LIVING OUT OF A STORY Michael Goheen Trinity Western University Vancouver, B.C., Canada

LIVING OUT OF A STORY

Michael GoheenMichael Goheen

Trinity Western UniversityTrinity Western University

Vancouver, B.C., CanadaVancouver, B.C., Canada

Romans 12.1-2Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your proper worship as rational beings. Do is your proper worship as rational beings. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing, approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will.and perfect will.

Our whole lives are shaped by Our whole lives are shaped by some story.some story.

Fox and the Crow

A fox compliments a crow: “My you have a lovely voice; won’t you sing me a song?”

What is the meaning of this event?

Fox and the CrowThe crow sits perched high in a tree with a piece of meat. There is a famine in the forest and all the animals use different strategies in an attempt to get the meat. The fox compliments the crow. It opens its mouth; the meat falls out and the fox runs away with it.

Don’t be deceived by flattery!

Story

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxBeginning Theme EndBeginning Theme End

Conflict/ResolutionConflict/Resolution

“I can only answer the question “What am I to do?” if I can answer the prior question “Of what story do I find myself a part?”

-Alasdair MacIntyre

“The way we understand human life depends on what conception we have of the human story. What is the real story of which my life story is a part?”

-Lesslie Newbigin

N. T. Wright

““. . . a story is the best way of . . . a story is the best way of talking about the way the world talking about the way the world actually is.”actually is.”

Far from seeking, like Homer, merely to Far from seeking, like Homer, merely to make us forget our own reality for a few make us forget our own reality for a few hours, it seeks to overcome our reality: we hours, it seeks to overcome our reality: we are to fit our own life into its world, feel are to fit our own life into its world, feel ourselves to be elements in its structure of ourselves to be elements in its structure of universal history . . . Everything else that universal history . . . Everything else that happens in the world can only be conceived happens in the world can only be conceived as an element in this sequence; into it as an element in this sequence; into it everything that is known about the everything that is known about the world . . . must be fitted as an ingredient of world . . . must be fitted as an ingredient of the divine plan.the divine plan.

- Auerbach, quoted by Frei, comparing - Auerbach, quoted by Frei, comparing Homer’s Oddyssey to Old Testament.Homer’s Oddyssey to Old Testament.

A story functions like:

Spectacles - enable us to see, understand Spectacles - enable us to see, understand worldworld

Maps - show us the way in which we Maps - show us the way in which we should goshould go

Compasses - provide us with directionCompasses - provide us with direction Lights - illuminate pathLights - illuminate path Foundations - give shape and stability to Foundations - give shape and stability to

liveslives

Lesslie Newbigin In our contemporary culture . . . two quite different In our contemporary culture . . . two quite different

stories are told. One is the story of evolution, of the stories are told. One is the story of evolution, of the development of the species through the survival of the development of the species through the survival of the strong, and the story of the rise of civilization, our type strong, and the story of the rise of civilization, our type of civilization, and its success in giving humankind of civilization, and its success in giving humankind mastery of nature. The other story is the one embodied mastery of nature. The other story is the one embodied in the Bible, the story of creation and fall, of God’s in the Bible, the story of creation and fall, of God’s election of a people to be the bearers of his purpose for election of a people to be the bearers of his purpose for humankind, and of the coming of the one in whom that humankind, and of the coming of the one in whom that purpose is to be fulfilled. These are two different and purpose is to be fulfilled. These are two different and incompatible stories.incompatible stories.

Both stories:

Are normative: Claim to be true for allAre normative: Claim to be true for all Are comprehensive: Claim all of human lifeAre comprehensive: Claim all of human life Are communal: Embodied by a communityAre communal: Embodied by a community Are religious: Centred in ultimate Are religious: Centred in ultimate

commitmentscommitments

Yet only one can be basic!Yet only one can be basic!

Living at the Crossroads

The Bible as one story

. . . the whole point of Christianity . . . the whole point of Christianity is that it offers a story which is the is that it offers a story which is the story of the whole world. It is story of the whole world. It is public truth. (N.T. Wright)public truth. (N.T. Wright)

“I can’t understand why you missionaries present the Bible to us in India as another book of religion. It is not a book of religion—and anyway we have plenty of books of religion in India already. We don’t need any more! I find in your Bible a unique interpretation of universal history, the history of the whole creation and the history of the human race. And therefore a unique interpretation of the human person as a responsible actor in history. That is unique. There is nothing else in the whole religious literature of the world to put alongside of it.

-Badrinath (Hindu scholar)

Danger!

Breaking up the Bible into little bits—moral, Breaking up the Bible into little bits—moral, sermon, theological, historical-critical, devotionalsermon, theological, historical-critical, devotional

““If we allow the Bible to become fragmented, it is in If we allow the Bible to become fragmented, it is in danger of being absorbed into whatever danger of being absorbed into whatever otherother story is story is shaping our culture, and it will thus cease to shape our shaping our culture, and it will thus cease to shape our lives as it should. Idolatry has twisted the dominant lives as it should. Idolatry has twisted the dominant cultural story of the secular Western world. If as believers cultural story of the secular Western world. If as believers we allow this story (rather than the Bible) to become the we allow this story (rather than the Bible) to become the foundation of our thought and action, then our lives will foundation of our thought and action, then our lives will manifest no the truths of Scripture, but the lies of an manifest no the truths of Scripture, but the lies of an idolatrous culture. Hence, the unity of Scripture is no idolatrous culture. Hence, the unity of Scripture is no minor matter: a fragmented Bible may actually produce minor matter: a fragmented Bible may actually produce theologically orthodox, morally upright, warmly pious idol theologically orthodox, morally upright, warmly pious idol worshippers! (worshippers! (Drama of ScriptureDrama of Scripture, 12), 12)

ACT ONECREATION: GOD ESTABLSHES

HIS KINGDOM




Four introductory remarks:

Lives not shaped by a doctrine of creation Lives not shaped by a doctrine of creation as much as the should beas much as the should be

Genesis 1 is not first concerned about Genesis 1 is not first concerned about howhow God made the worldGod made the world

Genesis 1 shows us God’s original intention Genesis 1 shows us God’s original intention for creationfor creation

Genesis 1 must be understood in original Genesis 1 must be understood in original cultural contextcultural context

Literary Structure of Genesis 1

Stage One: Gen. 1:1-2

“In the beginning God created theheavens and the earth.”

“The earth was dark, formless, empty.”

Literary Structure of Genesis 1

Stage Two: Gen. 1:3-2:3

Forming Filling

Commands Day Creation Commands Day Creation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 (v. 3) Light

2 (v. 6) Sky

3 (v. 9) Land & seas

4 (v. 11) Vegetation

5 (v. 14) Sun, moon, stars

6 (v. 20) Birds & fish

7 (v. 24) Animals

8 (v. 26) Humankind

God rested

Historical and Cultural Context

Moses writing just after exodus Moses writing just after exodus from Egyptfrom Egypt

Polemic against the myths, Polemic against the myths, religion, gods of paganismreligion, gods of paganism

“Moses’ concerns were exclusively religious. His intent was to proclaim knowledge of the true God as he manifested himself in his creative works, to proclaim a right understanding of humankind, the world, and history that knowledge of the true God entails--and to proclaim the truth concerning these matters in the face of the false religious notions dominant throughout the world of his day.”

-John Stek

God in Genesis 1:

EternalEternal OneOne Utterly uniqueUtterly unique Sovereign KingSovereign King Powerful Powerful GoodGood Wise Wise HolyHoly

Humanity in Genesis 1:

Nature: ImageNature: Image Like GodLike God Partner with GodPartner with God Relationship with GodRelationship with God CommunalCommunal Task given by GodTask given by God

Task: Creation mandateTask: Creation mandate

Humanity in Genesis 1

The Lord The Lord GodGod

The The WorldWorld

SelfSelfFellow Fellow humanshumans

World in Genesis 1:

Good (variety, harmony)Good (variety, harmony) Ordered by God’s wordOrdered by God’s word HistoricalHistorical KingdomKingdom Revelation of GodRevelation of God

Creation as God meant it to be

WorldWorld Creation of GodCreation of God Very goodVery good Ordered by God’s wordOrdered by God’s word Reveals GodReveals God Humanity at centre as vice-regentsHumanity at centre as vice-regents

HumankindHumankind Created to know/enjoy glorious Creator GodCreated to know/enjoy glorious Creator God As they care for, discover, and develop creationAs they care for, discover, and develop creation In communityIn community

All for the revelation of God’s gloryAll for the revelation of God’s glory

End of Act 1

Curtain falls . . . Curtain falls . . .

. . . Anticipation of glorious future. . . Anticipation of glorious future

ACT TWOFALL: REBELLION IN THE

KINGDOM




A catastrophe has occurred.A catastrophe has occurred.We are no longer in continuity withWe are no longer in continuity withour good beginning. We have been our good beginning. We have been separated from it by a disaster.separated from it by a disaster.We are also, of course, separated from our We are also, of course, separated from our good end. We are, in other words,good end. We are, in other words,in the middle of a mess.in the middle of a mess.

-Eugene Peterson-Eugene Peterson

Fall into sin

Tree of knowledge of good and evil (2.15-17)Tree of knowledge of good and evil (2.15-17) ‘‘Arbitrary’ command—why?Arbitrary’ command—why? Satanic temptationSatanic temptation

Doubt about divine source or fairnessDoubt about divine source or fairness Unbelief Unbelief Imagining life in disobedience to God’s wordImagining life in disobedience to God’s word Willful disobedienceWillful disobedience

Sin as:

Autonomy: making oneself source of Autonomy: making oneself source of

right/wrong, good/bad, true/falseright/wrong, good/bad, true/false

““Man has taken leave of the relation of dependence. Man has taken leave of the relation of dependence. He has refused to obey and has willed to make He has refused to obey and has willed to make himself independent. No longer is obedience the himself independent. No longer is obedience the guiding principle of his life, but his autonomous guiding principle of his life, but his autonomous knowledge and will. Thereby he ceases, in effect, to knowledge and will. Thereby he ceases, in effect, to understand himself as a creature.” (Von Rad)understand himself as a creature.” (Von Rad)

Sin as:

Autonomy: making oneself source of Autonomy: making oneself source of

right/wrong, good/bad, true/falseright/wrong, good/bad, true/false

Covenant rebellion: refusing allegiance to Covenant rebellion: refusing allegiance to

rightful kingrightful king

Sin as Covenant Rebellion

Subject

trust/obeylife, prosperity,blessing

unbelief/disobeydeath, destruction,curse

King

Covenant Rebellion to Idolatry

““If human beings are inescapably religious, If human beings are inescapably religious, driven always to seek an object of worship, driven always to seek an object of worship, then the fall cannot be characterised solely then the fall cannot be characterised solely as revolt as revolt against against the rightful Lord: It must the rightful Lord: It must be described further as be described further as exchange of exchange of religious allegiance.” religious allegiance.” (Chaplin)(Chaplin)

Consequences of sin:

Alienated from God, v.8, 23Alienated from God, v.8, 23 Damaged relations between Adam and Eve, Damaged relations between Adam and Eve,

v.12, 16v.12, 16 Death, v. 19Death, v. 19 Non-human creation cursed, v.17Non-human creation cursed, v.17

Effects of Sin

The Lord God

The World

SelfFellowhumans

Sin impacts:

Relation to GodRelation to God Relation to each otherRelation to each other Relation to non-human creationRelation to non-human creation Whole of our beingWhole of our being Whole of our cultural livesWhole of our cultural lives

Sin and Its Effects

Forms of sin (greed, lying, etc.)Forms of sin (greed, lying, etc.) Results of sin (sickness, pain etc.)Results of sin (sickness, pain etc.) DeathDeath Satan, powers of darknessSatan, powers of darkness

SIN

All spheres of life—marriage and family, work All spheres of life—marriage and family, work and worship, school and state,and worship, school and state,our play and art—bear the wounds of our our play and art—bear the wounds of our rebellion. Sin is present everywhere—rebellion. Sin is present everywhere—in pride of race, in arrogance of nations,in pride of race, in arrogance of nations,in abuse of the weak and helpless,in abuse of the weak and helpless,in disregard for water, air, and soil,in disregard for water, air, and soil,in destruction of living creatures, in slavery, in destruction of living creatures, in slavery, deceit, terror, and war, in worship of false gods, deceit, terror, and war, in worship of false gods, and frantic escape from reality.and frantic escape from reality.We have become victims of our own sin.We have become victims of our own sin.

-Contemporary Testimony, 17-Contemporary Testimony, 17

End of Act 2

Curtain falls . . .Curtain falls . . .

. . . Disaster! What now?. . . Disaster! What now?

Is the Story Over?

No!No!

Clothes Adam and EveClothes Adam and Eve

Gives promise Gives promise (Gen 3:15)(Gen 3:15)

While justly angry God did not turn his back on While justly angry God did not turn his back on a world bent on destruction; he turned his face a world bent on destruction; he turned his face to it in love. With patience and tender care he to it in love. With patience and tender care he set out on the long road of redemption to set out on the long road of redemption to reclaim the lost as his people and the world as reclaim the lost as his people and the world as his kingdom.his kingdom.Although Adam and Eve were expelled from Although Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden and their work was burdened by the garden and their work was burdened by sin’s effects, God held on to them in love. He sin’s effects, God held on to them in love. He promised to crush the evil forces they promised to crush the evil forces they unleashed.unleashed.

-Contemporary Testimony, 19-20-Contemporary Testimony, 19-20

Observations on redemption

Redemption is progressive in its outworkingRedemption is progressive in its outworking Redemption is restorative in its natureRedemption is restorative in its nature Redemption is comprehensive in scopeRedemption is comprehensive in scope

Progressive in Outworking

Act One: God Establishes His Kingdom: CreationAct One: God Establishes His Kingdom: CreationAct Two: Rebellion in the Kingdom: FallAct Two: Rebellion in the Kingdom: FallAct Three: The King Chooses Israel: Redemption InitiatedAct Three: The King Chooses Israel: Redemption Initiated

Scene One: A People for the KingScene One: A People for the KingScene Two: A Land for the PeopleScene Two: A Land for the People Interlude: A Kingdom Story Waiting for an Ending: Interlude: A Kingdom Story Waiting for an Ending:

The The Intertestamental PeriodIntertestamental PeriodAct Four: The Coming of the King: Redemption AccomplishedAct Four: The Coming of the King: Redemption AccomplishedAct Five: Spreading the News of the King: The Church’s MissionAct Five: Spreading the News of the King: The Church’s Mission

Scene One: From Jerusalem to RomeScene One: From Jerusalem to RomeScene Two: To the Ends of the EarthScene Two: To the Ends of the Earth

Act Six: The Return of the King: Redemption CompletedAct Six: The Return of the King: Redemption Completed

ACT THREE

The King Chooses Israel:Redemption Initiated

Scene One: A People for the King

Bible: Story of Mission

“Mission is a major key that unlocks the whole grand narrative of the canon of Scripture.”

“. . . the whole Bible renders to us the story of God’s mission through God’s people in their engagement with God’s world for the sake of God’s whole creation.”

(Chris Wright)

The Mission of God and His People

God’s Mission: “While justly angry God did not turn his back on a world bent on destruction; he turned his face to it in love; with patience and tender care he set out on the long road of redemption to reclaim the lost as his people and the world as his kingdom.” (CT, 19)

Mission of God’s people: “God’s mission involves God’s people living in God’s way in the sight of the nations.” (Chris Wright)

Israel’s mission and its context

Exodus 19.3-6: Israel called to be a light to the Exodus 19.3-6: Israel called to be a light to the nationsnations

Who is this God who called Israel? Why did He Who is this God who called Israel? Why did He call Israel?call Israel?

Moses tells the story that makes sense of this Moses tells the story that makes sense of this incredible callincredible call

Back to promise made to patriarchs Abraham, Back to promise made to patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Genesis 12-50: Patriarchal)Isaac, Jacob (Genesis 12-50: Patriarchal)

First eleven chapters context of promise to First eleven chapters context of promise to Abraham (Genesis 3-11: Primaeval)Abraham (Genesis 3-11: Primaeval)

Genesis 3-11: Context for Abrahamic Promise

Key text: Genesis 12.1-3Key text: Genesis 12.1-3 God promises to make Abraham into a great God promises to make Abraham into a great

nationnation For the sake of all the nationsFor the sake of all the nations Genesis 3-11 provides context for this Genesis 3-11 provides context for this

promise: Why did God choose Abraham?promise: Why did God choose Abraham?

““Certainly the primaeval history is set at the Certainly the primaeval history is set at the opening of the Hebrew Scriptures as the opening of the Hebrew Scriptures as the window through which the story of the window through which the story of the patriarchs and the story of Israel are patriarchs and the story of Israel are subsequently presented.”subsequently presented.” (Jo Bailey Wells) (Jo Bailey Wells)

Gen 3-11: Darkness of sin

Sin: Author’s “great hamartiology” (Von Sin: Author’s “great hamartiology” (Von Rad)Rad)

Origin, spread, effects, judgment on sinOrigin, spread, effects, judgment on sin Dark backdrop of sin: Good news to Dark backdrop of sin: Good news to

AbrahamAbraham

Gen 3-11: Universal period

God is God of all humankindGod is God of all humankind Concerned for restoration of all nationsConcerned for restoration of all nations Promise given to all humankindPromise given to all humankind From universal to particular: Narrows to From universal to particular: Narrows to

one man, one nationone man, one nation One man, one nation: Means to restore all One man, one nation: Means to restore all

nationsnations

God chooses Abraham

Leave behind pagan cultureLeave behind pagan culture New relationship with GodNew relationship with God Blessed to be a blessingBlessed to be a blessing For the sake of the nationsFor the sake of the nations

Genesis 12:1-3:Promise to Abraham (cf. Gen. 18:18)

I will make you a great nationI will make you a great nation

Five subordinate clausesFive subordinate clauses

I will bless all people on earth through youI will bless all people on earth through you

One principle clauseOne principle clause

Channel of redemption to the worldChannel of redemption to the world

‘‘. . . these few verses offer a theological blueprint for . . . these few verses offer a theological blueprint for the redemptive history of the world’ (W. Dumbrell).the redemptive history of the world’ (W. Dumbrell).

Abrahamic Covenant

Content: Promise to Abraham Gen.12Content: Promise to Abraham Gen.12 Promise takes form of covenant: Gen. 15Promise takes form of covenant: Gen. 15 Covenant confirmed: Gen. 17Covenant confirmed: Gen. 17

Promise and Faith: Promise

Repeated to each patriarchRepeated to each patriarchAbraham: Gen. 12:2,3 Abraham: Gen. 12:2,3 Isaac: Gen. 26:3,4 Isaac: Gen. 26:3,4 Jacob: Gen. 28:13-15Jacob: Gen. 28:13-15

Obstacles to fulfillment of promiseObstacles to fulfillment of promise

Obstacles to Promise/Faith

PeoplePeople Barrenness of patriarch’s wivesBarrenness of patriarch’s wives Wives taken into haremWives taken into harem Threat of natural disastersThreat of natural disasters

LandLand Aliens in CanaanAliens in Canaan

Blessing to all nationsBlessing to all nations God’s judgementGod’s judgement Discord with nationsDiscord with nations

Promise in Patriarchal Accounts

Repeated to each patriarchRepeated to each patriarch

Obstacles to fulfillment of promiseObstacles to fulfillment of promise

El Shaddai: God Almighty (Ex. 6:2,3)El Shaddai: God Almighty (Ex. 6:2,3)

End of Genesis

Genesis ends with Abraham as small clanGenesis ends with Abraham as small clan Joseph account: Abrahamic clan goes into Joseph account: Abrahamic clan goes into

EgyptEgypt

Exodus: Formation of a People

By mighty act of redemption (1-18)By mighty act of redemption (1-18)

By covenant (19-24)By covenant (19-24)

By His presence (25-40)By His presence (25-40)

““Exodus is not a literary or theological goulash. It did not Exodus is not a literary or theological goulash. It did not

come together haphazardly or without a guiding purpose, or come together haphazardly or without a guiding purpose, or

with no unified concept to hold it together.” (Durham)with no unified concept to hold it together.” (Durham)

Redemption

Redeemer is one who liberates family Redeemer is one who liberates family member who has fallen into bondagemember who has fallen into bondage

Israel bound to Pharaoh in covenant?Israel bound to Pharaoh in covenant? Living under authority of Pharaoh was Living under authority of Pharaoh was

religious religious Liberation to serve God in all of lifeLiberation to serve God in all of life

Liberated to serve God alone

‘‘In the Exodus, the power of the suzerain is In the Exodus, the power of the suzerain is broken; the pharaoh, the god-king of Egypt, broken; the pharaoh, the god-king of Egypt, was defeated and therefore lost his right to was defeated and therefore lost his right to be Israel’s suzerain lord; the Lord conquered be Israel’s suzerain lord; the Lord conquered the pharaoh and therefore ruled as King over the pharaoh and therefore ruled as King over Israel (Exod. 15:18). As their deliverer, God Israel (Exod. 15:18). As their deliverer, God had claimed the right to call for his people’s had claimed the right to call for his people’s obedient commitment to him in the obedient commitment to him in the covenant’ (Craigie).covenant’ (Craigie).

By a Mighty Act of Redemption

By a mediatorBy a mediator

YahwehYahweh

Meaning of Yahweh

Covenant faithfulnessCovenant faithfulness

Presence with IsraelPresence with Israel

““I will be who I will be” I will be who I will be”

(character known by future acts)(character known by future acts)

By a Mighty Act of Redemption

By a mediatorBy a mediator

YahwehYahweh

• Through acts of judgementThrough acts of judgement

Judgement on Egypt’s Gods Nile turned to blood: Khnum-guardian of Nile; Hapi- Nile turned to blood: Khnum-guardian of Nile; Hapi-

spirit of the Nile; Osiris-Nile was bloodstreamspirit of the Nile; Osiris-Nile was bloodstream Frogs: Heqt-god in frog formFrogs: Heqt-god in frog form Cattle: Hathor-mother goddess in form of cow; 2 bull Cattle: Hathor-mother goddess in form of cow; 2 bull

godsgods Boils: Imhotep-god of medicineBoils: Imhotep-god of medicine Hail: Nut-sky goddessHail: Nut-sky goddess Locusts: Seth-protector of cropsLocusts: Seth-protector of crops Darkness: Re-sun godDarkness: Re-sun god

““...I will bring judgement on all the gods of Egypt. I am ...I will bring judgement on all the gods of Egypt. I am Yahweh” (Exodus 12:12).Yahweh” (Exodus 12:12).

By Covenant (19-24)

Meaning of covenantMeaning of covenant

Israel’s calling: treasured possession, Israel’s calling: treasured possession, holy nation, priestly kingdomholy nation, priestly kingdom

Model of redeemed humanityModel of redeemed humanity

Treasured Possession, Holy Nation, Priestly Kingdom

‘‘. . . these terms are designed to show . . . these terms are designed to show the way in which Israel will continue the way in which Israel will continue to exercise her Abrahamic role [be a to exercise her Abrahamic role [be a blessing to the nations], and thus blessing to the nations], and thus provide a commentary on the way in provide a commentary on the way in which the promises of Genesis 12:1-3 which the promises of Genesis 12:1-3 will find their fulfillment’ (Dumbrell).will find their fulfillment’ (Dumbrell).

Importance of Israel’s Calling for Redemptive History

‘‘The history of Israel from this point The history of Israel from this point on is in reality merely a commentary on is in reality merely a commentary upon the degree of fidelity with which upon the degree of fidelity with which Israel adhered to this Sinai-given Israel adhered to this Sinai-given vocation’ (Dumbrell).vocation’ (Dumbrell).

By Covenant (19-24)

Meaning of covenantMeaning of covenant

Israel’s calling: treasured possession, Israel’s calling: treasured possession, holy nation, priestly kingdomholy nation, priestly kingdom

• LawLaw

By Indwelling Presence (25-40)

TabernacleTabernacle

By Indwelling Presence (25-40)

• Tabernacle

•Exodus 32-34: Misplaced section?

Numbers: Failure inSchool of Covenant Training Ideal Israel (1-9)Ideal Israel (1-9)

Numbers: Failure in School of Covenant Training

Ideal Israel (1-9)Ideal Israel (1-9) Through the wilderness (10-21)Through the wilderness (10-21)

Preparation Obedienceof faith

Schools in Wilderness:Lessons to be Learned Follow Lord’s appointed leaderFollow Lord’s appointed leader Trust Lord to provide necessitiesTrust Lord to provide necessities Trust Lord to defeat enemiesTrust Lord to defeat enemies

Israel Fails Course!

Leadership squabbles (12,16)Leadership squabbles (12,16) Complaining (11,20)Complaining (11,20) Fear of enemies (12-14)Fear of enemies (12-14)

P repara tion

O be d ie nce o f fa ith(in te nded re s u lt)

D iso bed ien ce o fun be lie f(ac tu a l res u lt)

Numbers: Failure in School of Covenant Training Ideal Israel (1-9)Ideal Israel (1-9)

Through the wilderness (10-21)Through the wilderness (10-21)

In the plains of Moab (22-36)In the plains of Moab (22-36)

P re p ara tio n

O b e die n ce o f fa ith( in te n de d res u lt )

D iso b ed ien c e o fu n b el ie f(a c tu a l res u lt )

Ju d ge m e n t

1 s t g e n e ra tio n

F a ith fu ln ess

2 nd g en e ra tio n

The Story of Numbers

Deuteronomy: Israel Prepared to Enter the Land First sermon: The Lord’s grace to First sermon: The Lord’s grace to

Israel (1-4:40)Israel (1-4:40) Second sermon: The Lord’s law for Second sermon: The Lord’s law for

life in the land (4:39-28:68)life in the land (4:39-28:68) Third sermon: Exhortation to choose Third sermon: Exhortation to choose

life (29,30)life (29,30)

ACT THREE

The King Chooses Israel:Redemption Initiated

Scene Two: A Land for the People

Light on the land

People formed to be light to the nationsPeople formed to be light to the nations Set on the land to be light to the nationsSet on the land to be light to the nations Land as “crossroads to the nations” and the Land as “crossroads to the nations” and the

“navel of the universe”“navel of the universe”

Joshua

Theme: God keeps covenant promise to give Israel the land.

Joshua: Structure of the Book

The Lord leads Israel into the land (1:1-The Lord leads Israel into the land (1:1-5:12)5:12)

The Lord gives land to Israel (5:13-12:24)The Lord gives land to Israel (5:13-12:24) The Lord distributes the land (13:1-22:34)The Lord distributes the land (13:1-22:34) The Lord consolidates rule over land (23, The Lord consolidates rule over land (23,

24)24)

Judges: Theme

Israel fails to take landIsrael fails to take land Brings covenant judgementBrings covenant judgement God does not allow Israel to be God does not allow Israel to be

totally absorbed into pagan nationstotally absorbed into pagan nations Israel’s repeated faithlessness shows Israel’s repeated faithlessness shows

need for kingneed for king

Judges: Structure

Israel fails to drive out Canaanites (1)Israel fails to drive out Canaanites (1) The Lord’s covenant court case (2:1-5)The Lord’s covenant court case (2:1-5) Cycles (2:11-23)Cycles (2:11-23)

Cycles

sin

servitude

suffering

supplication

Saviour

salvation

shalom

Judges: Structure

Israel fails to drive out Canaanites (1)Israel fails to drive out Canaanites (1) The Lord’s covenant court case (2:1-5)The Lord’s covenant court case (2:1-5) Cycles (2:11-23)Cycles (2:11-23) Cycles elaborated historically (3-16)Cycles elaborated historically (3-16) Corruption illustrated (17-21)Corruption illustrated (17-21)

Cry of the Book of Judges

Cry for better DelivererCry for better Deliverer DavidDavid JesusJesus

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit (21:25).

1 & 2 Samuel

Theme: Under the leadership of the Lord’s anointed king, Israel is transformed from a group of fragmented, rebellious tribes into a strong, united kingdom.

1 & 2 Samuel: Structure

Priestly leadership collapses and Samuel Priestly leadership collapses and Samuel arises as transition figure (1-6)arises as transition figure (1-6)

fragmentedrebellioustribes

strongunitedkingdom

Samuel

1 & 2 Samuel

Priestly leadership collapses and Priestly leadership collapses and Samuel arises as transition figure (1-6)Samuel arises as transition figure (1-6)

Samuel’s role: From tribe to kingdom Samuel’s role: From tribe to kingdom (7)(7)

• Prophet, priest, king unifies Israel

• Restoration through repentance

• Anoints king

fragmentedrebellioustribes

strongunitedkingdom

Samuel


Priestly leadership collapses and Samuel arises Priestly leadership collapses and Samuel arises as transition figure (1-6)as transition figure (1-6)

Samuel’s role: From tribe to kingdom (7)Samuel’s role: From tribe to kingdom (7) Struggle to define Israel’s king as covenant Struggle to define Israel’s king as covenant

mediator (8-12)mediator (8-12) Saul’s failure to be covenant mediator (13-15)Saul’s failure to be covenant mediator (13-15) Saul’s demise and David’s ascent (1 Sam. 16-2 Saul’s demise and David’s ascent (1 Sam. 16-2

Sam. 4)Sam. 4) David’s rule as faithful covenant mediator (5-8)David’s rule as faithful covenant mediator (5-8)

Faithful Covenant King

Establishes temple life of IsraelEstablishes temple life of Israel Defeats Israel’s enemiesDefeats Israel’s enemies Enforces lawEnforces law

Davidic Covenant(2 Samuel 7:11-16) Descendant of David will rule over Descendant of David will rule over

universal, everlasting kingdomuniversal, everlasting kingdom Israel’s hope for redemption tied to David’s Israel’s hope for redemption tied to David’s

lineline


Priestly leadership collapses and Samuel arises as Priestly leadership collapses and Samuel arises as transition figure (1-6)transition figure (1-6)

Samuel’s role: From tribe to kingdom (7)Samuel’s role: From tribe to kingdom (7) Struggle to define Israel’s king as covenant mediator Struggle to define Israel’s king as covenant mediator

(8-12)(8-12) Saul’s failure to be covenant mediator (13-15)Saul’s failure to be covenant mediator (13-15) Saul’s demise and David’s ascent (1 Sam. 16-2 Sam. 4)Saul’s demise and David’s ascent (1 Sam. 16-2 Sam. 4) David’s rule as faithful covenant mediator (5-8)David’s rule as faithful covenant mediator (5-8) David’s failure (9-20)David’s failure (9-20) Hope for triumph in Davidic covenant (21-24)Hope for triumph in Davidic covenant (21-24)

1 & 2 Kings

Israel’s demise:Israel’s demise:950950: Israel world kingdom under : Israel world kingdom under

SolomonSolomon722722: 10 of 12 tribes wiped out by : 10 of 12 tribes wiped out by

AssyriaAssyria586586: Jerusalem, temple destroyed : Jerusalem, temple destroyed

2 tribes exiled by Babylon 2 tribes exiled by Babylon

1 & 2 Kings

Israel’s demiseIsrael’s demise Exilic despairExilic despair

Exilic Despair

People: an everlasting covenant People: an everlasting covenant (Gen. 17:7)(Gen. 17:7)

Land: as everlasting possession Land: as everlasting possession (Gen. 17:8)(Gen. 17:8)

Temple: God dwell there forever Temple: God dwell there forever (1 Kings 9:3) (1 Kings 9:3)

King: rule forever (2 Sam. 7:13,16)King: rule forever (2 Sam. 7:13,16)

What happened?

1 & 2 Kings

Israel’s demiseIsrael’s demise Exilic despairExilic despair Covenant perspectiveCovenant perspective

Covenant Perspective

G o d

deathdestructioncurse

lifeprosperityblessing

(1 Kings 9:2-9; 2 Kings 17:7ff.)

1 & 2 Kings: Theme

Israel’s response: covenant rebellionIsrael’s response: covenant rebellion Led by covenant mediator kingsLed by covenant mediator kings In spite of prophetsIn spite of prophets Pulled down curses of covenant until Pulled down curses of covenant until

she was exiledshe was exiled

Prophetic Message

Future world kingdomFuture world kingdom

Ushered in by Messiah Ushered in by Messiah (glorious king; rejected servant)(glorious king; rejected servant)

Work of Spirit Work of Spirit (Messiah; Israel; all nations)(Messiah; Israel; all nations)

Salvation and judgementSalvation and judgement

End-time eventEnd-time event

Spirit Messiah

sindeath

oppressionetc.

knowledgeof God

lovejoy

justice

OLD AGE AGE TOCOME

Post-Exile: Restoration to Calling

Ezra-Nehemiah: Israel’s restoration from Ezra-Nehemiah: Israel’s restoration from exile is narrated as second exodus to exile is narrated as second exodus to renew Israel in callingrenew Israel in calling

Under Pagan Rule

Persian (until 331 BC)Persian (until 331 BC) GreeksGreeks

Alexander (331-323 BC)Alexander (331-323 BC)Ptolemies in Egypt (323-198 BC)Ptolemies in Egypt (323-198 BC)Seleucids to Syria (198-142 BC)Seleucids to Syria (198-142 BC)

Israel’s Independence (142-63 BC)Israel’s Independence (142-63 BC) Romans (63 BC-into NT period)Romans (63 BC-into NT period)

Intertestamental Period

Growing tension: Exile and faith/hopeGrowing tension: Exile and faith/hope Growing hope: Coming of kingdom Growing hope: Coming of kingdom Growing concern: Faithfulness to TorahGrowing concern: Faithfulness to Torah


Persian rule: Jewish identityPersian rule: Jewish identity Alexander the Great: Threat of Alexander the Great: Threat of

HellenismHellenism Antiochus Epiphanes and Maccabean Antiochus Epiphanes and Maccabean

revoltrevolt Compromised Jewish rule Compromised Jewish rule

(Hasmoneans) and diversified response(Hasmoneans) and diversified response

Diversified Response

Essenes: withdrawalEssenes: withdrawal Pharisees: boundary markersPharisees: boundary markers Zealots: violent revoltZealots: violent revolt Sadducees: compromiseSadducees: compromise


Persian rule: Jewish identityPersian rule: Jewish identity Alexander the Great: Threat of HellenismAlexander the Great: Threat of Hellenism Antiochus Epiphanes and Maccabean revoltAntiochus Epiphanes and Maccabean revolt Compromised Jewish rule (Hasmoneans) and Compromised Jewish rule (Hasmoneans) and

diversified responsediversified response Roman rule and revoltRoman rule and revolt Israel ready for God’s kingdom: A story in Israel ready for God’s kingdom: A story in

search of an ending search of an ending

ACT FOUR

Kingdom Restored:Redemption Accomplished

Jesus’ Mission

Kingdom: Dominating Centre of Jesus’ Mission

The central theme of Jesus' message, as it comes down to us in the synoptic gospels, is the coming of the kingdom of God . . . It may be rightly said that the whole of the preaching of Jesus Christ and his apostles is concerned with the kingdom of God, and that in Jesus Christ's proclamation of the kingdom we are face to face with the specific form of expression of the whole of his revelation of God (Ridderbos).

Kingdom: Dominating Centre of Jesus’ Mission Jesus announces the kingdom (Mk. 1:15-17; Jesus announces the kingdom (Mk. 1:15-17;

Luke 4:21)Luke 4:21) Jewish expectationJewish expectation What is the kingdom?What is the kingdom?

What is theReign/Kingdom of God?

Power of God in Christ by the Spirit to restore creation (especially humanity) to again live under the rule of God.

Kingdom: Dominating Centre of Jesus’ Mission Jesus announces the kingdom (Mk. 1:15-Jesus announces the kingdom (Mk. 1:15-

17; Luke 4:21)17; Luke 4:21) Jewish expectationJewish expectation What is the kingdom?What is the kingdom? A new wayA new way

Jesus’ Kingdom Mission: A New Way

Disagreement among Jews: who, how, when, Disagreement among Jews: who, how, when, how to live how to live

Violence and separationViolence and separation ‘‘Love of enemies instead of their destruction; Love of enemies instead of their destruction;

unconditional forgiveness instead of retaliation; unconditional forgiveness instead of retaliation; readiness to suffer instead of using force; readiness to suffer instead of using force; blessing for peacemakers instead of hymns of blessing for peacemakers instead of hymns of hate and revenge' (Kung).hate and revenge' (Kung).

Jesus LaunchesHis Kingdom Mission

John the Baptizer: Repent for the kingdom of John the Baptizer: Repent for the kingdom of God is nearGod is near

Baptism of JesusBaptism of Jesus Descent of SpiritDescent of Spirit TemptationTemptation

Stones to bread: Economic messiahStones to bread: Economic messiah Jump from temple: Wonderworker Jump from temple: Wonderworker

messiahmessiah Worship Satan: Political-military messiahWorship Satan: Political-military messiah

Jesus’ Kingdom Mission

Announced reign of God with wordsAnnounced reign of God with words

The reign of God is

already present.

Matthew 12:28

The reign of God has

not yet arrived in fullness.

Matthew 7:21

universal Israelend-time

reign

JEWISH ERAS

u n iv e r s a l I s ra e l

end- t ime r e ignGOSPELS

p ro v is io n a l c o n s u m m a te d

Spirit MessiahSpirit Messiah

SinDeathEvil

Satan

Knowledgeof GodLoveJoy

Justice

AGE TO COME

Prophetic ExpectationProphetic Expectation

OLD AGE

Powers of sin death evil Satan

Power of Spirit’s renewingwork

AGE TO COMEOLD AGE

New Testament FulfillmentNew Testament Fulfillment

The meaning of this “overlap of the ages” in which we The meaning of this “overlap of the ages” in which we live, the time between the coming of Christ and His live, the time between the coming of Christ and His coming again, is that it is the time given for the witness coming again, is that it is the time given for the witness of the apostolic Church to the ends of the earth. The of the apostolic Church to the ends of the earth. The end of all things, which has been revealed in Christ, isend of all things, which has been revealed in Christ, is—so to say—held back until witness has been borne to —so to say—held back until witness has been borne to the whole world concerning the judgment and the whole world concerning the judgment and salvation revealed in Christ. The implication of a true salvation revealed in Christ. The implication of a true eschatological perspective will be missionary eschatological perspective will be missionary obedience, and the eschatology which does not issue in obedience, and the eschatology which does not issue in such obedience is a false eschatology (Newbigin).such obedience is a false eschatology (Newbigin).

Salvation and Judgement?

Prophetic message Is. 63:4,5Prophetic message Is. 63:4,5 Luke 4:16-30Luke 4:16-30 John 3:17John 3:17 John the Baptizer’s confusion (Lk. 3:7-9; John the Baptizer’s confusion (Lk. 3:7-9;

17; 7:18-23)17; 7:18-23)

Salvation has comeSalvation has come Judgement is delayedJudgement is delayed

salvation judgement

incarnation return

“day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2)

Era of Witness

Spirit

K in g d o mm iss io n o fJ e s u sto I s ra e l

d e a thre s u r re c t io ne x a lta tio nP e n te c o s t

K in g d o mm iss io n o fc h u rc hto n a tio n s

Announcement of God’s Kingdom(Lk. 4:43)

Announcement of arrival of God’s power to restore ruleAnnouncement of arrival of God’s power to restore rule Demand for decision: Repent and believe! Follow me! (Mark Demand for decision: Repent and believe! Follow me! (Mark

1:14-18)1:14-18) Two metaphors: receive the gift of the kingdom; enter the Two metaphors: receive the gift of the kingdom; enter the

realm of the kingdom realm of the kingdom Decision: resolute, urgent (Lk. 9:57-62); radical (Lk. Decision: resolute, urgent (Lk. 9:57-62); radical (Lk.

9:23ff.; Lk. 13:24); costly (Lk. 14:25-33; Matt. 19:16-24); 9:23ff.; Lk. 13:24); costly (Lk. 14:25-33; Matt. 19:16-24); eternal (Lk. 13:25-30)eternal (Lk. 13:25-30)

Receive blessing of kingdom: forgiveness, Abba relation to Receive blessing of kingdom: forgiveness, Abba relation to God, renewed life, joy, etc.God, renewed life, joy, etc.

Receive demands of kingdom: righteousness/justice, love, etc.Receive demands of kingdom: righteousness/justice, love, etc.


Announced reign of God with wordsAnnounced reign of God with words Demonstrated reign of God with deedsDemonstrated reign of God with deeds

Demonstrationof God’s Kingdom

Blind see; lame walk; deaf hear; sick healed; Blind see; lame walk; deaf hear; sick healed; dead raised; poor/lost received; sinners dead raised; poor/lost received; sinners forgiven; cursed creation restored; demons forgiven; cursed creation restored; demons cast out; lives changed (cf. Luke 7:21-23)cast out; lives changed (cf. Luke 7:21-23)

Signs of God’s kingdomSigns of God’s kingdom Inclusion in kingdom community of Inclusion in kingdom community of

marginalizedmarginalized

Admittance to theQumran Community

Neither the blind nor the lameNeither the blind nor the lame

Nor the deaf nor the dumbNor the deaf nor the dumb

Nor the lepers nor those whose flesh is Nor the lepers nor those whose flesh is blemishedblemished

Shall be admitted to the council of the Shall be admitted to the council of the communitycommunity


Announced reign of God with wordsAnnounced reign of God with words

Demonstrated reign of God with deedsDemonstrated reign of God with deeds

Source of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit, Source of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit, prayerprayer

Jesus’ Kingdom Mission Announced reign of God with wordsAnnounced reign of God with words Demonstrated reign of God with deedsDemonstrated reign of God with deeds Source of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit, Source of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit,

prayerprayer Arouses opposition to kingdom missionArouses opposition to kingdom mission

Opposition to Jesus’ Mission

Temple, sabbath, food laws, tithing: Temple, sabbath, food laws, tithing: symbols of separation and hatredsymbols of separation and hatred

Jesus challenges idolatrous status quo (John Jesus challenges idolatrous status quo (John 15:18-20)15:18-20)

Suffering for sake of kingdomSuffering for sake of kingdom


Announced reign of God with wordsAnnounced reign of God with words Demonstrated reign of God with deedsDemonstrated reign of God with deeds Source of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit, Source of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit,

prayerprayer Arouses opposition to kingdom missionArouses opposition to kingdom mission Jesus gathers a kingdom communityJesus gathers a kingdom community

Formation ofKingdom Community

Gathering of scattered Israel (Ezek. 36.24)Gathering of scattered Israel (Ezek. 36.24) Cleansing of idolatrous Israel and gift of Spirit (Ezek. Cleansing of idolatrous Israel and gift of Spirit (Ezek.

36.24)36.24) Appointment of 12: Symbolic prophetic action of Appointment of 12: Symbolic prophetic action of

eschatological restoration of Israel (Matt. 5.14-16; cf. Is. eschatological restoration of Israel (Matt. 5.14-16; cf. Is. 2.2)2.2)

Jew first, then GentileJew first, then Gentile Taught about life in the kingdom (Taught about life in the kingdom (e.g. Matt. 5-7; Lk. 6; Jn.

13 etc.) Participation in Jesus’ kingdom mission (Lk 9.1-6)Participation in Jesus’ kingdom mission (Lk 9.1-6)

Jesus’ Kingdom Mission Announced reign of God with wordsAnnounced reign of God with words Demonstrated reign of God with deedsDemonstrated reign of God with deeds Source of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit, Source of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit,

prayerprayer Arouses opposition to kingdom missionArouses opposition to kingdom mission Jesus gathers a kingdom communityJesus gathers a kingdom community Jesus welcomes sinners and outcastsJesus welcomes sinners and outcasts

WelcomingSocio-Religious Outcasts Friend of tax-collectors, sinners, prostitutes, Friend of tax-collectors, sinners, prostitutes,

leperslepers

Doctor comes to sickDoctor comes to sick

Table fellowshipTable fellowship

HealingsHealings

Jesus’ Kingdom Mission Announced kingdom of God with wordsAnnounced kingdom of God with words Demonstrated reign of God with deedsDemonstrated reign of God with deeds Source of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit, prayerSource of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit, prayer Arouses opposition to kingdom missionArouses opposition to kingdom mission Jesus gathers a kingdom communityJesus gathers a kingdom community Jesus welcomes sinners and outcastsJesus welcomes sinners and outcasts Explained kingdom of God with parablesExplained kingdom of God with parables

Parables:Correcting Wrong Notions Kingdom does not come all at onceKingdom does not come all at once It is hidden; comes in weakness, can be It is hidden; comes in weakness, can be

rejected, humble, unobtrusive (Matt. rejected, humble, unobtrusive (Matt. 13:1ff.)13:1ff.)

Parables:Correcting Wrong Notions Kingdom does not come in irresistible Kingdom does not come in irresistible

power or immediate, manifest glorypower or immediate, manifest glory Small, insignificant, tremendous conflict, Small, insignificant, tremendous conflict,

suffering, antithesis (Matt. 13:24ff.; 31-33)suffering, antithesis (Matt. 13:24ff.; 31-33)

Parables:Correcting Wrong Notions Kingdom is not Jewish kingdom reserved Kingdom is not Jewish kingdom reserved

for wealthy and righteousfor wealthy and righteous

Gentiles, poor, sinners (Lk. 14:15ff.; 15:1-Gentiles, poor, sinners (Lk. 14:15ff.; 15:1-32)32)

Parables:Correcting Wrong Notions Final judgement does not come Final judgement does not come

immediatelyimmediately

Reserved for future (Matt.13:24- 30; 13:47-Reserved for future (Matt.13:24- 30; 13:47-52)52)

Parables: Correcting Wrong Notions Reason for delay: Give opportunity to Reason for delay: Give opportunity to

gather people into kingdom (Luke 14:15-gather people into kingdom (Luke 14:15-24).24).

Jesus’ Kingdom Mission Announced kingdom of God with wordsAnnounced kingdom of God with words Demonstrated reign of God with deedsDemonstrated reign of God with deeds Source of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit, prayerSource of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit, prayer Arouses opposition to kingdom missionArouses opposition to kingdom mission Jesus gathers a kingdom communityJesus gathers a kingdom community Jesus welcomes sinners and outcastsJesus welcomes sinners and outcasts Explained kingdom of God with parablesExplained kingdom of God with parables Embodied kingdom with his lifeEmbodied kingdom with his life

Embodiment ofGod’s Kingdom

Abba-relation to God (Jn. 17:1-3);Life in Spirit (Acts 10:38); Love (Jn. 15:9ff.); Joy (Jn. 15:11);Peace (Jn. 14:27);Obedience (Jn. 17:4; Heb. 5:8);Solidarity with excluded (Lk. 4:18);Justice (Lk. 9:58) etc.

Jesus Concludes His Kingdom Mission in Jerusalem

Three prophetic-symbolic, Messianic Three prophetic-symbolic, Messianic actionsactionsJesus enters Jerusalem on a donkeyJesus enters Jerusalem on a donkeyJesus enacts judgement on templeJesus enacts judgement on templeJesus symbolizes his deathJesus symbolizes his death

Arrest and trialsArrest and trials CrucifixionCrucifixion ResurrectionResurrection

Era of Witness

Spirit




Significance of Jesus’ Ministry

Jesus Jesus revealedrevealed the end the end Jesus Jesus accomplishedaccomplished the end the end

Summary: Jesus’ Kingdom Mission Announced kingdom of God with wordsAnnounced kingdom of God with words Demonstrated reign of God with deedsDemonstrated reign of God with deeds Source of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit, Source of Jesus’ power: Abba, Holy Spirit,

prayerprayer Arouses opposition to kingdom missionArouses opposition to kingdom mission Jesus gathers a kingdom communityJesus gathers a kingdom community Jesus welcomes sinners and outcastsJesus welcomes sinners and outcasts Explained kingdom of God with parablesExplained kingdom of God with parables Embodied kingdom with his lifeEmbodied kingdom with his life

Jesus gave evidence of power of God to renew and restore...

...However, if his followers were to enjoy the same restoration...

...Then sin the enemy of God’s kingdom must be destroyed.

Death

Satanic power

Forms of sin (hatred, greed, etc)

Results of sin (sickness, suffering, etc)

SIN

only accomplished through Jesus’ death and resurrection

Death

Satanic power

Forms of sin (hatred, greed, etc)

Results of sin (sickness, suffering, etc)

only accomplished through Jesus’ death and resurrection

Era of Witness

Spirit




Centre of Redemptive History:Death and Resurrection of Jesus

Failure of judgement, law, priests, Failure of judgement, law, priests, sacrificial system, kings, prophets, etc. to sacrificial system, kings, prophets, etc. to form faithful communityform faithful community

Cross: mighty act of God to accomplish Cross: mighty act of God to accomplish redemption (Rom. 8:3-4)redemption (Rom. 8:3-4)

Death end of old

Resurrection beginning of new

OLD NEW

death resurrection

Death of Jesus: Biblical Images Conflict - Victor (Col. 2:13-15; Jn. 12:31-Conflict - Victor (Col. 2:13-15; Jn. 12:31-

33)33) Sacrifice/Vicarious suffering (Jn. 1:29)Sacrifice/Vicarious suffering (Jn. 1:29) Redemption - Purchase (1 Pet. 1:18f.)Redemption - Purchase (1 Pet. 1:18f.) Reconciliation (Rom. 5:10)Reconciliation (Rom. 5:10) Pioneer/Representative man (Rom. 5:12-21; Pioneer/Representative man (Rom. 5:12-21;

Heb. 2:10)Heb. 2:10)

Death of Jesus:Paradox (1 Cor. 1:18-31)

Power in weaknessPower in weakness

Wisdom in foolishnessWisdom in foolishness

Glory in lowlinessGlory in lowliness

Victory in defeatVictory in defeat

Purpose of all history in meaningless crueltyPurpose of all history in meaningless cruelty

Jesus died to restore His creation...

...we participate in that new creation as we trust in Christ.

Resurrection of Jesus Resurrection in Jewish thought: Arrival of Resurrection in Jewish thought: Arrival of

life of new creationlife of new creation Jesus: Dawning of new creationJesus: Dawning of new creation

Firstborn from the dead (Rev.1:5)Firstborn from the dead (Rev.1:5) Firstfruits (I Cor. 15:20)Firstfruits (I Cor. 15:20) PioneerPioneer

Resurrection in three stages:Resurrection in three stages: JesusJesus Church: Resurrection life in foretasteChurch: Resurrection life in foretaste Church and creationChurch and creation

Resurrection of Jesus:Significance

Alive to give life of Kingdom (Lk. 24:13-Alive to give life of Kingdom (Lk. 24:13-35)35)

Vindication, proclamation, demonstration Vindication, proclamation, demonstration of victory (Col. 2:15)of victory (Col. 2:15)

Resurrection of Jesus

Not victory that reverses defeat of cross...

…but proclamation and demonstration of victory.

Image: victory parade (Col. 2:15)

The Risen LordCommissions His Disciples

Matt.28:16-20: Make disciplesMatt.28:16-20: Make disciples

Luke 24:46-49: Witness to salvation in JesusLuke 24:46-49: Witness to salvation in Jesus

John 20:19-23: Sent to continue the mission of John 20:19-23: Sent to continue the mission of

JesusJesus

ACT FIVE

Kingdom Tasted and Displayed

Church’s Kingdom Mission

Era of Witness: Acts 1.1-11

Kingdom, Spirit, resurrection (1.1-5)Kingdom, Spirit, resurrection (1.1-5) Obvious question (1.6): Now you’ll restore Obvious question (1.6): Now you’ll restore

the kingdom, right?the kingdom, right? Jesus’ answer (1.7-8)Jesus’ answer (1.7-8)

Not yetNot yet Receive the SpiritReceive the Spirit Witness to ends of the earthWitness to ends of the earth

Exaltation of Jesus

Coronation day: installation of rightful Coronation day: installation of rightful king king Place: Right hand of God (Acts Place: Right hand of God (Acts

2:33)2:33)Name: Lord (Phil. 2:9-11)Name: Lord (Phil. 2:9-11)

Hidden (Heb. 2:8f.)Hidden (Heb. 2:8f.)

Work of Exalted Christ

Subdue his enemies (Acts 2:34f.)Subdue his enemies (Acts 2:34f.) Makes disciples (Matt. 28:18-20)Makes disciples (Matt. 28:18-20) Pours out blessings of salvation (Lk.)Pours out blessings of salvation (Lk.) Directs world history (Revelation)Directs world history (Revelation)

The book of Acts, the epistles, and Revelation . . .are predominantly about the work of theexalted Jesus in the church and in the world.

-Hendrikus Berkhof

Pentecost: Coming of Spirit

S piri t po u rin g o u t

Jesus

S piri t po u rin g o u t

Church

“It is not so much the case of where Jesus is there is the kingdom, as where the Spirit is

there is the kingdom” (Dunn).Luke 3:21f; Matt. 12:28; Acts 10:38; Rom. 14: 17)

Pentecost: Acts 2:14-24Peter’s Sermon Outline Spirit means last days (17-21)Spirit means last days (17-21) Life of Jesus (22)Life of Jesus (22) Death of Jesus (23)Death of Jesus (23) Resurrection (24-32)Resurrection (24-32) Exaltation (33-36)Exaltation (33-36) Response/Spirit (38-39)Response/Spirit (38-39)

Formation of community (42-47)

Era of Witness

Spirit




Ideal Church: Acts 2:42-47 Devotion to apostles’ teaching, fellowship, Devotion to apostles’ teaching, fellowship,

breaking of bread, and prayer: Celebrating and breaking of bread, and prayer: Celebrating and nourishing kingdom life (v. 42)nourishing kingdom life (v. 42)

Life of kingdom manifested: Attractive ‘good Life of kingdom manifested: Attractive ‘good news people’ (v. 43- 47)news people’ (v. 43- 47)

Lord adds to number (v. 47)Lord adds to number (v. 47)

Our place in the story...

...to continue the kingdommission of Jesus

John 20:21: “As the Father has sentme, I am sending you.”

Story of Acts (1:8) Witness in Jerusalem 3:1-6:7Witness in Jerusalem 3:1-6:7

Witness in Samaria and Judea 6:8-12:24Witness in Samaria and Judea 6:8-12:24

Witness to Ends of Earth 12:25-endWitness to Ends of Earth 12:25-end

Acts narrates the progress of the gospel from a small gathering of Jewish disciples of the earthly Jesus in Jerusalem, across formidable cultic, ethnic, relational, and geographical boundaries, to Paul's bold and unhindered preaching of the risen and ascended Jesus to Gentiles in Rome. Acts is unmistakably a story of missionary expansion, which is announced in 1:8 and confirmed along the way with the so-called progress reports (Rosner).

Witness in Jerusalem

Word and deed (3:1-26)Word and deed (3:1-26) Suffering (4:1-22)Suffering (4:1-22) Prayer (4:23-31)Prayer (4:23-31) Work of God (6:7)Work of God (6:7) Attractive life of community (4:32-37; 6:1-Attractive life of community (4:32-37; 6:1-

6)6)

Witness in Samaria and Judea Beyond JerusalemBeyond Jerusalem

Unplanned expansion by persecution (8:1-Unplanned expansion by persecution (8:1-3)3)

To Judea and SamariaTo Judea and Samaria Beyond Apostles Beyond Apostles

Stephen, Phillip (6:8-8:40)Stephen, Phillip (6:8-8:40) Common believers (8:4; 11:19-21)Common believers (8:4; 11:19-21)

Beyond JewsBeyond Jews Gentiles (10, 11)Gentiles (10, 11)

Witness to theEnds of the Earth Antioch: First Gentile churchAntioch: First Gentile church

Paul’s missionary journeysPaul’s missionary journeys

Paul’s trials and witnessPaul’s trials and witness

To RomeTo Rome

Church as a Missionary Community: Nearby and Faraway

Christians: ‘Evidence of grace of God’ in Christians: ‘Evidence of grace of God’ in church at Antioch (11:23)church at Antioch (11:23)

‘‘Great number of people brought to the Great number of people brought to the Lord’ (11:24)Lord’ (11:24)

Sent Saul and Barnabas (13:1-3)Sent Saul and Barnabas (13:1-3)

Pattern in Antioch (Acts 11, 13)

Paul’s Pattern Pioneer church planting (Rom. 15:23)Pioneer church planting (Rom. 15:23)

Three missionary journeysThree missionary journeys Build them up for faithful witnessBuild them up for faithful witness

Visits on journeysVisits on journeysLettersLetters

Spontaneous Expansion of the Church (Roland Allen)

Spontaneous evangelism by common Spontaneous evangelism by common members of the churchmembers of the church

Attractive life of communityAttractive life of community

Planting new churchesPlanting new churches

Ending of Acts

Why so abrupt? Loose ends?Why so abrupt? Loose ends?

Story of Acts has not endedStory of Acts has not ended

Continues today until Christ returnsContinues today until Christ returns

. . . the ending of Acts is truly an opening to the continuing life of the messianic people,

as it continues to preach the kingdom andteach the things concerning Jesus both

boldly and without hindrance (Johnson).

ACT FIVE: Scene Two

Tasting and Displaying the Kingdom

The Church’s Witness

Our Place in the Story


‘‘What time is it?’What time is it?’

Already/not yet era of kingdomAlready/not yet era of kingdom

Act five: Church continues the kingdom Act five: Church continues the kingdom mission of Jesusmission of Jesus

Summary:Jesus’ Kingdom Mission

Announced reign of God with wordsAnnounced reign of God with words Demonstrated reign of God with deedsDemonstrated reign of God with deeds Explained kingdom of God with teachingExplained kingdom of God with teaching Embodied reign of God with lifeEmbodied reign of God with life Prayed for reign of God to comePrayed for reign of God to come Suffered for reign of GodSuffered for reign of God Formed community to live under rule of GodFormed community to live under rule of God

‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’

Jesus has not left us with a rigid model for action; rather he inspired his disciples to prolong the logic of his own action in a creative way amid the new and different historical circumstances in which the community would have to proclaim the gospel (Bosch).


‘‘What time is it?’What time is it?’ Already/not yet era of kingdomAlready/not yet era of kingdom Act five: Church continues the Kingdom Act five: Church continues the Kingdom

mission of Jesusmission of Jesus ForetasteForetaste PreviewPreview

We have a We have a foretasteforetaste of the Kingdom of the KingdomActual taste nowActual taste nowComplete meal in futureComplete meal in future

We are We are previewspreviews of the Kingdom of the KingdomActual footage of movie/kingdomActual footage of movie/kingdomDesigned to interest viewer in future Designed to interest viewer in future

movie/kingdom so they will want to movie/kingdom so they will want to participateparticipate


‘‘What time is it?’What time is it?’ Already/not yet era of kingdomAlready/not yet era of kingdom Act five: Church continues the kingdom Act five: Church continues the kingdom

mission of Jesusmission of Jesus ForetasteForetaste PreviewPreview Witness to Christ’s rule over all of lifeWitness to Christ’s rule over all of life

Following the apostles, the church is sent– Sent with the gospel of the kingdomto make disciples of all nations,to feed the hungry,to proclaim the assurance that in the name of Christthere is forgiveness of sin and new lifefor all who repent an believe– To tell the news that our world belongs to God.In a world estranged from God,where millions face confusing choices,this mission is central to our being,for we announce the one name that saves. The rule of Jesus Christ covers the whole world.To follow this Lord is to serve him everywhere,without fitting in,as lights in the darkness,as salt in a spoiling world. (CT, 44, 45)

Embodying salvation means...

...living under Christ’s lordship in all of life.

Sacred/Secular Dualism(See Wolter’s p. 66-68)

SacredPrayerWorshipMinisterMissionaryChurchFamily

SecularMaking loveWatching TVJournalistPoliticianUniversityGovernment

A c t iv it i e s

P ro fe ss io n s

R e a lm s

Clash of Kingdoms

Antithesis

Kingdomof God

Kingdom ofdarkness

Creation

Contrast Community A community of justice in a world of economic and A community of justice in a world of economic and

ecological injusticeecological injustice A community of generosity and simplicity (of ‘enough’) in a A community of generosity and simplicity (of ‘enough’) in a

consumer worldconsumer world A community of selfless giving in a world of selfishnessA community of selfless giving in a world of selfishness A community of truth (humility and boldness) in a world of A community of truth (humility and boldness) in a world of

relativismrelativism A community of hope in a world of disillusionment and A community of hope in a world of disillusionment and

consumer satiationconsumer satiation A community of joy and thanksgiving in a world of A community of joy and thanksgiving in a world of

entitlemententitlement A community who experiences God’s presence in a secular A community who experiences God’s presence in a secular

worldworld

Our Place in the Story ‘‘What time is it?’What time is it?’ Already/not yet era of kingdomAlready/not yet era of kingdom Act five: Church continues the kingdom mission Act five: Church continues the kingdom mission

of Jesusof Jesus ForetasteForetaste PreviewPreview Witness to Christ’s rule over all of lifeWitness to Christ’s rule over all of life To the ends of the earthTo the ends of the earth

ACT SIX

Consummation

God Completes His Kingdom Restoration

Events of the Consummation

Return of JesusReturn of Jesus Resurrection of the deadResurrection of the dead Final judgmentFinal judgment Coming of the kingdomComing of the kingdom

Mistaken Notion

Very often people have come to the New Testament with the presumption that ‘going to heaven when you die’ is the implicit point of it all. . . . They acquire that viewpoint from somewhere, but not from the New Testament.

- N. T. Wright

Mistaken Notions: Heaven Annihilistic: Earth will be destroyedAnnihilistic: Earth will be destroyed Future: Kingdom comes in futureFuture: Kingdom comes in future Individualistic: Salvation is flight of Individualistic: Salvation is flight of

individual person to Godindividual person to God Spiritualistic: Kingdom is ethereal, spiritual Spiritualistic: Kingdom is ethereal, spiritual

heavenheaven Vertical: Kingdom is “up there”Vertical: Kingdom is “up there”

Biblical Hope: (Re)New(ed) Heavens and Earth

Restoration; not annihilationRestoration; not annihilation Present and future; not simply futurePresent and future; not simply future Cosmic; not individualisticCosmic; not individualistic Creational; not spiritualCreational; not spiritual Historical; not verticalHistorical; not vertical

“. . . it is precisely ordinary earthly existence that is redeemed” (G.C. Berkouwer).

Redemption

Restorative in natureRestorative in nature

Cosmic in scopeCosmic in scope

The End of the StoryRevelation 21:1-5

First heaven/earth (old order of things) First heaven/earth (old order of things) passed awaypassed away

New Jerusalem comes down out of heavenNew Jerusalem comes down out of heaven Loud voice: “Now the dwelling of God is Loud voice: “Now the dwelling of God is

with men”with men” Sin and its effects are removedSin and its effects are removed ““I am making everything new”I am making everything new”

Documents

LIVING OUT OF A STORY Michael Goheen Trinity Western University Vancouver, B.C., Canada