Mentoring for the 21st. Century

Tonight was our last session on Discerning the time
We looked at several trends in the earth and how we respond Redemptively to these events
Hostile culture and polarization
- The world is increasingly polarized and distrustful of religion, church, and institutions.
- Social media amplifies volatility.
- Nationalism, populism, imperialism, and authoritarian leadership are on the rise.
- The Church is divided between those aligned with empires and those persecuted by them.
Creativity and mission in a hostile environment
- The Church needs the creativity of the Spirit to evangelize.
How does the gospel inform our life and vision for the future?
- Collapse of nation-states
- By 2050, some nations may cease to exist due to war, poverty, unsustainable economies, and climate change.
Global refugees and migrants
- Climate change and demographic shifts will drive mass migration.
- By 2050, Europe and North America will see significant increases in migrant populations.
How do nations approach refugee needs with perceived finite resources?
- How does the Church address the global migrant crisis?
World religions
- Islam is the fastest-growing religion, projected to reach 2.8 billion by 2050.
How does fanaticism hinder societal resolution?
- How can the Church minister to Muslim, Hindu, and Jewish communities?
Gender and race relations
- Gender parity is not expected to be achieved until at least the next century.
- By 2050, women will outnumber men due to higher male mortality.
- Racial equality will face challenges despite demographic shifts.
- Reflection questions:
- How can the Church model gender parity and lift women out of poverty?
Generations (Gen Z and Gen Alpha)
- Gen Z is characterized by religious non-affiliation, while Gen Alpha shows spiritual curiosity.

Tonight we looked at Discernment and the importance of Spiritual Formation regarding the Mind and the Heart
Discerning The Lamb Using Luke 24:25-27 (Emmaus Journey)
• Emphasis On The Transformation Of The Disciples’ Hearts From “Slow” To “Burning” As Jesus Expounds Scripture
• Jesus Opens Their “Understanding” (Nous), Connecting Heart (Kardia) And Mind (Nous)
• Importance Of Both Kardia (Heart) And Nous (Understanding/Mind) In Spiritual Discernment
Kardia: Greek For “Heart,” The Center Of Being, Emotions, And Desires
• Nous: Greek For “Understanding,” A Deep, Unconscious Part Of The Mind, Not Just Conscious Thoughts
◦ Romans 12:1-2: Transformation By Renewing The Nous
◦ Nous Involves Decisive Power, Desires, Feelings, Volition
◦ Thomas Aquinas: Nous Is A Part Of The Heart Alienated From The Heart, Needing Reconnection

Tonight we covered some important topics:
Scripture as Collective Before Personal
• Scripture is collective before it is personal; it addresses the church corporately before individuals.
• Historically, scripture was read, studied, and discerned in community due to widespread illiteracy.
• Examples:
◦ Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-17): scripture studied in community.
◦ Faith comes by hearing in community (Romans 10:17).
• Discernment of Jesus in scripture happens in community; faith is imparted corporately.
Preaching and teaching address the church corporately to align with Christ the head.
Armor of God is a corporate reality:
◦ Ephesians 2:6: All are seated together in heavenly places.
◦ Armor represents aspects of Christ clothing the church, not just individuals.
◦ The church, clothed in Christ, stands against the enemy; local bodies manifest the armor corporately.
The Book of Revelation: The Climax and Unveiling of the Lamb
• Revelation is the climax of scripture, bringing together Old Testament imagery and prophecy.
• The plagues in Revelation mirror those in Exodus; the Lamb is the warrior from Isaiah 63.
Revelation is signified (symbolic), not literal; all symbols are rooted in the Old Testament.
• Revelation unveils Christ and his martyrdom (the Lamb slain) to all creation.
Imagery from Isaiah 6 and Ezekiel’s visions is fulfilled in Revelation 4-5.
• In Revelation 5, John sees not a lion but a Lamb as if freshly slain—the Lamb King is revealed.