Thoughts in Class

• Moral law is written on the hearts of men. Though incomplete in their understanding, it's evident in people of all ages in all cultures, no matter how undeveloped and unreached. However, as examined by C.S. Lewis and in my observations from working with morally uneducated children, moral conscience is often still impelled by selfishness.
• Is poverty necessarily evil? Sure, we seek to eradicate it, but I think it's a very opportune means to reach hearts. When we reach those humble hearts and help them rise above their poverty, then they can reach out and do the same for others. The Bible speaks so much blessing to the poor.
• Are we seeing individuals or are we seeing numbers? Dangerous trap missionaries (and perhaps church-planters, especially) should watch out for.
• Social v. Evangelism: linked, for sure. I see evangelism as the heart motive in social aid. Of all the gifts I give to others, the gospel is the best of the best I can offer. By meeting social needs first, I establish a relationship based not on my "religious agenda," but on my love for the person. And because of that love, I want to give that person Jesus, too.
• Process of salvation: I've heard it said that when we evangelize, our objective is simply to bump the person one chain link closer to God.
• I really loved the "triangle" explanation of the Trinity--the Word and the Spirit being Almighty God's means of communication to us.
• In our discussion of Satan and the evil powers, one question I have is if it is wise for Christian tourists or missionaries should enter pagan temples, either for ministry or for curiosity/education. How much does fear factor into the prudency of the situation?