Today was session 2 of our world religions study at Firewheel Church. Here’s a brief recap:
Lynsi started by talking about some of the most common worldviews:
- Atheism- A world without God
- Theism- A world plus a Infinite God
- Pantheism- A world that is god
- Polytheism- A world with many gods
- Deism- A world on its own made by God
Every major religion will fall into one of these worldview systems. We spent the rest of our time talking about what it means to be a “world christian.”
A World Christian sees the world differently than they typical Christian. Before we look at what it means to be a World Christian we need to examine what a typical Christian might look like. What are some of the characteristics of a typical Christian? Here are some of the answers from the students.
- They go to church.
- They pray.
- They are good people.
- Some are hypocritical
- They have assigned seats at church.
- They read their bible.
I don’t know about you that list is pretty boring. The truth is that this list, although it may not be exhaustive, paints a picture of many “christians.” At least it’s what the students of Firewheel Church think of when they think of the typical Christian.
I have no desire to be just a typical christian nor do I think this is what Jesus had in mind when he commissioned his church. I believe God wants us to be “World Christians.” Here’s what it means to be a world christian.
A world christian understands 3 things.
1. He understands God’s Word-
He understands that the Bible is a story of redeeming the nations. This is the overarching theme of the Bible. The Great Commission is his heartbeat (Matt. 28: 19-20).
2. He understands God’s World
A “World Christian” understands the task at hand and their role in it! There are 3.6 billion unreached people in the world! He is also familiar with the “10/40″ window. The 10/40 window stretches just above the equator from West Africa to Japan.
About the 10/40 Window
- has a population of about 3+ billion people
- 88% of the unreached live here
- only 10% of the missionary ‘work force’ is dispatched to this area of the world.
- only .037% of U.S. mission dollars given to overseas missions is used in this area!!
- most of the major religions were “birthed” in this region.
- home to the world’s most poor.
Who lives in the 10/40 window?
Tribes- 3,000 unreached tribal groups. They worship spirits (good and bad). They are predominately polytheistic.
Hindus- pop. of 1 billion. Found primarily in India and Nepal. Hindus have more named deities than there are people in the United States! They are polytheistic.
Unreligious- pop. of 1 billion. Found primarily in China. They practice no religion at all. Many would be considered atheists or agnostic. They have an atheistic worldview.
Muslims- pop. of 1.2 billion. Found primarily in N. Africa and the Middle East. Indonesia is the largest Muslim country. They have a theistic worldview.
Buddhists- pop. of 800 million. Found primarily in E. Asia. The ultimate desire of man is to rid himself of desire and to relieve suffering. They have a pantheistic worldview.
Analogies To Help Understand the Task
1 billion seconds ago= 31 years, 7 months
1 billion minutes ago= John was writing Revelation in AD 92
1 billion people= can wrap aroud the earth 25 times
3. He understands God’s Work
- He is a goer! (He goes on mission to reach those who have never heard of the gospel)
- He is a sender! (If for some reason he can’t go, he sends others in his place. This is done primarily through financial support)
- He is a welcomer! (He welcomes those around him of different worldviews and belief systems. This can be an international student at school, a neighbor or coworker. He seeks intentional relationships with these people.)
- He is a prayer! (He prays for the unreached of the world and that God’s work will be accomplished.)
A few resources:
www.thetravelingteam.org (fabulous resource library! We are using much of their material for this series. Lynsi are I are indebted to this ministry for giving us a heart for the world. Thanks Todd!)
www.rightnow.org (Our mission is to help people trade in the pursuit of the American Dream for a world that desperately needs Christ. Offices are located 3 miles from Firewheel Church!)
www.joshuaproject.net (dedicated to reaching the most unreached)
“There are 3 types of Christians in the world. There are GOERS, there are SENDERS, and the DISOBEDIENT.”
– John Piper
E
