Last night, Dr. Daryl McCarthy led our 2nd Wednesday night of Perspectives Exposure.
Daryl has been the CEO of the International Institute for Christian Studies since 1988. He started leading this ministry the year I became a Christ-follower!
Here are my big "take-aways" from last night:
- Looks like we had just as strong of a turnout this week as last. I’m proud of you guys!
- There is beauty in diversity in Christ’s body. Last week, we heard from an energetic young man, about to be new father, who specializes in ministry to college students. This week, we heard from a seasoned man, who recently became a grandfather, who specializes in teaching international studies. But in Christ, both share a common heart, mind, & purpose.
- "God moments" for me:
- Moment #1 — "Much of the spread of Christianity is not spread by clergy and academics — but by tradesmen, business…normal, everyday people just like you and me."
- Moment #2 — "Would you be able to love & reach out to the very people who did the worst things imaginable to you & your family?"
- "Hmmm moments" for me:
- Moment #1 — "After ‘official’ acceptance [by the government of the Emperor Constantine in 312 AD], the Church quit growing as rapidly."
- Moment #2 — "Vikings were turned to Christ by their captured, brutalized, & victimized women from Europe." [Alright, I feel ‘under-read’ on this area of history. I don’t often think about the "Great Viking Revivals." Time to find a good book on the topic.]
So, take a couple seconds right now & post 1 thought about last night’s session! Did you learn anything or did God have you pause at any point?
I enjoy history so I liked last night. Several points I’ve already started researching today. We need to be relentless in our pursuit to further the kingdom. We need to be free and set others free. God created us for great things…our enemy wants us to rest, be bitter and seek things that are not eternal. It’s all about perspective!
I was absolutely moved by the talk last night. I brought my boss with us last night, as his church needs an injection, and he got exactly what he was looking for. We all agreed that the number of Christian ministers per Muslim and Hindu was amazing. The fact that if we had the same proportion in the US there would only be 50 pastors. I felt like just running out and signing up for a trip anywhere, and then Dr. McCarthy said “167,000” will die this year leading missions. That reinforced, that this job is not easy or safe, but highly rewarding. Then we discussed what would Tim do if his whole congregation left for missions? We agreed, Tim would be the happiest of all. So I did what you challenged us to do, I told God I am at his disposal to go where he would have me, and do what he would have me do.
Last night was AMAZING! I learned so much about history and the spread of Christianity throughout the world. (And how much more work there is to do). Dr. McCarthy did a great job of explaining things. I couldn’t take notes fast enough. Thank you for bringing this lecture series to our church.