Ziklag R - 9.12 - Old Horizons

Part 3 Doesn't dismiss what's right in front of us, Plus!!!

SOS Discipline - Daily Proverb and Red Letter Reader

Glory is never alone. cf. Pr. 12:7

The animal man doesn’t even know it. cf. Mt. 11:12

Part 3/4 in our analysis of Christian missionary potential within surviving historic-cultures outside standard western assumptions. Today, before presenting initial take-aways, we take a brief snapshot of the more well-known countries that still hold much potential according to the framework of cultural staying power, hospitality to foreigners, and views on marriage.

But first!

A List of Bible Verse on the Tongue

This list will be part of my late service sermon this week. I commend it to your study, or to follow along Sunday at 10:20ish

1. Proverbs 16:27 – “An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire.”

2. Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

3. Isaiah 30:27 – “Behold, the name of the Lord comes from afar, burning with His anger, and His burden is heavy; His lips are full of indignation, and His tongue like a devouring fire.”

4. Jeremiah 5:14 – “Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts: ‘Because you speak this word, Behold, I will make My words in your mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.’”

5. Matthew 12:36-37 – “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

6. Matthew 5:22 – “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”

Additional NT Verses (Peter, Jude, John):

7. 1 Peter 3:10 – “For ‘He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.’”

8. 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

9. 2 Peter 2:6 – “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly.”

10. Jude 1:7 – “As Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”

11. Jude 1:14-15 – “Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.’”

12. 1 John 3:8 – “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

13. 1 John 4:1 – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

14. Revelation 19:15 – “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”

These verses show the rich tradition of using the imagery of fire, judgment, and the power of speech across both the Old Testament and the New Testament, especially in the teachings of Peter, Jude, and John.

Applying the Missionary Priority Spectrum to More Known (IE Post-Colonized or Post-Christendom) Countries

Tomorrow, the conclusion to this week’s four-part exploration will present a unifying positive vision for long tern mission strategies based upon opportunities evidenced.

While these countries may have established Christian communities or be more integrated into global discourse, they still hold significant potential for renewed missionary efforts, especially in areas needing spiritual revival.

1. India

• Staying Power: India has millennia of history with Hinduism as the dominant religion. Christianity has ancient roots here but remains a minority faith.

• Openness to Foreigners: While generally open to foreigners, proselytizing is increasingly restricted under Hindu nationalist movements.

• View of Marriage: Marriage is central, with arranged marriages still common. Though traditions persist, modern trends are shifting the family dynamic.

• Missionary Assessment: Diverse opportunities exist, especially in regions open to relational and family-centered ministries. However, nationalistic resistance and regional hostilities pose challenges.

2. China

• Staying Power: Rooted in Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, Christianity has seen explosive underground growth despite state restrictions.

• Openness to Foreigners: Open to foreigners for work and tourism, yet Christian missionary work must be covert due to stringent government oversight.

• View of Marriage: Traditional views are challenged by modernization, particularly as a result of the one-child policy's lasting impact.

• Missionary Assessment: The underground church thrives despite state persecution, providing great opportunities for discreet discipleship and support to local believers.

3. Russia

• Staying Power: Russia has deep Orthodox Christian roots, though the Soviet legacy of secularism lingers.

• Openness to Foreigners: Open to foreigners, but religious activities are monitored closely.

• View of Marriage: Valued, though high divorce rates challenge family stability. Traditional gender roles remain prominent.

• Missionary Assessment: Opportunities exist within a complex spiritual landscape where many regions are spiritually stagnant, offering room for deeper discipleship.

  

4. Brazil

• Staying Power: Predominantly Catholic, with an evangelical movement on the rise. Its culture blends indigenous, African, and European traditions.

• Openness to Foreigners: Highly open to foreigners, with a vibrant missionary-sending tradition.

• View of Marriage: Valued, but modern trends show increased cohabitation and less formal commitment.

• Missionary Assessment: A dual mission field and missionary-sending country, Brazil presents a need for leadership development and deeper discipleship.

5. Mexico

• Staying Power: Catholicism dominates, with an emerging evangelical movement, especially in indigenous regions.

• Openness to Foreigners: Welcomes foreigners, though cartel activity poses risks in some areas.

• View of Marriage: Central to the culture, but social trends are shifting family structures.

• Missionary Assessment: Missionaries can help strengthen both discipleship in Christian communities and outreach in unreached areas.

6. Egypt

• Staying Power: The Coptic Church has ancient Christian roots, though the majority of Egyptians are Muslim.

• Openness to Foreigners: Open to tourists, though religious restrictions limit proselytizing.

• View of Marriage: Highly valued, with traditional roles prominent in both Christian and Muslim communities.

• Missionary Assessment: Egypt presents challenges but holds potential for support within the Coptic Church and outreach to Muslim communities.

7. Japan

• Staying Power: Rooted in Shintoism and Buddhism, Christianity remains a small minority with steady growth.

• Openness to Foreigners: Open to tourism, but religious activities are viewed with suspicion.

• View of Marriage: Valued but affected by demographic crises and modern individualism.

• Missionary Assessment: Long-term, relational evangelism is key in this difficult but rewarding field.

8. Saudi Arabia

• Staying Power: Deeply Islamic, with strict adherence to Sharia law.

• Openness to Foreigners: Closed to Christian missionaries; proselytizing is illegal.

• View of Marriage: Central to society, with polygamy allowed under Islamic law.

• Missionary Assessment: One of the most challenging mission fields, requiring covert digital outreach and discreet support to underground believers.

9. Nigeria

• Staying Power: A complex mix of Christian, Muslim, and traditional African religions, with a strong evangelical movement.

• Openness to Foreigners: Open, though certain regions face dangers from extremist groups.

• View of Marriage: Valued, though polygamy is common in Muslim communities.

• Missionary Assessment: Strong opportunities for discipleship and evangelism, especially in volatile regions needing stability.

10. South Africa

• Staying Power: A diverse religious landscape shaped by African traditions, Christianity, and secularism.

• Openness to Foreigners: Open to foreigners, though apartheid’s legacy still influences social dynamics.

• View of Marriage: Valued, though urbanization challenges traditional family structures.

• Missionary Assessment: Opportunities for evangelism and reconciliation-focused ministries.

11. Philippines

• Staying Power: Predominantly Christian, with Catholicism dominant and a growing evangelical movement.

• Openness to Foreigners: Highly open, with a strong missionary-sending tradition.

• View of Marriage: Valued, though modern trends show increased cohabitation.

• Missionary Assessment: A dual field for both evangelism and leadership development.

12. Argentina

• Staying Power: Predominantly Catholic, though secularism and atheism are rising.

• Openness to Foreigners: Open, particularly in urban areas.

• View of Marriage: Valued, but modern trends show rising divorce rates and changing family dynamics.

• Missionary Assessment: Opportunities exist to counter secularism with strong Christian leadership and community-building efforts.

Tomorrow, the conclusion to this week’s four-part exploration will present a unifying positive vision for long tern mission strategies based upon opportunities evidenced.