Davis Missionary Journey: Answers? I'm still trying to figure out the questions...

Communicating cross-culturally has a lot to do with what “gear” people are thinking in…  I think – and thus teach – in what is often referred to as a “high religion” gear:  the meaning of life, what is true, who is God, etc.  But much of the world thinks in “low religion” gear:  how does something work for me, how do I do this, etc.  I recently encountered this communication challenge after teaching in a Restoration Seminar concerning God’s power versus “the powers”.  My aim was to restore the understanding of my audience to the understanding of spiritual powers as being personal with only two sources:  God or Satan.  The corollary resulting from this is the understanding that man cannot manipulate spiritual powers; rather, he can only enter into a submissive relationship with one of these powers.  In defining the power of God, we read from Psalms 45:6:

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;

A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.”

NKJV

 

“God, your throne will last forever.

Your justice is a sign of your power to rule.”

Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version, Revised Edition, copyright © 1987, 1999, 2005 World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.

 

The symbol of a scepter is common within the Chieftaincy of Mumena and has the same meaning as the Biblical symbol as described in the Easy to Read Version.  So I was expecting the topic to be well received.

 

After my lesson, I was surprised to find that the majority of people attending were not at all happy with my class.  My first reaction was, “Well, it’s true; deal with it.”  But “truth” in this case begged the question.  THE question was:  “Fine, the power of God is righteousness; BUT… HOW DO WE USE THAT?!”  (That is actually a very good Bible question.)  Their reaction, however, was as if I had shown them a compelling drama; stopped half way through; given them a “to be continued” sign… but with no time and date.

 

Hustling to develop the second lesson,

Brian, Sondra, Noah, & Bryson

 

Pictured:  teaching answers at a Restoration Seminar AFTER which I discovered the questions.