes it
valuable scripture, especially when used in conjunction with the other
gospels. Here, Jesus is shown to be the eternal 'Word of God' who
was there at the very beginning of the universe. The Word became a
human being and lived among us, according to John so that people may
believe that Jesus is the promised Saviour, the Son of God, and through
their faith in Him, all people may have access to God: they may have
life. The early verses identify Jesus as the Word of God, then the
story unfolds giving various miracles showing that only Jesus could be
the Son of God. Some of the meanings behind the miracles are explained.
There are those who follow Jesus and believe in him after seeing his
miracles and hearing his teaching: there are those who do not and some
become his opponents. The close relationship of Jesus with his
disciples is explored, and his words of encouragement preparing them
for his work after his death are apparent. The closing chapters
continue this relationship as the disciples witness Jesus death, and
resurrection. John then emphasises the gift of eternal life
through belief in Jesus, the eternal 'Word' who is described as the
way, the truth and the Life. This gospel makes use of symbolism in a
very powerful way: highlighting the spiritual power of water, wine,
bread, light, shepherd, sheep and so on. (The story of the woman caught
in adultery [John 8.1 - 11], is not found in all manuscripts and is put
in brackets in modern translations).
The Early Church
Acts of the Apostles
as it is written by the same author, many see this book as a natural
continuation of Lukes gospel. Here we have the acccounts of how the
Holy Spirit leads Jesus' followers as they spread the good news about
him and continue his work. Jesus' commission to his followers was simple
but encompassed everything, the whole world. They were to spread the
word about Jesus the Christ first in jerusalem, then Judaea, then
Samaria, then the whole world. It is the account of how the worldwide
church started, firstly as a movement amongst Jewish people, then
amongst the nations around them, then the Roman empire and beyond.
Important through all this is the Holy Spirit who acts among the first
Christian people of Jerusalem. Jesus promised that this power would be
sent upon the beleivers and on the day of Pentecost the Spirit comes,
and then continues to lead and guide the early church throughout the
time covered by Acts. The early church grows by delivering God's
message about Jesus, and Acts records this in a number of sermons and
discourses. Some of the miracles and events show this power in the
lives of the early church fellowship. There are three identifiable
strands to Acts: firstly the beginning of the Christian movement in
Jerusalem immediately after Jesus is taken into heaven, secondly the
expansion and work of the early church as it grows into the surrounding
regions (today known as Palestine and/or the Holy Land, and thirdly the
young churches further expansion into the Roman empire. It is always
difficult to identify which is the most important event when all of
them are so very important, but for me and many others, the conversion
of Saul, a persecuter of Jesus; into Paul who would carry on this
expansion of the early church is the most profound happening told in
Acts. This single action, made Paul into an Apostle (apostle being a
follower chosen by God, rather than disciple, who is someone who
chooses to follow God).
The Letters of Paul (Epistles)
Romans
When you consider that Paul was once called Saul and was so against
Jesus that he made it his life's purpose tostop the early church
by killing the followers of Jesus. Then the conversion of Paul
(the same man as Saul, but changed by God) is truly remarkable. Much of
the church's power comes from this fact: God changed Saul from enemy to
great evangelist by the Holy Spirit, and what He did for Paul, he can
and does do for us. Paul's whole life and destiny is now to work for
God and he does so tirelessly. Pauls letter to the Romans was written
to pave the way for a visit to the young church at Rome (then the
centre of the known world). He intended to work among the Christians
there, and gain their support (for he had once been a well known enemy
of the church) for an evangelical visit to Spain and North Africa. This
epistle explains the Christain faith from Pauls perspective borne out
by experience. Paul starts Romans by greeting the people of the church
at Rome, and tells them of his praying for them (this is a letter after
all). Then Paul tells them: "The Good News is that God puts people
right with Himself: it is through faith, from beginning to end. [Rom
1.17]". Paul's earlier conversion is spectacular testimony to this. In
Romans, Paul develops this theme further: all people, Jews and Gentiles
(which means non-Jews) alike are under the power of sin. But they are
put right with God by their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul then describes
the new life in union with Jesus, and the new relationship this brings
with God. This, Paul knows as well as anybody!! Paul can truthfully say
that we are 'set free' by God's Spirit from the power of sin and death.
In the mid chapters of Romans, Paul explains how the Law of God and
power of God's Spirit affect the believers life. Inevitably the
question of how Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) fit into God's plan for
the world arises. God reveals to Paul that the Jewish rejection of Jesus as
the Christ, the Messiah or Saviour is part of God's plan to bring all
people to God's Grace through Jesus. Paul hopes that eventually the
Jews will come to recognise Jesus as their Messiah too. Finally, Paul
writes on how the Christian life should be lived, and about love for
others. Service to God, doing God's work, the Christian's duty to state
(their nation) and each other and questions of conscience are explored.
Paul ends with personal situations and praise of God because it is a
letter.
1 Corinthians
Pauls first letter to the Corinthians was sent to address several
problems which had occurred since Paul had established a church in
Corinth, regional capital of the Roman province of Achaia. Corinth was
a great Greek cosmopolitan city, with cosmoplitan problems: commerce,
culture, widespread immorality, and pluralist varied religions. Paul
addresses immorality in the church, sexuality and morality, church
order, gifts of the Holy Spirit and of the Resurrection of Jesus. In
Chapter 13 he presents Love as the greatest of the gifts that God has
given. Paul is able to use his considerable personal experience of
God's Spirit to show how to resolve these issues and answer the
difficult questions that arise.2 Corinthians
This is Paul's second letter to the church he founded at Corinth, and
was sent to them at a particularly difficult time in their
relationship. Some members of the church there were vociferous in their
condemnation of Paul. Paul shows his deep longing to reconcile their
differences and is overjoyed when this does eventually happen. In the
first section of this epistle, Paul discusses his relationship to the
church, and explains why he had been severe in his response to them
after a period when the church were insulting and opposed to him. Paul
cannot conceal his delight thst this severity had brought about
repentance and reconciliation. The second part of this epistle is
essentailly a plea where Paul makes the case for a generous financial
donation to be made to the Christians in Judaea, who were to say the
least, finding things difficult.The third and final part of 2
Corinthians is where Paul defends his apostleship against a handful of
people at the church he established who claimed Pauls apostleship was
false. They promptly claimed that they were the true apostles! (Reader
take note! an apostle is one chosen by God, not the other way
round. To be an apostle a dramatic event like Pauls conversion is
required. To follow God is noble, very noble: it makes you a disciple,
but only God can confer apostleship. If those at Corinth were made
apostles, little is recorded of it so it is unlikely. However, to claim
that someone's apostleship is false gives this a flavour of political
posturing. If anything it enhances Paul's apostleship).
Galatians
Galatia was a Roman province in Asia Minor. Paul's letter to the
church in Galatia was to warn against a false teaching and to bring
back the Christians of Galatia to true faith and practice. As the Good
News about Jesus being the Christ spread among the Gentiles, that is
among non-Jewish people, there were those who argued that in order to
truly be a Christian, one had to follow the Law of Moses (that is to
say, be a Jew) first. Paul knew that was not necessary. Paul taught
that all that was needed to be put right with God was faith in Jesus.
It was not necessary to observe the Law of Moses in addition.
Paul begins by defending his apostleship, and he insists that his
calling came from God, not any human, and that his mission is
specifically aimed at non-Jews. Then he develops the theme that by
faith alone people are put right with God. In closing, Paul shows that
Christian behaviour flows naturally from the love that results from
faith in Jesus.
Ephesians
This epistle is concerned above all with "God's plan
to bring all creation together, everything in Heaven and on earth with
Christ as head" [Eph. 1.10]. Paul is also appealling to God's people to
live out the meaning of this great plan for the unity of mankind
through oneness with Jesus Christ. Paul develops this theme by telling
of the way that God the Father has chosen His people, how they are
foregiven and set free from sin through the Son, Jesus; and how God's
promise is underwritten by the Holy Spirit. He then appeals to the
Ephesians to live in a manner which makes their 'oneness' in Christ
real in their lives. A number of symbolic examples are given to show
this:the church is like a body, with Christ as its head; or like a
building, with Christ the chief corner-stone; or like a marriage, the
church as the wife and Christ the husband. Great depth of expression is
used as Paul considers God's grace in Christ. All things are seen in
the light of Christs's love, sacrifice, foregiveness, grace and purity.
Philippians
The church at Philippi was the first church established on
European soil in the Roman province of Macedonia. Paul was in prison
when he wrote this letter to the church there. There was opposition
amongst some of them to Paul, and the pressures other churches faced
from false teaching was present here too. The main reason this letter
was sent was to thank the Christians at Philippi for the gift they had
sent to him in his time of need. Paul seeks to reassure them and to
encourage them so that they may have confidence during their times of
trouble as well as Paul's. Have the humble attitude of Jesus, he
pleads, and do not be driven by selfishness, ambition or pride. He
reminds them that life in union with Christ is a gift of God's grace,
given freely because of their faith and nothing to do with observing
the ceremonies of the Jewish Law. This letter has an emphasis on joy,
confidence and perserverance in the Christian faith and life. It
reveals Pauls deep affection for the church he established at Philippi,
and it reveals also Pauls own confidence in Jesus Christ.
Colossians
Colossae was a town east of Ephesus in Asia Minor.
Paul felt a sense of responsibility for this church even though he had
not set this church up, probably because it was in an area where Paul
had established churches and had sent workers out to evangelise from
Ephesus (a provincial capital). Paul had discovered that false teachers
were at work within the church at Colossae, teaching that in order to
be saved Christians needed to be circumcised andobserve rules about
ritual foods etc. Paul writes to condemn these teachings, claiming that
they actually detract from faith in Jesus. Through Christ God created
the world, and through Christ, God is bringing it back to Him. The only
hope of salvation comes from union in Christ, and Paul spells out the
implications of this to all beleivers. This letter was delivered to the
Colossians by a man called Tychicus. He was accompanied by a slave
called Onesimus to whom Paul wrote Philemon later.
1 Thessalonians
After Paul had established a church at Philippi, he
established one in the nearby provincial capital of Macedonia a city
called Thessalonica. The Jewish communities became jealous of the
success of this church and of Pauls teaching as their opportunities for
converting non-jews to Judaism was restricted by it. Paul was forced
out and went to Berea and then on to Corinth. There, he received a
message from Timothy about the situation within the church at
Thessalonica. Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to address their concerns, to
encourage and reassure them. He is thankful for their faith and love
and reminds them of the kind of life he had lived while with them. He
then answers some of their concerns: what will happen when Christ
returns? Can someone who died before Christs return still share in
eternal life? When will Christ be returning? Paul asks them to continue
quietly working and waiting patiently, until the time when He will
return.
2 Thessalonians
This book continues with the story
of Christs return as confusion and misunderstanding was unsettling the church at Thessalonica.
Paul deals with the misunderstanding that the day of the Lord's coming
had already arrived. Evil and wickedness will reach a climax before the
coming of the Lord, and an anti-Christ a wicked opponent 'The wicked
One' will be prevalent, says Paul. Remain sure and ready, Paul teaches,
even though there will be testing times. Work for a living, and
continue to do good to others. The Lord will come whenever He will.
1 Timothy
Timothy was an assistant to Paul in his missionary
work. Timothy was a young man, with Greek father and Jewish mother, he
was likely to be Pauls successor. So Paul wrote this letter to him.
First it warns of the false teaching which was facing all the young
churches at the time, a mix of Jewish and non-Jewish ideas about ritual
foods and other practices. Then, Paul instructs Timothy about church
administration, worship, and the qualities needed by church leaders.
Finally Timothy is advised on the qualities a good servant of Jesus
should have, and his responsibilities towards other believers.
2 Timothy
This second letter to Timothy is mainly personal
advice to him.Timothy is encouraged to endure and keep on witnessing
faithfully to Jesus, to hold the teaching of the Good News and the Old
testament, to do his duty as a teacher and evangelist, and to continue
to do so in the face of suffering and opposition. Timothy is warned
about becoming embroiled in arguments described as 'foolish and
ignorant'. Paul reminds Timothy of his own life and purpose, and of his
faith, patience and love; and of his endurance and suffering in
persecution.
Titus
Titus was Paul's helper and assistant in Crete. He
was a gentile who had become Christian, and Paul had put him in charge
of the church there. Titus is reminded of the qualities a church leader
should show (especially against the background of poor behaviour shown
by the Cretans). Titus is instructed how to teach the various groups
within the church: the older men, the older women (who are to in turn
instruct the younger women), the young men and the slaves. Pauls final
advice to Titus is about Christian conduct: peaceful, friendly,
avoiding argument, conflict and division within the church.
Philemon
Philemon was probably a member of the church at
Colossae, and wealthy enough to have a slave called Onesimus. Onesimus
had run away from his master and had somehow come into contact with
Paul. Paul had converted Onesimus into a Christian, and Onesimus had assisted
with the evangelical work. Onesimus had accompanied Tychicus to
Colossae, which is likely to be his returning with this letter to
deliver to Philemon. Paul writes to Philemon and asks him to welcome
back Onesimus not only as a forgiven slave, but as a fellow Christian.
Other Letters (other Epistles)
Hebrews
The letter to the Hebrews was written to a group of
Christians who were in danger of abandoning the faith altogether. They
were facing mounting hostility and opposition and th writer seeks to
encourage them in their faith by showing that Jesus is the Christ, the
true and complete revelation of God. The writer does this by
emphasising three qualities: Firstly that Jesus is the eternal Son of
God, who through his suffering on earth learned true obedience to the
Father. Jesus was therefore, as Son of God, superior to Angels, the Old
Testament Prophets, even Moses himself. Secondly, God declared Jesus to
an eternal priesthood, higher than and superceeding, the priests of the
Old Testament whose sacrifices of animals only foreshadowed the true
sacrifice; and thirdly that through faith in Jesus, the High Priest,
salvation is achieved.
The faith of some of Israel's famous characters is cited and continued
faithfulness encouraged, but with the focus on Jesus. The writer
advises to continue in faith despite whatever suffering and persecution
may be put in their way. This epistle seems likely to have been
addressed to those who had become Christian from a Hebrew religious
background, and who were likely to revert to their old religious ways
which the writer wants to avoid.
James
This is a collection of practical instructions, wisdom and
guidance in vivid example and figures of speech.Froma Christian
perspective, this letter covers riches and poverty, temptation,
prejudice, good conduct, use of language, quarrelling, pride and
humility boasting, judging others patience and prayer. James emphasises
the importance of actions, as well as faith in the Christian's
religion. Addressed to 'All God's people scattered over the whole
world' it is aimed at Christians generally, rather than in a specific
place or situation.
1 Peter
This book sets out to encourage the Christians who
were facing persecution and suffering because of their faith. Addressed
to "God's chosen people", a phrase which echoed the Hebrew religion,
and a phrase which would have been recognised by the Christians who
would have at one time been under the influence of those religious
codes. In this book, the readers are reminded that Jesus Christ by His
death, resurrection, and the promise He made to send the Spirit is the
'Good News' which makes them the chosen people. So they are to accept
and endure any suffering, and have confidence, that doing so is a test
of their faith, and their reward will come on the day "that Christ is
revealed". If they live "as the people of Christ" their suffering will have purpose.
2 Peter
This book is especially concerned about false
teachings which imply that Christ will not again return. The writer
says that the delay is because God wants everyone to be saved, having
turned away from their sins. Hold true to the knowledge of God and of
the Lord Jesus Christ, the writer urges, hold true to the knowledge
given to you by those who knew Jesus and heard his teaching. This
letter is addressed widely, to Christians living in many areas.
1 John
This first letter of John has two purposes: first to
encourage the young Christians to live in fellowship with God through
Jesus, and secondly to warn against false teachings which would destroy
this fellowship. The writer exposes the false teaching something like
this: because eveil results from the physical world, and Jesus was all
good, then he could not have been really human. This false teaching
claimed that salvation was to be freed from concern about the physical
world, and that salvation had nothing to do with morality nor love for
others. The writer of 1 John rejects this by re-emphasising that Jesus
was both the Christ and a human, and this unites all who follow
Jesus in love for one another and for God. 1 John is written in the
plural 'we', whereas the subsequent letters attributed to 'John' are
from an individual. Considering the persecution and dangers of false
teachings, these letters authors are not completely known, and the name
John could have been chosen as a symbolic gesture being a respected
authoritative Christian figure.
2 John
This very short letter was sent to a church and its
members under the symbolism of " to a dear lady and her children". It
warns of false teachers and their teaching, instead appealing to the
church to love one another. It claims to be from the 'Elder'.
3 John
This very short letter was sent to a man called
Gaius a church leader, and praises him for his support to other
Christians. It also warns against a man called Diotrephes, who is
saying "terrible things" about the young church. Like 2 John, this
letter is sent by someone who calls himself 'the elder'. I assume the
recipients knew who that was.
Jude
The letter from Jude warns against false teachers
who were claiming to be believers. A short letter, similar in many ways
to 2 Peter, this letter encourages the readers to " fight on for the
faith which God has given to his people once and for all".
Prophecy
Revelation (also called Revelation of St John)
This book was written at a time when the Christians
and the young Christian church was being persecuted because of their
beliefs in Jesus Christ as Lord. This books purpose was to give hope,
encouragement and comfort as well as to urge continued faithfulness
during these testing times. The majority of this book is apocolyptic,
that is to say its message is hidden in symbolism which would be
readily understood by Christians reading it, but would make little or
no sense to others. It was presumably written in this way to carry its
message without adding further to the persecutions the readers were
already facing. Many of the revelations are repeated over and over
again in differing symbolism, and through different visions. Many of
these visions and symbolic examples have resulted in much scholarly
debate since then. The central message though is clear: Jesus is the
Christ, he is Lord. God will totally deafeat his enemies, including
Satan. Then the faithful will be rewarded with blessings in a new
heaven and a new earth when God's triumph is complete. For us, care
needs to be taken with this book. We need to be aware of how God speaks
to us through its words and symbolisms. Many fundamentalists can make
this scripture say anything that suits them - which was not the
intention!