Understanding the Gospel of the Kingdom in a World Created by God TS 820 The Practice of Ministry Houston Graduate School of Theology Presented by Craig Van Gelder Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S MISSION—The MISSIO DEI Issue of “Agency” in Contrast between: “CHURCH and KINGDOM” (God’s Agency) The Church Participates in the Mission of the Triune God in All Creation – the “Now” and “Not Yet” Versus “CHURCH and MISSION(S)” (Church’s Agency) The Church Responds in Obedience to Engage in Mission(s) on Behalf of God (Great Commission) Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

The Key Question: How Are Creation and the Cross Related? Creation Design The Cross Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

The Biblical Framework for Understanding God’s Mission Creation Consummation Redemption (Now/Not Yet) Fall Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

RELATIONSHIP OF CHURCH AND KINGDOM  John the Baptist’s Understanding DAY OF THE LORD  Jesus’ Understanding KINGDOM - REDEMPTIVE REIGN OF GOD Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

JOHN THE BAPTIST’S UNDERSTANDING “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire...” Matthew 3:11-12 Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

JOHN THE BAPTIST “Day of the Lord” Day of the Lord Present Future Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

JESUS’ UNDERSTANDING “When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see...” Matthew 11:2-6 Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

JESUS’ KINGDOM – “Redemptive Reign of God” Present Future Not Yet Now First Coming Second Coming  “Mystery”  Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

Kingdom of God: The Presence of the Future The future has entered into time/space history— heaven has already begun! Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

EXPLAINING THE “MYSTERY” OF THE “NOW/NOT YET” PARABLE OF WEEDS AND WHEAT Matthew 13:24-30 Matthew 13:36-43 Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

The Children of the Kingdom “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom, the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.” Matthew 13:37-39 Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

LIVING INTO THE POWER OF THE “MYSTERY” STORY OF JESUS AND BEELZEBUL Luke 11:14-22 Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

The Presence of the Kingdom “But if it is by the finger (touch) of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his plunder.” Luke 11:20-22 Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

MISSIO DEI AND THE GRAMMAR OF THE KINGDOM  CHURCH-CENTERED VIEW (human agency as primary) Build Extend Promote Establish  KINDOM-CENTERED VIEW (God’s agency as primary) Receive – Luke 18:17 Enter – Luke 18:24-25 Seek – Matthew 6:33 Inherit – Matthew 25:34 Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

THE CHURCH ANTICIPATED IN THE “MYSTERY”  “Little flock” – Luke 12:22-40  “I will build my church” – Matthew 16:13-20  Spirit as “Guide/Helper” – John 14 Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

Contrasting Views of Church INSTRUMENTAL VIEW The church has a mission in the world  The church becomes the primary acting subject The focus is primarily on strategies and our obedience (e.g. Matt. 28) Identity shaped primarily by human agency—what we do Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

Contrasting Views of Church INSTRUMENTAL VIEW The church has a mission in the world  The church becomes the primary acting subject The focus is primarily on strategies and our obedience (e.g. Matt. 28) Identity shaped primarily by human agency—what we do MISSIONAL VIEW The Triune God’s mission in the world has a church  God is the acting subject— missio Dei The church participates in God’s mission (e.g. 2 Cor. 5:19) Identity shaped primarily by divine agency—what God is doing Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

Understanding the Great Commission in the Book of Matthew in Light of the Missio Dei The “Being” of the Church “You are the salt of the earth…” (Matt. 5:13) “You are the light of the world…” (Matt. 5:14) The “Doing” of the Church “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, as you are going, make disciples of all nations, baptizing, … and teaching…” (Matt. 28:18-19) Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

A MORE BASIC UNDERSTANDING  CHURCH – The church is.  MINISTRY – The church does what it is.  ORGANIZATION – The church organizes what it does Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016

Discussion What are the most important implications that understanding the gospel of the kingdom as being related to God’s creation design and intent have for the work of the church and/or your ministry? Copyright Craig Van Gelder 2016