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Strongholds

STRONGHOLD A Definition. A Place Having Strong Defenses; A Fortified Place A Place Where A Group Having Certain Views, Attitudes, etc. is Concentrated A Stronghold is not Necessarily Evil in Itself: It Becomes Evil When It Establishes Itself Against God or In His Place. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4. For

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Strongholds

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    1. Strongholds Do they Contribute to The Under Representation of African Americans in international missions? If so, How? While these factors are not unique to the African American Christian community, they do have unique application. This is due, in part, to the unique relationship that has existed (historically) between African Americans and Anglo Americans historically-- that of slave/owner or slave/master. As these factors are considered, bear in mind that their impact on African Americans will be different from that which they might have on any other ethnic group in the United States. While these factors are not unique to the African American Christian community, they do have unique application. This is due, in part, to the unique relationship that has existed (historically) between African Americans and Anglo Americans historically-- that of slave/owner or slave/master. As these factors are considered, bear in mind that their impact on African Americans will be different from that which they might have on any other ethnic group in the United States.

    2. STRONGHOLD A Definition A Place Having Strong Defenses; A Fortified Place A Place Where A Group Having Certain Views, Attitudes, etc. is Concentrated A Stronghold is not Necessarily Evil in Itself: It Becomes Evil When It Establishes Itself Against God or In His Place

    3. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses (strongholds)

    4. 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete

    5. NINE POSSIBLE STRONGHOLDS The American Dream Cultural over Christ Economic Issues Poor Missions Education Family Issues A Spirit of Fear A Faulty Focus A Wrong Perspective A Lack of Trust

    6. The American Dream Better Life than Parents Had Lordship means commitment to one’s Lord Trappings of Materialism More of everything Most recent innovations Two Issues Commitment Lordship The Basic Problem: Lordship What Scripture Says about it: 1 Corinthians 8:6; Philippians 2:9-11 Principle: Complete trust in Jesus Christ as Lord. The Basic Problem: Lordship What Scripture Says about it: 1 Corinthians 8:6; Philippians 2:9-11 Principle: Complete trust in Jesus Christ as Lord.

    7. Dealing with The American Dream Understand the Stronghold Making the Dream Lord What does Scripture say? 1 Corinthians 8:6 Philippians 2:9-11 Principle Jesus Christ alone is Lord! Many AFAMs are just beginning to experience the so-called American Dream or the “good life”. For some, it is difficult to give that up in order to serve in a place where life will be much like life before full citizenship rights were obtained. The question is, “Who is your Lord?” That determines where one’s trust lies and where one’s allegiance lies. If Christ is Lord, obedience should follow.Many AFAMs are just beginning to experience the so-called American Dream or the “good life”. For some, it is difficult to give that up in order to serve in a place where life will be much like life before full citizenship rights were obtained. The question is, “Who is your Lord?” That determines where one’s trust lies and where one’s allegiance lies. If Christ is Lord, obedience should follow.

    8. CULTURE OVER CHRIST One’s Culture Dictates His/Her Actions Example It’s a Man Thing It’s a Black Thing The International Aspect of Missions if for the Majority Culture: i.e., White People Blacks Don’t Do Foreign Missions This is characterized by one allowing his/her culture to over rule what God has clearly told us a Christians to do. For example, I was told when I was growing up (by action more than word) that White people took care of foreign missions; that missionaries are women, men are pastors and preachers, that Black people have enough to do in this country without going to Africa. Black people need to work together and focus on making things better for ourselves in this country. How this became a part of the culture in which I grew up is a story for another time. This is characterized by one allowing his/her culture to over rule what God has clearly told us a Christians to do. For example, I was told when I was growing up (by action more than word) that White people took care of foreign missions; that missionaries are women, men are pastors and preachers, that Black people have enough to do in this country without going to Africa. Black people need to work together and focus on making things better for ourselves in this country. How this became a part of the culture in which I grew up is a story for another time.

    9. Dealing with CULTURE Understand the STRONGHOLD Culture Placed Over Christ What does Scripture say? Luke 6:1-11 Principle Christ must be placed over Culture AFAMs must be integrated into the larger group, not assimilated. Many in America view integration to mean that the minority group takes on the appearance of the majority group. It’s like the difference in Tomato soup and beef stew. Both products contain many ingredients. However, in the soup, everything is homogenized to the extent that it all looks alike. In the stew, one can see and experience the distinct pieces of meat, potatoes, carrots, etc.AFAMs must be integrated into the larger group, not assimilated. Many in America view integration to mean that the minority group takes on the appearance of the majority group. It’s like the difference in Tomato soup and beef stew. Both products contain many ingredients. However, in the soup, everything is homogenized to the extent that it all looks alike. In the stew, one can see and experience the distinct pieces of meat, potatoes, carrots, etc.

    10. ECONOMIC ISSUES Can’t afford to go overseas as a short term volunteer Can’t take care of my financial obligations What about children’s education and my retirement Uncomfortable in “begging” to raise support myself & family The Basic Problem: Lack of material resources to serve What Scripture Says about it: 2 Corinthians 8:14-15; 9:10-12; Philippians 4:15-20 Principle: God’s work done in his time and in his way will never lack God’s resources.The Basic Problem: Lack of material resources to serve What Scripture Says about it: 2 Corinthians 8:14-15; 9:10-12; Philippians 4:15-20 Principle: God’s work done in his time and in his way will never lack God’s resources.

    11. Dealing with ECONOMIC ISSUES Understand the Stronghold Trusting Material Resources Instead of God What does Scripture say? 2 Corinthians 8:14-15; 9:10-12 Philippians 4:15-20 Principle God’s work done in His time and in His way will never lack God’s resources (J. Hudson Taylor) Today, this is as much excuse as anything in many cases. People tend to get money to do those things they really want to do. God will not fail to take care of the need if he calls and the person answers in obedience.Today, this is as much excuse as anything in many cases. People tend to get money to do those things they really want to do. God will not fail to take care of the need if he calls and the person answers in obedience.

    12. POOR MISSIONS EDUCATION No Comprehensive Missions Education in Churches for All Ages Little Emphasis by Key Leaders Poor Understanding of “The Call” Incomplete Interpretation of the Great Commission Few Relevant Models Failure to Relate Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth The Basic Problem: Lack of knowledge and/or understanding of one’s part in God’s mission. What Scripture Says about it: Matthew 28:20; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 78:5-8; Proverbs 22:6 Principle: The church is to teach her people and train them in the ways of her Lord.The Basic Problem: Lack of knowledge and/or understanding of one’s part in God’s mission. What Scripture Says about it: Matthew 28:20; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 78:5-8; Proverbs 22:6 Principle: The church is to teach her people and train them in the ways of her Lord.

    13. Dealing with POOR MISSIONS EDUCATION Understand the STRONGHOLD Lack of knowledge and/or understanding of one’s part in God’s mission (Ignorance can be a Stronghold) What does Scripture say? Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 78:5-8; Proverbs 22:6; Matthew 28:20 Principle The church is to teach her people and train them in the ways of her Lord This is mission education, not general education. Most AFAM churches are very weak in the area of mission education. There is a need to correct this.This is mission education, not general education. Most AFAM churches are very weak in the area of mission education. There is a need to correct this.

    14. FAMILY ISSUES Aging Parents Who will care for them? Better Life for Children Their Education? Their health? Family Solidarity Extended Family complains “Are you going because there are no lost people here?” The Basic Problem: Lack of faith in God to provide for one’s family Looking to man’s wisdom rather than the wisdom of God What Scripture Says about it: Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 26:4; Mark 10:28-30; Matthew 12:48-50 Principle: Trust in the inherent goodness of God and the fact that he will do what is best for his people.The Basic Problem: Lack of faith in God to provide for one’s family Looking to man’s wisdom rather than the wisdom of God What Scripture Says about it: Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 26:4; Mark 10:28-30; Matthew 12:48-50 Principle: Trust in the inherent goodness of God and the fact that he will do what is best for his people.

    15. Dealing with FAMILY ISSUES Understand the STRONGHOLD Looking to man’s wisdom rather than the wisdom of God (Putting family before God) Misuse Scripture to justify doing what one wants to do What does Scripture say? Matthew 10:37; 12:47-50; Luke 2:41-52 Principle Trust in the inherent goodness of God and the fact that He will do what will bring Him glory and is best for His people

    16. A SPIRIT OF FEAR Fear of Failure Fear for Physical Safety Fear of the Unknown Fear of Rejection By other African Americans By fellow missionaries By Nationals to whom they are sent The Basic Problem: Fear What Scripture Says about it: Matthew 10:28; Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18-21; Psalm 111:10 Principle: The love of God and for God will cast out fear.The Basic Problem: Fear What Scripture Says about it: Matthew 10:28; Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18-21; Psalm 111:10 Principle: The love of God and for God will cast out fear.

    17. Dealing with A SPIRIT OF FEAR Understand the STRONGHOLD Spirit of Fear Fear is not from God What does Scripture say? Matthew 10:28; Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18-21 Principle The love of God and for God will cast out fear Fear of this kind is from Satan. To allow oneself to be controlled by such fear is sin. The answer to the problem is to allow the love of God to control: perfect love casts out fear.Fear of this kind is from Satan. To allow oneself to be controlled by such fear is sin. The answer to the problem is to allow the love of God to control: perfect love casts out fear.

    18. A FAULTY FOCUS Not seeing the need as God sees it Surrounded by need daily Can’t see the “Big Picture” Lacks a clear Understanding God’s Purpose Forest/Tree Syndrome (Can’t see the forest for the trees) The Basic Problem: Blindness: failure to see the need What Scripture Says about it: 2 Kings 6:15-19 Principle: Humans see only the physical world: God sees the big picture. Depend upon God’s directions, not your insight.The Basic Problem: Blindness: failure to see the need What Scripture Says about it: 2 Kings 6:15-19 Principle: Humans see only the physical world: God sees the big picture. Depend upon God’s directions, not your insight.

    19. Dealing with A FAULTY FOCUS Understand the STRONGHOLD Truth veiled by the god of this world What does Scripture say? 2 Kings 6:15-19 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 Principle Humans see only the physical world: God sees the big picture. Depend upon God’s directions, not your insight. Pray that the veil be removed. Can’t see the forest for the trees. Too close to the situation to focus. Many AFAMs are surrounded by so much need that it is difficult to see the need of those outside of their circle. We must depend on God to show us where He wants us to serve.Can’t see the forest for the trees. Too close to the situation to focus. Many AFAMs are surrounded by so much need that it is difficult to see the need of those outside of their circle. We must depend on God to show us where He wants us to serve.

    20. A WRONG PERSPECTIVE Perspective of Self Recipient Rather than Participant The effect of Conditioning Models imposed by the Media Models imposed by the Denomination Models imposed by self The Effect of History Becoming a missionary is a demotion Not financially able to do foreign missions The Basic Problem: Inability to see oneself clearly and precisely--as children of God and participants in our Lord’s mission. What Scripture Says about it: Deuteronomy 6; Proverbs 3:5-6; Acts 5:29; 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2 Principle: Rely upon God to reveal who you are and depend upon God for your needs.The Basic Problem: Inability to see oneself clearly and precisely--as children of God and participants in our Lord’s mission. What Scripture Says about it: Deuteronomy 6; Proverbs 3:5-6; Acts 5:29; 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2 Principle: Rely upon God to reveal who you are and depend upon God for your needs.

    21. Dealing with A WRONG PERSPECTIVE Understand the Stronghold Inability to see oneself clearly and precisely as children of God and participants in the Lord’s mission What does Scripture say? Deuteronomy 6; Proverbs 3:5-6 Acts 5:29; 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2 Principle Rely upon God to show you who you are and make HIS perspective YOUR perspective Many AFAMs have been conditioned to see themselves as objects of missions rather than participants in missions. This must be changed!Many AFAMs have been conditioned to see themselves as objects of missions rather than participants in missions. This must be changed!

    22. A LACK OF TRUST Historical Basis Early Relationships between Black Christians and “White” religious organizations Early experiences in foreign missions Effect of attitudes of some early leaders’ Contemporary Basis Current views on race and culture Lack of Access to decision-making structure (brought into picture AFTER decisions are made) The Basic Problem: Insufficient trust in God and failure to forgive and forget What Scripture Says about it: Matthew 6:12-15; Mark 11:26; Romans 8:28-39 Principle: Forgive and forget. Trust in God, not man.The Basic Problem: Insufficient trust in God and failure to forgive and forget What Scripture Says about it: Matthew 6:12-15; Mark 11:26; Romans 8:28-39 Principle: Forgive and forget. Trust in God, not man.

    23. Dealing with A LACK OF TRUST Understand the STRONGHOLD Insufficient trust in God (Misplaced Trust) Failure to forgive and forget What does Scripture say? Matthew 6:12-15; Mark 11:26; Romans 8:28-39 Principle Forgive and forget. Trust in God, not man The root of this problem goes back to the relationship between AFAMs and White Christians. As Southern Baptists, we have the baggage of our founding (the slavery issue as part of the reason for the founding of the SBC) and our early record on civil rights (non-responsive to the issue in many cases, against civil rights for Blacks in others.) We are called upon to admit this early history and clarify our current position. AFAMs must forgive, forget and move on based on current opportunities.The root of this problem goes back to the relationship between AFAMs and White Christians. As Southern Baptists, we have the baggage of our founding (the slavery issue as part of the reason for the founding of the SBC) and our early record on civil rights (non-responsive to the issue in many cases, against civil rights for Blacks in others.) We are called upon to admit this early history and clarify our current position. AFAMs must forgive, forget and move on based on current opportunities.

    24. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God

    25. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ

    26. 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves.

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