TEE - Evangelism and Church Planting

~ Gordon Turyamusiima, a TEE student, addresses the class ~ With my focus on a move (that I know is coming up sooner than I expect), I am reducing my contributions to the TEE program in Uganda. At this point I attend and enjoy occasional opportunities to address the students. I lead half the group in our small Bible Study and I grade (with lots of constructive comments) the sermon outlines they turn in. Fellow missionary Rev. Jacob Gillard is now taking over the courses that we have been team-teaching to this point.

TEE this weekend was focused on evangelism and church-planting. We heard a lot from the students about their experiences in new congregations and in church planting as well as focusing on some of the attributes of a good evangelist. It was great to get their perspectives and hear their stories as we explored this wonderful fruit of God's work on people's hearts.

~ Patrick Adafala, a TEE student ~

Bible Study

The remainder of this entry focuses on the Bible Study for this weekend. Our Bible study was on Luke 13:31-35, Jesus' Sorrow for Jerusalem. It's a short passage but what an amazing revelation of God's patience and love for us. One of our students suggested we put this passage alongside the book of Jonah for comparison which isn't too far out. It is in Luke 11:29ff that Jesus refers to the sign of Jonah. Let me know if you do some study in this area - I'd like to hear your thoughts!

~ David Isanga, a TEE student ~ Luke 13:31. We pointed out that in this verse the Pharisees are operating with unknown motives. While the Pharisees were often in conflict with Jesus they suddenly appear to be concerned for his welfare, warning him about Herod's intentions. Was this a sincere warning or a desire to drive Jesus out of this area? Remember, of course, that not all Pharisees conflict with Jesus - just after this passage we are reminded that Jesus was often eating in the homes of prominent Pharisees. The fact that Jesus later replies to the threat with a message for Herod suggests that they at least really were in conversation with Herod on some level.

Luke 13:32. In reply to this threat of action, Jesus makes a statement of action. While Jesus often speaks of forgiving sins, of the Kingdom of God drawing near, and of parables, here he is quite specifically talking about the physical manifestations of his work - "I will drive out demons and heal people." It's no wonder that when Herod finally does get a chance to meet Jesus in person (Luke 23:8) he demands from the Christ some miracle or sign - he's been looking forward to seeing these things since the 13th chapter! We should also note what kind of goal Christ has in mind - it is nothing less than a goal of sacrificing himself for the entire world.

~ Moses Kyaterekela, a TEE student ~ Luke 13:33. Jesus makes a point that he goes to his goal willingly, that Herod cannot draw him from it or take him early. This is one of those clear indicators of His own mission (made eloquently clear in Luke 19:10). And since it is His own mission, it becomes our own mission as well as the Body of Christ. We keep walking in His light, fighting His fight, and we keep going "today and tomorrow and the next day" until our own death. What do we make of Jesus words, "No prophet can die outside Jerusalem?" Surely it is the case that many prophets died inside that city and yet Jesus himself was crucified where? Outside the city walls.

Luke 13:34. I'm not sure the idiom is intended but it works fairly well after the reference to King Herod who had some responsibilities for the people of Israel: Don't let the fox guard the hen-house!  On a more serious note, what inner turmoil Christ expresses in this lament for Jerusalem - and in it we can see even His turmoil over our own behavior. How often have I been unwilling to heed His call and guidance in my own life? How many times has He sent word to me through parents, friends, preachers, and the Scriptures themselves? ~ Shadrach Okello, a TEE student ~ And yet time and again I fight against God's grace. His unrequited love surrounds me daily - thank goodness!

Luke 13:35. What does Christ mean that the house is left to you desolate? Perhaps that God will abandon His temple (which was destroyed in 70 A.D.) and city. That God's message of Grace is opened to more than just His chosen people who have rejected Him? I'm not entirely clear. But when they see Him again is on Palm Sunday when Jesus, that amazing Prophet, Priest, and King, rides into Jerusalem on a donkey and the people shout from the Psalms, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Indeed. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.  -Shauen