Pastor Tim Keller writes of the importance of reaching out to the primary cities of the world. "In today’s globalized world, cities will exercise more power than nations in the previous age." He refers to Foreign Policy's cover story Beyond City Limits by Parag Khanna.
"The 21st century will not be dominated by America or China, Brazil or India, but by the city. In an age that appears increasingly unmanageable, cities rather than states are becoming the islands of governance on which the future world order will be built."
"New York and London together still represent 40 percent of global market capitalization. But look at the economic map today, and a major shift becomes apparent. Asia-Pacific financial hubs such as Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tokyo are leveraging globalization to spur an accelerating Asianization.”
However, most cities with “stunning high-rises are surrounded by ungodly scenes of destitution and squalor…. They are both the cancer and the foundation of our networked world, both virus and antibody.”
“Cities are where we are most actively experimenting with efforts to save the planet from ourselves…. Vertical farming, long in vogue in Tokyo, is spreading to New York.”
“Asia's rising powers sell the West toys and oil and purchase world-class architecture and engineering in return. [But]Western values like freedom of speech and religion are not part of the bargain.”
So we must bring the gospel of Christ to them through intercession, giving and personel. Paul clearly focused on cities and went to Rome- the most primary city of the western world- to preach Christ to Caesar. Acts 23:11, "The Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'" "Christ and Him crucified" is the only way "to save the planet from ourselves."
