Working Amidst the "Decline and Fall"

Diaspora and Mission

Much debate over procedural issues concerning the global Christian mission to convert the world remains superficial and trite.  By "procedural issues" we mean, how do we (the Church visible) actually get the task of discipling all of the nations done?

Whenever this question comes up, sooner rather than later the discussion shifts to the book of Acts.  This is not unreasonable.  Yet, the outcome is not that helpful, more often than not.  One reason for this is that reading the book of Acts as if it were an operational missions manual--a "how to" book for dummies--necessarily strips that wonderful book of Scripture out of its redemptive and historical context.  Whenever you do that with the Bible little good will come. 

Let's throw down a particular precept as an example.