The article demonstrates the decay in what is called evangelicalism. It is loaded with unchallenged assumptions and conclusions that are mystical and outcome based. It demonstrates theology by personal opinion and preference rather than a revealed standard in God's word. If you question at any point you, you are questioning the "Spirit's movement."
Greg begins by saying, "I thought we were all Christians." Instead of looking in scripture to see what a Christian is, and if what he thought was correct, he unconditionally accepts what this man says and widens his christianity to be more inclusive. He concludes that pretty much anyone in any socio religious context who says they follow Jesus is in fact a Christian. At any rate we cannot question if they are or not for at least a lifetime or even several generations.
"An insider is a Muslim who converts to Christianity, but who remains in the Mosque for a period of time." A period of time, that sounds so reasonable for a new believer, right? This wording leads churches astray into thinking that #1, there is a conversion and #2) it is just a small period of time and, after all, they are moving forward and growing out of Islam. It is nothing but "IM soft sell", after all it is hard and you can't expect someone to leave right away so give them time - up to a life time or several generations...
"Despite the many misgivings in the mission community, there are examples where insider movements have arisen spontaneously, without the intervention of western missionaries. Where, when, and how can they be verified, what do they believe, or is it enough that someone claims there are these people somewhere who love Jesus?
"Insider movements in many cases reflect the desire of Muslim converts to maintain their Muslim identity as they take on a new identity in Christ." This is called remaining comfortable in your rebellion against God. No matter what religion you came from, to keep it is to not obtain a new birth. Jesus and the rich young ruler are a perfect example of this.
"I am personally more comfortable with cultural insiders as opposed to those who we would call religious insiders. But ultimately, we have to give space to those who are following the Holy Spirit and who discern God’s leading to remain in their cultural and religious community." Truth and theology based on liquid opinion not revelation. What spirit are they following?
"We won’t really know how effective this strategy is until the second and third generation." In summary, the whole debate is about strategy not truth or theology. What you believe matters.
John 4:23 - 24 Jesus speaks of true worshipers who worship in spirit and truth. Revealed truth in the plenary inspired word of God is conspicuosly absent in this article.
Posted in: To Be or Not To Be ... an Insider
The article demonstrates the decay in what is called evangelicalism. It is loaded with unchallenged assumptions and conclusions that are mystical and outcome based. It demonstrates theology by personal opinion and preference rather than a revealed standard in God's word. If you question at any point you, you are questioning the "Spirit's movement."
Greg begins by saying, "I thought we were all Christians." Instead of looking in scripture to see what a Christian is, and if what he thought was correct, he unconditionally accepts what this man says and widens his christianity to be more inclusive. He concludes that pretty much anyone in any socio religious context who says they follow Jesus is in fact a Christian. At any rate we cannot question if they are or not for at least a lifetime or even several generations.
"An insider is a Muslim who converts to Christianity, but who remains in the Mosque for a period of time." A period of time, that sounds so reasonable for a new believer, right? This wording leads churches astray into thinking that #1, there is a conversion and #2) it is just a small period of time and, after all, they are moving forward and growing out of Islam. It is nothing but "IM soft sell", after all it is hard and you can't expect someone to leave right away so give them time - up to a life time or several generations...
"Despite the many misgivings in the mission community, there are examples where insider movements have arisen spontaneously, without the intervention of western missionaries. Where, when, and how can they be verified, what do they believe, or is it enough that someone claims there are these people somewhere who love Jesus?
"Insider movements in many cases reflect the desire of Muslim converts to maintain their Muslim identity as they take on a new identity in Christ." This is called remaining comfortable in your rebellion against God. No matter what religion you came from, to keep it is to not obtain a new birth. Jesus and the rich young ruler are a perfect example of this.
"I am personally more comfortable with cultural insiders as opposed to those who we would call religious insiders. But ultimately, we have to give space to those who are following the Holy Spirit and who discern God’s leading to remain in their cultural and religious community." Truth and theology based on liquid opinion not revelation. What spirit are they following?
"We won’t really know how effective this strategy is until the second and third generation." In summary, the whole debate is about strategy not truth or theology. What you believe matters.
John 4:23 - 24 Jesus speaks of true worshipers who worship in spirit and truth. Revealed truth in the plenary inspired word of God is conspicuosly absent in this article.