Rev Dr Christopher Wright: Understanding the mission of God
Sep 8, 2023
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Dr Christopher Wright, noted Old Testament scholar and mission specialist, shares his testimony of coming to faith and discusses the impact of his experiences overseas on his academic work. He also comments on the Church of England's debates on sexuality, reveals his changed opinions, and explores his work with the Langham Partnership in equipping churches in the Majority World for mission.
The Holy Spirit is essential for believers, providing strength and guidance in their lives.
There is a need for a more balanced and holistic approach to faith and social engagement, focusing on issues beyond sexuality.
Mission is a call for all believers, encompassing evangelism, teaching, social action, justice, and creation care.
Deep dives
The importance of the Holy Spirit in the Christian faith
The podcast episode emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. God's promise to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask is highlighted, illustrating the reliance on the Spirit for strength and guidance.
The need for comprehensive engagement in social issues
The podcast discusses the tendency among evangelical Christians to focus heavily on issues of sexuality while neglecting other important topics like poverty, injustice, and oppression. The need for a more balanced and holistic approach to faith and social engagement is emphasized.
Christian testimony and personal faith journeys
The podcast features an interview with Christopher Wright, an Old Testament scholar. He shares his personal faith journey, growing up in Northern Ireland in a Christian home and the impact of his parents' missionary work in Brazil. The discussion highlights the importance of individual faith experiences and the simplicity of the gospel.
The role of mission in the Christian life
The podcast explores the concept of mission and its role in the life of a Christian. It emphasizes the idea that all believers are called to participate in mission, whether that means engaging in cross-cultural mission work or being an ambassador for Christ in everyday life. The holistic nature of mission, encompassing evangelism, teaching, social action, justice, and creation care, is highlighted.
The challenges and opportunities of the global church
The podcast discusses the challenges faced by the global church, including the decline in church attendance in Western countries. It highlights the rapid growth of Christianity in the majority world, particularly in Asia, while also acknowledging the need for adequate training and resources for pastors in these regions. It also emphasizes the importance of empowering indigenous leaders and valuing their perspectives and contributions.
The noted Old Testament scholar Dr Christopher Wright shares his testimony of coming to faith as a child, and explains how his experience overseas and working in other cultures has informed his academic work on mission. He also comments on the Church of England's recent debates around sexuality, reveals what issues he's changed his mind on and discusses his work with the Langham Partnership in seeing churches in the Majority World equipped for mission.
Christopher's two most recent books are The Great Story and the Great Commission (Baker), and Hearing the Message of Ecclesiastes (Zondervan)
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
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