LESSON 5 - BARRIERS TO WORLD EVANGELIZATION The Lausanne Covenant Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved.

Introduction – Lesson 5 Barriers to World Evangelization Evangelism and Culture – LC 10 Spiritual Conflict – LC 12 Freedom and Persecution – LC 13

Culture Must Be Tested Because men and women are God's creatures, some of their culture is rich in beauty and goodness. Because they are fallen, all of it is tainted with sin and some of it is demonic. LC 10 Culture (the product of human society) must always be tested and judged by Scripture (the product of divine revelation). “…You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!” Mark 7:9

Adapt to Local Culture Missions have, all too frequently, exported with the gospel an alien culture, and churches have sometimes been in bondage to culture rather than to Scripture. LC 10 Christ's evangelists are called to give up their home culture, and adapt to the culture of those among whom they labor; to give up cultural status, power, privileges and prejudices, indeed all but personal authenticity. “…I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22

Spiritual Conflict: Error We know our need to equip ourselves with God's armor and to fight this battle with the spiritual weapons of truth and prayer. For we detect the activity of our enemy, not only in false ideologies outside the Church, but also inside it in false gospels which twist Scripture and put people in the place of God. LC 12 Jesus called the devil ‘a liar and the father of lies’ (John 8:44). He hates the truth and is constantly seeking to deceive us into error.

Spiritual Conflict: Worldliness We acknowledge that we ourselves are not immune to worldliness of thought and action, that is, to a surrender to secularism. LC 12 The devil uses moral as well as intellectual weapons. If he cannot deceive the Church into error, he will attempt to corrupt it with sin and worldliness. “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God...” 2 Corinthians 4:2

Freedom It is the God-appointed duty of every government to secure conditions of peace, justice and liberty in which the Church may obey God, serve the Lord Jesus Christ, and preach the gospel without interference. LC 13 “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Persecution “We also express our deep concern for all who have been unjustly imprisoned, and especially for those who are suffering for their testimony to the Lord Jesus. We promise to pray and work for their freedom." LC 13 We know our human frailty, yet, God helping us, we too will speak out with courage against injustice, and remain faithful to the gospel, whatever the cost.

Conclusion Barriers to World Evangelization Evangelism and Culture – LC 10 Spiritual Conflict – LC 12 Freedom and Persecution – LC 13

Congratulations! You have completed this lesson. Lesson 5 Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved.