1. 13
The Gospel Goes East

2. Introduction The Gospel went East as well as West
It never attained majority or protected status
This story is the story of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds

3. God’s Global Diaspora
The jews scattered all over the West and the East
At Pentecost, half those who heard the disciples speak were from Persia and parts east.

4. The Marginalized East
One reason we don’t hear much about the eastern church is that it is considered by the western church to be unorthodox
Mostly this has to do with christology

5. Christological controversy
West – two complete natures, one human and one divine, in one person
East – Nestorianism trends toward saying two natures and two persons
Declared heretics, but Nestorius didn’t believe this.

6. Why such conflict?
Persians didn’t pick up on the nuances of theological arguments made in Greek
Persian empire the enemy of the Roman empire, so Persian believers not trusted
Nestorianism is a heresy the the Nestorian church never really believed

7. The Gospel Goes East
Edessa – in eastern Turkey – training center for missionaries going East
Rapid spread eastward and southward; modern day Uzbekistan and India
Zoroastrianism made official religion of Persia in 226AD – Christianity persecuted

8. Islam 632AD Islam begins its spread, to the detriment of Christianity.
Over time diminishes the faith to non-influence

9. Nestorian Christianity outside the Middle East
Influential among the mongols
Destroyed under Tamerlane – rabid anti-Christian
Historic evidence as far east as China and Japan

10. Why the decline in the East?
A minority religion, never given political protection
Islam very intolerant; lots of pressure to convert
A foreign religion (China)
Loss of the gospel and holiness

11. Lessons learned Missionary zeal and passion are essential
The gospel travels through the marketplace
Always guard the gospel (word and example)

12. Conclusion
Lots of lessons for us as we enter a day when the West is now hostile to Christianity